AMELIA LOST: THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART

by Candace Fleming and Lettering by Jessica Hische

Fleming, Candace and Lettering by Jessica Hische. 2011. AMELIA LOST: THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 9780375945984.

Plot Summary:

The life and loss of Amelia Earhart, the most famous male or female pilot of all time is vividly depicted in Candace Fleming’s stunning portrayal of the awe-inspiring aviatrix. The story begins on the morning of July 2, 1937 with the frantic search for Amelia’s airplane within the vast Pacific Ocean, while rescue crews anxiously listen for any sign from the adventurer’s radio call sign KHAQQ. Starting the story at Amelia’s final fatal flight and moving throughout her rambunctious life, Ms. Fleming reveals the truth, myth and mystery about the most recognized pilot in aviation. Discover how even Amelia herself perpetuated some of the myth that surrounds her legend today. This excellently written biography will inspire young and old readers alike, giving them a glimpse into the life of Amelia Earhart and the time in which she lived.       

Critical Analysis:

Candace Fleming is the writer of many biographical, historical picture, novels, and picture books for children of elementary and middle school age. Ms. Fleming has written about other famous individuals such as Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, P.T. Barnum, and Eleanor Roosevelt, so she is no stranger to the research and dedication needed to write award winning biographies for children. She has diligently cited her bibliographic sources which are listed in a bibliography and divided into source notes by chapter. She also lists credits to the numerous photographs, handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, and maps used throughout the biography.

The book has a very logical layout, but does not follow a direct chronological order of events. Even though the information jumps from different time periods in Amelia Earhart’s life, it is seamless and enhances the suspense of the story. The book uses a table of contents, dramatically written subheadings per chapter, page numbers and an index so the reader can easily find specific information within the book.    

The design of the book is well done with its numerous septa photographs of Amelia Earhart and other important individuals in her life. Many other documents and maps help the reader better understand Amelia’s life and the era in which she lived. These items include an image and explanation of Morse code, hand written letters by Amelia and others, news clippings, advertisements and cartoons featuring Amelia, and her marriage certificate.

The story is excitingly written in a dramatic fiction-like novel style that begins in medias res. The story begins with rescue crews awaiting Amelia’s arrival on the Pacific island of Howland and her dramatic call for help during her final fatal flight. The story then jumps back through the periods in Amelia’s life that lead her to that perilous point in time.  

Review Excerpt:

Winner of the 2012 Golden Kite Award for Non-Fiction. This award is each year to the most outstanding children’s books published during the previous and written or illustrated by member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

The Kirkus Starred Review stated, “Chapters alternate between the days surrounding Earhart’s fateful crash and her growth from child to trailblazer. The narrative shifts could have been maddening, for suspense reasons alone, but a rhythm is established and the two plotlines gracefully fold into the conclusion.”

The Horn Book Magazine Starred Review boasts, “Fleming’s gripping narrative begins the day the Coast Guard lost radio contact with Amelia Earhart on her doomed flight around the world; by the time the author begins her chronological account of Earhart’s life, readers are hooked. Taut, cinematic, immediate, and dramatic; an exemplary biography adventure.” 

Elizabeth Bird of the School Library Journal touts, “Infinitely readable, even for those of the reluctant persuasion, Fleming melds fact and great storytelling together to bring us a tale as compelling as it is devastating. Not all great stories have happy endings and sometimes it’s more interesting when they don’t. Highly recommended.”

Connections:

Many biographies have been written about the famous, charismatic, adventurer, Amelia Earhart. Some excellently reviewed titles are AMELIA EARHART: THE LEGEND OF THE LOST AVIATOR by Shelley Tanaka and illustrated by David Craig and WHO WAS AMELIA EARHART? By Kate Boehm Jerome and illustrated by Nancy Harrison and David Cain. These two books are great additional resources for elementary and middle school children needing to do research on the life and times of the most recognized aviator of all time.

Personal Response:

I, like everyone else in this country, grew up learning about the great and amazing achievements in avionics by Amelia Earhart. However, this book reveals so much more than the tiny bits of knowledge gleaned in my youth. Reading about how Amelia and husband George Putnam’s influenced the development her mythos shed a brighter light on the mystery and allure of the famous aviatrix. The book does an excellent job of widening the reader’s field of vision by including other important people of the day and the revelation that over 100 women were also piloting airplanes during the time of Amelia Earhart, but they remain in obscurity. An exciting read from cover to cover with a great pace and excitement in the writing. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes planes, biographies, stories about influential women or specifically about Amelia Earhart.

References:

The Horn Book (2011). Horn Book Fanfare 2011. Retrieved from http://www.hbook.com/2011/12/choosing-books/recommended-books/horn-book-fanfare-2011/

Kirkus Reviews (2010). Amelia Lost: The life and sisappearance of Amelia Earhart book review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/candace-fleming/amelia-lost/

Ms. Yingling Reads (2011). Amelia Lost: The life and sisappearance of Amelia Earhart book cover. Retrieved from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJE6ccEf0QjkEYkkFmuoEyhbOfu5UJjaTM-M1f7MAgvGHymGXdtEtoLCgFUOthxuHDEq1EalFu-SGKMKtsL3wypcMdbvEtJ1dw4m7c0-J2CE3S1QEps1ctwz1-ntj22sIrVdkUSXaEq36/s1600/amelia.jpg

School Library Journal (2011). Review of the day: Amelia lost by Candace Fleming. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2011/02/03/review-of-the-day-amelia-lost-by-candace-fleming/#_

Society of Children’s Book Writers (2012). Breaking news: The 2012 golden kite award winners and the 2012 Sid Flesichman award winners! Retrieved from http://scbwi.blogspot.com/2012/03/breaking-news-2012-golden-kite-award.html

SECRETS FROM THE ROCKS: DINOSAUR HUNTING WITH ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS

by Albert Marrin

Marrin, Albert. 2002. SECRETS FROM THE ROCKS: DINOSAUR HUNTING WITH ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525467432.

Plot Summary:

Written for elementary aged children, this is a factual account of the historic Central Asiatic Expeditions as revealed through the literary works of expedition leader Roy Chapman Andrews. The book chronicles the life of a Mr. Andrews who was born in Wisconsin in the 1880’s with an adventurous spirit and desire to explore the world. The story reveals the young adventurers aspiration of working at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. When he was told that there are no jobs available, he asked to be hired to wash the floors, which eventually led to him helping the museum scientist preparing and setup exhibits. In 1907, soon after he was hired, Mr. Andrews was asked to retrieve the remains of a dead whale found on Long Island beach to showcase in the museum. This initial expedition was the first of many which led to Mr. Andrews to explore the far away country of Mongolia to gather dinosaur and other fossils specimens for the museum. Excitingly written text accompanied with vividly illustrated with maps and septa photographs taken of the expeditions, this story keeps the reader turning pages with the wonder and amazement that Mr. Andrews must have had during his and his team’s discoveries in the Gobi Desert between 1922 and 1930. This book reveals how the early discoveries and literary works of Roy Chapman Andrews inspired future paleontologists by paving the way for modern discoveries and scientific interpretations of the fossil record and other “secrets from the rocks”.   

        

Critical Analysis:

Albert Marrin is the critically acclaimed writer of over three dozen nonfiction and biography books spanning across some of history’s most interesting and famous people. Some of these include subject like the American presidents of George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt; Civil War Generals Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee; Foreign country leaders Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin, Mao Tse-Tung and Adolf Hitler; and the famous Native American leaders Sitting Bull and Quanah Parker. Mr. Marrin has also compiled an additionally long list of nonfiction works on the study of oil in our lives, microscopic creatures that live on humans, the story of the Dust Bowl years, saving buffalo, the a story about rats. He has written an extensive collection of historical nonfiction covering topics of the War of 1812, the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, the conquest of the Aztec and Inca peoples by the European explorers.       

In the book, Mr. Marrin maintained a style of writing that was objective and did not glorify the subject. He revealed Roy Andrews achievements along with his faults, especially with his discrimination towards women in the scientific field and his absence in his family life. His use of photographs from the time helps show the reader what is being discussed in the text and to enhance its validity.  

The book is excellently organized in a logical chronological order of Roy Andrews’ life from birth to the inspiration of modern day paleontologists. The table of contents page, the index and the use of subtitles at the beginnings of chapters and the bottoms of pages within the chapter helps readers quickly access specific information as needed.

Nearly every page turn offers readers striking septa photographs that reveal an inside look at the Roy Andrews, his expedition team and the grandeur of the Gobi desert. The captions accompanying each photograph enhance the understanding of what the photo reveals and the moment it was taken.

The flow of the text shows Albert Marrin’s research of the subject and enthusiasm for writing the information in a clear and exciting manner. Knowing that his readers are young children, Mr. Marrin shed light on his writing style by saying, “Kids are very bright. I’m not going to write down. If anything, I’ll have them read up to me.”

Review Excerpt:

Kirkus Reviews stated, “Often regarded as the inspiration behind Indiana Jones, renowned dinosaur hunter Andrews marks an apt change of pace for Marrin…”

Booklist remarked, “The result is a colorful portrait that offers thought-provoking insight into the constantly shifting nature of scientific discovery.”

The School Library Journal writes, “The fossils unearthed on his trips had an impact on our understanding of prehistoric life and cemented the stature of the Museum of Natural History in New York City.” 

Connections:

The book connects the reader to the American Museum of Natural History and a link to the museum’s website, www.amnh.org, is located in the back of the book. This is an excellent resource for children and adults wanting to explore fossils, whales, and other natural history exhibits. The site has an excellent link for elementary aged children to explore called OLOGY, which is the museum’s science website for kids, which is found at www.amnh.org/explore/ology.

Personal Response:

I graduated with a minor in geology and enjoyed learning about rocks and fossils immensely. I found the nonfiction book about the Central Asiatic Expeditions of Roy Chapman Andrews to be very interesting and exciting. Mr. Chapman was considered to be the inspiration to the character Indiana Jones played by Harrison Ford in the popular theatrical series.

References:

AlbertMarrin.com (n.d.). Albert Marrin Biography. Retrived from http://www.albertmarrin.com/biography-marrin.html

AlbertMarrin.com (2013). SECRETS FROM THE ROCKS: DINOSAUR HUNTING WITH ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS book cover. Retrieved from http://www.albertmarrin.com/img/books/038.jpg

Kirkus Reviews (2010). SECRETS FROM THE ROCKS: DINOSAUR HUNTING WITH ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS book review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/albert-marrin/secrets-from-the-rocks/

School Library Journal (2002). SECRETS FROM THE ROCKS: DINOSAUR HUNTING WITH ROY CHAPMAN ANDREWS book review. Retrieved from http://bookverdict.com/details.xqy?uri=Product-4369546.xml

QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA 

by Sy Montgomery & photographs by Nic Bishop

Montgomery, Sy and photographs by Nic Bishop. 2006. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618496419.

Summary:

The QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO is a thrilling exploration with Lisa Dabek and a slew of native guides and support crew, into the cloudy forest mountains of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive Matshie tree kangaroo. The lush and misty domain of the tree kangaroo rests at an elevation of 10,000 feet and seems to be set in the time of dinosaurs. The area is rarely visited by the local people, which allowed it to teem with beautiful and exotic flora and fauna unhindered. Discover how the native people of this region of Papua New Guinea live within this world of beauty and danger through the descriptive narrative of Sy Montgomery and colorfully captivating photography of Nic Bishop. What you learn about the Matshie tree kangaroo will only be a part of the exciting adventure and discovery that will leave you wanting to find out more about this unique teddy-bear like creature.    

Critical Analysis:

The book is written in a very descriptive narrative by author Sy Montgomery who is renowned for her extensive publications in children’s non-fiction and informational literature. Sy Montgomery has published nearly 20 information books about exotic animals for both children and adults over a span of 15 years. The narrative is done by Ms. Montgomery traveling on the expedition herself with photographer Nic Bishop to tell of the actual experiences on the journey. The text is filled with accurate fact about the flora, fauna, and people of the area with emphasis on the science used to document the findings of the scientists. The photographs found throughout the book highlight the textual information and enhance the knowledge gained by the reader.  

The book is well organized with large chapter titles which jump out at the reader in exciting font and easy to read text throughout the book. Vibrant photographs are found from the cover to the back of the book showing the majestic images of the people, land, wildlife, plants and the shy tree kangaroo. Two illustrative maps are found at the beginning of the book to show readers the exact location the adventure is set and some drawings of the exotic creatures found there. The book has many links to sites to obtain further information about the tree kangaroo in the back of the book. A glossary with a few words and phrases used by the native people can also be found at the end of the book. The end section of the book also includes an acknowledgement page, an index, and notes from the author and photographer.

  

The book design and layout is done in such a way that the reader’s eye flows effortlessly from the text to the images which highlight what was read. The narrative is chronological in nature so the sequence of information is clear and concise. The narrative is written to enable the reader to gather general information and introduces them to more specific and complex data, which is stated in easy to understand language. The subtitles and index are very helpful for the reader to find specific information within the text.

The book reveals the author’s sense of adventure and thirst for knowledge of unique and exotic animals. Having written many such narratives in the past, Sy Montgomery documents the expedition in clear and descriptive language. She also uses many words and phrases of the Tok Pisin language that is verbalized by the native people, which was on the expedition and explains their meanings. The reader is also given the pronunciation of many of the exotic animal names that may be unfamiliar to the reader, which enhances the learning process.    

Review Excerpt:

Kirkus Starred Review, “With early references to Dr. Seuss and hobbits, Montgomery connects the world of the young reader to this beautiful, distant place.”

In 2006 QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO received many awards and honors, these included; a Sibert Honor Book, ASPCA Children’s Book Award, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, A Booklist Editor’s Choice Award, NSTA-Council on Children’s Books Outstanding Science Trade Book and John Burroughs Young Reader Award and in 2007 the winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.

Connections:

Sy Montgomery supplies links to many additional sources of information on her website. One in particular is that of author Dale Peterson who writes books about science and natural history. Some of Mr. Peterson’s recent works include, GIRAFFE REFLECTIONS, ELEPHANT REFLECTIONS, and THE MORAL LIVES OF ANIMALS. All these literary works are non-fiction or informational in nature similar to those of Sy Montgomery and will be excellent additional readings for those who enjoy books similar to the one in this review.

Personal Response:

I really enjoyed reading the book and viewing all the amazing photographs of the people, animals and plants of the Papua New Guinea cloud forest. Each turn of the page displays stunning images that captured my imagination and lured me into the text. I believe that this and other books written by Sy Montgomery could be used to entice reluctant readers into reading for knowledge and entertainment. While learning about the Matshie tree kangaroo I gleaned insight about the people and land of Papua New Guinea and its lush forest and exotic animals.

References:

Junior Library Guild. (2013). QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO cover image. Retrieved from http://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/images/0618496416/CoverArt/0618496416_zoom.jpg

Kirkus Reviews (2010). QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO Starred Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sy-montgomery/quest-for-the-tree-kangaroo/

Montgomery, Sy (n.d.). Symontgomery.com. Retrieved from http://symontgomery.com/

Peterson, Dale (n.d.). Dalepetersonauthor.com. Retrieved from http://www.dalepetersonauthor.com/

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!: PIRATE POEMS & PAINTINGS

by Douglas Florian & Ill. by Robert Neubecker

 Florian, Douglas. 2012. SHIVER ME TIMBERS!: PIRATE POEMS & PAINTING New York: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781442413214.

Plot Summary:

SHIVER ME TIMBERS! is a compilation of silly poems about pirates with highly animated cartoon style illustrations throughout the book. This funny pirate poetry book is filled with simple word, alternating sentence rhymes that are enhanced by the captivatingly drawn illustrations that enhance each line of poetic hilarity. One without the other would truly be lacking, but the marriage of words and pictures works overwhelmingly well. This is an excellent book to read aloud to children between the ages of 8 and 10. The book offers the reader some excellent and novel uses of pirate speak throughout the poems, like “Me scraggly beard Is very weird,” and poem titles like, Pirate Patter, Buried Treasure, and Arrr! A fun and playful read for young children and scallywags alike.      

Critical Analysis:

In SHIVER ME TIMBERS! the use of simple, easy to understand vocabulary in an alternating sentence or pair sentence rhyming style is evident for most of the poems in the book. Many of the poems use repeating words or phrases to create a lyrical or song-like quality to them such as in the poem Me, Pirate, “Me nose is long. Me ears look wrong.”

The use of the figurative language of pirate speak such as descriptions of oneself in the “me” form instead of the “I” form and the use of words like, “Whar,” for where and “landlubbers” for land lovers exemplify the theme of the poems immensely. Each set of phrases describes how pirates live and their tools of the trade.

Douglas Florian has a way of taking the rude, crude, and vile pirate and turning him into a whimsical and colorful figure not to be emulated or revered. This is further stated in the last line of the last poem called A Priates’s Life, which concludes, “A pirate’s life is not for me!” and shows a young boy rowing away from a pirate ship.

Intended for readers between 8 and 12 years old, the poems are fun and minimally threatening at times like in the poem Me Pirate Weapons, which is written on a black page and illustrated showing only a pirates mean, bloodshot eyes and snarling teeth.

Review Excerpt:

The Horn Book reviews states, “Using stereotypical pirate-speak, each poem explores a familiar aspect of pirate lore and takes it to a new level of rhythm and rhyme, usually with a final line calculated to evoke a chuckle,” (The Horn Book, 2012).

The book’s Kirkus Starred Review stated, “…Bouncy verse is ably complemented by Neubecker’s pitch-perfect art.” 

The School Library Journal Starred Review stated, “The up- and downsides of life on a pirate ship are evident in Neubecker’s bold, colorful, detail-filled cartoon-like illustrations, outlined in India ink. Kids, boys especially, will be charmed by these feisty poems.”

Connections:

The best way to make a connection to Douglas Florian’s work is with other Douglas Florian work like COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS: SPACE POEMS AND PAINTINGS or DINOTHESAURUS: PREHISTORIC POEMS AND PAINTINGS or POETREES. The common element in all of these works is their picture book format paired with the poet’s poetry. Even though Robert Neubecker illustrated the SHIVER ME TIMBERS! book most of the illustrations follow Florian’s two-page spread and whimsical style.

Personal Response:

With limited experience with Douglas Florian’s work, I found the book to be very entertaining, especially when I read the poems aloud. This is a great book that I can share with my grandsons who are 3 and 6 months old. I am sure that the cartoon-like pictures, repeating phrases and funny pirate words will be a big hit with my pre-school grandsons. I have done a Skype story time session with them before, so this book will be a great one to do so again.  

References:

The Horn Book (2012). Shiver Me Timbers!: Pirate Poems & Paintings book review by Robin Smith. http://www.hbook.com/2012/09/choosing-books/review-of-the-week/reviews-of-pirateria-and-shiver-me-timbers/

Kirkus Review (2012). Shiver Me Timbers!: Pirate Poems & Paintings book review https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/douglas-florian/shiver-me-timbers/

Neubecker Books (n.d.). Shiver Me Timbers!: Pirate Poems & Paintings book cover.  http://neubeckerbooks.com/collections/shiver-me-timbers-by-doug-florian#!/image_8095

School Library Journal (2012). Shiver Me Timbers!: Pirate Poems & Paintings book review by Susan Scheps. http://www.slj.com/2012/08/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-shiver-me-timbers-pirate-poems-paintings/

THE SURRENDER TREE:

POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM 

by Margarita Engle

Engle, Margarita. 2008. THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. New York: Henry Hold and Company. ISBN 9780805086744.

Plot Summary:

THE SURRENDER TREE is a fictional narrative based on the historical events of the Cuban people’s plight for independence from Spain and to break the shackles of slavery spanning the second half of the nineteenth century. Written in non-rhyming verse style, the ebbs and flows of the story are presented to the reader in a first person narrative from the points of view of the protagonist, Rosa la Bayamesa, the healer, José, her husband and protector, Silvia, her assistant, and the antagonist Lieutenant Death, the slave hunter. The powerful narrative illustrates the desire of one woman to heal all who come to her, slaves, rebels, and enemy alike. Set in five parts, the narrative describes how Cuban’s survived the ten years war (1868-78), the little war (1878-80), and the war of independence from Spain (1895-98); the entrance of the United States into the war; and Spain’s surrender to the U.S. After all these chain of events, one of the final statements that José sadly makes is, “Spain has been defeated, …Cuba is not victorious,” (Engle, 2008).

Critical Analysis:

The non-rhyming verse novel is indicated to the reader by the title of the narrator at the top of each page that they speak in. Most verses span only a single page and no longer than a page and a half, the tone of the action is revealed by the length of the sentences. Short sentences are quick, abrupt, and filled with foreboding, while longer sentences give a feel of lessened tension. This is extremely evident when Lieutenant Death narrates, which is usually in sharp, and short sentences and have a very negative feel.

The verse novel is written in a way that is best read aloud to hear the tone and pace of the lines and the emotions they exude. The narrative is alternated between the five primary characters of Rosa, José, Silvia, Lieutenant Death, and Captain-General Weyler. These five characters shape the tale and reveal opposing, yet connecting perspectives of the dramatic events.  

The novel has a very helpful author’s note, historical note, chronology of the events, a selected references list, and acknowledgements sections at the end of the story. These all help the reader internalize what they have just read and gain an understanding of the actual historical events that shaped the novel. The author offers great insight the struggles of the Cuban people during this time and the foundations to the current relations between the United States and Cuba.

The book design and compact size is perfect for the reader to take outdoors to read aloud to a loved one, friend or self. The verses are written in short stanzas, but the words produce very descriptive meanings and heartfelt emotions. Reading the novel in this way captures its true essence joy and sorrow.   

Review Excerpt:

THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM is the 2009 winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Narrative, the 2009 winner of the Bank Street – Claudia Lewis Award, the 2009 winner of the Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year, and a 2009 Newbery Honor Book (Macmillian, 2013).

The Booklist Starred Review of the novel stated, “Many readers will be caught by the compelling narrative voices and want to pursue the historical accounts in Engle’s bibliography.” (Rochman, 2009)

Connections:

I have only read one other verse novel which was THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, so I will reveal the similarities and differences in each of these works. The two novels are similar in that they were both written in the non-rhyming verse method. Word choice, sentence length, tone, and the beat of each of the lines are very relevant in both novels. However, I did find the story of THE SURRENDER TREE to be more compelling and mature than that of THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Both novels are excellently written and have each won many awards and accolades, but I felt the connection to THE SURRENDER TREE to be much stronger, which my personal response will explain in more detail.   

Personal Response:

Being a second-generation American of Cuban-Mexican decent, I have lived in South Texas along the United States and Mexican border my entire life. I was primarily raised within the Texan-Mexican-American or Tejano culture so I have few ties to my Cuban heritage and lack the knowledge of its history. This novel opened my eyes and heart to the plight of my ancestors in their struggle for independence from Spain and a glimpse into the beginnings of their tense relationship with the United States. I often wondered why the tensions between the United States and Cuba were so high and this novel reveals some insight to that history as well. I still have many relatives living in Cuba today, so I have found a new desire to read more of Margarita Engle’s works about Cuba and the heritage I have so callously dismissed and taken for granted.    

References:

Booklist Review (2008). The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom reviewed by Hazel Rochman. http://www.booklistonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=2434975&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Engle, Margarita (2008). The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom. New York: Henry Holt and Company LLC.

Good Reads (2013). The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom book cover. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2871746-the-surrender-tree

Macmillan Publishers (2013). The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom Book Review. Retrieved from http://us.macmillan.com/thesurrendertree/MargaritaEngle

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN 

by Katherine Applegate  and Ill. by Patricia Catelao

 

Applegate, Katherine, Ill. Patricia Catelao. 2012. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. New York: HarperColins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061992254.

Plot Summary:

The story is narrated by caged gorilla named Ivan who becomes disillusioned with his isolated and enslaved life. He befriends his fellow captive animal cell mates and becomes especially drawn to a young elephant that is brought into Ivan’s world of isolation. With his artistic skills, he is able to change the life of Ruby the young elephant and his will never be the same. This novel is written in non-rhyming verse that is an easy read for young children between the ages of 8 and 12, yet intriguing enough to pull on the heart-strings of adults.  The black and white illustrations that pepper the story are just enough to enhance the emotion of the story without slowing the reader down. Along with poem titles above each sequence in the story a convenient glossary is provided at the beginning of the novel to add the read in understanding key terms used by Ivan. The end of the story reveals author’s notes, acknowledgements and about the author information, which help readers comprehend the facts behind the fiction. This novel is best read aloud to feel the pace and emotion of each line. It can be read to children over a period of several sessions in order to retain their interest and maintain the flow of the story.   

Critical Analysis:

The non-rhyming verse style of the novel is indicated by the poem titles written as a heading for each sequence of verses. Each has its own story to tell and once it is done new verses continue the flow or abruptly proceed to the next sequence of the story. The deliberate use of short sentences to quicken the pace of the story and the emotional level is evident throughout the novel. The long and short sentences create a beat which slows with long and quickens with short. Much imagery is reveal when Ivan speaks about things he knows and sees. One example of this is when finally is out of his cage and uses one word descriptors by saying, “Sky. Grass. Tree. Ant. Stick…  Mine. Mine. Mine.”

The black and white images highlight the text by not being over used but used enough to show the emotion of the text. In one sequence where Ruby and Mack, her owner, are being photographed by a newspaper man, Ruby’s eyes look sad, while Mack is elated.

The emotions run the spectrum in this verse novel from sad lows to happy highs. The joys and sorrows are enhanced by the words, the images, and the short or long sentences, which also convey a tone to the text.

The design and organization of the book was done well and concise. The spacing gave the reader time to reflect on what was just read and a pause to continue on with the story. The reference aids of the glossary and the author’s notes both help the readers understanding and relate the facts to the fiction of the story. Since this novel was based on actual events and a live gorilla’s true story.

The intended audience is of children between the ages of 8 and 12, but the story is interestingly written and told to hold the attention of teens and adults. With so many awards and accolades, this novel is a definite read for all who enjoy good literature, verse novels and happy endings.    

Review Excerpt:

The ONE AND ONLY IVAN received The Kirkus Star which is awarded to books of exceptional merit and received the Kirkus Reviews Best of Children’s Books 2012. The Kirkus review stated, “Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates.” The novel received many awards and accolades including, the 2013 John Newbery Medal, the Texas Bluebonnet Award 2013-14 Master List, School Library Journal Best of Children’s Books 2012, Amazon 2012 Best Books of the Year, Middle Grade, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2012, New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, 2012, and many more.

Connections:

This story had such a unique style and perspective that I have trouble making a connection to another that is similar. The only one that continues to enter my mind is P. D. Eastman’s ARE YOU MY MOTHER? Narrated from the baby birds point of view and with similar rhythmical qualities, Eastman’s book reveals the baby bird’s emotions and did Applegate’s Ivan.   

Personal Response:

I found the story to have an excellent pace and tempo with excitement and intrigue waiting around every turn of the page. The sadness of Ivan loss of his family, his friend, and his freedom humanizes him to the point that I almost forgot he was not human. When Ivan find a new friend who he decides to protect and help in the only way he can, in his drawings, the story takes a different path of discovery. Sadness, fear, anxiety, and heart felt joy are some of the emotions Katherine Applegate leaves on the page for me to hold and let go.   

References:

Good Reads (n.d.). The One and Only Ivan book cover. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594337-the-one-and-only-ivan

Kirkus Reviews (2011, September 28). The One and Only Ivan. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/katherine-applegate/one-and-only-ivan/