Genre 5 - KIRA-KIRA by Cynthia Kadohata

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2004. KIRA-KIRA. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689856393

2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Kira-kira” means glittering in Japanese, but it truly defines the theme of Cynthia Kadohata’s book. In 1950’s Georgia, the Takeshimas attempt to integrate into the small Japanese-American community while functioning in the larger, predominately white, community. Upon moving to their new home, Katie, Lynn, and Sam’s parents hope to provide a better life for their children and themselves, working long hours at a poultry production facility in order to buy the house they have longed for. It is not long after the family moves that the eldest daughter, Lynn, is diagnosed with lymphoma. As readers see the Takeshimas struggle to pay for the medical bills and a house, they also see life in a different time. This is a time where discrimination is still present on many more levels than just color, and the struggles of a Japanese-American family are all in the name of love and well-being. Told through the eyes of Katie, whose love and admiration for her sister are immeasurable, readers are inspired by the theme and moral that, even in the hardest of times, it is important to never lose sight of the “kira-kira.”

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
KIRA-KIRA shines light on what may seem an anomaly in 1950s Georgia. Few Japanese-Americans found themselves in the community that the Takeshimas moved to, but the story and the times are based on truth nonetheless. Kadohata brings to the forefront many social issues that were present at the time: Lynn warns Katie before starting school that she may be ignored or made to feel like an “ant” because she is Japanese, and readers see signs of color discrimination early on when the family is forced to a back hotel room and only order their food to-go because they do not know where in a restaurant they are supposed to sit. Kadohata further gives a poignant depiction of work conditions in Katie’s mother’s poultry factory, where women are forced to wear pads because there are no unscheduled bathroom breaks. Down to the details of hairstyle, clothing, and daily activities, the setting and time period are both reflective of history and thought-provoking.

The bonds described among characters, especially among Katie and Lynn, play to the hearts of those with siblings. The mothering of an older sister and the awe of a younger one are both identifiable roles and easy to relate to. The individual personalities of each character shines through the pages, and, by the end of the book, readers have come to know a quiet, hardworking father; a delicate yet capable mother; an intelligent, loving older sister; a younger brother trying just to keep up; and, Katie, a driven young girl with a love and dedication for her sister, but with a bit of a tendency toward trouble. The characters all play roles that are identifiable and relatable regardless of ethnicity or decade.

Kadohata crafts a story that, while heartbreaking, gives readers hope and the inspiration to look for the good in everything in life. Events in the book present themes of hard work, honesty, and family bonds, and they give hope to society as we see the emergence of racial tolerance. KIRA-KIRA is a truly “glittering” literary work.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in KIRKUS REVIEW: “Katie loves and admires her older sister, Lynn, only to lose her in this story that reads like a memoir about a Japanese-American family in the 1950s. Built around the loss of Lynn to lymphoma, it belongs to Katie and stays true to her perspective. The supporting cast of extended family and friends also fits within Katie's vision of life.”

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Told from Katie's point of view and set in the 1950s, this beautifully written story tells of a girl struggling to find her own way in a family torn by illness and horrendous work conditions.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss with students what lymphoma is and how it is treated. While a definition is provided in the text, there is never a solid explanation and it may keep children wondering. Also, discuss how medicine and treatments have changed since the 1950s.
*Consider the various aspects of discrimination present in the 1950s south. Examples include:
• White v. colored people (where do the Japanese fit in?)
• Katie and her family being ignored by whites, and then helped by whites (Hank
Garvin)
• The labor conditions in the hatchery and the production facilities
• The presence of union activity
*Discuss the themes of family roles and how they may have been adapted and modified over time but are still present in homes today.

Genre 5 - NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0440801648

2. PLOT SUMMARY
NUMBER THE STARS chronicles the compelling story of one Danish family who (like many others) put their lives on the line to secure the freedom of their Jewish friends, neighbors, and countrymen. At a time when the Nazis were in high power and beginning the “relocation” of Danish Jews, young Annemarie Johansen learns that, sometimes, life is not what it seems, and bravery is a necessary trait in the trying times of WWII. Before the end of the book, Annemarie will put her own life directly in harm’s way as she races against all odds to deliver a small package that will ensure the safe arrival of her best friend and family in the freedom of Sweden.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lois Lowry creates a truly poignant story inspired by authentic historical events of Nazi control and Danish Resistance in Denmark during WWII. She carefully crafts the Johansen and Rosen families, whose love, faith, citizenship, and good-nature contrast the harsh brashness and inhumane actions of the Nazi soldiers. In a time where stakes are high and danger is even higher, readers see the protective nature of parents, bonds of siblings, strength of friendship, and loss of a naive and innocent view of the world. The characters are realistic, and while many readers may not be able to relate personally to the story that unfolds, Lowry does an excellent job of presenting this historical time in words and events that are easy to grasp.

Descriptive depictions of apartment-life in Copenhagen and the countryside of Gilleleje create a setting that draws the reader into the pages. Lowry’s ability to detail even the smallest elements (i.e. butter, buttons on a coat, and a loose porch stair) lends itself to a vivid portrayal of the times. Documenting much of the story’s inspirations in her afterword, readers find that truth and authenticity drive the fictional story of Annemarie.

The consistent theme of bravery is present throughout the entire book from the first encounter with Nazi soldiers on the streets of Copenhagen to the final mission that Annemarie must carry out. Readers come to love and respect the Johansens and the Danish people for their unselfish willingness to help their fellow citizens escape religious persecution.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable -- impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

5. CONNECTIONS
*If in the DFW metroplex, an excellent field trip to accompany the book is the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Though the book does not focus heavily on the Nazi movement and concentration camps, it is still good supplemental information for older groups of students that may mentally and emotionally grasp the contents of the museum.
*Discuss the true facts provided at the close of the book (i.e. the handkerchiefs, the Danish Resistance, and the German that gave the information to the Danish government about the “relocation” of Jews).

Genre 5 - THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670061344

2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE GREEN GLASS SEA tells the story of life in Los Alamos, New Mexico, a town that, at the time, did not “technically” exist. However, it was in this town that readers come to know Dewey Kerrigan, a smart, young misfit that finds friends and family amidst the science and secrecy of daily life. Klages first introduces us to Dewey whose father is a scientist working out of the state, mother is long gone, and grandmother has suffered a stroke and can no longer care for her. Her father is one of the many esteemed scientists whose expertise is a commodity in high demand for developing the “gadget” that will surely end WWII. Dewey travels halfway across the country to join her father and settle into life on “the hill.” It is here that she would experience rejection, friendship, love, and loss, and it is here that she would find her second family. THE GREEN GLASS SEA paints a detailed portrayal, through the eyes of a young girl, of life in the top secret location of the Manhattan Project and a unique view of one of the darker periods in our world and nation’s history.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Klages does an excellent job of creating highly identifiable characters and settings in her book THE GREEN GLASS SEA. Both Dewey Kerrigan and Suze Gordon are representative of children and people that nearly any reader has come into contact with during their lifetime. Specifically, Klages developed characters that readers could relate to on many levels—emotional, physical, academic, etc. She depicts two young girls that are accurate portrayals of human nature. Throughout the events of the novel, Dewey and Suze experience their own individual conflicts, joys, and sorrow, and they also experience many of the daily struggles and battles that are timeless occurrences in many readers lives—the “only child” having to learn to accommodate another guest/family member, forging a friendship, and the loss of a parent, just to name a few.

The setting itself is vivid in each chapter. By the end of the book, readers may feel as if they, themselves, have been present on “the hill,” passing the motor pool or stopping by the PX for a burger. Even the smallest of details create an authentic setting for the story that takes place. From the green glass bottles of Coke to the comic books and clothing, the story teleports readers into the 1940’s with each detailed description. The final chapter and primary inspiration for the story and title, is one of the most descriptive in the book with its beautiful literary illustration which describes what the tested atomic bomb left behind in the desert sands.

The book tells of a time that truly changed our world and the way that we handle international relations. Though the book focuses solely on the creation of this massive weapon, children and adults today understand the serious repercussions of this “gadget” on many different levels. Through her novel, Klages sheds light on the scientists that developed the atomic bomb, the serious pressures they were under, the lack of control they had over their ultimate product, and the children and family life that occurred amidst it all.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Clear prose brings readers right into the unusual atmosphere of the secretive scientific community, seen through the eyes of kids and their families… Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos’s historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful way.”

From BOOKLIST: “The mystery and tension surrounding ‘war work’ and what Dewey knows only as ‘the gadget’ trickles down to the kids living in the Los Alamos compound, who often do without adult supervision… the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom..."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Follow up THE GREEN GLASS SEA with WHITE SANDS, RED MENACE—Klages’ sequel to the book.
*Use as supplemental study of the Manhattan Project and WWII with younger students that are just being introduced to the concepts.
*Discuss the implications of the bomb and how Mrs. Gordon’s concern is foreshadowing of many of the events that would occur as a result of atomic weapons (i.e. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Cold War, etc.).

Genre 4 - WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439922313

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kerley documents the life of Alice Roosevelt, an ambitious, driven, and adventurous young girl with a mind of her own and a tendency to “drive her father crazy.” Written in brief, informative sentences, the author covers Alice’s personality, actions, ambitions, and her father’s role in her upbringing. The book is an entertaining account of a fun, life-loving individual as she grows from a small girl to an accomplished woman who makes her father proud. A true joy to read, regardless of age!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This picture book biography of young Alice Roosevelt invites readers into the pages with vivid illustrations and a warm look inside the life of President Roosevelt and his oldest daughter. Historical information is presented in a way that relates to readers and the relationships they may have with their own fathers and/or daughters. The author emphasizes key events in Alice’s life and her relationship with Teddy, which are later validated in a three-section author’s note with bibliographical information.

The book is organized as a story, flowing from page to page in the chronological order of Alice’s life. Though it does not lend itself to a reference style use, the biography does follow the traditional story-line format of the genre. The pages are not overflowing with words and information, making this an ideal book for read alouds and younger ages. Illustrator Edwin Fotheringham’s artwork fills the pages with color and interpretation of the stories and antics provided by Kerley’s text. Through an effective and inviting blend of art and text, readers ride the rollercoaster of life with young Miss Alice and her hunger for experiencing each day to the fullest, while “eating up the world.”

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in KIRKUS REVIEW: “Theodore Roosevelt’s irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book...”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kerley’s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject’s antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship s swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father s trusted advisers.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Follow up WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? with Kerley’s other books about Mark Twain and Walt Whitman to emphasize the literary genre of biography to a younger audience.
*After reading WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?, have students try their hand at creating biographies of their own (this could be done individually or in groups and could be modified based on grade level).
*Use book as a supplemental instructional material while studying Theodore Roosevelt. Even on the middle and high school level this would add an additional view point in which students may picture and understand the former president.

Genre 4 - PROFESSOR I.Q. EXPLORES THE BRAIN by Seymour Simon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1993. PROFESSOR I.Q. EXPLORES THE BRAIN. Honesdale, PA: Bell Books. ISBN 1878093274

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this informational text, Seymour Simon uses, Dr. I.Q. (who closely resembles Albert Einstein), to lead a group of multicultural children in an exploration of the human brain. Comparing the organ’s ability and functions to that of a familiar machine—the computer—Dr. I.Q. provides an interactive look at a scientific subject with hands-on activities and suggestions offered in many of the pages. Colorful illustrations, characters’ thought and word bubbles, “Try This…” suggestions, and a friendly feline sidekick add information, entertainment value, and appeal for the reader. Simon takes a complex subject and presents it in a relatively brief and concise literary offering— readers will receive an abundance of information in just 40 pages.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Simon manages to offer readers an overview of a complex and multifaceted topic in a brief literary experience. Cleverly comparing the brain to a computer, the goofy Dr. I.Q. introduces his students to the brain beginning with its general construction and then moving on to specific parts, functions, and more complex concepts surrounding the organ. While the information provided is a solid representation for introductory purposes, the scientific terms and concepts may be a bit too complex for younger ages. Still, if read in an environment that provides supplemental support, even younger readers may benefit from Simon’s book.

The pages of the book are filled with text that present the relative information about brain construction and function, while illustrations cleverly offer reinforcement and experimental suggestions through “Try This...” suggestions. This particular aspect of the book makes it somewhat interactive, if readers choose to carry out the suggestions. In general, the book has a forward momentum, where each subsequent page’s information builds upon that offered in previous pages. This particular characteristic makes it somewhat harder for readers to use the book for reference purposes, as it is difficult to locate specific concepts in the jumble of words on every page (in spite of an attempt at bolded key words). Scientific terminology is defined throughout the text, but no glossary or index is offered for readers who may benefit from a more direct definitional format.

Overall, the book’s colorful design and style may appeal to younger audiences, but the amount of wording could be intimidating to less experienced readers. An abundance of information is offered on each page, however, some of the pages give off a sense of chaos—leaving the reader unsure of where and how to approach the overwhelming text.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Youngsters fascinated by the inner workings of their heads may find the book stimulating as an introduction to such diverse fields as left- and right-brain theory and the study of brain waves.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A clearly written, brief—but surprisingly complete—discussion of the brain and its parts.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*As students/children read the book, perform the “Try This…” sections to reinforce information provided in the text.
*Break the book into sections based on concepts (i.e. right- and left-brain, parts and structure, etc.) and use the information provided as an introduction to those science concepts as they are taught in class. This could be used in almost any grade level.

Genre 4 - THE WALL: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374347018

2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE WALL is a “graphic memoir” of author, Peter Sis’, childhood in Czechoslovakia. Through a blending of graphics, narration, brief descriptions, and journal entries, Sis provides readers with a look into his earlier life in a country controlled by the totalitarian government of Communist Russia. Offering insight into the time period, he establishes the events leading up to the creation of the Iron Curtain so that readers have a frame of reference to draw from. Describing political, personal, and societal events, Sis covers all areas of life that were impacted by the control and constant monitoring of the government entity. THE WALL is a truly insightful and educational reading experience.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peter Sis documents his childhood and early life in Czechoslovakia through the graphic memoir of a young boy, which would most closely fall under the category of “informational storybook” (due to the story-like nature of the character and life/events timeline). Providing a firsthand account and accurate historical information, Sis creates an educational asset to children learning about the Cold War era in an Eastern Bloc country. His story is relevant to readers of all ages as it touches on a truly monumental event in world history. Describing the political (i.e. government, “compulsory” actions and requirements, police, education, etc.) and social (i.e. music, art, clothing, hairstyles, personal expression, etc.) influences and events, he paints a vivid picture of what it meant to live in the Soviet Union in that time.

The book is organized so that it may be read as a story or referenced depending on what type of information the reader is seeking—journal entries, general informative writing, storyline, or graphic representation. It is not a book that must be read in a single sitting or from one cover to the other. Within the organization of the book is a freedom for the reader to experience the information that the author has to offer in their own individual way. Covered from front to back with interesting drawings and even a few historical photos of propaganda posters, the illustration invites readers into the pages without the intimidation of excess words on each and every page. The story can be experienced through pictures or words (or through a combination of both) making it an appealing choice to a variety of audiences. Sis presents the truth of a nation and what freedom means to him through his personal life journey and a unique authorship and style.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “... the author pairs his remarkable artistry with journal entries, historical context, and period photography to create a powerful account of his childhood in Cold War-era Prague.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom..."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Great middle school study aid as students learn about the various events leading up to and during the Cold War.
*Allow students to explore some of the creative aspects of the book in greater depth—i.e. Beatles and Beach Boys songs, clothing and hairstyles of the time period, banned Western books, etc.
*Have students begin to create their own graphic novels/memoirs about growing up during the War on Terrorism and 9/11. (This should be considered more for high school students and could be controversial due to the sensitive and current nature of the subject.)

Genre 3 - TROPICAL SECRETS Holocaust Refugees in Cuba by Margarita Engle

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engle, Margarita. 2009. TROPICAL SECRETS: HOLOCAUST REFUGEES IN CUBA. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0805089365

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Through first person narration Margarita Engle tells the story of Daniel, a young Jewish boy from Germany seeking refuge in Cuba after being turned away in both the United States and Canada. This poignant, story, based on factual historical events, is full of emotion and honesty as Engle’s words take the form of a beautifully flowing verse novel. She offers additional points of view as readers are exposed to a native Cuban girl risking everything to help care for refugees (Paloma), to her father (El Gordo) — a corrupt Cuban official accepting bribes for visas, and to a Russian refugee who has made his life in Cuba and accepted the reality of the war (David). Throughout the novel readers will experience an emotional response to the struggles that Daniel, David, and Paloma encounter as they begin to understand the details and effects of the war in Europe and the constant struggle to protect those seeking refuge.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Engle creates an eloquent story of family, friendship, love, trust, faith, and realization in TROPICAL SECRETS. Using figurative language and imagery that plays to the senses, she paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle and corruption of World War II, highlighting its presence in less prominent places (such as Cuba). The narrative voices strike the emotional chords of readers as they solicit feelings of sadness, loss, hope, and friendship. Engle is successful at making an emotional connection with her readers.

Through descriptions of the island, clothing, people, and celebrations like “carnival,” an expressive canvas of setting is laid out. The imagery in the language makes readers feel as though they, too, are present in Cuba. There is little rhyming in each of the pages due to the nature of the poem. It is a free verse narrative of an event in history. The rhythm, however, is an integral part of the novel, shifting and adjusting for the narrator, event being described, and the mood or emotion being conveyed. The overall tone of the novel is somber with glimmers of hope. While the book ends on a more positive note, it is still bittersweet as Daniel never again sees his parents and Paloma’s father is never punished for his corruption.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review in KIRKUS REVIEW: “Engle's tireless drive to give voice to the silenced in Cuban history provides fresh options for young readers.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The full-cast narration gives an authentic and distinct voice to each character and will engage listeners. This is historical fiction at its best.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read Engle’s previous two verse novels THE SURRENDER TREE and THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA, both reflecting the history of Cuba.
*Discuss lesser known countries that were affected by WWII and the Holocaust. Lead the children in a discussion about these topics offering for them to share any of their families’ stories