Tua and the Elephant

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Texas Bluebonnet Reading List, 2013

“Vivid descriptions, a heavy sprinkling of Thai words in the dialogue, and Yoo's evocative full-page art, keep the setting firmly in Thailand without feeling overtly educational or heavy-handed. Tua's generous nature and impetuous actions make her a spunky, endearing heroine. Hand this to fans of Kate DiCamillo, those looking for a glimpse of life in modern Asia, or anyone who enjoys a rollicking animal adventure story.” –Booklist, 2012

“For a book aimed at middle graders, kudos on three fronts: providing a child's-eye view of Thailand with foreign words to be decoded in context, creating a strong connection between the elephant and the girl and using a simple vocabulary to introduce the complex issue of poaching. Yoo's multiple illustrations, done in charcoal and linoleum block prints, catapult the story even higher. Foreign yet familiar, the action is often humorous and reinforces the sweet bond between pachyderm and "peanut." A rousing adventure that introduces the issue of elephant trafficking in a gentle and appropriate way.” –Kirkus Reviews, 2012

CONNECTIONS

Virtual Field Trip

Visit the Elephant Nature Park website for more information about the elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Using a Web 2.0 app such as SlideRocket, create a presentation that takes your class on a virtual field trip of the park.

Thai Culture

Harris educates readers about Thai culture through his story. One piece of information he hints at is that pointing is deemed rude in this culture. Research further cultural traits including religion, terrain appearances, education, the night market, and more. Present this information using an animation app such as Animoto or Second Life.

Tua and the Elephant Reader’s Theater

Create a reader’s theater script that will give potential readers a preview of the book. Include Tua, the mahouts, and A

My Friend Dahmer

**This book is not on a Texas reading list such as Lonestar or Tayshas. However, it was highly recommended by several librarians, which is why it has been included on this blog.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Backderf, D. (2012). My friend Dahmer. New York: Abrams ComicArt.

SUMMARY

Serial killer Dahmer did not just wake up one day and decide to murder. Events during his adolescence helped form a strange young with uncontrollable desires. Told from the perspective of a classmate, My Friend Dahmer is a detailed if not slightly dark background of famed serial killer Jeff Dahmer written and illustrated as a graphic novel.

PLOT ANALYSIS

Derk Backderf is a graphic novelist and former classmate of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Backderf wrote My Friend Dahmer as a way to inform the public about the real Dahmer while also facing some demons.

Backderf provides a firsthand account of Dahmer’s adolescent life—both at home and school. Backderf does not rely solely on his own memory but sites several other sources to ensure complete accuracy of the story being told. He does an admirable job of addressing common theories about Dahmer’s downhill spiral.

Backderf lays out the information in chronological order, in a clear sequence, from odd tendencies in junior high to weird habits in high school and beyond. He also compares his own “normal” life with Dahmer’s unusual upbringing, crediting that as part of Dahmer’s path to murderer.

The design of the graphic novel and Backderf’s detailed illustrations complement the text while taking away some of the darkness of the subject matter. The illustrations appropriately portray the events in Dahmer’s life. In a few cases, the sequence of the graphics appear a bit out of order—as if the reader gets used to reading from left to right and is then asked to read from top to bottom.

Backderf’s writing encourages readers to wonder what could have been done to prevent Dahmer from becoming a killer. Readers will also be encouraged to do further research about Dahmer. Backderf provides only enough information to enlighten readers without going into all the gory details.

After reading My Friend Dahmer, I understand how events in young people’s lives shape their character. This book has encouraged me to look further into the attitudes and tendencies of my students. I may be the one “damn adult” that finds interest in changing a young person’s path.

RECOGNITION

"The tone is sympathetic and enraged (‘Where were the damn adults?’), while not excusing or making the story unduly fascinating. Backderf’s writing is impeccably honest in not exculpating his own misdeeds . . . and quietly horrifying. A small, dark classic." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Anyone who opens My Friend Dahmer to satisfy a morbid curiosity, and likewise anyone who expects to find no more than a cynical publishing venture here, is bound for disappointment. It is a horrifying read, yes, not so much for what it reveals about the sad early (and inevitably terrible) life of Jeffrey Dahmer, but because of what it reveals about the bland emotional landscape of Middle America, in this vision a petri dish for psychoses in many degrees and forms.
Backderf’s odd stylization, with figures that look like organic robots, is a perfect vehicle for this conception. His graphic approach is grotesque, droll, and it rags on reality as masses of kids knew and still know it.
Lots of books exist about the agonies and cruelty of the adolescent high school experience, but few so compellingly bring us straight into that soulless environment, showing the ways it can shelter, allow to burgeon, and, at the same time, be completely blind to real madness.
It wasn’t easy reading this book, but I’m glad I did."
—David Small, author and illustrator of Stitches, a National Book Award finalist and #1 New York Times bestseller

"My Friend Dahmer is a brilliant graphic novel and surely ranks among the very best of the form…My Friend Dahmer is entirely original, boldly and beautifully drawn, and full of nuance and complexity and even a strange tenderness. Out of the sordid and grotesque details of Dahmer’s life, Derf has fashioned a moving and complex literary work of art."
—Dan Chaon, award-winning author of Among the Missing and You Remind Me of Me

CONNECTIONS

Further Investigation

My Friend Dahmer encourages further research about Jeffrey Dahmer’s downward spiral. Using the sources provided by Backderf as well as others, read more about Jeffrey Dahmer. Synthesize this information by moderate a class discussion board where you provide information about Dahmer, ask questions, offer suggestions for counseling students who may exhibit similar tendencies.

Intervention Presentation

Research counseling organizations to find out what can be done as an intervention for peers who you fear may be participating in dangerous habits. Use a VoiceThread presentation to present options for intervention and people or organizations who can be of assistance.

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel

Readers most often think of graphic novels as fiction. My Friend Dahmer uses this format to present information. Choose a historical topic or person to learn more about. Present your information in the form of a short graphic novel. 

Ghetto Cowboy

Neri, G. (2011). Ghetto cowboy. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

Texas Bluebonnet Reading List, 2013

Cybill Award, Finalist, 2011

New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2011

“Based on the real-life, inner-city black horsemen of Philadelphia and New York City, Neri's story, though occasionally didactic and heavy-handed, is original in theme and inspirational in tone and content.” –Booklist, 2011

“G. Neri's compelling tale …will resonate with many urban kids. The story's drama is based on real life events, a fact that will intrigue listeners. An excellent choice for school and public libraries.” –School Library Journal, 2011

CONNECTIONS

Urban Horse Farms

Ghetto Cowboy is based on real urban horse farms in Philadelphia and New York City. Research one of these farms and create an animated comic strip detailing some of the daily duties on the farms. Use a tool such as http://goanimate.com or www.toondoo.com. 

City Policy Debate

The City of Philadelphia wants to shut down Harper’s horse farm, but Harper, Tex, Cole, and the others are afraid of what will happen to the neighborhood without the farm. Choose a side (city or farm), develop your argument, and present it to the class. Create a class poll at www.polleverywhere.com to cast your vote.

Skype in a Guest

Contact one of the directors of a horse farm and use Skype to conduct an information Q & A session about the farm. 

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sonnenblick, J. (2012). Curveball: The year I lost my grip. New York: Scholastic.

SUMMARY

 

Fourteen year-old Peter Feldman experiences two tragedies at a crucial turning point in his life: the start of his high school career. Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip describes Pete’s realization that he will never pitch again and that his grandfather is losing his memory. Through the art of photography, Pete accepts these new realities while assimilating into high school.

PLOT ANALYSIS

Told in first person point of view, Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip accounts Pete Feldman’s experiences as a novice photographer. Readers see his character develop from promising sports star to injured list photographer. While Pete’s immediate reaction is devastation, he overcomes his pity-party attitude to become not just an acclaimed student photographer but a integral part in saving his grandfather’s memories.

Angelika, Pete’s classmate turned girlfriend, brings out the best of Pete. While Angelika and best friend A.J. play a minor role in the overall plot, they both are imperative to Pete’s success and development as a mature teenager.

The story progresses from just a chronological narrative of Pete’s first days of high school (almost diary-like) to a more dramatic plot structure as Pete deals with his stubborn yet ailing grandfather who suffers from the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The topic of photography includes equipment, artists, and techniques, which will encourage readers to discover more about the art form.

Family members with Alzheimer’s disease is a reality to many readers and is discussed in this book in a gentle yet purposeful way. Angelika is used as Pete’s bubble-buster, forcing him to face reality. This leads Pete to find help for his grandfather before it’s too late.

Because the story is told from Pete’s perspective, the language is simple, as if written by a teenager. However, the story has enough depth and variety—with the topics of sports, photography, and family issues—to reach even the most critical reader.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Booklist’s Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2012

Texas Lone Star Reading List, 2013

“Sonnenblick's story may be straightforward, but Peter's natural and self-effacing narrative voice makes it sing. The novel is populated with kind, vulnerable characters who care about each other...and the thoroughly enjoyable mix of sports, art, family drama, and budding romance will have readers invested in Peter's struggles to accept his new world and appreciate what he has.” --Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“[Sonnenblick] again shows an adept ability to tackle big-deal life issues, treat them seriously and believably, and filter them into a high-spirited, even fun story...A bittersweet look at freezing moments in time, and how Alzheimer's can scour even the younger generations in a family.” –Booklist, starred review

CONNECTIONS

Photography: Henri Cartier-Bresson Style

Look up biographical information about Cartier-Bresson, including several of his photographs. Following Mr. Marsh’s assignment, use a 35mm camera to take candid shots of classmates, friends, family, etc. Create a collage with a common theme to present to the class.

Alzheimer’s Disease 101

Using database resources, interviews, and medical journals to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, create a Glogster poster to present your findings. Search for basic symptoms, possible causes, commonalities in Alzheimer’s patients, treatment options, and any extra info you find.

Baseball Greats Biography

Choose a baseball player (past or present) to research. Learn about their childhood, high school and college careers as well as professional careers. Document these events in a MixBook memory book format—almost like what a proud mama’s photo album would look like! Be create! Use photographs with permission or that are copyright free (or use your own photos). Cite all sources. 

Almost Home

CONNECTIONS

Related Books
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Thank You Note Game
Follow the example of Sugar and Reba to play the "Thank You Note" game. Describe a situation to a partner, and your partner must write a thank you note showing gratitude. Trade roles. Use correct friendly letter formatting.

Help the Homeless
Contact local organizations that serve homeless populations. Find out ways in which you can volunteer to assist their efforts.

Chicago...in Lights!
Research Chicago, Illinois to find out about local attractions, population, common industries, climate, etc. Video yourself summarizing these facts and the implications they would have on the homeless population in the city.

Shadow and Bone

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bardugo, L. (2012). Shadow and bone. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

SUMMARY

Everyone desires to have something extraordinary about themselves. Orphan Alina Starkov never believed she was anything but plain. That is until she is forced to save her best friend’s life. Alina’s life is quickly changed when she joins the Darkling’s army and becomes the only hope to save her people. Along the way, she gets everything she wishes for, yet soon discovers some things are not what they seem. The past she has tried to ignore become the key to surviving the future.

PLOT ANALYSIS

As a debut piece for Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone grips readers’ attention through the whirlwind adventure orphan Alina Starkov experiences. Clumsy, dull Alina just tries to survive as a military cartographer. A scrawny misfit, Alina appeals to readers as the unlikely heroine of the book. Readers will quickly advocate for her victory.

Alina’s best friend, Mal, is everything Alina is not: sporty, strong, handsome. And she’s in love with him.

Once Alina’s power is discovered, the Darkling, the most powerful of warriors, trains Alina to be the key power in the First Army. Of course, he’s also strong and handsome, not to mention cunning. So, Alina falls for him too.

The reader will side with Alina through the twists and turns Shadow and Bone offers as it takes on Russian and Slavic myths. The plot takes Alina on a quest to develop her power as Sun Summoner in order to aid the First Army in overcoming the dark creatures of the Fold. The story contains a strong good versus evil theme; however, readers are rarely sure whom to believe. Who is good? Who is evil? Who can one trust? The logical structure of the plot is creative with constant obstacles as well as action-packed events that lead to the (possible) vanquishing of the villain. The book leaves the ending open for a sequel.

The setting of Shadow and Bone is the country of Ravka. The western region of the country is separated from the majority of Ravka by the Shadow Fold or The Unsea, a great divide filled with demonic creatures. Bardugo created and included a map of this fictitious land to aid readers in understanding the region. Northern and southern countries possess their own dissentions with Ravka, which play a minor role in the overall plot. The details of the terrain, palaces, and villages allow readers to visualize where the story takes place.

Good versus evil is the general theme of Shadow and Bone. Readers will witness the power possessed by the good cause over the evil cause. Another underlying theme is undying devotion and friendship will overcome no matter the obstacle.

Protagonist Alina gives her perspective of events in this first person account—with the exception of the “Before” and “After” sections, which are written in third-person. Alina’s firsthand accounts allow the reader to experience her struggles, feel her frustrations, and overcome her challenges. First-person point of view allows the reader to connect deeper with Alina than even third-person omniscient would allow.

Shadow and Bone takes readers on a wild fantasy ride with the most unexpected twists. Although this book seems like many other fantasy novels, it truly takes on a unique villain/heroine combination to provide a thrillingly entertaining book!

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Lone Star Reading List, 2013

“…readers will…cheer [Alina’s] progress. But the world-building is continually undercut by clunky colloquialisms; such phrases as "Well, that's completely creepy" and "It's okay" yank readers out of this carefully constructed, mostly preindustrial world. Readers may also be troubled by the sexualization of power found in its pages. The plotting is powerful enough to carry most readers past flaws and into the next book in the series.” –Kirkus Review, April 2012

“Filled with lush descriptions, intriguing magic, and plenty of twists, this memorable adventure offers action and intrigue mixed with an undercurrent of romance and danger. Alina's angst and passivity are a bit of a letdown, but Bardugo's storytelling and world-building more than compensate.” –Publisher’s Weekly, April 2012

“Fast-paced and unpredictable, this debut novel will be a hit with readers who love dark fantasy.”—School Library Journal, starred

CONNECTIONS

Related Books

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Grisha Deomonstration

At the party the King and Queen of Ravka put on, the Grisha are requested to perform. Using your choice of media (clay, animation, live action, etc.), perform and record a 30 second Grisha performance.

Shadow and Bone, Part 2

Before the next installment is released, write the first two chapters of the sequel. Pick up where Bardugo left off with Alina’s victory and the Darkling’s disappearance.

Dwelling Collage

Using the author’s descriptions of the setting, construct a collage showing the progression of Alina’s dwellings through the course of the book. Pair the images with a brief description of life events. Examples of dwellings include the Duke’s house, tent, Little Palace, etc.