The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary Schmidt

cover image retrieved from

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/556136.The_Wednesday_Wars

Bibliography

Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. THE WEDNESDAY WARS. Clarion Books. New York. ISBN-13: 978-0618724833

Plot Summary

Junior High, a time of turmoil and uncertainty, throws Holling Hoodhood to the wolves. His teacher hates him (he thinks,) his older sister is obsessed with the Flower Child movement of the 60s, he is misunderstood by his classmates, and his parents are uninvolved in his life, but desperate to appear the prefect family. Through the course of seventh grade, Holling learns more about Shakespeare than he ever wanted to know, forges a friendship with the dreaded Mrs. Baker, and comes to terms with who he is and who he hopes to become.

Critical Analysis

Oh, the curse of being a seventh grader in the 1960s. Unrest: personal, interpersonal, social, and political, all come crashing together in this terrific novel. Schmidt creates a cast of characters and situations that are both riotously entertaining and realistic. The struggles Holling Hoodhood endures are real to readers of all ages. The social and political issues of the decade help craft the characters of the Hoodhood family, clashing one generation against the other. Fears of the Vietnam war hang heavily in the hallways of the junior high. Yet through it all, Holling must go through the rights of passage, growing up and making decisions concerning how he will conduct himself.

Holling begins this tale convinced his teacher hates him. Forced to spend an hour a week alone with her while his classmates attend Jewish or Catholic school (Holling has the great misfortune to be Protestant,) Holling begins to understand her, and himself, better through the metaphors in the works of William Shakespeare. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud at the circumstance in which Holling finds himself as he navigates the murky waters of junior high.

Details of the 1960s and Vietnam War are historically accurate, necessary for the development of the story, but not central to the immediate action of the story. This is a perfect example of living life, and reality gets in the way. Things don’t always go as planned, but somehow they always work out in the end. Schmidt’s novel entertains, involves, and challenges the reader to consider the grand scheme of things in an ever-changing world. It is a must-read.

Review Excerpts

"Schmidt, whose LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY won both Printz and Newbery Honors, delivers another winner...deeply satisfying." Publishers Weekly, Starred

"Schmidt ... [gets] to the emotional heart of every scene without overstatement ... another virtuoso turn by the author of LIZZIE BRIGHT." Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"Schmidt...makes the implausible believable and the everyday momentous...a gentle, hopeful, moving story." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

"Schmidt rises above the novel's conventions to create memorable and believable characters." Horn Book, Starred

"[An] entertaining and nuanced novel.... There are laugh-out-loud moments that leaven the many poignant ones." School Library Journal

"An accessible, humorous school story, and at the same time, an insightful coming-of-age tale." Bookpage

"Fans of ... LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY may be pleasantly surprised to see Schmidt's lighter, even sillier side." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards and Honors

Cybil Award, 2007 Finalist Young Adult Fiction United States

International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor List, 2010 Honor List Writer Canada

John Newbery Medal, 2008 Honor Book United States

Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature, 2008 Winner California United States

Mitten Award, 2007 Honor Book Michigan United States

National Parenting Publications Award, 2007 Gold Book Ages 12 & Up United States

Society of Midland Authors Book Award, 2008 Winner Children's Fiction United States

Thumbs Up! Award, 2008 Nominee Michigan

Amazon Editors' Picks: Top 10 Books, 2007 ; United States

Best Books for Young People, 2007 ; Washington Post; United States

Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2007 ; American Library Association; United States

Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2008 ; Booklist; United States

Capitol Choices, 2008 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States

Children's Book Sense Picks , Summer 2007 ; American Booksellers Association; United States

Kirkus Best Young Adult Books, 2007 ; Kirkus; United States

Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts, 2008 ; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States

Notable Children's Books, 2008 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States

Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2007 ; Cahners; United States

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008 ; American Library Association; United States

Connections

• ·      Explore the culture of the 1960s. Examine what made it distinctive by visiting http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade60.html. After looking through the website as a class, assign students to dig deeper in each of the major areas covered on this site: Arts & Architecture, Books & Literature, Education, Fads & Fashion, Historic Events and Technology, Music, Theater/Film/Radio/Television, and Sports. Have students work with a partner or small group to develop a teaching presentation to share with the class (PowerPoint, Diorama, display board, Book Trailer/Commercial, etc.)
• ·      In the novel, Holling discovers that Mrs. Baker won a medal in the Olympics. How have Olympic competitions been impacted by world events, such as war? Have students research the modern Olympics and create a layered timeline that shows major world events and Olympic competition that coincide in time. Map the events and the sites of the Olympic competitions.
• ·       Mrs. Baker has a love for Shakespeare that she imposes on Holling. Of course, at first he hates it and finds it proof that Mrs. Baker hates him. As the story progresses, Holling begins to find the meaning in the plays. Examine some of Shakespeare’s plays, either in small groups or with the entire class. Shakespeare for Children can be found at http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Tales_From_Shakespeare_(For_Children)/index.html (free) or eBook Shakespeare’s plays for kids can be accessed for $14.95 at http://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/shakespeare-for-kids.htm  
• ·      The 1960s are remembered for the artwork, among other things. Learn more about the Optical Art, Pop Art, Psychedelic Graphics, and Peace Signs of the 60s at http://www.squidoo.com/sixtiesart . Challenge students to create their own groovy art. Each student cant hen write a poem to describe their art and/or the 1960s. Use the poems and artwork to create a classroom display or compile a class anthology.

Other books by Gary D. Schmidt:

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Okay for Now

Trouble

First Boy

Straw Into Gold

Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost

The Sin Eater

Mara’s Stories: Glimmers in the Darkness

Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season

Lily's Crossing

Lily’s Crossing

By Patricia Reilly Giff

cover image retrieved from

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lilys-crossing-patricia-reilly-giff/1002183721?ean=9780440414537&itm=1&usri=lily%2bs%2bcrossing

Bibliography

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1999. LILY’S CROSSING. Bantam Doubleday Dell. New York. ISBN-13: 978-0440414537.

Plot Summary

The realities of a war half a world away come crashing home for Lily when her father is drafted to serve as an Army engineer during World War II. Lily spends her summer at the family’s oceanfront cottage with her grandmother, as usual, but this summer suffers separation from her beloved Poppy, and the relocation of her best friend Margaret, whose father moves to work in an ammunitions plant. An unexpected friendship with a young Hungarian war refugee permits Lily to face fears and reality, while waiting with the rest of the world for the war to end. 

Critical Analysis

            The bonds of true friendship, the love of a family, and the fears of a world at war are intermingled practically in this touching personal account of the devastation of World War II. Ms. Giff introduces the reader to characters so real they seem to live just down the street. She effortlessly draws the reader in to care about them right away, revealing small but poignant details of their past. Lily’s life as she knows it is once again pulled out from under her, sending the protagonist and reader reeling. The strong, realistically flawed characters react to the imposition of war just as any person would, with anger, resentment, fear, and dread.

This novel provides details of the era that would be nostalgic to older readers, informative to younger readers. Unexpected details, such as the contents of the display window of the Once and Again store, blend with the expected, such as a neighbor’s Victory Garden. Lily’s Gran worries about her, like any grandmother would, but permits Lily to run free throughout the day, a throwback to the time period when kids were often left to run and play, without cares about their safety. This glimpse into the past is well constructed, informative and moving at the same time.  Readers are treated to a history lesson, without even realizing it. Conversations clue the reader in to the morals and attitudes of the day, authenticating this novel as realistic historical fiction. The idyllic ocean community setting is a perfect balance to the turmoil of the world. Lily, and her touching story, are a treat for readers looking for historical accuracy or simply a great read.

Review Excerpts

"Details...are woven with great effect into a realistic story."

--The Horn Book Magazine, starred

"Exceptional characterizations and a robust story line...this has all the ingredients that best reward readers."

--Publishers Weekly

"Brilliantly told."

--The New York Times Book Review

"With wry comedy and intense feeling...Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II...The friendship story is beautifully drawn."

--Booklist

Awards and Honors

1998 Newbery Honor Book

ALA Notable Book

Boston Globe--Horn Book Honor Book

Connections

• ·      Friendships are key to Lily’s Crossing. Compare and contrast Lily’s friendship with Margaret to her new friendship with Albert. Create a picture Venn diagram by selecting an object that represents each of these friends and list elements of the friendship on the item (ex.: a candy wrapper to represent her friendship with Margaret and the rowboat to represent her friendship with Albert.) In the middle of the page, select an object that represents Lily and/or her friendship with both characters (possibly beach.) List at least 4 descriptions of the friendships on each object.
• ·      Use the theme of friendship to discuss the Allied and Axis Powers of WWII. What bonds held these alliances together? Are friendships based on need good or bad? What does it take to be a good friend, personally and on a larger scale, like for a country? Is it ever ok to form a friendship of necessity?
• ·      Examine the causes and effects of WWII. Create a flow chart that shows major events, and resulting events. Then, personalize the lesson by creating a flow chart that shows major events from Lily’s Crossing and resulting events. Have students reflect on positive, negative, and unintended outcomes. Assign students to write a 3 paragraph reflection on a positive and a negative unintended outcome from a personal event. In the final paragraph, ask students to summarize how unintended outcomes can sometimes be better than what was originally  planned.
• ·      Map the countries that participated in WWII, color-coding countries that were aligned with each the Allied and the Axis Powers. Use a different color for countries that switched allegiance during the War. Research to find out why some countries made that switch.
• ·      Visit Patricia Reilly Giff’s webpage on Random House’s website at http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780440414537&view=t

Other books by Patricia Reilly Giff:

Big Whopper

Storyteller

Wild Girl

Eleven

Water Street

Willow Run

All the Way Home

Fourth-Grade Celebrity

The Gift of the Pirate Queen

A House of Tailors

Maggie’s Door

Nory Ryan’s Song

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Polk Street School Books:

All About Stacy

B-E-S-T Friends

The Beast and the Halloween Horror

The Beast in Ms. Rooney’s Room

The Candy Corn Contest

The Case of the Cool Itch Kid

December Secrets

Emily Arrow Promises to Do Better This Year

Fancy Feet

Fish Face

Garbage Juice for Breakfast

In the Dinosaur’s Paw

Lazy Lions, Lucky Lambs

Look Out, Washington, D.C.!

Monster Rabbit Runs Amuck!

New Stop, New York City!

Pickle Puss

Purple Climbing Days

Say “Cheese”

Snaggle Doodles

Spectacular Stone Soup

Sunny-Side Up

The Valentine Star

Watch Out! Man-Eating Snake

Chains

Chains

By Laurie Halse Anderson

Cover image retrieved from

http://madwomanintheforest.com/historical-chains/

Bibliography

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. Atheneum. New York. ISBN-13: 978-1416905851.

Plot Summary

After Isabel and her sister Ruth spend a relatively happy early childhood with their mother as servants in Maryland, they are sold away to be slaves in Manhattan in 1776. Unbelievable cruelty and hardship await, made bearable only by Isabel’s determination to get away, reunite with Ruth, and live life on her own terms. Resolved to maintain her dignity while struggling through trials, Isabel finds her inner strength challenged by circumstances well beyond her control, as freedom remains just out of her reach, as well as the reach of the Patriots in the city around her.

Critical Analysis

The title says it all. This gripping novel weighs heavily on the reader throughout this very personal account of Isabel, a slave in Revolutionary Manhattan. Though her family has been in bondage her whole life, her early childhood was relatively happy. This tranquil time comes to a close when first her mother, then her mistress dies. Sent to a relative of the mistress, Isabel and the reader are crushed by the cruelty that awaits her. Anderson weaves a powerful narrative that engages the reader, bringing the unspeakable inhumanity Isabel endures straight to the reader’s heart.

            Events of the American Revolution serve as a backdrop for the story. Details are painfully accurate. Isabel routinely questions herself as to how she fits in the overall scheme of this talk of freedom. Whom should she trust? Would any white person really allow a black to be free? Why shouldn’t she be as free as they? Heart-wrenching details of her thoughts, misconceptions, fears, hopes, and dreams reveal a complex, yet very personable character. The reader roots for her in situations small and large, sharing her worries and her determination. The evils she faces are historically accurate, in the feelings and events of the Tories versus the Patriots, whites versus blacks, men versus women, children versus adults. Just as these times were a turbulent period in our country’s history, turbulence, wrapped in chains, binds the reader to our resolute heroine.

Review Excerpts

Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation. --  School Library Journal

Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss.  --   Booklist *starred review*

Anderson’s novel is remarkable for its strong sense of time and place and for its nuanced portrait of slavery and of New York City during the Revolutionary War. —Hornbook

“...fast-moving, emotionally involving plot.”—Publishers Weekly *Starred review*

"Chains" offers a perfect springboard for classroom discussion and history lessons. But don't dismiss it as academic fodder. Battle scenes and politics, heroic acts and secret plots fill its pages, making it as exciting for readers who prefer action (as do many boys) as it is inspiring for those more drawn to stories about people and relationships (as girls often are).” — Christian Science Monitor

           

Awards & Honors:

      IRA Teachers' Choices booklist for 2009

            Selected by Indie Booksellers for the Winter 2009 Kids' List

            2008 Booklist's Editors Choice-Books for Youth

            2008 National Book Award Finalist

            2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

            2009 Top 10 Black History Books for Youth

            2009 Notable Children's Book

Connections

• ·      The questions Isabel raises about her rights for freedom are resonant of Sojourner Truth’s voice, half a century later. Pair Chains with Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, given at The Women’s Convention, Akron Ohio, 1851.                                                                                                                  Access Alfre Woodard reading the speech at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vr_vKsk_h8                                                                                                                            or read the text at http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/sojtruth-woman.html
• ·      Research the role of slaves in the American Revolution. Did the victory by the Patriots have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on slavery?
• ·      Find out more about the link between the American Revolution and slavery. Two of our first three Presidents were slave owners. Find our more about George Washington and Thomas Jefferson’s views on slavery at http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/meet_george/index.cfm/ss/101/ and http://www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/thomas-jefferson-and-slavery
• ·      Check out Laurie Halse Anderson’s amazing website at http://madwomanintheforest.com/historical-chains/

Ms. Anderson provides her playlist of the late 18^th century, links to over a dozen authoritative sites with more information about the 18^th century and the American Revolution, a bibliography of over two dozen books and numerous articles, a comprehensive teacher’s section, and a preview of the sequel to Chains, entitled Forge.

• ·      Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Historical Fiction:

Forge

Fever 1793

Young Adult Fiction:

Wintergirls

Twisted

Prom

Catalyst

Speak

Fiction for Young Readers:

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School

Vet Volunteer Series

Nonfiction for Young Readers

Independent Dames

Thank You Sarah!

Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

Written in Bone

Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

By Sally M. Walker

Cover image retrieved from

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3213072-written-in-bone

Bibliography

Walker, Sally M. 2009. WRITTEN IN BONE: BURIED LIVES OF JAMESTOWN AND COLONIAL MARYLAND. Carolrboda Books. Minneapolis. ISBN 978-0-8225-7135-3.

Plot Summary

Forensic Anthropology, a branch of science that deals with excavating and studying the remains of people who lived many years ago, is detailed in this amazing chronicle of the history of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland settlements. Researchers and archaeologists carefully documented and studied the remains of many former residents, piecing together the story of the past through findings of the present.

Critical Analysis

Stunning visuals give life and depth to this high-quality account of the excavation of numerous graves of the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. Author Walker draws on her personal interest in archaeology, rooted in her college years. The author of over fifty books, Walker is known for her research and storytelling techniques. Based on her reputation, Walker was asked by Smithsonian Institution scientist Dr. Douglas Owsley to write a book stemming from his works in forensic archaeology. The resulting book is a treasure to explore and learn from. Walker’s curiosity spills out onto the pages, followed by answers and then more questions that are raised as a result. The reader is easily caught up in her own interest, style, and selection of material to include.

The text on the pages is set on a background watermark image of mounds of dirt, setting the tone for this book of discoveries made by digging in the dirt in natural locales. Dozens of photographs, diagrams, maps, and primary document excerpts grace the pages, with just the right amount of text added for a manageable balance.  The organization of text into chapters with appropriately descriptive titles, along with the superb index, allow the reader to easily locate specific information. Source notes, a timeline, a selected bibliography, and suggestions for further reading and websites complete the resources available. Easy to understand vocabulary, with excellent use of context clues, definitions, and descriptions, permit the reader to feel in control of the reading material. This fascinating book is the total package: inviting, informative, and reliable.

Review Excerpts

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 6–9—Walker takes readers on an archaeological investigation of human and material remains from 17th- and 18th-century Jamestown and colonial Maryland, while addressing relevant topics in forensic anthropology, history, and archaeology. Written in Bone casts a magnifying glass on the hardships and realities of colonial life so often romanticized in American lore.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* This unusual volume, suggested to Walker by a scientist at the Smithsonian Institution, dips into American history to introduce the work of forensic anthropologists. Back matter includes source notes, a source bibliography, a time line, and lists of recommended books and Internet sites. The reading level is relatively high and the quantity of detailed information is not for everyone, but those intrigued by forensics and history will find this absolutely fascinating.

 Connections

     Pair this book with Blood on the River, a historical fiction novel by Elisa Carbone (Viking, New York. 2006. ISBN 0-670-06060-7) . Compare and contrast the story of the founding of Jamestown, particularly the terrible starvation the settlers faced, fictionalized in Blood on the River, with the facts revealed in Written in Bone. What theories exist that are portrayed in either book?
     Compare the archaeological study of Jamestown with that of the pyramids of Egypt. What similarities and differences do you find?

     Pair this book with Bodies from the Ice by James Deem (Houghton Mifflin, New York. ISBN-13: 978-0618800452.) What can be learned from the discovery and recovery of bodies from the past? Which book details circumstances that are more revealing of the past?

     What are other ways historians find out about the past? Have a classroom discussion, brainstorming methods used to uncover the events and people of the past.

     Other books by Sally M. Walker:

Druscilla’s Halloween

The Vowel Family

The 18 Penny Goose

Bessie Coleman

Mary Anning Fossil Hunter

Jackie Robinson

The Search for Antarctic Dinosaurs

Mystery Fish: Secrets of the Coelacanth

Super Croc Found

Shipwreck Search

Early Bird Earth Science

Early Bird Energy

Early Bird Nature

Early Bird Physics

Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed

Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley

Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth

Life in an Estuary

Nature Watch Rays

Nature Watch Crocodiles

Nature Watch Sea Horses

Nature Watch Manatees

Nature Watch Dolphins

Nature Watch Hippos

Nature Watch Rhinos

Nature Watch Jaguars 

Lafayette and the American Revolution

Lafayette and the American Revolution

By Russell Freedman

Cover image retrieved from

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lafayette-and-the-American-Revolution/Russell-Freedman/e/9780823421824/

Bibliography

Freedman, Russell. 2010. LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Holiday House. New York. ISBN 978-0-8234-2182-4.

Plot Summary

At just nineteen years old Gilbert de Lafayette went against his family’s wishes to flee France and travel to America, seeking to lead a regiment in the colonists’ quest for freedom from Britain. Lafayette quickly became fast friends with General George Washington, and distinguished himself as a worthy leader and faithful friend of the Americans, despite his lack of experience in battle. Following a key role in the American victory at Yorktown, Lafayette returned to France to play a pivotal role in French Revolution and the future of French politics.

Critical Analysis

Gilbert de Lafayette is a misunderstood figure of great importance in the American Revolution. In this well-organized biography, Russell Freedman brings the man to life, shedding light on his background, motivation, and dedication to the cause of liberty, both in America and in France. Material is organized into chapters that are kept lively by frequent inclusion of illustrations. Though the pictures are all historic paintings and drawings, which are well documented in the back, they break up the text nicely. The text is a bit heavy at times, stark and straightforward. The information is necessary to adequately tell the story of this remarkable man, but is best taken in small doses.  Primary document excerpts are used frequently, authenticating the context and information relayed here. A timeline and selected bibliography allow the reader to continue research, if desired.

            Freedman, an award-winning author of several biographies and history books, knows his subject well. He presents the most important aspects of Lafayette’s life, bringing emotion and empathy to this  foreigner who greatly impacted the American Revolution, both with his military leadership and aristocratic ties that led him to favorably influence the French government to aid the Americans. The text is not a light, enjoyable read, but rather a dependable resource for upper elementary to high school students. It would be easier to reference if it had been arranged with subheadings or smaller sections. An excellent index eases the reader’s plight, when attempting to locate specific information. This reliable resource is a valuable addition to any collection of biographies or material concerning the American Revolution.

Review Excerpts

Newbery Medalist Freedman, biographer and historian to the young, employs his easy-to-read style in chronicling the life of Gen. Gilbert de Lafayette, an unlikely but key player in the American Revolution. A time line, source notes, bibliography, and index complete this thorough account. Ages 10 up.                  Publishers Weekly

An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb volume by a master of his craft. (timeline, source notes, index) (Biography. 10 & up)     Kirkus Reviews

Connections

•      Pair this book with a biography of George Washington, such as Washington at Valley Forge by Russell Freedman (Holiday House Press, New York. ISBN-13: 9780823420698) or Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington by Anne Rockwell (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York. ISBN-13: 9780152165833). Compare and contrast these military leaders.
•      Compose an acrostic bio-poem about Lafayette or Washington. Use descriptive words or phrases to identify the leadership qualities that make him a great leader.
•      Challenge students to construct a timeline of at least ten important events from Lafayette’s life.
•      Create a map with markers for the battle of the American Revolution. Use a different marker for battles that Lafayette participated in. Create a chart listing American wins and British wins. Write a summary statement of the results of these battles and the eventual outcome of the American Revolution.
•      Research other foreigners who fought in the American Revolution, on both sides of the war. Why would residents of another country become involved in a battle that did not directly concern them? Write a journal entry that one of the foreigners might have written, detailing his involvement in the Revolution.
•      Other books by Russell Freedman:

Washington at Valley Forge

Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

In Defense of Liberty: The Story of America’s Bill of Rights

Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence

The Life and Death of Crazy Horse

An Indian Winter

Buffalo Hunt

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane

Indian Chiefs