Module 5 Fantasy and Science Fiction

Ender’s Game

By Orson Scott Card

1977, A Tom Doherty Associates Book

  

Summary:

The story is about a boy named Ender Wiggin whom the military has monitored for several years and chosen at the age of six instead of his equally capable brother or sister. The military is looking for a child to lead the forces against an alien, the Buggers, that have attacked earth twice and promise to come back. It is not only his genius ability but his feelings that make Ender different. Ender survives the years at battle school progressing through the ranks quickly going through all the battle games, and tactical lessons while developing maneuvers, and strategies that will soon be put to the test against the aliens.     

Impressions:

The author does a superb job of developing Ender’s character writing through the third person perspective often with the thoughts of others helping to define Ender’s character. You feel empathy for Ender as the pressure, and loneliness take its toll on him. But you are also rooting for him that he survives and is able to save mankind from the threat. The author also uses several unexpected plot twists near the end to keep you glued to your seat and reading to see what will happen. This story would be best for grades 6-8 due to the death of several people by Ender's hand.    

Reviews:

“An affecting novel full of surprises. Card never makes the mistake of patronizing or sentimentalizing his hero. His is a convincing little Napoleon in short pants.”

-The New York Times Book Review

Retrieved from the back cover

“This is Card at the height of his very considerable powers-a major DF novel by any reasonable standard.”

-Booklist

Retrieved from the back cover

“Richly drawn characters and a fast-paced story line draw us into the world of central character Ender Wiggin. It’s a world of the future, in which the gifted children are used by the military to save the Earth from the assault of aliens. Card’s story is so engaging readable that it left me begging for more.”

-Teacher Magazine

Retrieved from the first page

Suggestions:

It would be fun to have a futuristic display maybe to introduce science fiction genre or just as a change of pace. Set it up in the library with various books available on display. Perhaps have a class draw futuristic pictures to add to the display or provide for an ongoing vote for their favorite book as they read this genre. 

The City of Ember

By Jeanne DuPrau

2003 Random House

Summary:

The story begins with the builders of the City of Ember deciding to leave special instructions in a locked box and entrusting it to the mayor of the city. He was to pass it down through the years to the succeeding mayors until the box opens 200 years later. But when the time comes for the box to open it has been lost for some time with no memory of it. Lina Mayfleet comes across the opened box in her closet and finds some of the pieces of instructions. She struggles to figure out the contents before the city of Ember runs out of electricity, food, and supplies. She and her friend Doon search and locate the way to escape the city but in their searching they come across the mayor greedily hoarding supplies for himself. Fearing they will be imprisoned to keep them quiet they flee the city through the escape route which happens to be the swift underground river. Unfortunately, because they left so quickly, they did not have the chance to tell anyone else about the escape instructions. The book ends with Lina and Doon looking down from a high cliff and seeing Ember far below. They toss the written escape instructions down into the city and see Lina’s friend pick it up and read it. 

Impressions:

 The use of darkness not only gives a feeling of utter helplessness but it  builds suspense as the blackouts are becoming longer and you realize that time is running out. The author also uses the remaining pieces of the escape information like a word puzzle so you are drawn to try to figure out the missing parts. I did not feel she developed the characters fully and so I really did not have a connection to them. Grades 5-7 would be able to read and enjoy this book.

Reviews:
From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. Ember, a 241-year-old, ruined domed city surrounded by a dark unknown, was built to ensure that humans would continue to exist on Earth, and the instructions for getting out have been lost and forgotten. …Life in this postholocaust city is well limned--the frequent blackouts, the food shortage, the public panic, the search for answers, and the actions of the powerful, who are taking selfish advantage of the situation. Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds. Sally Estes
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

“DuPrau’s first foray into fiction creates a realistic post-apocalyptic world where everyone has lived underground for so long that they assume it has always been that way. . . . Reminiscent of post-apocalypse fiction like Robert O'Brien's Z for Zachariah, DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of the undiscovered country and readers wanting more.”—USA Today

“The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.”—Starred, Kirkus Reviews

“While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description. . . . Part mystery, part adventure story, this novel provides science fiction for those who do not like science fiction.”—Starred, VOYA
From the Hardcover edition.

Suggestions:

This would work well for an author study. This is the first book in the series of four about the city of Ember’s residents and their journey back into the above ground world. It would be a great compare/contrast discussion between the books and discussions about the author’s purpose and ultimate solution.

Module 4-Realistic Fiction

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

2000, Scholastic, Inc.

Summary:

India Opal Buloni is the daughter of a preacher who has just moved into the new community of Naomi, Florida.  Opal finds a stray dog and names him Winn-Dixie after the grocery store and he becomes a part of the family. It is because of Winn-Dixie that she begins to make new friends. Everywhere she goes, Winn-Dixie goes. Winn-Dixie helps her to overcome her problems and in doing so discovers everyone has a need or a sorrow, including Winn-Dixie.      

Impressions:
Very well written novel.  The story is a rich blend of laughter and tears as it flows, developing the characters and plot and seamlessly weaves them all together.  You form an emotional attachment to the characters as your heart aches for each of them and the particular sorrow they carry. The story ends on a positive note with the lesson that things happen to people, some because of the choices they make, but that we are all members of a family, the family of human beings. Grades 5-8.

Reviews:
“An exquisitely crafted first novel. Each chapter possesses an arc of its own and reads almost like a short story in its completeness; yet the chapters add up to more than the sum of their parts.”
-Publishers Weekly (from the back of the book.)

“A lyrical, moving, enchanting novel…brush strokes of magical realism elevate this story beyond a simple one of friendship to a well-crafted tale of community and fellowship, of sweetness, sorrow, and hope. A gem.”
-Kirkus Reviews (from the back of the book).

Suggestions:
Winn-Dixie is a quick read and would lend itself to a read aloud situation with older children. This would be a great discussion starter on life situations and prejudices or the judgments we make about others before we know them. Definitely lends itself as an introduction to the realistic fiction genre.

 

  Stargirl

By Jerry Spinelli

2000, Scholastic Inc.


Summary:
Susan Caraway, Stargirl, marches to her own drummer. She appears on the scene of Mica Area High School wearing a long dress, a large canvas bag with a sunflower painted on it, and a ukulele on her shoulder. She proceeds to run the gamut of emotions from being made fun of to being accepted and idolized as being different to being shunned. Leo, her best friend, also does not understand her and also tries to change her into conforming to the world around her. But through it all, Stargirl knows who she is and is content with that knowledge and Leo at the end realizes her uniqueness and the gift that she brings to those around her.

Impressions:
Stargirl is written from the first person viewpoint of Leo, who likes Stargirl but doesn’t understand her. The reader can identify with him in that he is torn between the friendship with Stargirl, and the desire to not stand out. The author, Jerry Spinelli, does a great job developing the characters and leading you through the story but keeping some of the actions of Stargirl unknown until the end. Even though the book leads you through various emotions it leaves you with the positive feeling that you wish to be like Stargirl not necessarily being so different, but just enjoying the life around you. This book will continue to appeal to teens as they define who they are in this world. Recommended for Grades 6-12.

Reviews:
For Leo, caught between his peers and his connection to Stargirl, the essential question boils down to one offered to him by a sage adult friend: ""Whose affection do you value more, hers or the others'?"" As always respectful of his audience, Spinelli poses searching questions about loyalty to one's friends and oneself and leaves readers to form their own answers. Ages 12-up. (Aug.)
Reviewed in Volume 246 Issue 45 11/08/2000                                         http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-679-88637-2

Amazon.com Review

Jerry Spinelli, author of Newbery Medalist Maniac Magee, Newbery Honor Book Wringer, and many other excellent books for teens, elegantly and accurately captures the collective, not-always-pretty emotions of a high school microcosm in which individuality is pitted against conformity. Spinelli's Stargirl is a supernatural teen character--absolutely egoless, altruistic, in touch with life's primitive rhythms, meditative, untouched by popular culture, and supremely self-confident. It is the sensitive Leo whom readers will relate to as he grapples with who she is, who he is, who they are together as Stargirl and Starboy, and indeed, what it means to be a human being on a planet that is rich with wonders. (Ages 10 to 14) --Karin Snelson
 http://www.amazon.com/Stargirl-Jerry-Spinelli/dp/037582233X

Suggestions:
This book would be great to introduce with a booktalk. Since it is a realistic fiction, the readers will already feel a connection to the story being in a contemporary setting with problems they can relate to. It would catch their interest and leave them wondering what will happen.
Great discussion starter on strength of character and how one feels about Stargirl’s actions such as cheering for the other team, etc.      

Module 3-Newbery/Printz/Coretta Scott King/Pura Belpre Books

The View from Saturday

By E. L. Konigsburg

1998, Aladdin Paperbacks


Summary:

This book is about a journey that four children and a teacher take during their year in sixth grade. It begins by introducing each child and the special events in their lives, that each must deal with, before they can continue on. Mrs. Olinski, their teacher, must also journey to gain her balance back with life as she returns to teaching as a paraplegic. These four students each bring unique talents and personality to the group they call the Souls. This book follows their growth and change as they strive to be the first sixth grade class to win the academic bowl at their school and then all the way to the state finals.   

Impressions:

The author uses an unconventional approach of introducing each student in between chapters of their ongoing attempt to win the academic contests. So you are going back and forth in time, learning about their characters as you see them progress in the contest. This style of writing did draw you into the story and keep you wondering about the outcome as it moved quickly through the story. As you read through it, you saw the characters resolve their own problems and help others resolve theirs. Excellent book. I will enjoy reading it over and over again. Winner of the Newbery Award in 1997.  Recommended for grades 5-9. 

Reviews:

E. L. Konigsburg won her second Newbery Medal, for ''The View From Saturday,'' a comic novel about a team of sixth-grade Academic Bowl competitors. Ms. Konigsburg first won the American Library Association's prize for children's literature in 1968, for ''From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.''  The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/18/nyregion/news-summary-681229.html?pagewanted=2

“In no other book this year were the potentials of both heart and mind in children laid out with such persuasive clarity…it’s a jubilant, unique tour de force.”

John Peters, Chair, 1997 Newbery Committee

Retrieved from back book cover

“A jewel in the author’s crown of outstanding work.”   School Library Journal

Retrieved from back book cover

Suggestions:

I would make a booktalk or booktrailer with this story to get the kids interested. Perhaps make a poster with glogster that announces the academic bowl contest with the characters and have it running as the students enter the library to get their attention.

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Munoz Ryan

2000, Scholastic Press

Summary:

Esperanza is a girl that has grown up on a ranch in Mexico not wanting for anything. Circumstances change quickly when her father is killed and the uncle ask Ramona, Esperanza’s mother, to marry him.  Displeasing him with her answer, the uncle burns the family home and fields. Esperanza, Ramona, and a faithful servant family make their way to the United States for a promise of a better life.  But life in America isn’t what Esperanza expected and she must grow to realize that the past is gone but tomorrow holds promise.

Impressions:

The author’s writing is based upon the experiences that her grandmother lived through, beginning as a wealthy child living in Mexico to working as a farm laborer in California. This emotional connection helps the author write convincingly and bring the characters and their plight to life. This book won the Pura Belpre Award. Recommended for grades 3-8.

Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly

Told in a lyrical, fairy tale - like style, Ryan's (riding Freedom) robust novel set in 1930 captures a Mexican girl's fall from riches, her immigration to California and her growing awareness of class and ethnic tensions… Ryan poetically conveys Esperanza's ties to the land by crafting her story to the rhythms of the seasons. Each chapter's title takes its name from the fruits Esperanza and her countrymen harvest, firs in Aguascalientes, then in California's San Joaquin Valley. Ryan fluidly juxtaposes world events (Mexico's post-revolution tensions, the arrival of Oklahoma's Dust Bowl victims and the struggles between the U.S. government and Mexican workers trying to organize) with one family's will to survive - while introducing readers to Spanish words and Mexican customs. Readers will be swept up by vivid descriptions of California dust storms or by the police crackdown on a labor strike ("The picket signs lay on the ground, discarded, and like a mass of marbles that had already been hit, the strikers scattered?"). Ryan delivers subtle metaphors via Abuelita's pearl's of wisdom, and not until story's end will readers recognize how carefully they have been strung. Ages 9-14. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance. Except for the evil uncles, all of the characters are rounded, their motives genuine, with class issues honestly portrayed. Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

http://www.amazon.com/Esperanza-Rising-Pam-Munoz-Ryan/dp/0756910560/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

Suggestions:

This book could be used to introduce realistic or historic fiction or for a character study. The story could also be used as a discussion starter for a number of topics including importance of family, overcoming adversity, growing up, etc.  

Module 2-Caldecott/ Picture Books

Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears

By Verna Aardema

1975, Dial Books for Young Readers

Summary:

Iguana’s annoyance of the mosquito sets off a series of occurrences that escalates until tragedy strikes and a baby owl is killed. The mama owl is so distraught over her loss that she does not wake the sun in the morning. The other animals go to the king lion to find out why the night is so long. Mother Owl comes and tells her story of how the monkey killed her baby. Each animal in turn is then called on as to why they acted the way they did. Each answers that it was another animal that affected them and caused their action. It finally comes back to the mosquito that was annoying the iguana. Mother owl hearing that the mosquito should be punished, was appeased, and hooted to wake the sun. The book ends with mosquito receiving his just reward.

Impressions:
The book is written in a repeated story pattern which gives the story predictability. What is so awesome is how the illustrator incorporated the story into the illustrations. By the use of jagged lines, teeth, edge of animal fur, the illustrator portrayed the animal as being vicious, adding the dimension that the animal intentionally acted. By the use of curving line one gets the feeling of gentle, unintentional action. The use of color and cut out effect just adds to the effect of the story. I found the story to be enjoyable, especially how they handled the mosquitos punishment!
Recommended for grades 1-3.

Reviews:
"In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece."
-Booklist, starred review.

Show More

Show Less

http://www.amazon.com/Why-Mosquitoes-Buzz-Peoples-Ears/dp/0140549056

In this astonishingly beautiful and imaginatively illustrated picture book, Mosquito tells Iguana a tall tale that sets off a chain reaction that ends in jungle disaster…. And so this amusing African legend goes, until finally the chain of mishaps reaches Mother Owl, who reacts by refusing to hoot and wake in the sun. Eventually all is resolved, and jungle life returns to normal. But although Mosquito learns her lesson and gives up telling tall tales, she adopts a worse habit.

Leo and Diane Dillon's striking full-color illustrations complement and enlarge upon the tale, perfectly capturing the expansive African imagination.
Caldecott Award 1976

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-mosquitoes-buzz-in-peoples-ears-verna-aardema/1102382229?ean=9780803760899

 Suggestions:

This story lends itself for lessons on predicting or cause and effect. This story could also be used to open a discussion on different book types (folklore) and how some are written to try and explain the world around us, especially from other cultures such as the Indian, Eskimo and Greek.  

Don’t let the Pigeon stay up late!

By Mo Willems

2006, Scholastic Inc.

Summary:

Don’t let this pigeon sweet talk you into staying up late. He gives you plenty of reasons and things to do instead, but don’t listen. After all, he isn’t tired at all…zzzzz.

Impressions:
Such a simple book, but, so easy to relate to the story.  Everyone at one time or another has heard similar excuses for staying up late. The author’s technique of using conversation bubbles to deliver the story is unique and having the character talk to you brings you right into the action. The character’s body language and the subtle change of color lead you to the inevitable conclusion-sleep.  Recommended for K-2.
  
 Reviews:
   From Booklist

 In look and premise, this follows previous books about that persnickety pigeon whose actions resemble those of young children. Kids are invited to make sure that the pigeon doesn't stay up late. But the pigeon has his own ideas on the matter: "First of all, I'm not even tired," he proclaims. On each successive page, a balloon of text comes up with ever more reasons why the pigeon shouldn't be coerced into bed …Fans of the pigeon will welcome him back and wait with anticipation to see what he can't do next. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Stay-Late/dp/product-description/0786837462/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

     From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-The star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003) returns in another irresistible tale. …Set against comfortably faded pastel backgrounds, the cartoon artwork focuses tightly on the main character, with his comments presented in dialogue balloons. The black-crayon lines speak volumes, as the pigeon's body language and the positioning of his ever-expressive eye humorously convey each nuance of the text. Children will be charmed by this bedtime treat, which will have them laughing out loud at the pigeon-and at themselves.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Stay-Late/dp/product-        

  description/0786837462/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

 Suggestions:

You could do any number of lessons with it about speech bubbles, how written text emphasizes meaning, or that stories don’t have to be complicated to be successful. This is just a fun book. Sometimes you just have to read for sheer enjoyment.

Module 1-Introduction to Children's Literature/Classic Children's Literature and Authors

               

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

By Judi Barrett

1978, Macmillan Publishing Company

Summary:
The incident at breakfast sets off a bedtime story told by grandpa about a faraway town of ChewandSwallow. In this town, food rains down from the sky three times a day. Everything was great until the weather took a turn for the worse and the food grew to dangerous proportions. The town had to be abandoned. The people sailed away to a new community where they had to learn to buy and cook their own food. The story ends with the children being reminded of the story by their snowy surroundings.

Impressions:
This is such an enjoyable book about a normal family, with a breakfast mishap that sets off such an imaginative story. The illustrations add a powerful visual dimension to the book. The book starts off with black and white illustrations but become colorful during the tall tale. They return to black and white to show the return to normal life. But, at the end, the addition of the color yellow on the black and white page makes the reader recall the tale and wonder about its possibilities. Recommended for grades 2-4.

Reviews: 

In the tiny town of Chewandswallow, only food falls from the skies—“it rained soup and juice. It snowed mashed potatoes and green peas. And sometimes the wind blew in storms of hamburgers.” But one day the weather takes a turn for the worse, and the town is inundated with peanut butter and mayonnaise over brussels sprouts, a thick fog of pea soup, storms of pancakes, 15-inch drifts of cream cheese and jelly, and a tomato tornado. Conditions soon become so bad that life rafts are fashioned from stale bread, and the villagers set sail for a new land where rain and snow fall from the sky, and food is bought in supermarkets. Told as a story within a story (a breakfast of pancakes motivates Grandpa), this wildly inventive tall tale might work better without an extra plot topping the end and without going on quite so long, but the humor is proportionately heightened in straight-faced, closely lined pictures washed in exaggerated colors. Prediction: children dreaming up their own weather menus are sure to follow up on the fun.— Barbara Elleman  First published October 1, 1978 (Booklist).

http://www.booklistonline.com/Cloudy-with-a-Chance-of-Meatballs-Judi-Barrett/pid=2651552

Suggested Activities:

This book could be used as a read aloud to set up a writer’s workshop opportunity for a teacher.  How an ordinary occurrence in daily life could be embellished to create a story.

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

  By Deborah and James Howe

1979, Scholastic, Inc.

Summary:
Bunnicula comes to live at the Monroe household with the other family pets, Chester (cat) and Harold (dog), after the family finds him in the theater where they were watching Dracula. The story unfolds how Chester has decided that the appearance of white vegetables is due to Bunnicula being a vampire. Chester tries to thwart Bunnicula’s attempts to eat only to have them backfire and ultimately cause Chester to be viewed as having sibling rivalry. Finally, Harold realizing that Bunnicula is starving to death, decides to help the rabbit out. A friendship is born and disaster averted.

Impressions:
The story is an enjoyable first person narrative told by the dog which gives it a different twist right from the start. It progresses quickly through the tale with some suspense and comedy mixed in with a happy ending. It does cause one to want to read more about the pet trio and their escapades.
 Recommended for grades 2-5.

Reviews: 

Chester’s frantic efforts to protect the family through the use of garlic and other items backfire into a series of goofy episodes that will offer young readers the entertainment of mystery and spoof. A sure read-aloud and a nice follow-up for fans of Don and Joan Caufield’s Incredible Detectives.— Betsy Hearne

First published May 15, 1979 (Booklist).

http://www.booklistonline.com/Bunnicula-A-Rabbit-Tale-of-Mystery-Deborah-Howe/pid=2650022

Amazon.com Review

…Is Bunnicula really a vampire bunny? We can't say. But any child who has ever let his or her imagination run a little wild will love Deborah and James Howe's funny, fast-paced "rabbit-tale of mystery." (Ages 9 to 12)

"Bunnicula is the kind of story that does not age, and in all probability, will never die. Or stay dead, anyway..."  -- Neil Gaiman

 "Move over, Dracula! This mystery-comedy is sure to delight."   -- New York Times

Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Bunnicula-Rabbit-Tale-Mystery-Deborah-Howe/dp/product-description/1416928170/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Suggested Activities:

This could be used as an introduction to chapter books for young readers. It is also an excellent way to present point of view.