Goin' Someplace Special

Bibliography:

McKissack, Patricia. 2001. Goin’ Someplace Special. Ill by. Jerry Pinkney. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN: 0689818858.

Summary:

‘Tricia Ann begs her grandmother to let her go “someplace special” by herself. Feeling grown-up and capable, she steps outside into 1950s segregated Nashville. As a young African-American girl, she faces discrimination on her journey. She must sit (or stand) in the back of the bus. She can’t sit on a park bench, or enter a grand hotel, or sit in the front rows for a music performance. She is alternately angry and discouraged by the signs and the hurtful words, but with the help of friends and her own fighting spirit, she makes it to “someplace special” – the public library.

Analysis:

The author does not reveal where “someplace special” is until the very end of the book, which is an effective narrative technique. The reader is left wondering whether it is a park or a church or a relative’s house or any number of places. In an author’s note, Patricia McKissack says that the story is based on her own childhood, and that the public library in Nashville was one of the few non-segregated places in town.

Each page has just the right amount of text for reading aloud, and the “fuzzy” watercolor illustrations are gorgeous. Full-color and full-spread, the illustrations of ‘Tricia Ann’s journey really make the book something special. He pays careful attention to skin tone and facial expressions.

The friendly people who encourage ‘Tricia Ann on her way are of both races, from a jovial African-American street vendor to a kind elderly white woman. And ‘Tricia Ann remembers her grandmother’s advice, too: “Hold ‘yo head up and act like you b’long to somebody” and “You are somebody, a human being- no better, no worse than anybody else in this world.” This is an inspirational message to all who read this book.

Reviews/Awards:

2002 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner

“An afterword explains McKissack's connection to the tale, and by putting such a personal face on segregation she makes its injustices painfully real for her audience. Pinkney's (previously paired with McKissack for Mirandy and Brother Wind) luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end.” Publisher’s Weekly

“There are many books about a child's first trip alone, and many books about racism and the struggle for civil rights, but this book is about more than either: it is the story of a child facing a difficult time sustained by the support of the adults in her life. McKissack and Pinkney strike just the right balance in a picture book for young readers and listeners: informative without being preachy; hopeful without being sentimental.” Horn Book

Connections:
* Read along with an accessible biography of Rosa Parks, and talk about how ‘Tricia Ann couldn’t sit in the front of the bus, and what Rosa Parks did to change that.

Talkin' About Bessie

Bibliography:

Grimes, Nikki. 2002. Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Ill by. E. B. Lewis. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN: 0439352436.

Summary:

Bessie Coleman was born in Texas in 1892. As an African-American, she had to deal with racism and discrimination growing up. She helped her mother cook and clean, and cared for younger siblings. She worked in the cotton fields and took in laundry. But through all of it, she worked hard at school, and she dreamed of doing something big. As a young lady she moved to Chicago, and from there she went to France to train as an aviator, because no school in the United States would accept her. When she returned as the first licensed African-American female pilot, she gradually became a hero through her daredevil flying stunts and her inspiring lectures across the country. Though her life ended early in a tragic plane crash, she was a pioneer for African-American rights.

Analysis:

Except for some biographical information in the front and back, the entire book is written in poems from the perspectives of various people in Bessie’s life. These are fictionalized, but based on facts. Bessie’s mother, father, siblings, teachers, and friends all speak of Bessie’s work, hopes, dreams, challenges, and experiences. Some poems are written by “field hand” or “laundry customer.” Bessie’s own perspective doesn’t come in until the very last poem. The author varies the voices slightly from poem to poem, making them feel more authentic.

The writing style and the long poems make this book more suited for older children. All ages will enjoy the beautiful full-page watercolor illustrations that accompany each poem. Almost every person pictured in the book is African-American, except a laundry customer and a news reporter, and the illustrator portrays various skin tones and facial expressions. Both the text and illustrations give a good sense of what life was like for African-Americans in Texas and in Chicago.

The author shows that it was not only whites who spoke negatively about African-American abilities. Bessie’s own brother is the one who says, “You Negro women ain’t never goin’ to fly.” The book also shows those who help Bessie achieve her dream, such as an African-American newspaper owner.

Reviews/Awards:

2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
2003 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

“Teller by teller, the story moves chronologically and builds emotionally to last entry, where Bessie speaks of the joy of flying...The verse reads aloud beautifully…” Booklist, starred review

“An introductory note puts the aviatrix in historical context, but neglects to explain some references (e.g., Jim Crow laws). The text consists of 21 poetic vignettes of Coleman delivered by "speakers" at a funeral parlor, all of whom have come to mourn the pilot who died at age 34 in a plane accident. Their reminiscences on stark white pages are illustrated with miniature portraits bordered in sepia, each one facing a full-page watercolor capturing a moment in the woman's life. Skillfully drawn and occasionally photographic in their realism, the pictures perfectly match each speaker's recollections.” School Library Journal

Connections:
* Pair with a second book about Bessie, such as Fly High by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger (for older children) or Nobody Owns the Sky by Reeve Lindbergh (for younger children).

Heaven

Bibliography:

Johnson, Angela. 1998. Heaven. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 0689822294.

Summary:

Marley is 14, and she lives in a small Ohio town named Heaven. Her Momma tells her that she saw a postcard for Heaven and knew she just had to live there. Marley likes her life in Heaven, she likes her friends, and she even likes her family. She knows that not everyone likes their family; her friend Shoogy can’t seem to stand hers. But then one stormy summer night, everything changes for Marley. A letter arrives in the mail and it prompts her parents to finally tell her that they aren’t her real parents. Her dad’s brother – known to her as Uncle Jack – is actually her father, but when her mother died in a car accident, Jack couldn’t take care of her. Marley is angry and sad and confused; she feels that she can no longer trust those she used to trust the most. It takes her some time to process this knowledge and come to terms with her life as it is. Her family and friends are supportive and loving through it all.

Analysis:

Most of the book is written in first person, like a journal entry by Marley. It’s interspersed with letters from her Uncle Jack, who drives around the country in a truck with his dog Boy.

Angela Johnson is an award-winning African-American author. The cover illustration is the first indication that the book is about an African-American girl, but the text refers within the first few pages to an “afro.” The dialogue and phrases used by the characters seem authentic for an African-American family and community. The emotions seem authentic and realistic, too, for a teenage girl who finds out that she’s adopted.

Shoogy helps Marley release anger and tension, and Bobby tells her that family is family and adoption doesn’t change that. Marley’s real father – her Uncle Jack – finally comes to see her. And Momma and Pops continue to show her the love they always have had for her.

The book also brings in current events from 1996, when the book is set. One of the plot catalysts is the burning of black churches in the South that took place in the summer of 1996; “flames that I can feel sitting a thousand miles away,” writes Marley.

Reviews/Awards:

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

“In this montage of Marley's changing perceptions, Johnson presents fragments of the whole picture a little at a time: images of people, places (the Western Union building "1637" steps away from Marley's house) and artifacts (a box filled with love letters between her birth parents) gain significance as Marley begins to make sense of the past and integrate her perceptions into her new identity.” Publisher's Weekly

“Life is Heaven in Heaven, Ohio for 14-year-old Marley until she discovers that the people she thought were her parents are actually her aunt and uncle. The man she thought was her Uncle Jack turns out to be her biological father. Angela Johnson (S&S, 1998) takes Marley on a journey of self-discovery as she must redefine who she is, and who her family is. Marley becomes an astute observer of other families and their relationships with one another.” School Library Journal

Connections:
* Read Angela Johnson’s The First Part Last, which tells the story of Bobby and Feather, Marley’s friends in Heaven. It deals with teen pregnancy and single fatherhood.

The Thief Lord

Bibliography:

Funke, Cornelia. 2002. The Thief Lord. New York: Chicken House. ISBN: 0439404371.

Summary:

Bo and Prosper are orphans, on the run from a mean aunt who only wants to adopt Bo and not his older brother. They end up in Venice, a city their mother loved, and they stumble upon a gang of kids who live in an abandoned movie theater. The leader and provider of this family group is Scipio, a mysterious young boy they call the Thief Lord. But when Bo and Prosper's aunt puts a detective on their trail, several things happen to test this family loyalty, and they also find friends in unexpected places. It turns out Scipio is actually a lonely rich kid who enjoys pretending to be a thief. Although he's never stolen anything except from his own home, he gets a commission to steal an old wooden wing that is the missing piece to a long-lost magical merry-go-round. The slightly complicated ending has most characters getting what they ultimately want.

Analysis:

The book is engaging, building up to a exciting conclusion. Most of the book has no magic or fantasy elements, but the last section introduces a merry-go-round that can turn adults into children and children into adults, and several characters actually experience this. The Thief Lord contains themes that transcend cultures: coming of age, the desire to be what you are not (either older or younger), loyalty, friendship, and more.

Cornelia Funke is a German author, and the setting for this book is in Venice, Italy. The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the setting, with just the right amount of description. Canals, boats, bridges, alleyways, churches, old buildings, pigeons, dusty souvenir shops, masks - it's all there and seems very accurate. Readers get a sense of both the present Venice and a past Venice in which rich and influential families ruled. The author avoids stereotypes of both the Italian culture as a whole and of individual characters, and she presents very balanced characters who have strengths and weaknesses. Italian words are sprinkled throughout the text, with a glossary in the back. There is a map of Venice and some ink drawings at the beginning of each chapter. Not all details are culturally accurate, though; for example, when time is mentioned in the book, it is the 12-hour system, not the 24-hour clock which is used throughout Europe. This was likely changed in translation, but it could have remained and provided an opportunity to discuss how different cultures tell time.

Reviews/Awards:

2003 winner of the Mildred Batchelder award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
New York Times Bestseller
ALA Notable Children's Book

"But between kindhearted Victor and his collection of fake beards, the Thief Lord in his mask and high-heeled boots, and a rascally street kid who loves to steal, Prosper's new world abounds with colorful characters. The Venetian setting is ripe for mystery and the city's alleys and canals ratchet up the suspense in the chase scenes." Publisher's Weekly

"A compelling tale, rich in ingenius twists, with a setting and cast that will linger in readers' memories." School Library Journal, starred review

Connections:
Read and talk about Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit, another book that deals with something magical that will help you stay young.
Read other books by Cornelia Funke, such as Inkheart.

Ogre of Oglefort

Bibliography:

Ibbotson, Eva. 2011. The Ogre of Oglefort. New York: Penguin. ISBN: 9780525423829.

Summary:

Ivo is an orphan and his only friend is a mysterious old woman who turns out to be a hag with magical powers. Through a series of circumstances, Ivo is thrilled to be included in a rescue party along with the hag, a troll, and a wizard. They set out on a long journey to rescue a princess from the clutches of an ogre. Only, they find out the princess doesn’t want to be rescued. Plus, the ogre is not violent and is more of a whiny hypochondriac. What to do now? Ivo and the princess become friends, and find some allies in talking animals who used to be humans. Everyone works together to cheer up the ogre, clean up the castle, and then defend it against further “rescue” attempts. In the end, everyone comes pretty near their own versions of “happily ever after.”

Analysis:

This book will appeal to lovers of fractured fairy tales; it’s a story where princes, princesses, ogres, and magicians don’t behave as one would expect. Ibbotson has written an entertaining and funny book that also deals with more serious themes, such as the lack of family and not being happy with one’s life. Though an orphan, Ivo finds a family in his magical traveling companions. Though Princess Mirella has a family, she feels that they do not love or understand her and only want to marry her off. Most of the characters in the book are unhappy with their lot in life. Mirella’s entire purpose for visiting the ogre was to have him change her into a white bird so she can fly above her problems, but fortunately she learns that she should remain human and face her problems.

Ibbotson was born in Austria, but moved to England when she was a young girl. The Ogre of Oglefort is set at first in London, and then on the made-up island of Ostland (somewhere among the British Isles). British cultural markers are throughout the novel, from the Underground to the landscape descriptions. Frequent tea breaks and words like “pram” are also indicators. The magical side of the story, with its ghosts and talking animals and ogres and more, is its own unique culture.

Reviews/Awards:

On the 2012 USBBY list of Outstanding International Books

“Fans of the author, who died in 2010, will find a gratifying mix of fresh material and traditional Ibbotson goodies: plenty of humorous twists, clever dialogue, an all's well that ends well conclusion, and, of course, cameo appearances by ghosts.” Publisher’s Weekly

“Ibbotson's playful humor, pungent turns of phrase, and sturdy friendliness toward her child heroes suffuse this novel (her second-to-last book), a fantasy that has its share of dramatic conflict but at heart celebrates the value of a peaceful home in which ‘people. . . [do] not want to be changed but. . . [are] content to be themselves.’” Horn Book

Connections:
* Read more by Eva Ibbotson, such as Journey to the River Sea, Dragonfly Pool, or Star of Kazan.
* Think about other examples of books or movies with classic fairy tale characters, but an unusual plot. In the movie “Shrek,” for example, the ogre is good instead of bad, much like in The Ogre of Oglefort.

Koala Lou

Bibliography:

Fox, Mem. 1988. Koala Lou. Ill by. Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Gulliver Books. ISBN: 0152005021.

Summary:

Koala Lou is a baby koala who is loved by everyone, but especially by her mother, who thinks the world of her. All the time she tells her daughter, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” But then brothers and sisters come along, and her mother is busy. Koala Lou feels ignored, and she’s desperate for her mother to say those words again. She decides that if she wins the gum tree climbing competition in the Bush Olympics, her mother will certainly say she loves her. Koala Lou trains hard and does her best, but she comes in second. After crying in the forest, she comes home to find her mother waiting, and her mother DOES love her still!

Analysis:

This is a charming, warm-hearted book. Children will find much to identify with, such as: trying hard but not winning, being unsure of a parent’s love, feeling ignored when younger siblings are born, and more. They will be reassured when Koala Lou’s mother expresses her continuing love at the end of the book. The colored pencil illustrations show action and expression well. Sometimes the characters seem to be looking right at the reader.

The author is Australian and the story is set in Australia. This is obvious from the beginning, since the main characters are koalas. In addition, the book mentions an emu, a platypus, and a kookaburra, and the illustrations show other Australian animals. Gum trees feature prominently in the book, and the “Bush Olympics” take place in the Australian bush. The mother uses the phrase, “How’re ya goin’, blossom?” The illustrations are colorful and evoke a strong sense of place.

Reviews/Awards:

“Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.” Publisher’s Weekly

“Koala Lou is appealing and truly believable….Fox brings out the best in her characters, and also conveys an important message about competition.” School Library Journal

Connections:
* Many of the animals pictured will be unfamiliar to American children, yet only a few are named in the book. Name and provide further pictures of other Australian animals.
* Read other Mem Fox books, such as Possom Magic.

Welcome back!

All the posts after this are reviews for my LS 5653 class: Multicultural Literature for Children and YA. Thanks for reading!