Mod 7 cont: The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place

by E. L. Konigsburg

published in 2004 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (New York). 

Summary

Margaret had a horrible experience at Camp Talequa; it was a place where she couldn't even feel like herself. Fortunately, her great uncle Alex comes to get her and takes her home to 19 Schuyler Place to stay the few weeks with him and her great uncle Morris.  However, she soon learns that the beautiful towers that her uncles have been building for forty-five years are to be torn down.  Now Margaret will face her biggest battle yet--saving the towers from the rest of the city.

Impressions

Konigsberg has such a great writing style that it is just fun to read anything she writes and Outcasts is no exception.  There is great character development with the protagonist, Margaret.  Even though most of us will not have to fight to save something our great uncles built, many of us can relate to Margaret's problems like having to fit in with others and following the crowd.  Also, the bickering between the two uncles adds a wonderful degree of humor to the book, and readers can't help but love them.

Reviews

"The plot is well paces and has excellent foreshadowing.  Konigsburg's characters are particularly well motivated...Most wonderfully rendered through dialogue are the Hungarian-American Jewish uncles, crotchety with age, but full of love and life and a sure understanding of what it means to be an individual American.  Funny and thought-provoking by turns, this is Konigsburg at her masterful best. --Cindy Darling Codell. (2004). School Library Journal.

"Since the narrator is an older person looking back, there is an interesting blend of innocence and wisdom.  For example, when Margaret talks about her plan to change history she says: 'And the choice of a single person can change future history even if that person is underage and does not have a driver's license or credit card.' It should be noted that konisgburg's clever use of headlines in the middle of the chapters serves both to move the story along, and to give the scenes historical colour. This book is funny and intelligent. The characters are courageous and admirable, and the reader will finish it hopefully cheering for the girl who does things her own way because it is the way she trusts is right. For as the character Jack says to Margaret: 'We speak because we are human and because we can.'" (2004). Books in Canada

Uses

 Outcasts is a great book to have a discussion about because it is full of people with insecurities, fears, and the desire to be an individual.  Teen and preteens especially seem to struggle with these similar challenges so the book would be ideal for a teen or preteen book club at the library.  After they discuss the book the conversation can turn to themselves and they can share how they express their individuality.  To end the activity, the group can paint or draw whatever they want to help express themselves. 

Module 7: Son of the Mob

Son of the Mob by Gordon Kormon

Published in 2002 by Hyperion (New York).

Summary

Vince Luca one of the sons of the Anthony Luca.  The problem?  Anthony Luca is the head of the mob, and Vince wants nothing to do with it.  Unfortunetly, Vince can't seem to get away from it; whether he's on the football team or creating a website for class.  The big problem comes when he finally meets a girl.  The problem?  She's the daughter of the FBI agent trying to land Vince's dad in jail.  While some of Vince's problems are not faced by most teenagers today, he does face several big ones that many teens face and would appreciate reading about.

Impressions

Son of the Mob is a quick, yet fun read.  Vince's wise cracks are fun and the story is engaging.  As I was reading it I couldn't tell how it was going to end.  The humor is fun and interesting.  However, there is some language, and some risque situations.  For example, Vince's older brother ruins Vince's date so to make up for it, he sends a call girl.  (Don't worry mothers, nothing ends up happening.)  So I would be a bit careful recommending this book.

Reviews
"The fast-paced, tightly focused story addresses the problems of being an honest kid in a family of outlaws-and loving them anyway.  Korman doesn't ignore the seamier side of mob life, but even when the subject matter gets violent (you'll never guess which family member ordered the notorious Calabrese hit), he keeps things light be relating his tale in the first-person voice of a humorously sarcastic yet lawabiding wise guy."
--Peter D.Sieruta. (2003). Son of the mob. The Horn Book Magazine, 79(1), 78. Retrieved from Book Review Digest via First Search database.

"Funny and unexpectedly affecting, this will grab--and hold onto--even the most reluctant of readers." Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio/0786815930

Uses
Son of the Mob would be a great book to use in a teen book group.  There could be a quick introduction about the author, then a book discussion.  There actually is quite a lot to the story that could lead to a great discussion.  For example, Vince's realization that his father is not perfect and may not be a good guy. 

After the book discussion, there could be a game of mafia.  Mafia is played as a group.  Two people are the mafia, two people are the detectives, and the rest are citizens or townspeople.  Everyone learns their roles by picking a piece of paper with the role on it.  Everyone closes their eyes.  Then the mafia opens their eyes and point to someone to "kill".  Then the mafia closes their eyes, and the detectives opens their eyes and tries to guess a member of the mafia.  The game leader will nod yes or no.  The detective closes their eyes, then everyone opens their eyes.  The victim is informed that he or she died.  Then everyone tries to guess who the mafia is and votes on it.  If they guess right, they win.  If not, that poor citizen or detective "dies".  This continues until the mafia is caught or they "kill" everyone. 

Then the activity could end with a treat of Italian ice.

Module 6: 11 Birthdays

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

published in 2009 by Scholastic Inc. (New York, NY).

Summary

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day and have shared their birthdays ever since.  That is, until Amanda overheard Leo say some hurtful things at their 10th birthday party.  Now they aren't even friends.  On their 11th birthday, they have separate parties.  Leo's is huge while Amanda's is not as fun--even her best friend ends up leaving her party to go to Leo's!  By the end of the day, Amanda just can't wait for it to be over.  The next morning, she wakes up relieved to know her worst birthday ever is behind her until she realizes that it's her birthday all over again.  The day keeps repeating itself over and over.  Now Amanda must figure out how to get unstuck, and resolve some other issues along the way.

Impressions

I thought this book was great.  I cared for Amanda and the lessons she has to learn are lessons we all have to learn.  The story is interesting and fun so of course it is a fun read.  Amanda is easy to relate to for young readers as many struggle with similar problems like:  fears, feeling betrayed by friends, and not feeling close to an older sibling.  I highly recommend this book to any young reader in need of understanding why people can act mean sometimes, and to anyone looking for a fun read.

Reviews

"Like a Groundhog Day for middle grade readers, Mass's (Every Soul a Star) winning story features a girl seemingly trapped in her 11th birthday...Girls will relate to Amanda's insecurities, and the confidence and insights she gains will resonate with them.  Mass's expertise with pacing keeps the story moving at a lively clip, and her understanding of this age group is as finely hones as ever." (2008). Publisher's Weekly. Reed Business Information.  Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"From the double-entendre title to the solid character portrayals to the clarity and wit of the writing, this novel offers a fresh twist on the familiar themes of middle-grade family and school dynamics.  The mysterious power that rewinds time eventually seems less important than the power that Amanda finds within herself...A rewarding choice for readers and a natural for book talks an discussion groups." --Carolyn Phelan. (2008). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

In a library setting, 11 Birthdays could be used for a an activity that an after school program could use.  For example, for one month this book would be the theme and can be held two times or so depending on the popularity of it.  Everyone could come dressed up as if they are going to a birthday party, and there could be a very short book discussion.   I say very short because this activity is aimed at younger readers around 3rd to 6th grade.  After the discussion there could be birthday activities like musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey.  The treat, of course, would have to be birthday cake.

In the home, this book could just be used for fun, or to help teach a child who may struggle with people being mean to them or who feel that their friends or siblings don't care about them.  But you can't just rely on the book to do the teaching, you, as a parent need to help them realize the lessons to be learned.