Analysis of BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST by James Deem- class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James. 2008. Bodies From the Ice : Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston : Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618-80045-X.

PLOT SUMMARY

This informational book explores the science of glaciers and looks at some of the discoveries of the past that have been made as the ice masses move and melt.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book presents the informational text features of a non-fiction book such as a table of contents, website sources, illustration credits, captioned photographs, index, and an extensive bibliography.  The high interest subject of discoveries in ice will appeal to a wide range of readers and may inspire students to explore the non-fiction genre. The vividly real photographs of the first discovery, maps, and gorgeous images of the natural landforms bring the stories of discoveries to life for the reader. The bolded titles in the book and full page photographs draw the reader into learning about the various topics. The book provides an extensive wealth of information about the glaciers of our earth and the revealed mysterious discoveries.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 5–8—"Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences."—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA    Booklist review: "There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers. It begins with a chance discovery by walkers in northern Italy who find a thawing corpse originally thought to be from the 1800s. Scientists later realized the body was more than 5,000 years old. As glaciers melt throughout the world, more frozen bodies are appearing, adding greatly to the knowledge researchers have about history and culture. Individual chapters cover types of glaciers and why they are fertile territory for housing bodies; the Chamonix glacier, which saw women climbers in the early 1800s; and the mystery of George Mallory, who died trying to climb Mt. Everest. Perhaps most fascinating to kids will be the chapter on recently discovered Incan children sacrificed to the gods. The pictures of these children, looking as though they might be sleeping, are arresting. Heavily illustrated with historical memorabilia as well as photos of bodies, scenery, artifacts, and rather simplistic maps, this offers a lot to look at and learn about." Grades 4-7. --Ilene Cooper

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great way to inspire students in the upper elementary grades to explore the non-fiction genre. It also had a environmental impact section at the end that would connect with earth friendly lessons. The inclusion of the many non-fiction text features are a great resource for a book features lesson.

Analysis of OCEANS by Seymour Simon- class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 1997. Oceans. New York : Mulberry Books. ISBN: 0-688-15478-6.

PLOT SUMMARY

The wonders of the world's oceans are explored through photographs and factual text.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

A richly colored photograph of the earth captures the reader's eye at the introduction of this informational book. Comparisons to Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon act as commonly known landforms that help the reader understand the depth of the ocean. Diagrams, map features, and real life photographs credited to ocean authorities such as the United Coast Gaurd compliment the facts presented in this book.The author's clear style of writing is a welcoming easy to read text on a scientific topic. He includes helpful connections to harder to understand concepts such as the value of a quintillion. The water cycle, a standard of science education is detailed as powered by the sun's energy. The exciting earth events such as el nino, tsunamis, wave energy, erosion and the tides are part of this book's comprehensive overview of many water related topics. The book closes with a beautifully warm photograph that leaves the reader delighted in the newly learned knowledge. The clear orgainization of each ocean related science topic makes this easy to focus in on specific topics or an easy to follow whole text reading. The breadth of facts and photographs make this a must have resource in science education.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review, Rosanne Cerny, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 3-5. "Excellent introductory titles. Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen full-color photographs that go beyond decoration, becoming integral parts of the texts. Spectacular photos of the deserts of the American southwest are used to show…

Gr 3-5. Excellent introductory titles. Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen full-color photographs that go beyond decoration, becoming integral parts of the texts. Spectacular photos of the deserts of the American southwest are used to show the various features from rippling sand, to wind-eroded rock formations, to the sparse vegetation characteristic of the area. There is a little information on how both plant and animal life have adapted to the harsh climate, and on the wonderful public lands such as Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, etc. The maps on the endpapers show the major deserts (except for Antarctica), but the rest of the world's desert areas, while occasionally mentioned in the discussion, are not represented in the photo selections. In the second book, Simon explores the magnitude of the oceans and their impact on the Earth's climate. He includes good black-and-white diagrams of how tides work and how waves form and transfer energy. The endpapers are maps of the world showing how and where the major currents flow."

THE HORN BOOK review:

"Visually stunning."

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great resource to compliment the water cycle, weather, erosion, and tides lessons.

seymoursimon.com is also a great web resource

Analysis of THE BOY WHO INVENTED TV by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Greg Couch- class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen. 2009. The Boy Who Invented the TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth. New York : Alfred A. Knopf . ISBN: 0-375-84561-5.

PLOT SUMMARY

A picture book biography of Philo Farnsworth, the boy who would grow up to create the world's first television image.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this beautifully illustrated picture book biography, the reader is introduced to Philo Farnsworth. A brief introduction describing life before television sets the stage for the story. Philo's childhood is detailed as one of exploration and wonder. The reader is given life events, illustrated with acrylic and color pencil eye catching images, to connect with the natural tendency Philo has to explore the mechanical world. A confirmation that he truly was inspired by the inventions around him is given by a quote in reference to his reaction to a phonograph and hand-cranked telephone. He is quoted as saying, "These things seemed like magic to me." The inclusion of time specific events and items helps the reader imagine the time period in which Philo's life takes place. The Sears Roebuck catalog, popular-science magazines, and the introduction of radio are introduced as time references. The specifics of his move from Utah to Idaho, his marriage to Pem Gardner, and his 1928 announcement of his invention remind the reader that this is a biography organized in the context of a story.Young readers' curiosity and natural wonder will be excited as they connect with the normal young life of this little known inventor and his journey in creating an amazing invention that they most likely use on a daily basis. The author's note and sources list of books and websites complete this entertaining and inspirational picture book biography.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Starred Review, School Library Journal:"One to inspire young audiences with the vast possibilities that imagination and diligence can accomplish."

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great inspirational introduction to an inventors unit of study. It is also a great read aloud that will appeal to the students that are mechanically inclined, naturally curious, and out of the box thinkers.

Analysis of ON THE SAME DAY IN MARCH: A TOUR OF THE WORLD'S WEATHER by Marilyn Singer, Illustrated by Frane Lessac-Course Requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2000. ON THE SAME DAY IN MARCH: A TOUR OF THE WORLD'S WEATHER. Ill. by Frane Lessac. HarperCollinsPublishers. ISBN 0-329-26904-6.

PLOT SUMMARY
ON THE SAME DAY IN MARCH,  the author takes readers on a journey on the same day. Each location has very specific weather and students are able to take a "tour" to examine many different places and the connection to weather.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The repetitive nature of the chorus, "on the same day in March", hooks readers into drawing comparisons. Although there is little rhyme in this poem, the illustrations and text emphasize the concept of weather changes around the world. The language of the book paints a mental picture of the way of life for people and animals in the different parts of the world. The oil painting illustrations have vivid colors that appeal to the young eye. The repeat language hooks readers in to identifying similarities and differences of weather around the world. Marilyn Singer's text and illustrations by Frane Lessac, create a well balanced approach to activating background knowledge of the reader, connecting fairly new concepts to prior schema, and inspiring interest to upcoming units of weather study.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

From Publishers Weekly

"In this companion volume to their Nine O'Clock Lullaby, Singer and Lessac embark on a meteorological trip around the globe, pointing out the drastically different weather conditions that can occur in various places, all on the same day. From the Arctic to the Texas Panhandle, Northern Kenya and all the way down to Antarctica, readers trek across both hemispheres, checking out snow, ice, fog, clouds, sun and heat. Singer's poetic language makes the voyage a particularly intriguing one, describing African rains that "leave the gift of a river," Patagonian clouds, "white puffs" that "vanish wet and cold/ in [a boy's] fat warm hands" and, in Barbados, sunlight that "dazzles on the sand." Lessac's folk-art paintings are like stylized picture-postcards, featuring jaunty groupings of brightly clad people and distinctive backgrounds, ranging from bustling cityscapes to wide-open countryside. No matter the time of year, youngsters will be eager to take this informative tour." Ages 4-8.

CONNECTIONS
I used this book to inspire interest and introduce the topics of weather, the greenhouse effect, polloution...etc. to my students. The book guides the thinking that weather changes according to ceratin factors, the variations of temperature in different parts of the world, and the importance of weather around us. This book is a great introductory piece to the unit of weather and it's effects.

Analysis of THIS IS JUST TO SAY by Joyce Sidman, Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski-Course Requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-618-61680-2.

PLOT SUMMARY
THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS is a compilation of fictional poems adressing the tough subject of apology and forgiveness and the poetic responses to the apologies.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The context and content of these poems clearly reflects the thoughts of an adolescent. Many of the poems reflect a true representation of a young writer. The sometimes humorous subjects, creative illustrations, and easy to relate imagery creates a definite appeal amongst young readers. The language is indicative of young authors that seek to right a wrong. The reactions, also written from a youth perspective, clearly carry the youthful banter. The sincere emotion and details to real life emotions make this picture collection of poems a humorous approach to a very mature emotional theme. The rhythm of the poems vary from poem to poem. Some are written in haiku form, while others are in rhyme. While some humor is weaved into the poems, some of the poems are much deeper and reveal the underlying emotions that inevitably come from any relationship between people.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

School Library Journal Starred Review: "Grade 4-7-Mrs. Merz assigns her sixth-grade students to write poems of apology, and what emerges is a surprising array of emotions, poetic forms, and subjects from dead pets and biting hamsters to angry siblings and betrayal of trust. The children decide to create their own book of these poems, complete with an introduction and occasional notes by editor Anthony K. Fast-talking Thomas writes a humorous poem patterned after William Carlos Williams's This Is Just to Say, apologizing to Mrs. Garcia in the office, for stealing the jelly donuts in the teachers' lounge: Forgive me/they were delicious/so sweet/and so gloppy... Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched. Zagarenski's delicately outlined collage drawings and paintings are created on mixed backgrounds–notebook paper, paper bags, newspaper, graph paper, school supplies. This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom."–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Kirkus Review-"The poems successfully navigate the complicated terrain for those who seek forgiveness."

CONNECTIONS

The http://www.joycesidman.com/ website is a rich resource of helpful information including readers’ guides for all of her books, audio clips of her readings, and digital trailers. Readers are also able to download a bookmark. This website provides many excellent links (including wonderful interviews on several other blogs) and much more.
http://www.joycesidman.com/thisisjusttosay.html

Analysis of DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost-Course Requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0-374-31776-3.

PLOT SUMMARY
Willow, a twelve year old girl, lives in a remote area of Alaska. She loves helping her father with their sled dogs, but can't help but feel out of place at school. She feels as though a part of her is missing or empty. During a journey to her grandparents' house, she begins to understand how the animals around her carry the spirits of her loved ones and ancestors.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Diamond Willow" is a beautifully told shape poem that details the the emotional journey of a young girl in Alaska. The series of poems are represented in a purposeful diamond shape that deepens the background of this story. Within each diamond shaped poem, there are bold words that convey a deeper, yet precise meaning within the poem. The bold words give the reader insight into the thoughts of our main character, twelve-year-old Willow. The poem is written in verse that is easily related to by an adolescent audience. Though this is not a rhyming poem, the vivid imagery of the Alaskan wilderness and beautiful language that conveys a feeling of empathy, marks this piece of literature as a must-read for any adolescent. The reader is easily able to empathize with the awkwardness and mystery of growing up.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS
This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters." School Library Journal review

“Frost presents her story in a series of poems in Willow’s voice, using a form inspired by the marks on a diamond willow stick.” —Kirkus Reviews, Online review

CONNECTIONS
I am planning on reading this story aloud a complimentary piece to our Native American study. DIAMOND WILLOW  provides open dialogue on some of the struggles of growing up and facing tough decisions.