Module 15: The Adventurs of Captain Underpants: An Epic Novel

The Adventures of Captain Underpants: An Epic Novel

by Dav Pilkey

published in 1997, by Scholastic, Inc. (New York, NY).  

Summary

George and Harold are the biggest troublemakers in the school, and their principal can't stand their tricks; he especially can't stand their comic superhero they've invented--Captain Underpants!  After George and Harold get caught red handed for some of the worst pranks the school has ever seen the principal blackmails them until they hypnotize him into believing he's Captain Underpants!  Then they are off on an adventure that leads them to a face-off with the evil Dr. Diaper!

Impressions

The fairly mild potty humor in the book may concern some parents, but I didn't feel it was too much or too crude.  Its a quick read that many reluctant readers may find fun.  There are quite a few illustrations and features several pictures that the reader flips back and forth to see the "action": like Harold jumping on a robots head.  I disagree with the first review given about the illustrations take away from the plot.  I never felt like they were a distraction, they only helped enhance the book.

Reviews

"The title and cover art, which depicts a toothy, egg-shaped fellow in a red cape and jockey shorts, are designed to keep this chapter book in constant circulation.  The story is a superhero spoof...The extra leading and slightly enlarged typeface make for easier reading, but the silliness goes overboard...and the many action-packed illustrations rob the plot of some if its zip by commanding more than their share of attention...Still the humor is on target for some kids in this age group, who will undoubtedly look forward to a planned second adventure--Captain Underpants 2: Attack of the Talking Toilets." --Stephanie Zvirin. (1997). Booklist. School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database. 

"Few things command disrespect like the sight of a man wearing whitie-tighties.  However, the bald and barefoot Captain Underpants happens to be a superhero...Pilkey (Dog Breath) uses a sitcom-like formula to set up the rivalry between the boys and the principal, and to strip the authority figure of dignity...Line drawings of the slapstick action appear on every page, and 'Flip-O-Rama- climactic sequences create an agreeably corny 'motion-picture' effect.  But the lowbrow jokes (the Captain uses an elastic waistband to apprehend an evildoer) chiefly constitute this tale's harmless, non-gross appeal." -- (1997). Publishers Weekly.  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

I think that Captain Underpants would be a great book to use for a boys book club.  The boys could read that book, and then they could have a little discussion about it, a trivia quiz, and then they could come up with their own superhero and make their own comic strip.

Module 14: Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

published in 2002 by Dial Books (New York, NY).

Summary

Student's in Mr. Ward's class are studying the Harlem Renaissance and end up holding Open Mics on Fridays where everyone in the class can read their poetry.  The class learns about the power of poetry as they learn more about themselves and each other.

Impressions

I was really surprised by how much I liked this book.  I thought it was just going to be a collection of poems, but it has a great story and is extremely character driven.  There are a lot of different perspectives that the reader is exposed to, and the character development is great. 

Reviews

"Readers will become immersed in the lives of these students with their natural teen-speak: 'And guess what? that white boy can flow.  Makes you kinda wonder 'bout his family tree, now don't it?' Grimes addresses many of today's teen issues through the characters' unforgettable voices and poems...this book will be an exciting addition to urban public and school libraries and will serve well in teen poetry classes, speaking to the poet in every teen who picks it up." --Beth Gilbert. (2002). Voice of Youth Advocates. Retrieved from  Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"A flowing, rhythmic portrait of the diversity and individuality of teen characters in a classroom in Anywhere, U.S.A...Competent and reluctant readers alike will recognize and empathize with these teens.  As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for-real characters who show them they are not along." --Lynn Evarts. (2002). School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

I would love to use Bronx Masquerade in an adult or teen book club.  There is a lot that can be discussed with topics ranging from identity to teen pregnancy.  After the discussion there could be a poetry slam.   I want to see this happen! 

Module 13: Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
illustrated by Nathan Hale
published in 2008, by Bloomsbury (New York, NY).

Summary

The classic tale of Rapunzel, but with a twist: a western setting and Rapunzel is not one to wait to be rescued!  After she discovers that her "mother", Gothel, is not her real mother and is using people as slaves, including her real mother, in the mines Rapunzel is put in a tall tree.  There her hair grows extremely long and extremely fast; she uses her hair to practice lassoing.  She finally escapes and runs into Jack.  Together they face foes and meet friends as they work their way back to Gothel's to save Rapunzel's mother.  

Impressions

The different setting and Rapunzel's personality are refreshing and give new life to the classic fairy tale.  The illustrations are fun, the humor is great, and it's just an enjoyable read. 

Reviews
"This is the tale as you've never seen it before...The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.  Knowing there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after." --Cara von Wrangel Kinsey. (2008).  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Illustrator Hale's detailed, candy-colored artwork demands close viewing, as it carries the action--Rapunzel's many scrapes are nearly wordless.  With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."  --(2008). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses
Rapunzel's Revenge would be a great book to use for a teen group.  The group could discuss the book and what they liked about it.  Then the group could pick another classic fairy tale and find ways to add twists and give it new life.  Then they could even work on putting together their own graphic novel.   

Module 12: Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allen Poe

Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allen Poe

by Karen E. Lange

published in 2009, by National Geographic (Washington, D.C.).

Summary

Lange goes over Poe's life and provides fascinating pictures of the people, places, and papers in his life.  Lange explains how his parents, the Poe's, were both performers.  His father abandoned the family and his mother soon died of tuberculosis when he was two.  He was taken in by John and Frances Allen, hence the name: Edgar Allen Poe.   However, Poe would disappoint John Allen and they parted on ill-terms, and when John Allen died, Poe received nothing.  He moved in with his now dead, father's sister, where he fell in love with his cousin, Virginia, and they were married when he was 27 and she was 13.  As a writer, and a drinker, he struggled financially for the rest of his life--especially after Virginia died from tuberculosis.

Impressions

The book is a quick read, and covers a lot of Poe's life. The pictures are fascinating which can help readers be more interest in Poe's life.  Lange does a great job recreating the tumultuous life that Poe led (without all the nitty-gritty details).  She also has the book in an easy to read layout.  

Reviews

"Illustrated with many period photographs as well as pictures of Poe-related places and artifacts, the book has varied, spacious page layouts in which shades of turquoise add color to some of the illustrations and backgrounds.  The jacket art, which features a photo of Poe's face, overlaid with lines of manuscript, peering outward of haunted eyes, will draw both fans of Poe and a new audience." -- Carolyn Phelan. (2009). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"The drama of Poe's tortured life unfolds in accessible prose.  Textual information is interspersed with photos, artistic interpretations, and revealing quotations presented in script...The books brevity and format render it a good addition for reports and background for an author study." --Renee Steinberg. (2009). School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

Nevermore could be used to inspire a poetry contest at the library for patrons of all ages.  There could be a short discussion about the book with a focus on his writings and what inspired him.  Following the discussion, there could be a poetry reading contest with a prize for each age group.  

Nevermore is also useful for biography reports as it is in an easy to read format.

Module 11: Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: 

The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance

by Jennifer Armstrong

published in 1998. by Crown Publishers, Inc. (New York, NY).

Summary

The amazingly true story of Shackleton and his expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916.  100 miles away from Antarctica the Endurance becomes trapped in the ice and Shackleton and his men are stuck there with no contact to the outside world, for an Antarctic winter.  At the same time the ice pack pushes them further and further away from Antarctica.  After being stuck in the ice for ten months the Endurance is crushed by the ice and sinks almost a month later.  The crew then has to find solid land, then send someone for help. Every member survived.

Impressions

Shipwreck was absolutely amazing.  I wasn't too excited about reading this book but once I started I could hardly put it down.  Even though I knew the crew would be rescued it was a page turner!  Armstrong's writing keeps the reader interested and the photos were the some of the ones taken by the crews photographer.  I really enjoyed this book and found the story to be astounding.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to for a report or just an adventure.

Reviews

"This unbelievable story is enhanced by the vigorous prose; from the captivating introduction through the epilogue, it is the writing as much as the story that will rivet readers.  The black-and-white photos, taken mostly on glass plates by the expedition's photographer, Frank Hurley, survived along with the men and are of exceptional quality." --(1998). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Armstrong's absorbing storytelling, illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs, make this an enthralling adventure." --(1999). Publishers Weekly.  Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

Shipwreck could be a great book to use for an adult book club or a teen book club.  The discussion could be about surviving in extreme situations and what the participants would have done in their shoes.  For an activity, the group could put on a little variety show like the men did on the ship, or participate on an obstacle course to help them learn how the crew had to work together and trust their leader to survive.

Module 10: Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

published in 2004 by Scholastic, Inc. (New York, NY). 

Summary

It's 1935, and Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz Island with some of the worst criminals in the United States.  He lives there with his parents and older sister.  His dad is an electrician and guard for the prison. Moose's family moved there so his sister, Natalie, can go to a special school because Natalie is different (close to Autistic). Moose has to deal with living in a new place, with new kids, including the warden's daughter, Piper, who is nothing but trouble.  Not to mention all those criminals.

Impressions

Choldenko has great character development.  Moose's character isn't perfect but the reader can't help but like him as he tries to adjust to a new home in unusual circumstances.  It is also obvious that Choldenko has done her research to create an authentic setting on Alcatraz in the1930s and with dealing with someone with a misunderstood disability.  I enjoyed the humor and how it left me smiling.  It's definitely a book with a lot of heart.  I look forward to reading the next two in the trilogy!

Reviews

"The Flanagan family is believable in the way each member deals with Natalie and her difficulties, and Moose makes a sympathetic main character.  The story, told with humor and skill, will fascinate readers with an interest in what it was like for children of prison guards and other workers to actually grow up on Alcatraz Island." --Miranda Doyle. (2004). School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Choldenko captures the tense, nuanced family dynamics touched off by Natalie's disability as skillfully as she handles the mystique of Alcatraz and the exchanges between Moose and his friends.  Face-paced and memorable." (2004). Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"With it's unique setting and well-developed characters, this warm, engaging coming-of-age story has plenty of appeal, and Choldenko offers some fascinating historical background on Alcatraz Island in an afterword." --Ed Sullivan. (2004). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

What's great about Al Capone Does My Shirts is that I'm actually using it in a library program today!  It can be used for a mother-daughter book club.  The discussion of course could cover topics like Alcatraz, Autism, and the Great Depression.  For an activity a few button crafts could be done--depending on how many buttons are available.  If there are plenty of buttons the girls can make jewelry from buttons, but if buttons are limited then the girls could decorate cards with a few buttons.  A fellow librarian, Diane, told me about the following idea which we will use.  What we are going to do is make the quilting yo-yo's (basically a round, cloth circle). Decorate it with a button or two in the middle and make them into hair clips.  It should be fun!  And for a refreshment, there could be lemon cake.  I'll have to share how it goes!  

Module 9: Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man by Wendelin Van Draanen
published in 1998 by Alfred A. Knopf Inc. (New York, NY).

Summary

It's Halloween and Sammy Keyes is out trick-or-treating with her two friends.  They decide to go to the Bush House because it's creepy, ring the door bell, and run.  But that doesn't happen.  As they are walking up the path they see a man dressed in a skeleton costume running out of the house with a huge bag.  Sammy soon finds a fire starting in the hallway, and the infamous Bush Man tied to a chair and unconscious.  Sammy, of course can't stop thinking about the incident and tries to figure out who the Bush Man is, what was stolen, and why.  She also has to figure out who is spreading rumors about her at school and how she can get revenge.  

Impressions

Sammy Keyes is a fun read.  Sammy Keyes has a fun personality and is quite witty.  Readers can't help but root for her and her friends as she solves mysteries and gets into trouble.  Teens can relate to her problems because she faces teasing at school, the challenge of actually doing homework, and paying attention in class.  Fun characters, and a fun mystery.  

Reviews

"Van Drannen's tone is light, but well-developed characters and Sammy's somewhat unconventional lifestyle (she resides illegally with her grandmother in a senior citizens' complex while her mother 'finds' herself in Hollywood) make this a worthy choice for mystery buffs, especially fans of Betsy Byars' Herculeah Jones series."  --Kay Weisman. (1998). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database. 

"Artfully throwing in clues, red herrings, and well-timed revelations, Van Draanen keeps her heroine on the hop, surrounding her with typecast age mates but distinctly drawn, individual adults, most of whom were introduced in the previous book.  Sammy is as resourceful and tough as ever, and the breathless pace of this adventure will rivet readers from page one." (1998). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

In the library, Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man would be a great book to read for a teen or tween book club in October.  The book discussion could cover the topics of mysteries in general, the clues Van Draanen reveals, and how the mystery ends.  There could be a matching game where the teens try to match pictures of first edition books to their worth today.  And, of course, the there would be a costume contest.