GENRE 5: HISTORICAL FICTION

THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. ISBN 006440630X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hungry and cold Brat cursed the pain of living a life alone on the streets of medieval England. One bitterly cold and frosty night she is discovered sleeping in a dung pile by a midwife named Jane Sharp. Jane takes her home, renames her Beetle, and has her work in return for food and shelter. To keep Beetle ignorant, Jane does not allow her to work along side. So slowly and carefully Beetle watches from afar and learns her ways. Unfortunately when Beetle is given the opportunity to deliver a baby by herself things go wrong and she flees town. Through trials and hardships she must look inward to discover her place in this world as Alyce, the midwife’s apprentice.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Karen Cushman has written an exciting award winning Newbery Medal book that encourages the act of finding inward courage. Alyce, also known as Brat or Beetle, is the young protagonist who finds companionship in a cat, longs to discover herself, and struggles to find inward confidence. Kids will enjoy the short chapters filled with medieval adventures. Cushman’s story is set in a time where special concoctions, ointments, and herbs are the local norm. The medieval England setting is conveyed through the local traditions, superstitions and fears of the town especially when a two headed calf was born and the whole town goes up in arms sighting witches and devils everywhere. Kids will enjoy reading Beetle’s revenge on those in town with secret sins who had teased or tormented her by acting as a devil herself and punishing them. After a failed delivery, Alyce runs away and meets a professor who asks her, “What do you want?” No one had ever asked her that and after some thought she says, “A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.” Slowly Alyce turns away from being a shy awkward girl into a girl with pluck. Her character evolves through trails and circumstances as she finally discovers who she is. As Alyce said to an orphan boy, “Everybody is somebody and so are you.”
Cushman has a section in the back of the book with Author’s Notes. Here she explains the origins, customs, and development of midwifes through the centuries.

Cushman delivered a historical novel with a beautiful theme universal in time. The desire to be loved, accepted, and the courage it takes to find it within you.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
New York Public Library List of Recommended Books
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
School Library Journal Best Book
American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Booklist: Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.
Publishers Weekly: The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.
School Library Journal: A truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature

5. CONNECTIONS
*Study Medieval history of England. Construct a “Did You Know” poster. Compare clothes, food, and traditions to ours of today.
*Host a Medieval Feast filled with drama and poetry of the time.
*Discuss with students the statement, “Everybody is someone and so are you.”
Other books by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN: 0064405842
Cushman, Karen. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. ISBN: 0064406849
Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. ISBN: 044041993X

THE WHIPPING BOY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleischman, Sid. 1986. The Whipping Boy. Ill. by Peter Sis. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439441420

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Living in a castle was far from what Jemmy, an orphaned rat catcher’s son, expected from his life. He finds himself dressed in fine clothes, receiving a good education, but dreaming of a carefree life away from the castle. Jemmy served as the Royal Princes whipping boy, receiving thrashings for any bad behavior of the Prince. The Royal Prince, known far and wide as Prince Brat, had earned his reputation well. The two boys have an ever growing exasperation for each other. When Prince Brat decides to run away Jemmy is forced to follow. Soon they find themselves in a hostage situation being held by two murderous highwaymen. The two face many comical adventures as they try to return to the castle which compels them to trust and find friendship in each other.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sid Fleischman has written a Newbery Medal Award winning book about finding friendship under the most unlikely circumstances. Fleischman’s short chapters are full of wit such as the names of his characters, Prince Brat, Hold your Nose Billy, Cutwater, and Petunia the bear. Fleischman’s sentence construction is full of fun and witty word choices that align with the era of the book. For example, the Prince is held hostage and does not like the ransomed demands of the thieves and declares, “Dimwits! Catchpenny rogues! I will not be exchanged for such a trifle…A paltry treasure you could carry on your shoulder? How dare you insult me!” As enjoyable as the words can be, they could prove to be difficult for children with limited vocabulary due to uncommon terminology choices of today.
The adventures take place outside of the castle when the boys are nabbed and taken to a cabin in the woods. The kidnapers have a case of mistaken identity believing that Jemmy is the prince because he’s the one who can read and write. This forces Prince Brat to reevaluate his life and circumstances. This comical event helps other children to evaluate the mishap that occurs when forsaking studies for play. Even Jemmy reevaluates his situation when he meets up with his old friend Smudge in the sewers and realizes, “he’d lost his taste for ignorance.” Jemmy and Prince Brat personalities begin to evolve. They turn from a very disagreeable belief of each other to one of friendship of trust.

Peter Sis illustrated the pages with pointillism. The black and white pictures offer a comical look into the lives of the characters. Sis managed to evoke the feeling for the era by the selection of clothes, hair styles, and the settings he drew. Each illustration depicts the life of the time either with horrific or comical situations that the boys encounter together.
As the book closes, Fleischman offers a note explaining that the characters were fictional but that whipping boys did in fact exist in history. A series of Literature Circle Questions are offered for class discussion time. Overall Fleischman was able to capture an era of time with rip laughing adventures that yield a story of pure pleasure.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
ALA Notable Book
School Library Journal Best Book
Kirkus Review: A rollicking tale of adventure and mistaken identity.
Publishers Weekly: With a flair for persuading readers to believe in the ridiculous, Fleischman scores a hit with his new creation.
School Library Journal: This whimsical, readable story delights…

5. CONNECTIONS
*Research whipping boys. How were they obtained and would that be acceptable today?
*Discuss friendship. How is it formed and must there be a level of trust?
*Discuss what the students believe happened to the boys after the story ends. Did Jemmy still serve as the whipping boy? What kind of King would the Prince make now?
Other books by Sid Fleischman:
Fleischman, Sid. Escape!: The Story of The Great Houdini. ISBN 0060850965
Fleischman, Sid. The 13th Floor. ISBN: 0688142168
Fleischman, Sid. Bandit’s Moon. ISBN: 0440415861

ELIJAH OF BUXTON

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Elijah was the first child born free in Buxton Canada, the son of former slaves. He is blessed with the opportunities of a good education and a free life. Yet, he has one problem; his mother wants nothing more than for him to quit being so doggone fra-gile. Elijah felt that being growned didn’t make a whole lot of sense. That was until Elijah finds himself in a horrible situation where he must unearth the strength and courage not to be so fragile and do the right thing.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis has written a historical fiction novel that delves into the issues of slavery, community, and the cost of freedom. His protagonist, Elijah, is a sweet compassionate boy who struggles with similar issues that children face today. Elijah feels his teacher is boring, he doesn’t think adults are very “sensical,” and he just desires for his family to see how responsible and grown up he is.

Curtis is an excellent storyteller. Each character adds a glimpse into this small town life. I empathized with the characters, rejoiced with them, and mourned with them. Through Curtis' writing I was also able to participate in the celebration of those few who were fortunate to have found freedom. I loved the imagery of words written when Pa said, “Look at that land! Look at them trees! Has y’all ever seen anything that precious? It’s the land of the free! Now look at you’selves! Look at ‘em babies! Has y’all ever looked this beautiful? Today be the first day don’t no one own y’all but y’all.” As you read those words you can feel the joy, sense the elation that the price of freedom bought them. You can imagine the sense of danger, fear, and anguish their bodies felt from the journey as well as the joy and weeping at the discovery that they were truly standing on free land. Curtis dealt with the sensitive issue of slavery by showing the sad injustice and inhumane ways that slaves were treated while also celebrating the victories of freedom.
At the end of the book Curtis offers a synopsis of how this wonderful story came to life. He talks about Buxton Canada, how the town thrived, and explains the story of the liberty bell. It is a truly brilliantly written book that will touch your heart.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Booklist: Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.
Horn Book: This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.
Kirkus Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.

5. CONNECTIONS
* Research the history of Buxton Canada.
*Have students creatively write what happened when Elijah returned home from Michigan with the baby.
*Discuss the injustices of slavery.
Other related books:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN: 043977733X
Stowe, Harriet. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. ISBN: 068985126X
Weatherford, Carole. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ISBN 0786851759

GENRE 4: NONFICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

HURRICANES

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2007. Hurricanes. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061170712

2. PLOT SUMMARY

During the season between June and November the east coast of the United States host storms that can span hundreds of miles wide and last weeks at a time. This particular type of storm can release the amount of energy equaling to ten atomic bombs. They are the only weather disasters to be given its own name and number. Hurricanes are tremendously powerful storms. Even after they pass, conditions can be very dangerous outside. Seymour Simon has written an informational book on this subject filled with tips and advice to help keep one safe from the dangers of these storms.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institute to bring to life the discovery of science from the world we live in. In this book, Hurricanes, Simon was able to accurately capture the essence and power of these storms. He starts by offering easy to understand definitions of how these tropical storms form. He then goes on to give further details, satellite shots, and historical stories of the devastation hurricanes leave behind. Simon presents similes within the information that helps the reader make connections. Such as the example of how these storms form. He compares an ice skater who tucks and spins to gather faster speed to the eye of the hurricane. The pictures offered in the book are powerful representations of hurricanes strength and destruction. The images offer a look into the affects of these storms before, during, and after as well as the emotions of the people who were personally affected. Towards the end of the book Simon lists various tips and suggestions to help people stay safe upon the encounter of a hurricane. The last page offers a glossary, index and websites for the reader to research more about these natural disasters. This book is an excellent source of information that informs the reader of the dangers that lie within these storms.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential.
School Library Journal: An updated edition of Simon’s 2003 title…with readable text and excellent photos.

5. CONNECTIONS

*Ask the students to research a past named hurricane scrap booking a display on a poster board.

*Have students make a model of a hurricane using stretched cotton balls and attaching them to construction paper to form the storm.
*Have students report the weather conditions, location of the hurricane, and or give advisories and tips.
*Ask students to write a poem describing either the after affects or the power of these storms.
Other related books:
Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Inside A Hurricane. ISBN 0590446878
DK Publishing. Hurricane & Tornado. ISBN 075660690X
Simon, Seymour. Weather. ISBN 0060884398

AN AMERICAN PLAGUE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082

2. PLOT SUMMARY
It is August 3, 1793 and the streets of Philadelphia are filled with a foul stench. Cats lay dead on the streets and an unusually large number of people are dying fast. The air is buzzing with an abnormal amount of mosquitoes while an unknown disease is quickly becoming an epidemic of enormous proportions. In 1793 Philadelphia served as the capital for the United States of America. It was a busy city with merchants, ship owners, commerce, politics, and daily life. Very few people seemed take notice of the unusual happenings in and around the city with the exception of Dr. Rush and Rev. Helmuth. They both sensed something was very wrong. An American Plague by Jim Murphy is the true and horrifying account of the yellow fever that plagued our nation’s capital.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jim Murphy discloses a riveting account of the happenings in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak of 1793. He offers detailed and accurate accounts of the struggles people faced in light of this disease. Murphy discloses the gruesome facts of how this illness took the lives of its victims. He notes the folklore superstitions of the time such as a meteorite falling from the sky indicating a “bad sign” and that the “worst was yet to come.” As you read through this book Murphy conveys an extraordinary feel for all the happenings in and around the city. Murphy enlightens his readers as to the problems the politicians were facing. He chose words that imparted images of foul smells surrounding the city and exposed just how deplorable the sanitary situation was. He reveals the turmoil between the doctors and their choices in caring for their patients. Murphy then goes on to divulge the painful deaths, the imminent need to care for the sick, revealing the problems with burying the dead, and noted the heroic acts of a few brave men and women who stood up and took charge of this dreadful malign that had overtaken their city. At the back of the book Murphy offers verbal access features with lists of his sources as well as personal comments. Throughout the book Murphy submitted visual access features with black and white illustrations, maps, notes, newspaper clippings, and lists of the dead. Although color photographs would have been nice to see, the black and white photos offer a historically visual understanding of how dreadful the syndrome truly was. Murphy was able to capture the fear, panic, and mystery of this disease. He leaves the reader with a grim realization that we as a society today are not too far off from this possibility occurring again.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Boston Globe Horn Book Award
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
James Madison Book Award
A National Book Award Finalist
Obis Pictus Award
Newbery Honor Book
Booklist: History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that his the nation’s capital more than 200 years ago.
Horn Book: Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting.
Kirkus Review: A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century.

5. CONNECTIONS
*Organize a “did you know?” poster about yellow fever.
* Research and scrapbook one highlighted person in the book such as Dr. Rush or the Free African Society.
*Compare and contrast two non-fictions books by Jim Murphy.
Other related books:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever1793. ISBN 0689848919
Murphy, Jim. The Great Fire. ISBN 0439203074
Murphy, Jim. Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America. ISBN 0590673106

THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SUESS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to Become Dr. Seuss. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography about the life of Ted Giesel, a boy who loved animals and reading books. Ted enjoyed doodling and seemed to have an unusual way of looking at the world. As he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts he faced injustices because his family was German and owned a brewery. Yet he still had a life filled with adventure and possibilities. He graduated from Dartmouth and eventually sold his first cartoon for twenty-five dollars to The Saturday Evening Post. Ted Giesel was a boy who loved life and excelled at fooling around, who eventually found his focus, and became known to the world as Dr. Suess.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography that details the life of Ted Geisel. She organized the crucial key points of Geisel’s early life and puts them together to tell the story of how he became one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors. She details the reality of people within his life that doubted his ability to accomplish himself through his art. She then goes on to highlight key points that sculpted his life and imagination such as his father becoming the superintendent of the zoo, his mothers love for the library and reading books, his appetite for doodling and watching movies, and his enduring persistence at finding his passion. The picture book biography ends with extra bibliographic information about Dr. Suess life after the twenty-five dollar cartoon was published. It explains the inspiration for other books, reactions from the public, and how he used his money to fund the sources that helped him become Dr. Suess. Krull added an index to his great works with the title and year it was published. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher illustrated the nostalgic paintings found in this book. They depict a life of childhood joys, adventures, as well as mishaps that shaped the life of Ted Giesel. Each page is supplemented with snap shot illustrations from Dr. Suess’ work. Krull provides and index of the spot art illustrations used in the book by indicating the page number where the illustration can be found as well as which Dr. Suess book the illustration was taken from. Together Krull, Johnson, and Fancher, have put together a biography that highlights the life of a boy destined to become one of the most beloved children’s book author’s of our time, Dr. Suess.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: Fans are sure to enjoy meeting the irrepressible man behind the ever-popular books.
Kirkus Review: … it’s the lively writing puts the hat on the cat.
School Library Journal: This picture-book biography is a winner.

5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students create a bookmark drawing their favorite illustration from a Dr. Suess book.
*Compare and contrast several works by Dr. Suess.
* Enjoy an afternoon of Readers Theater using the classes’ favorite book by Dr. Suess.
Books by Dr. Suess:
Suess, Dr. Horton Hears A Who. ISBN 0394800788
Suess, Dr. Oh The Places You’ll Go. ISBN 0679847367
Suess, Dr. Horton Hatches the Egg. ISBN 039480077X
Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. ISBN 0152014373
Krull, Kathleen. Houdini: World’s Greatest Mystery Man And Escape King. ISBN 0802789536
Krull, Kathleen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. ISBN 1416971297

GENRE 3: POETRY

IT’S RAINING PIGS & NOODLES

1. BIBLIOGRAPY
Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles: Poems. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Green Willow Books. ISBN 0060291958

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jack Prelutsky has written a book of 106 poems in a variety of writing styles that will offer amusement and pleasure as you read the poems. Some are written about daily life situations, others are written from an animal’s point of view, some are zany, and others are stomach-turning yet fun to read. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles will offer enjoyment for readers of all ages.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Prelutsky has written a compilation of poems that is both amusing and delightful. He was able to write in a style that children can appreciate and connect to. Prelutsky’s poems in this book have a cadence about them that make for ease in reading with rhythmic flow. Prelutsky is able to capture his reader though the imagery of words he uses. I especially love the title “I’m Tortured by Insomnia.” Who hasn’t had problems sleeping and hearing eerie noises that seem louder and scarier than they actually are. Prelutsky ends the poem by explaining he will never eat ten desserts again before going to bed. This particular poem makes you laugh and reminisce about bad choices made and how they can lead to uncomfortable consequences. Prelutsky's play with vocabulary is outstanding. Through his choice of language you are able to imagine the story, dilemma, or situation that he scribes. The emotions evoked by this compilation of poems is not forced but of pure merriment.

The books illustrations are drawn by James Stevenson. The images are in black and white pencil. Stevenson sometimes uses the words of the poem as an outline of his illustration and at other times specific words are written in different forms to denote the inference of meaning to the poem. His illustration although simple, adds to the readers understanding, and provides an imagery that might otherwise not be there.
The book also offers two index’s in the back. One is the Index of Titles and the other is Index to First Lines. Sometimes we cannot quite remember the title of a poem but we remember that first line so these two indexes’ can be particularly useful. Altogether this is a amusing and entertaining book of poems.
Here is one sample poem in the book:

A PRINCESS LAMENTS

I kissed a frog because I’d heard
that it would turn into a prince.
That’s not exactly what occurred,
and I’ve been croaking ever since.

Which ever poem you chose to start with you will not regret picking this book up. You may in fact find you’ll want to read some of them poems over and over again. It is a treasure of poetry for all to enjoy.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: …the book is sure to tickle readers young and old.
Publishers Weekly: The sassy selection of nonsense rhymes and puckish poems will further endear Prelutsky to his many fans.
School Library Journal: Wonderful tools for teachers, the poems boast impeccable rhythms and rhymes and strongly appeal to a child’s sense of humor, whether read aloud or independently.
5. CONNECTIONS
*After you read a poem discuss with the children how the poem made them feel.
*Have students reenact certain poems for drama such as “Hiccup!” or “Waffles Give Me Sniffles.”
*Have students illustrate a poem such as “The Apathetic Thwo” or “I Am Shrinking.”
Share and discuss illustrations.
*Visit the Jack Prelutsky Website at:
http://www.jackprelutsky.com/
Other related books:
Florian, Douglas. Zoo’s Who. ISBN: 0152046399
Prelutsky, Jack. Something Big Has Been Here. ISBN 0688064345
Prelutsky, Jack. The Random House Book of Poetry for Children. ISBN 0394850106

OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
O’Connell George, Kristine. 2006. Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618752420

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kristine O’Connell George wrote a series of poems that discusses the nature of trees. The poems talk directly from the old elm trees perspective and also elaborate on the many happenings in and around a tree. The poems are written in a variety of poetic forms. The beauty of this compilation is that is draws you to discover the many extraordinary discoveries that can be found and had from a tree.

3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS

Christine George O’ Connell has composed a book of poetry based on the theme of trees. She starts off with an introduction poem from the tree. The compilation then goes on to explain many daily activities that take place in and around a trees. The poems describe activities such as squirrel commuters, children playing horse on the limbs of the tree, the fate of trees, and how nature takes its course with trees. On poem in particular that I enjoyed is: Lullaby

Tree sighs softly
as the birds patter about
her heavy old branches,
settling down,
tucking their heads
beneath their wings.

She waits until dusk
has shadowed her leaves,
and when she’s sure
she’s heard that last
soft cheep,

she rocks her birds to sleep.

The language George has used is vivid and descriptive enough that you can sense the gentle loving care as the tree sways in the night breeze to gently rock her birds to sleep.
The tree is personified throughout the book as being strong, yet gentle, with motherly qualities of tenderness and concern. The tree delights in children and animals enjoying her beauty, majesty, and shade. George has also supplied enough creative words that imagery of the verse comes to life. In one poem she discusses the bud and explains how it is a neatly and tightly packed leaf in a valise. What wonderful metaphors that evoke emotions of curiosity, wonder, and the splendor of trees.
The illustrations in the compilation were artistically done by Kate Kiesler. She used a variety of natural colors to highlight the nature of trees and its surroundings. The children’s faces are blurred a bit most likely to give focus to the tree and its surroundings. Kiesler’s illustrations of the animals who visit the tree are given a little bit more substance highlighting how nature works together. The affect her drawings have on the reader are one of peace and tranquility. Kiesler allows nature to speak for itself through its grace and beauty of her illustrations. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: The original poems in this lovely, simple collection celebrate every aspect of trees in a variety of poetic forms including free verse, rhyme, and haiku.
Kirkus Review: …a specialized collection of nature poetry, loosely organized around the four seasons. A lovely, often luminous, collection.
Publishers Weekly: George and Kiesler team up for another close look at the natural world with poetry that invites readers to meditate on trees. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.

5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students go outside and observe a tree and illustrate it. Then ask the students to write their own poem from the images and feelings the tree evoked.
*Research different types of trees and their leaves. Discuss differences in the color, size, and shape of trees.
*Discuss environmental issues that are occurring today and the effects trees have on our earth.
*Visit Kristine O’Connell George on the website at:
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/
*Other related books:
George O’Connell, Kristine. The Great Frog Race: And Other Poems. ISBN 0618604782
Levy, Constance. A Tree Place: And Other Poems. ISBN 68950599X

OUT OF THE DUST

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Karen Hesse has written a Newbery Medal award winning verse novel. Her protagonist, Billie Jo, faces many challenges. Verse by verse the words flow painstakingly into another describing the hardships, losses, and agony this child and her family face through the dust bowl region of Oklahoma. Billie Jo desires deeper communication with her mother. She longs for the ability to connect. Then a horrible accident occurs and her mother and newly born baby bother pass away. She then has to face the daily challenge of living with the consequences of their deaths. Billie Jo desires to grow closer to her father but her father is unable. They unfortunately have to lose each other to find each other again. Through her struggles she finds the strength to survive in what would otherwise be considered unendurable circumstances.

3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
Karen Hesses has achieved writing an award winning verse novel that eloquently shares the pain and suffering of one family during the dust bowl and depression era in Oklahoma. Her protagonist is a young girl who desires, as any little girl does, to be loved and accepted by her family. As you read each of Billie Jo's diary entries, the verses flow beautifully into each other yet tell deep stories of pain and regret. The language used in this story is indicative of country folk. For example, Billie Jo states: “I try my best to please ma.” As you read through her entries you begin to form a drawl in your voice that lets you know you’ve been submerged into their lives. The imagery is memorable. Billie Jo explains: “Daddy came in, he sat across from Ma and blew his nose. Mud streamed out. He coughed and spit out mud. If he had cried, his tears would have been mud too.” You feel the pain each time she describes what the dust has taken away from this family yet again. The emotions can be very painful in this book. Billie Jo’s life was one of struggle. She struggled for her mother’s affection, through the deaths in the family, with the pain of her injury, she struggles to connect with her dad, and inwardly she struggles with her stubbornness. Yet in the end, it was her stubborn spirit that leads her back home to her father. Hesse ends this verse novel with the understanding that life will continue to be rough for her characters but that they will survive. Karen Hesse was able to capture this rough existence and yet leave the reader with the knowledge that they too can face life’s challenges and keep breathing no matter how thick the air…keep breathing.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal
Scott O’Dell Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Publishers Weekly: Hesse’s spare prose adroitly traces Billie Jo’s journey in and out of darkness…to hope.
School Library Journal: Hesse’s ever growing skill as a writer willing to take chances with her form shines through superbly…
Kirkus Review: The poem/novel ends with only a trace of hope; there are no pat endings, but a glimpse of beauty wrought from brutal reality.

5. CONNECTIONS
* Discuss and research the Dust Bowl Era.
*Have students then write a poem that depicts this era.
*Have students evaluate Billie Jo’s struggles. Are they similar to the struggles that children face today?
Other related books:
Booth, David. The Dust Bowl. ISBN 1550742957
Cooper, Michael. Dust to Eat: Drought and Depression in the 1930’s. ISBN 0618154493
Stanley, Jerry. Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp. ISBN 0517880946
Other books by Karen Hesse:
Hesse, Karen. Witness. ISBN 0439272009
Hesse, Karen. Letters from Rifka. ISBN 0140363912
Hesse, Karen. The Music of Dolphins. ISBN 0590897985