THE ARRIVAL

by Shaun Tan

 Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 9780439895293.

Plot Summary:

This wonderful book crosses so many genres and styles. It is a work of fantasy because it does have elements of fantastical beings and situations that cannot happen in the real world. However, the book has much realistic fiction because it is about the plight of an immigrant who is trying to move to a new country to start a better life for himself and his family. There is a sense of historical fiction in the story as well because many closely related elements of the early days of mass migration to the United States which are vividly shown in the details of the story and the septa toned images. There is so much emotion revealed and felt by the reader throughout the book such as those of love, fear, sadness, despair, uncertainty, confusion, frustration, empathy, unity, friendship, perseverance, longing, and hope. Even with all the wonderful elements of the story, the most amazing element is that the 126 page book is a graphic novel entirely illustrated with the absence of legible words. Illustrator Shaun Tan is a master who visually conveys the story and the emotions of his protagonist with so much detail in the art that the reader understands what is happening and can relate to the emotional feelings being portrayed. The book is intended for children from 12 years and older, but adults, art lovers, comic book enthusiasts, and historical fiction aficionados alike will enjoy and love the tale.     

Critical Analysis:

The story begins with a married man and father who is shown packing his suitcase to start a long trip. It is revealed that he and his family lives in an ominously bleak country place and is about to migrate to another land. In many instances, the reader sees through the eyes of the protagonist and can feel the emotions and confusion as he feels it.  

The story begins in a dark and gloomy country that the protagonist wishes to migrate away from. He journeys by way of passage ship to a new land with many other immigrants. When he arrives he must go through the immigration process and screenings required by the new country. Once allowed to enter the new country, he is overwhelmed by the grandeur and variety of different cultures in the area.

The main thread of emotion that runs through the entire story is that of hope by the protagonist. The reader can feel his hope of leaving his own country to start a new life; the hope of integrating with those in the new country; and the hope of bringing his family to live with him in the new land.

The unique style of the tale is that of graphic novel illustrations without the use of legible words. The author/illustrator does an exceptional job of telling a story using only visual elements that can be interpreted differently by each individual who experiences the story.

Review Excerpt:

A few of the numerous awards received by this novel are, the ALA’s Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens in 2008; A School Library Journal Best Book of 2007; Booklist Editors’ Choice 2007, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2007, and Horn Book Fanfare Book 2007.

Jesse Karp wrote in the Booklist Starred Review, “Tan infuses this simple, universal narrative with vibrant, resonating life through confident mastery of sequential art forms and conventions. Strong visual metaphors convey personal longing, political suppression, and totalitarian control; imaginative use of panel size and shape powerfully depicts sensations and ideas as diverse as interminable waiting, awe-inspiring majesty, and forlorn memories; delicate alterations in light and color saturate the pages with a sense of time and place.”

Alan Abbott wrote for the School Library Journal, “Young readers will be fascinated by the strange new world the artist creates, complete with floating elevators and unusual creatures, but may not realize the depth of meaning or understand what the man's journey symbolizes. More sophisticated readers, however, will grasp the sense of strangeness and find themselves participating in the man's experiences. They will linger over the details in the beautiful sepia pictures and will likely pick up the book to pore over it again and again.”

Connections:

Shaun Tan is a master illustrator and excellent story teller. He has produced numerous graphic novels including TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA and LOST & FOUND. Even though these works do contain graphical art and text they both have offer the similar artistic style found in THE ARRIVAL. With thought provoking and sometimes shocking images, Shaun Tan draws readers into his books and has them return again and again for more.  

Personal Response:

I am an avid connoisseur of comic books. I enjoy all styles of comic books from superhero, manga, classic literature, biographical, and fantasy. This particular fantasy story is the first that I have experienced that is entirely graphical and does not require the use of text to tell the story. Each time I look through the pages of the story, I see an additional element, expression, or detail that I had not noticed previously which enhances the story even more. Without the use of text, the reader can create their own version of the story within the parameters of the visual elements. I truly enjoyed this work of art and storytelling and would recommend it to children, teens and adults alike.   

References:

Amazon.com. (2013). TALES FROM SUBURBIA. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Outer-Suburbia-Shaun/dp/0545055873/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z

Amazon.com. (2013) LOST AND FOUND. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Found-Three-Shaun-Omnibus/dp/0545229243/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z

Arthur A. Levine Books, (2005). THE ARRIVAL book awards and reviews. Retrieved from http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/book.asp?bookid=123

Good Books for Kids. (2013). THE ARRIVAL book cover. Retrieved from http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2009_10_20_archive.html

THE BOOK THIEF

by Markus Zusak and read by Allan Corduner

  

Zusak, Markus and read by Allan Corduner. 2013. THE BOOK THIEF. New York: Listening Library (Audio). ISBN 9780804168434. (Unabridged CD audiobook – 11 disks)

Plot Summary:

The only fantastical event the story reveals is that the narrator is the personified figure of Death. Other that that, this contemporary realistic fiction story unfolds in the early years of World War II in Nazi Germany. The protagonist is a nine-year old illiterate girl who in her short life has been abandoned by her father, seen the death of her younger brother, given away by her mother, and this all happens in the prologue. The narrator reveals the story of a girl named Liesel Meminger, also known as The Book Thief, and how she becomes the book thief, her life on Himmel Street in Molching, Germany, the love she shares with her foster parents, their hidden secret, her coming of age and story of survival. Even as Liesel is shown to be illiterate at the beginning of the story, her passion for books is shown throughout the tale and grows throughout the story. This is an excellent book for children, teenagers and adults who are interested in historical fiction, the World War II era, young female protagonists, and all together great storytelling. This book has been adapted into a movie, but one always gains more from experiencing the book before being engulfed by the movie.      

Critical Analysis:

The characters of Liesel Meminger, the Book Thief, Rosa and Hans Hubermann, Liesel’s loving foster parents, Rudy Steiner, Liesel’s best friend, Max Vandenburg, jewish boy the Hubermanns are hiding, and the neighbors on Himmel Street are all so excellently depicted that the reader becomes attached to each one. The interactions between the characters, both positive and negative, builds to the point where they are all one community that is greater than the individuals themselves. Each has their own story, which is revealed as the tale unfolds.   

The story takes place between 1939 and 1943 in the midst of World War II in the German town of Molching, which is a suburb of Munich. As a reader, one can understand historical implications of this setting and the dangers that war can bring. These dangers become evident as air raid sirens blare and bombs begin to fall. 

The main theme of the story is the growing up and survival of a young girl who has so much taken away in her youth, yet she still fights to survive. The story is of Liesel’s experience of love and sacrifice, tolerance and intolerance, of sin and redemption which young readers will be able to experience vicariously through the Book Thief themselves.   

The story is predominantly in English, but German words and phrases, especially of German swear words, are scattered throughout. This is an added bonus for the young reader to feel the intensity of the German language, with some harsh terms that help give the characters color, humanity and believability. This book is tailored towards older teenagers and young adults due to the sometimes mature subject matter and occasional foul language.

The protagonist is a young German girl with brown eyes in a time when the color of one’s eyes could be dangerous. She is proud to be German, but does not staunchly adhere to the Nazi's beliefs. This is plainly evident in her and her family’s involvement with hiding a young Jewish man in the basement of their home.   

Audiobook analysis:

The audiobook is read by a single reader with no sound effects except for the introduction and ending accordion music that is played, which also has relevance to the story. The story is mainly narrated, so the voice of the narrator is what is heard the most. However, when the main characters do speak, their individual voices are projected very individualistically so the listener is aware of who is speaking at all times. It begins with a prologue to give the listener an overview of the surroundings and ends with an epilogue to reveal the events that happened after those of the story. It is written so well and the reading done so impeccably that the listener is glued to every word until the accordion music plays through the end.  

Review Excerpt:

Winning numerous “Best Book” awards, the novel is the 2007 winner of the Michael L. Printz Honor book.

Francisca Goldsmith writes for the School Library Journal, “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesels story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative.”

Connections:

The Book Thief has many connections to the story due to its setting during World War II. I have read a few historical novels and historical fiction within this same time period such as THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK and MILA 18 by Leon Uris, each having very different themes.

The narrative by death also reminded me of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels about Death, such as DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING and where Death is personified as a young woman named Didi.

Personal Response:

I truly enjoyed listening to the novel in audiobook format. Not only did Mr. Allan Corduner read the word of the novel, but he brought life to them. By using different voices for the characters and using intonation and inflection to make them more dramatic, the story was never boring. Each turn of the story left me wanting to know what happens next.  

References:

Page Turners Blog. (2013). THE BOOK THIEF audio book cover. Retrieved from http://www.pageturnersblog.com/2013_06_01_archive.html

YALSA. (2013). Michael L. Printz winner and honor books. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/bookawards/printzaward/previouswinners/winners

EYES OF THE EMPEROR

by Graham Salilsbury

Salisbury, Graham. 2005. EYES OF THE EMPEROR. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0385908741.

Plot Summary:

Sixteen year old Japanese American and Hawaiian native Eddie Okubo joins the U.S. Army just before Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Because of their heritage Eddie and his Japanese American enlisted friends find themselves distrusted and discriminated against by many of the officers they have sworn an oath to fight for. The Japanese American soldiers are separated from the other soldiers, sent to a secret island off the Mississippi shores in the Gulf of Mexico to become guinea pigs in a radical and racially driven military experiment. However, the young Japanese American soldiers swallow their pride and do what they believe is the honorable thing for their country, their duty. This historical fiction story is set during one of this nation’s most eventful times in American history as seen through the eyes of a patriot who just so happens to resemble those of the enemy.  

Critical Analysis:

The story takes place on the island of Hawaii and begins a few months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The story moves from the island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean to Cat Island off the shores of Mississippi in Gulf of Mexico. Each location is described in a first person account so the readers experiences being there themselves.    

The story is of patriotism, courage, and honor showing that one’s heritage has little to do with one’s love of their only known home and country. The novel reveals the racial discrimination and mistrust that Japanese American soldiers had to endure during this time of conflict with the nation of Japan.  

The written language of the Japanese American characters in the story revealed their unique colloquial speech and phasing adding an authentic touch to the story. The story is narrated by the protagonist of the story, Eddie Okubo, who helps the readers experience what he is experiencing.

At the beginning of the book the author provides a dedication of the work to the young Japanese American soldiers who served on Cat Island during WWII. Also noted at the beginning of the novel is the U.S. Army Oath of Enlistment. The author’s note provided readers with information on the factual evidence that the author used to create the historical fiction story. He also provided readers with a short glossary of Hawaiian and Japanese words throughout the book. The author provides link to a webpage dedicated to more information about the Japanese Americans during WWII. Finally, he provides a page dedicated to information about his own background.

Review Excerpt:

The School Library Journal stated, “The novel is based on historical fact, and Salisbury brings events vividly to life as he recounts one humiliation after another foisted on the troops, from the top down to their immediate commanders. The immediacy of the writing allows readers to imagine themselves as one of the boys. A story with huge implications for observers of current events.”

The Booklist Starred Review revealed that, “The cruel training, the vicious prejudice from many officers, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the mixed-up news from family bring a view of American history seldom told and open up the meanings of homeland and patriotism.”

Connections:

Young readers who find this novel enjoyable and want to read more stories set within WWII will find many to choose from. Two particularly good books would be THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages and BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD – AND STEAL – THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin. Both novels are highly acclaimed and received honors and awards for their excellence in the children’s literature.

Personal Response:

I believe that this is an excellent novel for Middle School aged children who are interested in historical fiction and wanting a different perspective of the time during World War II. This is an excellent novel that can help children understand how bigotry and racial discrimination are morally wrong. An exciting adventure tale as experienced from an unlikely protagonist.

References:

Goodreads, (2013). EYES OF THE EMPEROR book cover. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256216.Eyes_of_the_Emperor

The School Library Journal, (n.d.) EYES OF THE EMPEROR book review. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Emperor-Readers-Circle-Graham-Salisbury/dp/product-description/0440229561/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Booklist, (n.d.) EYES OF THE EMPEROR starred book review. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Emperor-Readers-Circle-Graham-Salisbury/dp/product-description/0440229561/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

ELIJAH OF BUXTON

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, Christopher Paul and read by Mirron Willis. 2008. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 9780739367193. (Unabridged CD audiobook – 8 disks)

Plot Summary:

This is an historical fiction story set in 1859 during the time of slavery in the United States told through the narration of the protagonist, Elijah Freeman. Elijah is a young boy who was the first child to be born free in the Canadian settlement of Buxton. The tale weaves through Elijah’s adventures as a sheltered and innocent boy faced with the horrific realities of slavery, deceit, hatred, while developing his own courage, kindness, and resolve. A humorously written story in the beginning of the book turns dark, dramatic and suspenseful in its end. An excellent glimpse of how the horrible realities of slavery and hatred were overcome by the few courageous individuals who would create their own society embracing freedom and justice. This book is an excellent story of courage and justice for readers from Middle to High School.

Critical Analysis:

Setting: This story is set in 1859 within the community of Buxton, Canada. The protagonist is the first free born child in Buxton, which is a sanctuary for runaway slaves. The author has taken great effort to hold true to the historical facts about Buxton, its inhabitants and notable events, such as the visit by Fredrick Douglas, abolitionist John Brown and reference to the settlement’s Liberty Bell.

The story takes place during the time of slavery in the United States and showed the horrors that runaway slaves had to endure during their captivity and courageous escapes to freedom. The story shows how a young boy grows from a frightened boy to a courageous young man who believes that justice should be served.

The book was written using colloquial language of the time and is best captured by the audiobook rendering. Through the audiobook the listener can hear the slang words said by the characters as they were intended to be spoken in an exciting and revealing fashion. The audiobook greatly enhances the listener’s experience of the story and allow them to be fully immersed in the action.   

The author included an acknowledgment at the beginning of the book and author’s notes at the end to help readers realize that the historical fiction was based on factual events. The author’s notes give factual details to the reader about Buxton and famous people and events that took place there.  

Even though no research sources were specifically cited by the author, he does acknowledge the help of the Buxton National Historical Site and Museum, Shannon Prince, and Spencer Alexander for their assistance with the research needed for the accuracy of the book.

Audiobook analysis:

The CDs were of excellent sound quality and Mirron Willis personified each of the character’s voices in a very distinguishing way. Each chapter was specified which helped the listener know at what point in the novel he was at.

No background effects were used in the sound recording, but this did not diminish the excitement and enthusiasm that was portrayed by Mr. Willis’ reading of the book. Mr. Willis is the reader of the entire book, but he does an excellent job of using different voices for the many characters in the story. Each character has their unique style of speaking and the talent of Mr. Willis to capture each voice distinctly helps the listener to understand who is speaking at any given time in the story. The use of colloquial language is much better experienced in hearing the story than it would have in reading it.

Review Excerpt:

Winner of the 2008 Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and the Book of the Year for Children’s Awards by the Canadian Library Association.

AudioFile magazine stated, “Mirron Willis delivers depth of emotion as he shapes the story's rhythms and pacing. He successfully shifts from a light comedic tone of much of the story to a tone of chilling determination when Elijah becomes involved in a dangerous mission to free a group of slaves.” 

Carolyn Phelan wrote the Booklist Starred Review of the book and said, “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.” 

Connections:

Readers who enjoy the historical value of the book ELIJAH OF BUXTON may also find reading CHAINS (SEEDS OF AMERICA) by Laurie H. Anderson to be similarly interesting and enlightening. Both historical fiction novels deal with the injustice of slavery and the desire of freedom. Each novel is written for Middle School aged children and can be used to teach them of one of the most unjust times in our country’s history and the courage of those who wanted to be released from their chains of bondage.      

Personal Response:

I enjoyed listening to the novel because I was able to hear the spoken language of each character as it was intended to be heard. I reviewed the text version of the novel and found that these nuances in speech did not convey as well as when they were heard. Some children may have difficulty understanding why some words have been misspelled in order to simulate the colloquial speech of the characters, so allowing them to hear the audiobook version may aid in the understanding. 

References:

ALSC, (2013). Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal

ALSC, (2013). Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal

Audio Editions, (n.d.). ELIJAH OF BUXTON audiobook cover. Retrieved from http://www.audioeditions.com/products/Elijah-of-Buxton-Christopher-Paul-Curtis-310165.aspx

AudioFile, (2008). ELIJAH OF BUXTON audiobook review. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Elijah-Buxton-Christopher-Paul-Curtis/dp/product-description/0439023459/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Booklist, (n.d.) ELIJAH OF BUXTON Starred Book Review. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Elijah-Buxton-Christopher-Paul-Curtis/dp/product-description/0439023459/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Canadian Library Association, (2013). Book of the Year for Children Awards. Retrieved from http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Book_of_the_Year_for_Children_Award&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2501

Scott O’Dell, (2013). Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Retrieved from http://www.scottodell.com/pages/ScottO'DellAwardforHistoricalFiction.aspx

MOON OVER MANIFEST

by Clare Vanderpool

  

Vanderpool, Clare. 2010. MOON OVER MANIFEST. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385738835.

Plot Summary:

In the midst of The Great Depression a twelve year old girl Abilene Tucker is given a one-way train ticket by her vagabond father to live with his boyhood friend in his hometown of Manifest, Kansas. Longing for him to join her and to find out who he really is, Abilene tries to unravel the mystery of her father’s younger years by the townsfolk. Over the span of a summer Abilene and her friends try to uncover the mystery of a spy in their midst called the Rattler, the mystery of Abilene’s father, and how the townsfolk of Manifest tie them all together. Elementary and Middle School readers are teleported from 1936, the time of The Great Depression, to 1918, during World War I, to capture the wonderful tale of two protagonists with a common connection. As all tales have beginnings, middles, and ends, each reader will be at the edge of their seat to know more at each of these points within this story within a story.

Critical Analysis:

This historical fiction story takes in 1936, during The Great Depression and in 1918, during World War I. With two protagonists in each time, both stories take place in the small town of Manifest, Kansas.

The story is about how a rich coal mine owner subjugates the immigrant population that is drawn to the town of Manifest to work long hours for company vouchers that can only be used in the company’s store. It is a tale of how a diverse population of immigrants unites to oppose the wrong doings of the coal mine owner and make a town. Children will learn about justice, diversity, unity, sadness, hope, longing, and love. Miss Sadie, the local diviner stated, “Who would dream that one can love without being crushed under the weight of it.” But with all broken hearts comes a time of healing.   

The voice of Abilene is depicted in a Southern style until she realizes that no one in Manifest speaks that way. The two distinct time periods are captured by the voices of the immigrant characters who speak English in their own dialects and those of the protagonists in each of their stories. These two epic periods in American history creates a perfect backdrop to the stories being told.

The author begins the story with a list of characters and concluded her work with author’s notes, sources and suggestions for further reading, acknowledgments, and a few paragraphs about the author. These are all very useful for the reader to refer to while and after the story is read. The use of chapter and sub-chapter headings and page numbers is helpful, but no table of contents or index is provided.

Review Excerpt:

The 2011 Newbery Medal Winner.

The Kirkus Starred Review stated about the book, “The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending.”

Kathleen Isaacs stated in her Booklist Starred Review, “Vanderpool weaves humor and sorrow into a complex tale involving murders, orphans, bootlegging, and a mother in hiding. With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet”.”

Connections:

Clare Vanderpool supplied readers with a sources and suggestions page at the end of the book. This page offers five additional books for the reader to become acquainted with the time periods and people in the book. A few of these include AMERICANIZATION THROUGH EDUCATION by Loren S. Minckley and ISLAND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF ELLIS ISLAND AND THE JOURNEY TO AMERICA by Martin W. Sandler. These additional literary works may expand reader’s knowledge of the time periods and the challenges that immigrants faced coming to America.

Personal Response:

I found the story within a story to be excellently written and compelling. It was a page turner throughout the book and I hardly wanted to put it down for the night. Each revelation that Abilene experienced opened another mystery to the story. I was with Abilene as she peeled each layer to find the truth and in the end the truth she found freed her and the townsfolk around her. I highly recommend this book for children, teens and adults who like historical fiction, adventures, mysteries, and feel good endings.   

References:

Booklist, (n.d.) MOON OVER MANIFFEST Starred Review. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Over-Manifest-Clare-Vanderpool/dp/product-description/0375858296/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Kirkus Review, (2010). MOON OVER MANIFEST Starred Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/claire-vanderpool/moon-over-manifest/

Vanderpool, Clare. (n.d.). The idea for MOON OVER MANIFEST. Retrieved from http://www.clarevanderpool.com/moonovermanifest.html