A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson #11

Nelson, M. (2005). A wreath for Emmett Till. Illustrated by Philippe Lardy. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin Company.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

fifth grade through high school

Curriculum Links:

social studies

Author Credibility:

Marilyn Nelson has written several award winning poetry books. For this book, she writes in her introductions that she researched information on lynching. She also mentioned knowing she would write about Emmett Till since the tragedy happened when she was nine and was a part of her life from then on. In the back of the book, she lists a bibliography of books about Emmett Till.

Awards:

2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
2006 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
2006 Michael L. Printz Award
2005 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
2006 ALA Best Book for Children
2006 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor
2005 Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
2005 Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
2005 Booklist Editors’ Choice
2006 Notable Children’s Book in the area of Language Arts

Book Summary:

This is a book written about Emmett Till. It is written in a series of sonnets. The book builds a wreath or crown of flowers in memory of Emmett Till while weaving the sonnets together. Symbolism in the illustrations and within the poem reflects the honor that Emmett’s memory deserves.

National/State Standards:

Social Studies Standards:
Time, Continuity, and Change
Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Power, Authority, and Governance

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations of this book are made from tempera paint on cardboard. Most of the illustrations cover an entire page. There are also several two page spreads that are just illustrations. The illustrations are powerful and symbolic of the hate crime they represent. One illustration is of coffins with flowers inside and one contains the silhouette of Emmett Till. When turned on their side, these coffins resemble the Twin Towers. In the artist’s note, he gives explanation to his choice of illustrations and what each part represents.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book include an introduction by the author titled “How I Came to Write This Poem,” biographical information on Emmett Till, sonnet notes that explains the symbolism in each sonnet, an artist’s note and a reference list. Each two page spread consists of one sonnet and an accompanying illustration.

Use in My Classroom:

This would be a book I would use in the study of the Civil Rights Movement and Black History Month.

My Response to the Book:

This was an interesting book. The poem format was engaging and allowed the story to be told with numerous symbols. This is a book that would generate a heated discussion with my students and would cause them to think. I believe it would be a great spark for a series of class discussions on race relations.

Related Texts:

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles.
If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandell and
Students by Suzanne Jurmain
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Martin Luther King, Jr. by Mary Winget

Related Web Site referenced in the book:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/till

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins #10

Jenkins, S. (2003). What do you do with a tail like this? Illustrated by Robin Page.
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/32

Grade Level:

This book could be used for pre-kindergarten to second grade.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used in science instruction.

Author Credibility:

Steve Jenkins has written many books for children. According to his web site, stevejenkins.com, he states that he wrote this book after noticing how his son, age 5, liked books that asked him a riddle or to answer a question.

Awards:

2004 Caldecott Honor Book

Book Summary:

This is a book about different animal parts and their unique uses. Several animals are showcased on each page by related part and then the use for each is explained in easy to read and understand text. Each section is divided by common body parts such as noses, tails, mouth and more.

National/State Standards:

Science Standards:
Life Science

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations in this book are done in cut-paper collage. Each illustration is bright and colorful and catches the eye. Each group of body parts are done close up and are followed by a two page spread of the entire animal. The collage gives texture to the illustrations and makes them appear as 3D illustrations.

Access Features:

Important access features of this book include an index at the end of the book that gives additional information on each animal. Accompanying the information is a thumbnail size illustration of the animal from the text for easy identification.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book in my classroom during a unit on animals. Even though this book is geared for younger readers, I think that older students would still enjoy it. The short text makes it easy to read and would be a welcome addition for lower readers during science instruction. Many times, the level of reading required in science is too difficult for lower readers and they become frustrated. This book would be read by many students in my class regardless of reading level.

My Response to the Book:

I thought this was a great book! There were many things that I learned! I did not know that a skunk will often balance itself on its front paws and spray its enemy over its back. I found myself sharing this book and the information I learned with my husband. This is a must have for my science library.

Related Texts:

Look What Tails Can Do by D.M. Souza
Look What Mouths Can Do by D.M. Souza
Look What Whiskers Can Do by D.M. Souza
Look What Feet Can Do by D.M. Souza

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni #9

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. Illustrated by Bryan Collier. New York: Henry Holt and
Company.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/40

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for grades two through five.

Curriculum Links:

I would use this book in social studies instructions.

Author Credibility:

Nikki Giovanni has written several children’s books. No information about her research was listed in the book. There is an author’s note where she states it is an “honor and a responsibility to explore the bravery of her acceptance of history’s challenge.”

Awards:

2006 Caldecott Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Child Magazine Best Book of the Year

Book Summary:

This is a book that tells about Rosa Parks and the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. The book begins on December 1, 1955, and goes through the events that occurred during the long boycott. It shows how one woman’s decision to stand up for what was right, led to a revolution for civil rights for all Americans.

National/State Standards:

Social Studies Standards:
Time, Continuity, and Change
Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Power, Authority, and Governance

Illustrations/Graphics:

Bryan Collier used water and collage in the illustrations for this book. In the illustrator’s note, he indicated he wanted to the illustrations to appear as if light emanated from Rosa. The illustrations are beautiful and cover most of the two page spreads. The illustrations show a strong woman standing up for what she believes in.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book include an author’s note and illustrator’s note .

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book during units in the Civil Rights Movement and Black History Month.

My Response to the Book:

I liked this book. It was easy to read and understand and the illustrations are wonderful. I liked reading about Dr. Robinson, an African-American female college professor at Alabama State, and her involvement in organizing the bus boycott. This is a book that I am sure my students would enjoy. I plan on using this book during my Black History Month lessons.

Related Texts:

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford
A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Martin Luther King, Jr. by Mary Winget

Americans Who Tell the Truth by Robert Shetterly #8

Shetterly, R. (2005). Americans who tell the truth. New York: Dutton Children’s Books.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

fourth- eighth grades

Curriculum Links:

I would use this in social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

Robert Shetterly has written and illustrated several books. He credits several colleagues for researching and writing the biographies associated with the book.

Awards:

2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
2006 International Reading Association for Intermediate Non-Fiction

Book Summary:

This a book that gives biographical information of fifty different Americans, alive and dead, that spoke out their opinions regarding the U.S. government, conservation, civil rights, equal rights, war, and other topics that of interest to all people.

National/State Standards:

Social Studies Standards:
Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Civic Ideals and Practices

Illustrations/Graphics:

This is a book that started as a collection of paintings done by Shetterly. The portraits exist in a traveling exhibit. The verso does not specific the medium, but the portraits appear to be oil. Each portrait shows the humanness of the subject, and has a quote by the subject on the canvas.

Access Features:

Important access features of this book include an introduction written by the author, a biographical index with thumbnail illustrations that match the full size ones in the book, and acknowledgments.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book in a study of biographies or in a study of civic practices.

My Response to the Book:

This was not a book that I fell in love with. There were some parts that I did enjoy, but the overall feel of the book was negative. The individuals in this book all stand for worthy causes, but the undertones of what I read had a negative feel. Perhaps if there were not so many people featured, the impact would not have been so heavy. I do not think this is a book I will share with my students.

Related Texts:

My Brush with History: By 95 Americans Who Were There
by Michael Driscoll and American Heritage Magazine
10 Women Who Helped Shape America by Sarah Glasscock
This Land Is Your Land: The American Conservation Movement by Sylvia Whitman

William Shakespeare & the Globe by Aliki #7

Aliki. (1999). William Shakespeare & the globe. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for grades three through six.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used during social studies and English literature studies.

Author Credibility:

Aliki has written and illustrated many books for children. For this book, Aliki acknowledges colleagues from the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Temple University, and from Folger Shakespeare Library for assisting with her research.

Awards:

1999 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
ALA Booklist Editor’s Choice
Child Magazine Best Book of the Year
ALA Notable Children’s Book

Book Summary:

This book is a pictorial biography of William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre in London. It starts in chronological sequence at Shakespeare’s birth and continues past his death. The latter part of the book chronicles Sam Wanamaker’s dream of reconstructing a replica of the Globe Theatre in London. The finished theatre was opened on June 12, 1997.

National/State Standards:

Social Studies standards:
Time, Continuity, and Change
People, Places, and Environments
Individual Development and Identity.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations appear to be watercolor and colored pencil. Aliki outlines figures in black, giving them proper emphasis in the illustrations. The illustrations range from being large and covering almost an entire page, to small and many on a page. Throughout the book there are decorative scrolls separating each act, or section in the book. The illustrations are fun and make for interesting reading. The smaller illustrations, coupled with captions or quotes, make the reader feel as if they have uncovered a small treasure while reading.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book include navy blue endpapers, an aside or author’s note, a prologue, a map of London with important places marked, a list of Shakespeare’s works, a chronology of events listed in the book, a list of words and expressions used everyday that Shakespeare coined, and a list of sites to visit for more information. In addition, the sections of the story are divided into acts and scenes to mirror the format of a play. Throughout the book are quotes from Shakespeare’s plays.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book in my classroom during a study of theater history, Elizabethan history, or the contributions of William Shakespeare in literature.

My Response to the Book:

I loved this book! I enjoyed the quotes, captions, and other interesting information that was found at the bottom of each page. I was captivated by the London Bridge. I did not remember that the bridge had over 200 houses and stores on it. There was even a church located on the bridge! I found it very interesting that not much solid information is known about Shakespeare. Most information regarding his life was gleaned from legal documents and his plays. The list of commonly used words and expressions was also interesting. I was not aware that Shakespeare was the first to use some of the same phrases that we still use today.

Related Texts:

Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley
Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times: 21 Activities by Colleen Aagesen
DK Readers: Welcome to the Globe: The Story of Shakespeare’s Theatre
by Linda Martin
Shakespeare’s Globe: An Interactive Pop-Up Theatre by Toby Forward
A Child’s Portrait of Shakespeare by Lois Burdett

Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams by Stephen Krensky Annotation #6

Krensky, S. (2005). Dangerous voyage: The revolutionary voyage of John Quincy
Adams. Illustrated by Greg Harlin. New York: Dutton Children’s Books.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/32

Grade Level:

This book would be appropriate for grades kindergarten through fifth.

Curriculum Links:

I would use this book during social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

In the author’s note, Krensky indicates that he wrote this story based on John Adams’ own diary. He indicates that the diary was written with “scrupulous” detail.

Awards:

2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People; 2006-2007 Keystone to Reading Book Award nominee

Book Summary:

This book was about voyage that John Adams, and his ten year old son, John Quincy Adams took in 1778 from Massachusetts to France seeking financial assistance with the Revolutionary War. The Boston and her passengers encountered many scary things during their trip. They sustained a huge storm, attack from British frigates, and encounters with merchant ships. The trip ended in success when they reached their port and played an instrumental part in securing much needed aid from the French in the Revolutionary War.

National/State Standards:

The social studies standards addressed are Individual Development and Identity, Power, Authority, and Governance, and Individuals, Groups, and Institutions.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations have a great impact on this book. They are done in watercolor, and have an overall brown tone to them, as if to show age. Details are shown on faces, which give a clear understanding of what the people are feeling at the time. The large illustrations on each page would be enjoyed by all ages that read this book.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book are a map at the beginning of the book that shows the journey made from Massachusetts to France. It has important points along the path that show the reader how the events in the story affect the path. This book also includes an author’s note at the end of the story that gives more information on John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams and what they achieved in their lifetimes.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book during a study of the United States Presidents, as a part of President’s Day, or in conjunction with a unit on the Revolutionary War.

My Response to the Book:

I thought this was a very good book. I did not know that young Johnny Adams went with his father to France to secure aid from France during the American Revolution. The trip was also made in winter, so the threat to safety was even greater. As I was reading this book, I feel like I could almost smell the rank, putrid smells onboard the ship. The way the text was written was very vivid.

Related Texts:

Books about the Revolutionary War:

Fight for Freedom: The American Revolutionary War by Benson Bobnick
Liberty or Death: The American Revolution: 1763-1783 by Betsy Maestro
George vs. George: The Revolutionary War as Seen by Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer
Let It Begin Here!: Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution by
Dennis Brindell Frandin

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein Annotation #5

Gerstein, M. (2003). The man who walked between the towers. Brookfield, CT: Roaring
Book Press.

Book Type/Pages:

Picure/40

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for grades kindergarten through fifth.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used during social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

Although Mordicai Gerstein is primarily an artist, he has written several children’s books. In the acknowledgment in this book, he states that he did not witness the famous walk between the towers. He sources for this book are articles from The New Yorker, The New York Post, The Daily News, and a book written by Petit, To Reach the Clouds.

Awards:

2004 Caldecott Award

Book Summary:

This book is about a street performer named Philippe Petit that walked across a wire suspended between the Twin Towers in New York City in 1974. Philippe had once walked between the steeples of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and decided to do the same in New York. The towers were not yet completed, but Philippe and some friends disguised themselves as construction workers and snuck in. They spent all night preparing for the walk, with most of the time spent on securing the wire, which was seven-eighths of an inch thick, between the towers. They accomplished this by using arrows. Philippe completed the walk, having lots of fun in the meantime, and was taken away in handcuffs.

National/State Standards:

The social studies standards addressed are Individual Development and Identity and People, Places, and Environments.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations are done by the author, Mordicai Gerstein. The overall sense that is obtained from these illustrations are whimsy and fun. The illustrations almost have a cartoon like feel. The Twin Towers are very clear in the illustrations, giving them center stage as one of the main characters in the story. Illustrations vary per page. Several small ones occur on a page next to a full page illustration. Twice within the book, the illustrations are on fold out pages to give the reader a feel for the height of the Twin Towers. The illustrations make this a fun story to read.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book are an acknowledgment and two fold out illustrations.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book in my classroom as a part of a unit on the events of September 11th. Another use would be in a study performance artists.

My Response to the Book:

I thought this was a fun book. The illustrations were bright and cheerful and the two fold out pages were a surprise. I was surprised to find that the wire suspended between the two towers was only seven-eighths of an inch! I can only imagine that the wind at such heights made this a very frightening walk. I especially liked the part where the book mentions that Philippe even laid down on the rope as people were on the roofs of the towers waiting for him to finish his famous walk. I know my students will enjoy this book.

Related Texts:

Books about September 11th:

September 11th: A Simple Account for Children by Nancy Poffenberger
Tower Stories: The Autobiography of September 11th by Damon DiMarco
The Day That Was Different: September 11, 2001: When Terrorists Attacked America by
Carole Marsh
September Roses by Jeanette Winter
What Will You Do for Peace?: Impact of 9/11 on New York City Youth by Faith
Ringgold

Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen by Michelle R. McCann Annotation #4

McCann, M.R. (2003). Luba: The angel of Bergen-Belsen. Illustrations by Ann Marshall.
Berkeley, CA. Tricycle Press.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for grades three through eighth.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used in social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

Michelle R. McCann is an author of seven children’s books and a professor of children’s literature at Portland State University. In the acknowledgments, she credits several colleagues for fact checking and translations. She researched this story by interviewing Luba Tryszynska and the children that Luba saved.

Awards:

2004 Louis Posner Memorial Award (National Jewish Book Award for Illustrated Children’s Books); Jane Addams Honor Book; 2004 Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance Library and Archives Once Upon A World Children’s Book Award

Book Summary:

This book is about Luba Tryszynska, a prisoner at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during World War II. One night in 1944, she discovered fifty-four Dutch children that were left for dead in an empty field. Luba brought the children into her crowded room and risked her life daily to feed and care for these children. When the camp was liberated in April 1945, fifty-two of the children were still alive. Luba looked for her husband, son, and other family members. Not finding any surviving family, Luba emigrated to the United States in 1947. Many years later, the grown children she helped save found her and they were reunited. Luba was awarded the Silver Medal of Honor for Humanitarian Services by Queen Beatrix of Amsterdam in 1995. As a result of the press, she located distant family members in the United States.

National/State Standards:

The social studies standards addressed by this book are People, Places, and Environments, Time, Continuity, and Change, and Individual Development and Identity.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations in this book were done in oil and collage. The illustrations show lots of light, which lend a positive feel for such a dark time in history. The illustrations throughout the book give hope for the plight of the children and show Luba’s love for them. I found them to be very effective telling the story.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book are an author’s note with the names of the “Diamond Children”, a prologue with information about the events leading up to World War II, an epilogue, some additional information on World War II and the Holocaust including a map, a bibliography, and acknowledgments.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book in a study of World War II and the Holocaust. It could also be used in a character education unit to teach acceptance and kindness towards others.

My Response to the Book:

I found this to be a powerful book. The topic of the Holocaust is such an emotional one and this story of how one women was able to save the lives of fifty-two children is incredible. When doing research on the book, I found a listing on a website for librarians that stated that this was a true story but not typical of those of concentration camps. The camp that Luba was at, Bergen-Belsen, was the same camp that Anne Frank died at. I think this would be a good book to use in the classroom to share with students while studying this time period. The hope that it inspires would balance all of the evil doings that occurred in concentration camps. This was a beautiful story that I will read again.

Related Texts:

Other books about the Holocaust:

Erika’s Story by Ruth Vander Zee
The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse
Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt
Willy and Max: A Holocaust Story by Amy Littlesugar
The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy
The Number on My Grandfather’s Arm by David A. Adler
Rose Blanche by Ian McEwan
The Harmonica by Tony Johnston

Leonardo da Vinci by Diane Stanley Annotation #3

Stanley, D. (1996). Leonardo Da Vinci. Illustrated by Diane Stanley. New York:
Morrow Junior Books.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for students in grades three through eighth.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used during social studies, science, or art instruction.

Author Credibility:

Diane Stanley has written other pictorial biographies, as well as this one on Leonardo da Vinci. In her acknowledgements, she lists Professor John Shearman of Harvard University Department of Fine Arts, as assisting with reading the text.

Awards:

ALA Notable Book Award; Boston-Globe Horn Book Honor; Orbis Pictus Award; Publisher’s Weekly Best Book Award; Land of Enchantment Book Award Masterlist

Book Summary:

This is a pictorial biography of the life of Leonardo da Vinci. It begins at his birth, as the son to a father of class and a peasant mother. Being illegitimate by birth, some career options were not open to Leonardo. He studied art and was apprenticed to the famous artist Andrea del Verrocchio. Leonardo flourished in his art and he joined an artist guild. Leonardo then worked for several different patrons and completed many different important art pieces. During this time, he also invented, studied the human body, and created new methods of painting.

National/State Standards:

The social studies standards addressed by this book are People, Places, Environments, Science, Technology, and Society. This book also addresses the science standard of Science and Technology.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations in this book were done in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and photo collage. Also included in the illustrations, are reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings from his journals. The pages have a border that was adapted from one of da Vinci’s designs. The large, brightly colored illustrations are very engaging in drawing in the reader.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book include a pronunciation guide, an introduction, a full page illustration opposite full page text, a postscript, a bibliography, and a list of books for recommended for younger readers. An interesting note is that the dust jacket and cover art have mirror images including the writing.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book during a study of the Renaissance period in history, famous artists and/or inventors, and a biography genre study in literature.

My Response to the Book:

I thought this was a great book. I had already read Leonardo’s Horse by Jean Fritz, so I was interested in learning more about Leonardo. I liked learning how Leonardo developed his craft as an artesian, but did so much more that paint. His many inventions were very interesting to learn about. I thought his method of writing backwards and being left-handed was neat!

Related Texts:

Leonardo Da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities by Janis Herbert
Amazing Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself by Maxine Anderson
Who Was Leonardo Da Vinci? by Roberta Edwards
Leonardo, The Beautiful Dreamer by Robert Byrd

This book has a detailed bibliography and a recommended for younger readers list at the back of the book.

Leonardo's Horse by Jean Fritz #2

Fritz, J. (2001). Leonardo’s horse. Illustrated by Hudson Talbott. New York: G.P.
Putnam’s Books.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/48

Grade Level:

This book is appropriate for grades 2 through 6. For younger grades, reading aloud would be more appropriate.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used during social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

Jean Fritz is a well known author and has been writing for over forty years. To research this book, she traveled to Italy to see Leonard’s horse and be present for the unveiling. In the acknowledgements, Jean Fritz lists the Board of Trustees for the Leonardo Da Vinci horse.

Awards:
2002 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People; Orbis Pictus Recommended Title; ALA Notable Children's Books; Not Just for Children Anymore! Selections by the Children's Book Council; ABC Choices Award from the Association of Booksellers for Children; Voice of Youth Advocates Nonfiction Honors List

Book Summary:

This book is about the unfinished work of Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo did not finish the twenty-four foot statue for the Duke of Milan. It was said that Leonardo wept on his deathbed for the unfinished horse. In 1977, Charles Dent, an art lover, read the story of the unfinished horse and decided to complete it. He spent many years researching, building, and preparing for the completion of the horse. It was not completed upon his death in 1994. A sculptor, Nina Akamu, finished the job in 1999.

National/State Standards:

The social studies strands addressed by this book are People, Places, and Environments, Science, Technology, and Society, and Time Continuity, and Change.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations in this book were done in watercolors, pen and ink, colored pencil and collage. The illustrations are brightly colored and show detail in the horse and its stages, as well as the process the creation went through. The illustrations were very engaging ad fun to look at. There appears to be illustrations of the different stages of the horse as if from Leonardo’s own drawings. Different views of the horse using different media add interest to the story.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book are the dome shaped book, bronze colored end pages, an acknowledgement, and author’s note. Within the book is a flow chart that shows the process the horse took from a clay plaster to bronze.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book during studies of the Renaissance period, specific artist studies of Leonardo Da Vinci, or sculpture.

My Response to the Book:

I was eager to read this book because of my interest in art. That, coupled with finding that the author was Jean Fritz made this a book I thoroughly enjoyed! I have read many of Jean Fritz’s books, so I knew this would be a great book. I was interested to find out about the horse that Leonardo Da Vinci started but had never finished. I had never heard about this horse and was pleased to learn more. The dome shape to the book made it an interesting book to read as well. This is a book I would use in my classroom and know that my students would enjoy.

Related Texts:

Leonardo Da Vinci by Diane Stanley
Leonardo Da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities by Janis Herbert
Amazing Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself by Maxine Anderson
Who Was Leonardo Da Vinci? by Roberta Edwards
Leonardo, The Beautiful Dreamer by Robert Byrd

Related web site: www.leonardoshorse.org/index.asp

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges #1

Bridges, R. (1999). Through my eyes. New York: Scholastic Press.

Book Type/Pages:

Picture/64

Grade Level:

This book would be appropriate for kindergarten through adult. For younger grades, reading aloud and looking at the photographs would be more appropriate.

Curriculum Links:

This book could be used in social studies instruction.

Author Credibility:

Ruby Bridges experienced integration in the New Orleans school first-hand. This is an autobiography of her experiences during her first grade year, as the only African-American in her school in 1960. The articles and interviews were compiled and edited by Margo Lundell.

Awards:

1999 Parents’ Choice Award; 2000 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award; 2000 Carter G. Woodson Book Award

Book Summary:

This book is about Ruby Bridges’ experiences during 1960, as she integrated William Frantz Public School when she was six years old. She was the only African-American student that integrated that school that year. This book tells her story as she remembers it then. The book also includes photographs that show the protestors that were there as Ruby went to school each day. Quotes from articles and interviews give a picture of the turbulent times during the Civil Rights Movement.

National/State Standards:

The social studies strands addressed by this book are Civic Ideals and Practices and Individuals, Groups, and Institutions.

Illustrations/Graphics:

The illustrations in this book are black and white photographs using sepia tones from a variety of sources that document Ruby’s first grade year during integration. The photographs are very powerful in their portrayal of the courage that Ruby demonstrated.

Access Features:

Important access features in this book include a Dear Reader letter by Harry Belafonte, a bottom bar on each two page spread that give excerpts from interviews and articles, a heading at the top of each two page spread, a timeline of events during the Civil Rights Movement, and a section that explains what Ruby has been as an adult.

Use in My Classroom:

I would use this book during my study of the Civil Rights Movement in social studies and during Black History Month in February. This book could also be used to during a genre unit on biographies and autobiographies. Another way to use this book would be during a study of children who make a difference in the world.

My Response to the Book:

I thought this book was beautifully done. I expected Ruby Bridges to have some bitterness for the protestors and demonstrators that were present each day, but surprisingly she felt the opposite for them. This book, with its touching photographs, shows how one person can make a difference in the lives of many. I thought this book was wonderful!

Related Texts:

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles.

Books about Civil Rights:

If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandell and
Students by Suzanne Jurmain

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges

Through My Eyes is a book by Ruby Bridges about her experiences integrating an all white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Ruby entered the first grade and was the only African American student to integrate that school. This book is filled with very powerful photographs of the protesters she encountered each day. Ruby does an excellent job relaying her thoughts during that time. She tells her story simply, but the photographs speak volumes.

My first reaction to this book was one of sadness. I felt very sad for Ruby and her family because of the ignorance of the segregationists. Mean, hurtful, and dangerous things were said and demonstrated that will leave lasting memories to Ruby and her family. The story of Ruby's courage and determination did leave me feeling hopeful that one day our country will be united in educating our youth, without judging them based on their race.

I have viewed the movie about Ruby Bridges that Disney made and found it to also leave me with similar feelings. Other books that I have read that make excellent connections to this deal with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's.

I would recommend this book to others because it has a very powerful message. Believing in yourself and taking a stand are things that we must teach our students in the complicated world we live in. Reading the story of a little girl who had faith, courage, and determination in spite of all odds gives us hope.