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.  

Module 8 cont.: The Scorch Trials

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Published in 2010, by Delecorte Press (New York, NY).

Summary

Thomas and the other surviving Gladers wake up the morning after their "rescue" to discover insane, dieing people (Cranks) screaming at the windows, their rescuers are gone, and they are locked in the building.  And that starts off their second trial for the mysterious WICKED group.  They are soon told that they must cross the Scorch: the most desolate part of the world where Cranks are sent to die or they themselves will surely die.

Impressions

Where to begin?!  This book is as a much as a page turner as was The Maze Runner.  Dashner does an excellent job creating mystery and suspense so the reader is just as lost, confused, and anxious as Thomas is as he is trying to figure out what in the world is going on.  

Reviews

"Fans who are already hooked will gobble this down, particularly those who don't mind anemic female characters and a high body count." -- (2010). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

 

Uses

The Scorch Trials could be a great book for a teen group discussion or even for an adult book club.  There is quite a few topics that can be discussed like humanity, and also trying to figure out how the trilogy will end.  For the teen group the activity could be the library's version of a "scorch trials" that could just consist of a series of games including an obstacle course to test and a game like Balderdash that tests creativity.

Module 8: Savvy

Savvy by Ingrid Law

published in 2008, by Puffin Books (New York, NY).

Summary

Mibs' family is...special.  On their thirteenth birthdays, they find out what their savvy is.  For example, Mibs' older brother, Fish, can control the weather with his savvy.  Now it's Mibs' turn to find out what her savvy is.  But just before Mibs' birthday, her dad is in a terrible car wreck.  With her mom and eldest brother staying at the hospital with her dad, Mibs decides she needs to do something to help her dad.  She ends up on a wild journey with two of her brothers and a few unexpected friends.  

Impressions

Law's fantasy is original and fresh.  The idea of savvys is quite fun, and Law is able to make them seem possible today.  I also really like how the characters feel very real, with real imperfections, and real problems to face like: feeling selfish, having no friends, finding it hard to trust others, and realizing your parents are not indestructible.  Savvy is funny, interesting, page-turning, and full of heart.

Reviews

"I wasn't sure how Law was going to manage it without going all fairy-tale, but she does the story justice, making the conclusion happy and heart-rending simultaneously, resisting the urge to tie it all up with a fancy ribbon and a happily ever after.  Law's savvy?  She's a natural storyteller who's created a vibrant and cinematic novel that readers are going to love." --Sarah Mlynowski. (2008). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Law's storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful.  Readers will want more from Law; her first book is both wholly engaging and lots of fun." --Goldsmith. (2008). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

Savvy would be a great book to use for a teen reading group at the library.  The discussion could talk about the problems Mibs faces and also talk about, if they had a savvy, what would they want it to be? and why?  For an activity, the teens can make "music jars" in honor of Mibs' grandma's savvy which was capturing radio tunes in jars.