Bibliographic Data
Jackson, Donna M. 2005. ER Vets: Life in an animal emergency room. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618436634
Summary
Donna Jackson’s ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room gives readers a chance to see the careers, equipment, and procedures that make up this exciting and worthwhile profession.
Critical Analysis
The book opens with a crisis: owners rushing their severely ill German Shepherd to the emergency room in the hopes his life can be saved. Jackson follows the dog’s treatment, from triage, to stabilizing the patient, to surgery and aftercare. It’s obvious right away that there’s a lot that goes into running an ER for animals.
This book is very thorough, though quite readable. Younger elementary students may have some trouble understanding all of the book, or staying focused with some of the more technical information (such as signs that urgent care is needed), but most older students will be fine, especially those who are interested in the subject. Jackson is careful to balance technical information, job descriptions and veterinary history with stories about real-life cases, as well as many pictures of animals in the stages of care. The photos are not disturbing.
One of the real-life cases concerns Lucy, a much-loved pet snake that develops hypothermia. Her owner brought her to the ER, but after almost two hours, Lucy is pronounced dead. With this non-cuddly pet, the author has gently introduced the subject of death, and goes on to discuss ways that pet owners grieve, and giving tips to get through the difficult time. She also discusses euthanasia, including a quote from grief counselor Bobbie Beach, who reminds patients, “we’re not killing the animal – the injury or disease is killing him. We’re helping him die so he doesn’t suffer” (p.66). While this is an important topic and given several pages in the book, it is not overdone, and is followed by a story of miraculous recovery that lightens the mood again.
The book concludes with resources for readers who want to learn more, a glossary, and even more photos, including a somewhat amusing picture of a mouse being anesthetized.
Reviews
From School Library Journal:
“Well-researched and well-written, ER Vets is an engaging book on a hot topic.” –Anne Chapman Callaghan, Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.
From BookList:
“Jackson doesn't sidestep the emotional and physical demands of working in an emergency clinic, but her sensitive, behind-the-scenes look at emergency care also clearly shows the rewards of the profession and the bonds between owner and pet. … [This is] not only intriguing browsing material but also an honest initiation to a worthwhile career.” – Stephanie Zvirin, November 1, 2005, Copyright American Library Association.
Connections
This book would fit in many units – those on professions, community helpers, or St. Francis, for those teaching in parochial schools. Science teachers might like to have this one on hand during biology lessons, to inspire students.
Keep in mind that sensitive children may have difficulty with the subject matter.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, by Steve Jenkins
Bibliographic Data
Jenkins, Steve. 1995. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395697018
Summary
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest tells about fourteen animals that are the longest, smallest, or some other superlative in the animal kingdom.
Critical Analysis
If this book simply told readers he biggest, strongest, and fastest animals, that would probably be fine, but Jenkins takes care to make his book as superior as the animals he writes about. Each layout features the animal in question, charmingly yet carefully illustrated in paper collage, accompanied by a relevant fact, such as this one about the fastest animal, the cheetah:
However, the best part of each layout is the small visual aid that compares the animal to something that all children can relate to, usually the human figure. The biggest land animal, longest snake, and the smallest animal are all shown next to a human. The electric eel, which gives the biggest shock, is shown next to 5 light bulbs to illustrate the amount of voltage it emits. These descriptions are particularly helpful when you consider the ant. Knowing that it has the strength to lift five other ants doesn't seem like much. To help readers understand, the chart shows an ant lifting five other ants, next to a man lifting one man. The caption tells us that a strong man can usually only carry something equal to his own weight, and suddenly we understand why an ant was chosen to be the "strongest" animal!
One interesting note; the author was careful to use gender-neutral terminology in the book, not comparing the fastest, strongest, largest creatures to men except in the case of the ant. In the last illustration, the flea was contrasted with a woman, who could only match the flea’s skills if “she could leap to the top of a 65-story building.”
Reviews
From School Library Journal:
“The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page. A helpful chart at the end contains further information about each creature, such as diet and habitat. An all-round superlative effort.” - Jan Shepherd Ross, Copyright 1995, Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist:
“The facts are amazing. Their juxtaposition makes you gasp, not just about size and speed but about comparative wonders. … Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.” - Hazel Rochman, March 1995, copyright American Library Association
Connections
Kids seem to love record books, so this one should be a fun one for students to peruse during free reading time. It will also be helpful when discussing animals in a geography unit, or when discussing comparison words. This is a book for a wide variety of age groups, easy enough for preschoolers to understand, but with facts interesting enough for older children (and even adults) to consider.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Jenkins, Steve. 1995. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395697018
Summary
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest tells about fourteen animals that are the longest, smallest, or some other superlative in the animal kingdom.
Critical Analysis
If this book simply told readers he biggest, strongest, and fastest animals, that would probably be fine, but Jenkins takes care to make his book as superior as the animals he writes about. Each layout features the animal in question, charmingly yet carefully illustrated in paper collage, accompanied by a relevant fact, such as this one about the fastest animal, the cheetah:
“A cheetah can reach speeds of over 60 miles an hour, but only for a few hundred
feet. When it chases another fast animal, such as an antelope, the cheetah must
catch it quickly.”
However, the best part of each layout is the small visual aid that compares the animal to something that all children can relate to, usually the human figure. The biggest land animal, longest snake, and the smallest animal are all shown next to a human. The electric eel, which gives the biggest shock, is shown next to 5 light bulbs to illustrate the amount of voltage it emits. These descriptions are particularly helpful when you consider the ant. Knowing that it has the strength to lift five other ants doesn't seem like much. To help readers understand, the chart shows an ant lifting five other ants, next to a man lifting one man. The caption tells us that a strong man can usually only carry something equal to his own weight, and suddenly we understand why an ant was chosen to be the "strongest" animal!
One interesting note; the author was careful to use gender-neutral terminology in the book, not comparing the fastest, strongest, largest creatures to men except in the case of the ant. In the last illustration, the flea was contrasted with a woman, who could only match the flea’s skills if “she could leap to the top of a 65-story building.”
Reviews
From School Library Journal:
“The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page. A helpful chart at the end contains further information about each creature, such as diet and habitat. An all-round superlative effort.” - Jan Shepherd Ross, Copyright 1995, Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist:
“The facts are amazing. Their juxtaposition makes you gasp, not just about size and speed but about comparative wonders. … Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.” - Hazel Rochman, March 1995, copyright American Library Association
Connections
Kids seem to love record books, so this one should be a fun one for students to peruse during free reading time. It will also be helpful when discussing animals in a geography unit, or when discussing comparison words. This is a book for a wide variety of age groups, easy enough for preschoolers to understand, but with facts interesting enough for older children (and even adults) to consider.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Earth: Our planet in space, by Seymour Simon
Bibliographic Data
Simon, Seymour. 1984. Earth: Our planet in space. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. ISBN 0-02-782830-1
Summary
Elements of astronomy, such as planet, sun, and atmosphere, are explained and accompanied by satellite imagery.
Critical Analysis
This book is appropriate for all elementary students. The explanations are simple, yet thorough, giving just enough information so children will have a basic understanding of the concepts. For example, the Earth’s atmosphere is compared to “a blanket of air around it that keeps it from getting it too hot or too cold.” Though the writing is a bit stilted, it isn’t dull, and the writing corresponds to the photos and diagrams present on every page.
Newer versions of this book include full color photographs, but the 1984 text with black and white photos is still incredible, and worthy of use in the classroom. Most of the photographs are from NASA, and include phases of the moon, the surface of the moon, and Earth from space. There are also images that show certain land formations and cities from space, to illustrate changes made by humans as well as by the Earth itself, through erosion and other natural occurrences.
Reviews
Seymour Simon’s books on science are universally praised for their ability to help students comprehend as well as for their stunning photography. While I couldn’t find a review specifically for this book, here are some reviews about Simon’s other books in the series.
“Seymour Simon's series of children's books on the planets, the sun and the stars reminds you of the old joke about childhood being too good to be wasted on kids.… The latest, URANUS, like its companions, is beautiful, evocative, neat, simple, informative. “ – Holcomb B. Noble, New York Times Book Review, February 7, 1988
"Seymour Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us to understand and appreciate our planet and our universe" —Kirkus Reviews
Connections
This book would be an excellent introduction to a 2nd or 3rd grade study of the solar system, used during read-aloud time, or kept in the classroom library. Even younger grades would benefit from perusing this book, perhaps with teacher guidance to paraphrase the more detailed descriptions.
*****
Kirkus Reviews quote retrieved October 21, 2007 from http://www.chroniclebooks.com/seemore/
Noble, H.B. (1988, February 7). Room enough for 50 Earths. The New York Times. Retrieved October 21, 2007 from http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE0DA153DF934A35751C0A96E948260&n=Top/Features/Books/Book%20Reviews
Simon, Seymour. 1984. Earth: Our planet in space. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. ISBN 0-02-782830-1
Summary
Elements of astronomy, such as planet, sun, and atmosphere, are explained and accompanied by satellite imagery.
Critical Analysis
This book is appropriate for all elementary students. The explanations are simple, yet thorough, giving just enough information so children will have a basic understanding of the concepts. For example, the Earth’s atmosphere is compared to “a blanket of air around it that keeps it from getting it too hot or too cold.” Though the writing is a bit stilted, it isn’t dull, and the writing corresponds to the photos and diagrams present on every page.
Newer versions of this book include full color photographs, but the 1984 text with black and white photos is still incredible, and worthy of use in the classroom. Most of the photographs are from NASA, and include phases of the moon, the surface of the moon, and Earth from space. There are also images that show certain land formations and cities from space, to illustrate changes made by humans as well as by the Earth itself, through erosion and other natural occurrences.
Reviews
Seymour Simon’s books on science are universally praised for their ability to help students comprehend as well as for their stunning photography. While I couldn’t find a review specifically for this book, here are some reviews about Simon’s other books in the series.
“Seymour Simon's series of children's books on the planets, the sun and the stars reminds you of the old joke about childhood being too good to be wasted on kids.… The latest, URANUS, like its companions, is beautiful, evocative, neat, simple, informative. “ – Holcomb B. Noble, New York Times Book Review, February 7, 1988
"Seymour Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us to understand and appreciate our planet and our universe" —Kirkus Reviews
Connections
This book would be an excellent introduction to a 2nd or 3rd grade study of the solar system, used during read-aloud time, or kept in the classroom library. Even younger grades would benefit from perusing this book, perhaps with teacher guidance to paraphrase the more detailed descriptions.
*****
Kirkus Reviews quote retrieved October 21, 2007 from http://www.chroniclebooks.com/seemore/
Noble, H.B. (1988, February 7). Room enough for 50 Earths. The New York Times. Retrieved October 21, 2007 from http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE0DA153DF934A35751C0A96E948260&n=Top/Features/Books/Book%20Reviews
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Danitra Brown, Class Clown
Bibliographic Data
Grimes, Nikki. 2005. Danitra Brown, class clown. Ill. by E.B. Lewis. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-688-17290-3
Plot Summary
This collection of poems is told from the perspective of Zuri, a girl who is having trouble in school. The bright spot in her days is her best friend Danitra Brown, who can make most problems seem small.
Critical Analysis
From the first pair of lines in the first poem, “School is in,” we know that Zuri is not a fan of school:
“School is in and I remember
How much I detest September...”
But on the very same page, we are also introduced to school’s saving grace:
“…But then Danitra hops in, grinning
and all my gloomy thoughts go spinning.”
Most of the fourteen poems in this book follow a similar pattern – Zuri is worried, and her fears are allayed, usually by Danitra. But while there is a pattern, the book never becomes formulaic. Instead, it reinforces Danitra’s role as Zuri’s guardian angel.
While Grimes uses rhyme in all of the poems, her patterns are varied. Some of the poems are a simple AB pattern, very predictable, but others are less so, such as “Hocus Pocus.” In the first two stanzas, Zuri tells the reader that Danitra calls her over and begins to cast a spell, and in the third stanza, the rhyme returns, as we realize that Danitra has worked her magic for Zuri again.
Of special importance are the charming illustrations by E.B. Lewis. The watercolor depictions of school life are detailed, and the children’s personalities and emotions really shine through. One or two of the illustrations of Danitra are so full of life that they practically dance off the page.
Review
From School Library Journal:
“Grimes's text, a running sequence of titled verses, neatly voices the critical self-examination of preadolescent girls. Lewis's detailed watercolor paintings create energy of their own, revealing the girls' emotions with visualization of both joyous expressions and thoughtful moments. Theirs is a friendship with the closeness of siblings, revealed for readers in a natural flow of events and Zuri's narration. “ – Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.
Connections
This book is an enjoyable read, but also teaches powerful lessons about friendship, and would be a good supplement for any lesson on how small actions can make a big difference.
Swimming upstream: Middle school poems by Kristine O’Connell George is a enjoyable book of school poetry that will appeal to students getting ready to take the plunge into middle school.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Doodle Dandies
Bibliographic Data
Lewis, J. Patrick. 1998. Doodle Dandies: Poems that take shape. Ill. by Lisa Desimini. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-81075-X
Plot Summary
J. Patrick Lewis’ collection of poems address a variety of subjects interesting to children, such as animals, sports, and weather. The short poems become part of Lisa Desimini’s illustrations, making the physical act of reading part of the adventure.
Critical Analysis
This collection of poems doesn’t have a common theme, but is an enjoyable set of poems about subjects children will like and be familiar with, formatted in distinctive shapes that reflect those subjects. One lovely use of this formatting is seen in “Winter.” The text is slightly vertical, and each white word appears to be slightly drifting down the midnight blue background, until the final word, “snow,” rests on a rooftop.
Most of the poems are very, very short, and work hand in hand with the illustrations. “Big Cat,” for example, shows a detailed close-up of a tiger’s face, spread across two pages. The left side is well-lit, and the text rings around the eye, “day delights in jungle cries”; the eye on the darker right side is encircled by, “night ignites its tiger eyes”. This is the extent of the text, yet its meaning is clear.
At first the reader may wonder how he is going to decipher the layout of the poem, but most patterns become clear once reading has begun. Because of the close relationship of the illustrations and formation of the text, it’s students should be able to read along with the poem, either by reading the poems on their own, or having access to the book as it’s being read, perhaps through the use of a document camera. It’s important to remember that some students will have difficulty with this format, so be ready to offer assistance, perhaps by writing the poem in standard format, then letting the student compare the two.
Review
“This lively and outstanding collection, reflecting a wide emotional range, will intrigue young artists and wordsmiths with its surprising use of color and unexpected wordplay.“ – Publisher’s Weekly, Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
“The very mixed media art is full of textures and dark, rich colors that repay close examination. A dandy way indeed to begin a journey to poetry.“ – Booklist, July 1998, GraceAnne A. DeCandido
Connections
Younger students might enjoy creating illustrations, and perhaps including special text placement in self-selected poems.
Good Mousekeeping: and other animal home poems is another fun book of poetry by the same author and illustrator team.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Lewis, J. Patrick. 1998. Doodle Dandies: Poems that take shape. Ill. by Lisa Desimini. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-81075-X
Plot Summary
J. Patrick Lewis’ collection of poems address a variety of subjects interesting to children, such as animals, sports, and weather. The short poems become part of Lisa Desimini’s illustrations, making the physical act of reading part of the adventure.
Critical Analysis
This collection of poems doesn’t have a common theme, but is an enjoyable set of poems about subjects children will like and be familiar with, formatted in distinctive shapes that reflect those subjects. One lovely use of this formatting is seen in “Winter.” The text is slightly vertical, and each white word appears to be slightly drifting down the midnight blue background, until the final word, “snow,” rests on a rooftop.
Most of the poems are very, very short, and work hand in hand with the illustrations. “Big Cat,” for example, shows a detailed close-up of a tiger’s face, spread across two pages. The left side is well-lit, and the text rings around the eye, “day delights in jungle cries”; the eye on the darker right side is encircled by, “night ignites its tiger eyes”. This is the extent of the text, yet its meaning is clear.
At first the reader may wonder how he is going to decipher the layout of the poem, but most patterns become clear once reading has begun. Because of the close relationship of the illustrations and formation of the text, it’s students should be able to read along with the poem, either by reading the poems on their own, or having access to the book as it’s being read, perhaps through the use of a document camera. It’s important to remember that some students will have difficulty with this format, so be ready to offer assistance, perhaps by writing the poem in standard format, then letting the student compare the two.
Review
“This lively and outstanding collection, reflecting a wide emotional range, will intrigue young artists and wordsmiths with its surprising use of color and unexpected wordplay.“ – Publisher’s Weekly, Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
“The very mixed media art is full of textures and dark, rich colors that repay close examination. A dandy way indeed to begin a journey to poetry.“ – Booklist, July 1998, GraceAnne A. DeCandido
Connections
Younger students might enjoy creating illustrations, and perhaps including special text placement in self-selected poems.
Good Mousekeeping: and other animal home poems is another fun book of poetry by the same author and illustrator team.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What My Mother Doesn't Know
Bibliographic Data
Sones, Sonya. 2001. What My Mother Doesn’t Know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-84114-0
Plot Summary
Fourteen year old Sophie is dealing with her parents’ troubled marriage, and her own confusing romantic life. The one constant in Sophie’s life is her relationship with her two best friends, but even they don’t know about her secret crush on the class loser. When her friends go on vacation over the winter break, Sophie’s feelings for Murphy quickly move beyond the crush stage, and she struggles with what to do when school is back in session.
Critical Analysis
What My Mother Doesn’t Know is a novel told in verse form. The story is told in a very linear fashion, with most poems illustrating an event in the main character’s life, similar to chapters in a standard novel, or entries in a journal. A few of the poems serve to give background information on the character, such as the story of how the girls became best friends in “It’s Been Rachel, Grace and Me Ever Since.” While each poem could stand alone, they work best as part of the overall novel.
This novel is all about Sophie’s emotions, which are sometimes a roller coaster. In “Deleted” and “Chat Room Chump”, Sophie’s emotions go from shock, disgust, anger and fear. In the following “When I Tell Them”, her best friends share in these emotions, and allow Sophie to move on. The most powerful poems in the novel deal with her romantic feelings for boys, and the passion Sophie feels is almost tangible, as “In the Movie Theater” shows:
But while Sophie is clear and honest about many events, she is less so about the feelings brought out by her parents. Her father is cold, and her mother is distant and depressed. Sophie briefly touches on her feelings, but tends to shy away from too much introspection concerning her parents. This is an area of her life that is painful, but has been so as long as she can remember, and while there are occasional bright spots, there isn’t much room for hope.
The poems in this novel are free verse, and each poem has its own form. Most poems follow a pattern of verse size, for example three lines for each verse, or alternating three line and five line verses. Some of the poems use a standard verse size, and then end with one line for added emphasis.
Review:
“The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly. Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read. “ -- Booklist, November 15, 2001, Copyright American Library Association
Connections:
This novel will appeal to most young adults, and while it is an easy, fast read, it is an excellent example of how poetry uses the fewest words to convey the most meaning, as well as the idea that poetry does not have to be lofty verses about nature. Students can use this novel as a starting point for their own free verse poetry, based on experiences meaningful in their lives.
What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know picks up where this novel leaves off, and is written from the perspective of Sophie’s boyfriend, Robin.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
Sones, Sonya. 2001. What My Mother Doesn’t Know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-84114-0
Plot Summary
Fourteen year old Sophie is dealing with her parents’ troubled marriage, and her own confusing romantic life. The one constant in Sophie’s life is her relationship with her two best friends, but even they don’t know about her secret crush on the class loser. When her friends go on vacation over the winter break, Sophie’s feelings for Murphy quickly move beyond the crush stage, and she struggles with what to do when school is back in session.
Critical Analysis
What My Mother Doesn’t Know is a novel told in verse form. The story is told in a very linear fashion, with most poems illustrating an event in the main character’s life, similar to chapters in a standard novel, or entries in a journal. A few of the poems serve to give background information on the character, such as the story of how the girls became best friends in “It’s Been Rachel, Grace and Me Ever Since.” While each poem could stand alone, they work best as part of the overall novel.
This novel is all about Sophie’s emotions, which are sometimes a roller coaster. In “Deleted” and “Chat Room Chump”, Sophie’s emotions go from shock, disgust, anger and fear. In the following “When I Tell Them”, her best friends share in these emotions, and allow Sophie to move on. The most powerful poems in the novel deal with her romantic feelings for boys, and the passion Sophie feels is almost tangible, as “In the Movie Theater” shows:
Robin whispers something to me,
and when his lips
brush against my ear,
all the atoms in my body
start vibrating,
as though I’m a harp
and every single one
of my strings
has just been plucked
at the exact same time.
I don’t catch what he says.
But it doesn’t matter.
And when our fingers bump
in the popcorn box,
a shower of sparks flies out.
But while Sophie is clear and honest about many events, she is less so about the feelings brought out by her parents. Her father is cold, and her mother is distant and depressed. Sophie briefly touches on her feelings, but tends to shy away from too much introspection concerning her parents. This is an area of her life that is painful, but has been so as long as she can remember, and while there are occasional bright spots, there isn’t much room for hope.
The poems in this novel are free verse, and each poem has its own form. Most poems follow a pattern of verse size, for example three lines for each verse, or alternating three line and five line verses. Some of the poems use a standard verse size, and then end with one line for added emphasis.
Review:
“The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly. Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read. “ -- Booklist, November 15, 2001, Copyright American Library Association
Connections:
This novel will appeal to most young adults, and while it is an easy, fast read, it is an excellent example of how poetry uses the fewest words to convey the most meaning, as well as the idea that poetry does not have to be lofty verses about nature. Students can use this novel as a starting point for their own free verse poetry, based on experiences meaningful in their lives.
What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know picks up where this novel leaves off, and is written from the perspective of Sophie’s boyfriend, Robin.
*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/
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