The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

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Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN-13 9780805088410

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Fentress, Texas in 1899. This is a story about an eleven year-old girl, named Calpurnia Virginia and her resistance to become what society expects of young ladies during this time in history. Being the only girl of seven children makes this even more difficult for her. 

The characters are believable and many young females can relate to Calpurnia and the expectations of what others want her to do with her life. Calpurnia's grandfather, Captain Walter Tate is another believable character. Many young people can relate to having a grandparent who is similar to Walter.  The plot is realistic to the time period and it is presented accurately. The plot also presents the history accurately and is not too overwhelming. 

The setting is vividly described and is an integral part to the story. The time period of 1899-1900 and living in a small town in Texas are explicit. The universal theme of coming-of-age reflects the time of the turn of the twentieth century, but also reflects the time of today. The style captures the flavor and speech patterns of the era. The author's voice and manner are reflected and all the literary elements are woven together to create a beautiful, well-written story. Kelly acknowledges several people at the end of the book, but no sources are cited for authenticity and further reading. 

Calpurnia continues to resist what society and especially what her mother wants her to become when she tells her "It means that a girl from a good family has become a young lady and is ready to be introduced into Society". The story takes place during a time that is very much different than today, especially for young women. Young women were expected to "step-out" and hope to find their future husband. The woman was then expected to stay home and raise the children. This is not the life for Calpurnia. She loves nature, insects and the worst of all, science. She enjoys spending time with her grandfather who teaches her many things about life. This is a very enjoyable story for children and adults about "going against the grain". 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was a Newbery Medal Award nominee in 2010. Other awards and nominations include: Children's Book Committee Award-winner, Texas Lone Star Reading List-commended, Beehive Awards-nominee, and many more.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy: Cornelia and the Audacious Escapes of the Somerset Sisters, Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered, and The Sisters Brothers.

School Library Journal
"The book ends with uncertainty over Callie's future, but there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel."

Booklist
"The eye-catching jacket which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel."

Further activities for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/ncslmayabookaward/middle-school/interesting-links-2010-2011

http://evolutionofcalpuniatate.wordpress.com/activities/

http://www.lessonindex.com/The_Evolution_of_Calpurnia_Tate_by_Jacqueline_Kelly.htm

Out of the Dust

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Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809

Out of the Dust is a historical fiction novel based on the dust bowl that occurred in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. The story follows fourteen year-old Billie Jo and her experience of the dust bowl from 1934-1935 and the loss of her mother and baby brother.  Written in free-verse poetry style, Billie Jo documents her experiences in a journal format.

Billie Jo's character is very believable throughout the story as she experiences the hardships of the Great Depression. Her mother is expecting a baby soon and with times being tough, Billie Jo takes on a job of playing piano for a band to help earn money for the family. The language used is appropriate for the time and readers will have no problem relating to Billie Jo's character. The history is presented accurately and in terms that children can understand. The plot is not overwhelming with details and is very realistic to the time period of the Great Depression. 

The setting is an integral part of the story since the dust bowl affected those who lived in Oklahoma at that time. The time and place are vividly described continuously and contributes to the authenticity of the story. The reader is able to understand the pain and hardship Billie Jo endured. The theme of the story is still relevant today, with Billie Jo experiencing the loss of her family members, financial struggles, and a strained relationship with her father. Hesse's style of writing helps create a wonderful story using literary elements. Hesse captures the speech patterns during the years of the Great Depression by including phrases like "The farm won't fail. Long as we get some good rain".

Out of the Dust is a wonderfully written story about the hardships families experienced, not only during the Great Depression, but those who survived the dust bowl. Young readers are able to relate to Billie Jo's character as she talks about school, testing, death, and sadness. The experiences of the characters are very detailed, but unfortunately, the sources are not referenced for further information about the Great Depression or the dust bowl. This is a quick read and perfect for reluctant readers. 

Out of the Dust was the Newbery Award Winner for 1998. Other awards and nominations include: Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Young Reader's Choice Award-nominee.

If you enjoy this novel, you may also enjoy these titles written by Karen Hesse: Letters from Rifka, Witness, The Music of Dolphins, and Safekeeping. 

If you would like to read further about the dust bowl, you may enjoy: Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the school at Weedpatch Camp, The Great American Dust Bowl, and The Dirty Days: A Young Girl's Journey to and from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl. 

School Library Journal 
"After facing loss after loss during the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, Billie Jo begins to reconstruct her life. A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose-poetry."

Booklist
"The story is bleak, but Hesse's writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love."

Further activities for Out of the Dust can be found at:
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/khesse.html

http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/out-of-the-dust/

http://www.prestwickhouse.com/PDF/SAMPLE/304477.pdf

Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America

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Murphy, Jim. 2000. Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590673092

In Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America, Murphy presents a social history type informational book for children about the blizzard of 1888 that affected the northeastern United States. Unusually mild weather was experienced in March of 1888 and weather forecasting equipment to predict the approaching storm did not exist. The mild weather misled millions of people into celebrating the beautiful weather outdoors. 

Murphy has a reputation for providing factual social history informational books to children and has excellent credentials. Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America, received positive reviews by knowledgeable reviewers. The sources used to create this book are cited and only facts from the event are provided. The Illustrations and photos match the text throughout. 

The organization is in an easy to follow layout. The book begins with the beautiful weather experienced prior to the blizzard, the blizzard hitting the northeast, the resulting loss of life and property after the storm ended, and ending with the changes that were made to help prevent tragedies similar to this from happening again. Reference aids including a table of contents and index are available. 

The design is very attractive and inviting for those who are curious about this horrible disaster that affected so many. The illustrations and photographs compliment the text and help provide the reader with an image of what people experienced during the blizzard. The style is lively and interesting, encourages curiosity, and encourages further reading. Murphy provides just enough information about the blizzard of 1888 and demonstrates his passion for writing throughout.

The blizzard of 1888 really did change America and Murphy explains how in the final chapter. In 1888, the streets of New York were cluttered with garbage, trash cans, and other debris. The streets were also covered by a canopy of electrical wires that hung from above. The blizzard created a disaster with debris flying through the streets and the weight of the snow caused the wires to dangle dangerously close to the streets. These factors, along with several feet of snow caused transportation to come to a complete halt. Getting legislation passed to help prevent events such as this from happening was very difficult, "but the blizzard had fostered in the public a mood for change." Because of this blizzard, the subway system was created, electrical wires were placed underground, and sidewalks were required to remain free of debris. "By 1894, all wires in New York City had been banished underground, and other cities - including Washington, D.C.; Boston; Albany; and Buffalo, to name a few - followed its example." This is a very interesting and educational read and will be very much appreciated by those who love to read about historical events.

Awards and Honors for Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America include: Robert F. Sibert nominee for Outstanding Nonfiction, The Jefferson Cup Award, ALA Notable Book, and ALA Best Books for Young People. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these other titles by Jim Murphy: The Great Fire, The Long Road to Gettysburg, and The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution. 

Booklist
"Like Murphy's award-winning " The Great Fire" (1995), this is an example of stellar nonfiction. The haunting jacket illustration grabs attention, and the dramatic power of the splendid narrative, coupled with carefully selected anecdotes, newspaper accounts, and vintage and contemporary photos, will keep the pages turning."

School Library Journal 
"Authentic photographs, drawings, and maps that demonstrate the course of the storm, all done in the same sepia tone as the text, perfectly illustrate the book. Overall, a superb piece of writing and history."


Further activities for Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America can be found at:

http://www.teachertreasures.com/uploads/weather_tt.pdf

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/thismonth/weather/index1.html

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/blizzard-lesson-plan

The Tarantula Scientist

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Montgomery, Sy. 2004. The Tarantula Scientist. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618147993.

This photo essay informational book follows scientist Sam Marshall. Marshall studies tarantulas and is in search of the Goliath birdeating tarantula in South America. Sy and Bishop follow Marshall, documenting his search in text and photos. 

The Tarantula Scientist presents factual information about tarantulas and is recommended by knowledgeable reviewers. Montogomery and Bishop both have the reputation of providing excellent works of nonfiction for children and neither disappoint with The Tarantula Scientist. The sources are cited in the selected bibliography found in the back of the book.

The organization follows a logical pattern with an introduction of Sam Marshall, and introduction to tarantulas, and French Guiana, South America, where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found. The book continues with information about spiders, Marshall finding the Goliath birdeating tarantula, and ending with why the earth needs tarantulas. Reference aids are found on every page with photos and text describing the photos. A map of where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found is included in the front and an index can be found in the back. Subheadings are also found throughout. 

The design of the book is very appealing to children, as well as adults who appreciate tarantulas. The tarantula on the front cover will attract many fans immediately. The vocabulary is appropriate for the intended age group and a glossary is included in the back for those who want or need it. Both Montgomery and Bishop's passion for their work are demonstrated in this book. The Tarantula Scientist encourages critical thinking and further reading. A section is included for what to do if you visit French Guiana, South America and what to do if you purchase a tarantula as a pet.

Children who love spiders, and especially tarantulas, will love this book. Readers will learn many facts about tarantulas and that they really are not that bad. "Tarantulas are understudied and underappreciated," says Marshall.  This informational book will be a great addition to your library or even personal shelf. 

The Tarantula Scientist was a Robert F. Sibert Award Nominee in 2005.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these titles by Sy Montgomery: The Tapir Scientist, The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, and The Snake Scientist. 

School Library Journal
"Informative, yes, but even more important, this is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work, both in the field and in the lab, questioning, testing, and making connections. A treat, even for arachnophobes."

Booklist
"Enthusiasm for the subject and respect for both Marshall and his eight-legged subjects come through on every page of the clear, informative, and even occasionally humorous text. Bishop's full-color photos, which concentrates on detail, not scale, are amazing."

Further activities for The Tarantula Scientist can be found at: 

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/tarantula/

http://symontgomery.com/wp-content/themes/toolbox/downloads/tarantula-activities.pdf

http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/TARANTULA%20SCIENTIST.pdf

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)

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Krull, Kathleen and Paul Brewer. 2010. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country). Ill. by Stacy Innerst. Boston: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN 9780152066390

This informational book is a biography of Abraham Lincoln and explains his love of humor throughout his life. The book describes the difficult life Lincoln had as a child on the frontier, including the loss of his mother at a young age. His hardships never seemed to cease and he soon realized humor was a way to find an escape, even as President of the Unites States.

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country), is a very well written and accurate informational book. Krull has a great reputation for providing factual information to young people. Krull includes her sources and does state that Lincoln's jokes were compiled by many people after his death. Some jokes were told third-hand or further. This book was reviewed by knowledgeable reviewers and all had positive remarks. 

The organization is very well done with a clear sequence of events, beginning with Lincoln as a child living on the frontier, in the middle as president, and ending with his death. The design of the book is also very well done. The acrylic artwork is very appealing and follows the text on each spread. The illustrations communicate the subject matter effectively. The style is very clear and interesting. Krull's passion for writing informational books definitely shows in her work. She uses appropriate vocabulary and provides just enough information about Lincoln's life that will educate and entice enquiring minds to read more about Abraham Lincoln. 

"I'd rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh." These were all great ways for Lincoln to overcome the harships in his life. From the loss of his mother, the difficult life on the frontier, politics, and life in the white house, Lincoln always found humor as a way to thrive and become one of the best presidents this country has ever known.

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country) was nominated for the Cybils Award for Nonfiction Picture Books in 2010. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these works by Kathleen Krull: Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman, The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny), and Louisa May's Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women.

If you are looking for more books written about Abraham Lincoln, you may enjoy: The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Fleming, Candace, Who Was Abraham Lincoln by Pascal, Janet, and Abraham Lincoln by Emerson, Judy. 

Booklist
"Laughter is not only good medicine. It can also be a political tool, human motivator, and saving grace, as the authors show in this upbeat overview of Lincoln's life...the text emphasizes how Lincoln coped with a joke on his tongue and a smile on his lips."

School Library Journal
"The legends that endure about Lincoln are many, his log-cabin childhood, his honesty, his eloquence. What is less-often discussed is how he used humor to diffuse tense political situations, disarm critics, and undo the stresses of running the country."

Further activities for Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country) can be found at:

http://www.alincoln-library.com/facts-about-abraham-lincoln.shtml

http://blog.richmond.edu/openwidelookinside/archives/author/bc5xm

http://norfolksamericanconnections.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/if-i-were-president-linkin-lincoln-and-norfolk.pdf

What My Mother Doesn't Know

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Sones, Sonya. 2003. What My Mother Doesn't Know. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN 0689855532

In this poem verse novel, Sones introduces Sophie, a fifteen year-old  girl and her experiences with love and other coming of age events. In her intro, Sophie states "This book is about me. It tells the heart-stoppingly riveting story of my first love. And also of my second. And, okay, my third love, too." Sophie tells about her life experiences with family, love, and friends.

This verse novel is perfect for reluctant readers who want to read the experiences of a young lady and how she deals with things. This is a quick read and very entertaining. Most young adults can relate to the events in Sophie's life and that's what makes it so appealing to them. Although this book is on the Banned Book List, I believe it is a 'must have' for libraries.

If you enjoy this book by Sonya Sones, you may also enjoy: One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know, and Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy.

Awards Include: 

Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005-2006)

Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book (2002)

American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults (2002)

American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers (2002)

Booklist Editor’s Choice (2001)
Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003-2004) 

Kirkus Reviews

Starred review "A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."

Booklist

Starred review "Fast, funny, touching."

Further Activities for What My Mother Doesn't Know can be found at:

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=124

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=124
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/what-my-mother-doesnt-know