Analysis of THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman -class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York : HarperCollins. ISBN:978-0-06-053092-1.

PLOT SUMMARY

The orphan Bod, short for Nobody, is rescued and taken in by the inhabitants of a graveyard as a young child. He is raised lovingly and carefully to the age of eighteen years by the community of ghosts and creatures.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bod has the freedom of the graveyard. Bod is a young boy who wandered into the graveyard as a young child and inadvertently escaped the same fate as his family that was murdered in his house.  It was then decided, by the residents of the graveyard, that he be protected from danger. His guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, along with the help of a mysterious character, Silas, help nurture Bod within the realm of the graveyard. The reader is given a rich description of the vine covered, eerily serene confines of the graveyard. The story follows Bod as he makes friends with the residents of the graveyard, meets a young human girl, and learns lessons about ghouls and Night-Gaunts. Bod charms the reader with his gentle, inquisitive nature and he is well loved by those who have watched him grow. Neil Gaiman skillfully keeps the reader engaged in Bod's adventures as he escapes close calls with dangerous situations and searches for the answer to the mystery surrounding his family's murder.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Kirkus Reviews-starred review
“This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal. ”


New York Times Book Review “THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form. In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment.”

CONNECTIONS

This book is available as an audiobook performed by Neil Gaiman. I think listening to this story would provide an excellent opportunity for students to stretch their imagination through imagery and visualization.

Analysis of THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages -class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klages, Ellen. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. 2006.  Read by Julie Dretzin. Recorded Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-4821-4639-6.

PLOT SUMMARY

Eleven-year-old Dewey Kerrigan lives with her scientist father in Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1943. Her father is working on a top secret government program, and she befriends an aspiring artist who is much like herself.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Suze and Dewey are unlikely friends that must find a way to help each other through the challenges of growing up in a setting of secrecy. The story begins with a solo cross-country journey for Dewey Kerrigan. She arrives in Los Almos, New Mexico to live on an army base where her father has been working on a top secret assignment. Her only refuge is in working on her radio. Through the transition of events, Dewey moves in with Suze, her otherwise known nemesis. The tragedies that permeate the story, bring a realistic edge to Dewey's experiences. The description of the New Mexico environment and the emotions tied to the unveiling of the war work taking place in New Mexico give the reader insight into life for the families of the scientists, as well as the future implications of their historical work. The reader will gain an interesting perspective from the point of view of a child making her way in a unique, historical experience.


REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Starred Review, Horn Book Magazine: "An intense but accessible page-turner...history and story drawn together with confidence."
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly:  "An impressive debut...provides much insight into the controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike."

CONNECTIONS

I had not listened to a recorded book in a very long time, so this was a good opportunity to revisit this media type.  I enjoyed the experience, but found myself needing to take frequent breaks to refocus on the story. This made me realize that I should give my students opportunities to listen to books, but perhaps have them reflect on each chapter through a written/creative activity. Further research on this topic would also be an extension activity.

Analysis of HIROSHIMA: A NOVELLA by Laurence Yep-class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yep, Laurence. 1995. HIROSHIMA: A NOVELLA. New York : Scholastic. ISBN:0-590-20832-2 .

PLOT SUMMARY

The description of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan is detailed in this book. The story also discusses the women called the Hiroshima Maidens.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this moving account of the events on the fateful morning of August 6, 1945, the reader is introduced to Riko and Sachi. These two sisters lead the reader through a day in their life as students under constant caution awaiting an attack by the Americans. The reader also glimpses into the thoughts of the pilots that will soon be over Hiroshima. The simplicity of the daily account and the description of the beauty of Hirosima makes the undeniable tragedy all the more stirring. The sequencing of this novella, from the introduction of that day to the attack and aftermath, provides an overview of this historical moment of destruction. After the blinding light, the story introduces the Hiroshima Maidens. Their struggles and the powerful message that history must not repeat itself compels readers to learn more about this sad time in world history. Laurence Yep provides an informational afterword regarding his research experience in developing this story, as well as a list of information sources.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Review, Booklist- "In quiet, simple prose, Yep tells what happens when the atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. He tells it in short chapters in the present tense, switching from crewmen on the Enola Gay to children in a Hiroshima classroom; then he describes the attack, the mushroom cloud, and the destruction of the city; finally, he talks about the aftermath, immediate and long term, including the arms race and the movement for peace. One chapter explains the physics of the explosion and of radiation. The facts are so dramatic and told with such controlled intensity that we barely need the spare fictionalization about a young Hiroshima child who is there when the bomb falls and who later comes to the U.S. for treatment (Yep says in an afterword that she's a composite of several children). The account is fair, nonhectoring, and totally devastating. Though accessible to middle-grade readers, this will also interest older readers, who will find nothing condescending in content or format. Fifty years later, the event is still the focus of furious controversy (even the numbers are in dispute), and this novella will start classroom discussion across the curriculum. There's a bibliography for further reading." Hazel Rochman

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a good way to discuss of perspective or point of view in literature. The book also served as a strong resource in building background information for further study of the events leading up to 1945. This book would also be a connecting learning companing for THE GREEN GLASS SEA story related to the development of the atomic bomb.

Analysis of HATTIE BIG SKY by Kirby Larson -class requirement

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Larson, Kirby. 2006. HATTIE BIG SKY. New York : Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0-385-90332-4.

PLOT SUMMARY

Young Hattie Brooks inherits her uncle's homesteading claim in Montana in 1917. She is a sixteen-year-old girl that must face difficult situations and encounters some unexpected problems related to the war in Europe.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This historical fiction story introduces readers to Miss Hattie Inez Brooks. A letter to her friend fighting in World War I gives us insight into the setting of this story. Hattie's childhood is marked by ever changing households, living with various relatives. The reader learns that Hattie has received a letter from an uncle she hardly knows. The letter marks the beginning of an adventure that would forever impact Hattie's life. The challenges Hattie faces give readers a strong heroine challenged by the tough environment in which she grows. Her emotional journey introduces her to great friends, forces her to make difficult decisions, and eventually guides her to a sense of independence. The parallels of her challenges while trying to "prove up her claim" and the hardships faced by her friend fighting in Europe give the reader a deeper understanding of the affects of war for two people worlds away. Kirby Larson, through tireless and thorough research, promises readers an accurate depiction of life for those who braved the challenges of land ownership in this time and region of U.S. history. The reader will follow this journey with Hattie from her train ride filled with hope to a Montana farm that exposes harsh realities and the beauty of Montana country.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Starred Review, School Library Journal: “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.”

Starred Review, Booklist:  "In this engaging historical novel set in 1918, 16-year-old orphan Hattie Brooks leaves Iowa and travels to a Montana homestead inherited from her uncle. In the beautiful but harsh setting, she has less than a year to fence and cultivate the land in order to keep it. Neighbors who welcome Hattie help heal the hurt she has suffered from years of feeling unwanted. Chapters open with short articles that Hattie writes for an Iowa newspaper or her lively letters to a friend and possible beau who is in the military in France. The authentic first-person narrative, full of hope and anxiety, effectively portrays Hattie's struggles as a young woman with limited options, a homesteader facing terrible odds, and a loyal citizen confused about the war and the local anti-German bias that endangers her new friends. Larson, whose great-grandmother homesteaded alone in Montana, read dozens of homesteaders' journals and based scenes in the book on real events. Writing in figurative language that draws on nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters." Kathleen Odean

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great historical fiction introduction to a unit on World War I. It is also a great read aloud or independent reading that would allow for character analysis and problem-solution discussion. I think it would also be interesting to share the way the author researched to gain more insight into her family history.