Asbjornsen Fairy Tales

Title: Norweigen Folktales: Why The Sea Is Salt, The Two Step-Sisters, Buttercup, The Best Wish,

Author: Peter Christen Asbjornsen 

Publisher: Pantheon

Date: August 1982

Number of pages: 192 pages

Reading level: 9 and up

Genre: Fairy Tales 

Summary:  Asbjornsen writes beautiful fairy tales that flow and bring to pass a world in which a reader can escape from Reality. In the Two Step-Sisters a mother tells the bad sister to fetch water. When she refuses the  good sister does and ends up in the bottom of the well. When she knocks on a few doors she ends up serving a lady and feeding her son, babysitting and sweeping. When asked what possessions she wanted to acquire, the good sister asked for the lesser in value with humility. When she left the woman's house, she was given a beautiful star upon her forehead. When she told her bad sister to do the same, the sister swept up lots of dirt, ate the food that she was supposed to feed the womans' son, and picked the high value items she was offered. When she left the woman's home, her forehead was spread with dirt. The mother then realized that the lesson here to learn is that she had not loved the good daughter enough.

My reaction: I felt that all of Asbjornsen's writings were pleasurable and fun. I thought they appealed more to the visionary arts to make you feel like you were right there in the story. He has a way of writing with descriptive detail to paint a picture in your head. I thoroughly enjoyed his pieces.

Potential problems: There are few sketchy fairy tales regarding disrespect and greed. There is no violence so other then the lack of morality in a few of this pieces I feel that there are no problems.

My recommendation: I feel that these stories are appropriate for all ages. I would delightfully and without questions share them to any elementary aged students on up to higher level education. I feel that these types of works can be used to teach children about fairy tales - more so then the other authors assigned for reading. Children will enjoy Asbjornsen's fairy  tales thoroughly.

Andersen Fairy Tales

Title: Andersen's Fairy Tales: The Leaping Match, Shoes of Fortune, The Red Shoes, The Real Princess, The Fir  Tree

Author: Hans Christian Andersen

Publisher: North-South Books

Date: 2002

Number of pages: 92 pages

Reading level: Ages 4-6

Genre: Fairy Tale

Summary:  Hans Andersen appears to write a lot about shoes, magical kingdoms, and the arts. Which makes sense because Andersen's father was a shoemaker, and he left his house when he was 14 to excel in the arts. Mostly I found that the shoes he writes about have powers that overcome the shoes and make them magical.

In the Red Shoes a girl is being taken care of by an older woman who purchases her a pair of gorgeous red shoes. Everyone speculates the shoes and their appropriateness in church, and at her baptism. Sooner a later when a man comments on how beautiful the shoes are the shoes power awakens and she begins to dance. Once she starts dancing, she can't stop...she dances day and night, rain or shine. Although she waivered from the teachings of the church, she soon came back and felt her self-worth. She felt that she was no better nor worse then the rest of the individuals whom sat in the congregation. The pastor told her that she was right to come back to the fold, and she said that it was by mercy that she returned.

My reaction: I found Andersen's fairy tales to be quite dull and to meander. I didn't feel there was any real plot of moral to the story, and were way too long to even get the point across. It lacked any time of suspense, adventure, or even a tiny bit of entertainment.

Potential problem: The lack of entertainment value could pose as a problem to young children.

My recommendation: I would not share this with young children. They will not be able to sit still and listen to the stories. Even as an adult, I did not enjoy the stories - but definitely will be appreciated "more" by an age group that is old enough to have a lengthy attention span.

Perrault Fairy Tales

Title: Perrault Fairy Tales, Little Red Riding Hood, Little Tom Thumb, Blue Beard, PussinBoots

 Author: Charles Perrault

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: 1983

Number of pages: 156 pages

Reading level: 9 and Up

Genre: Fairy Tales

Summary:  

Many of these stories were well-known to people in Perrault’s time, but they had never been written down. These were stories told orally (which means spoken out loud), around the fire or at bedtime, to entertain and teach children. Some stories that Perrault wrote down were popular all over Europe, and some also written down later in Germany as Grimm Fairy Tales. If it were not for writers like Charles Perrault, many of these stories would have been lost to us. 

 

The few fairy tales I did read paid close attention to detail, as well as violence. In Little Red Riding Hood the little girl is stalked by a big bad wolf who later eats her up when she visits her sick  grandma. Although there is no gory bloody details like some of the other assigned Fairy Tale readings, Perrault instills an odd gruesome factor into his stories. Like Tom Thumb, the Ogre murders his seven daughters by slicing their throats in the middle of the night. In Blue Beard, he murders all his wives, and when his new wife finds all the wives hanging in a closet, he tells her it is her time to die. 

Perrault has a way of telling the story, and interpreting the moral value. In this book, after each Fairy Tale, Perrault included a small poem interpreting the moral and theme of the story. For Little Red, he said the moral is for girls is, "not to learn your way, don't stop to make new friends, because you'll never know how it ends". This for example, shows that Perrault wanted his audience to know and realize the significance and purpose behind his writings. 

My reaction: I liked this book very much. Not only did it share the classic fairy tales but it shared the meanings behind them as well. I feel it's easier to use his fairy tales as a teaching tool if you can also share the enlightenment from the Author of the writing. A writers intent can be speculated and interpreted in many different ways, but it makes it much more simple if you can hear it straight from their mouths what they wanted and intended by sharing their literary works.

Potential Problems: Violence, Blood, distracting detail.

My recommendation: Although the book is written and evaluated for an audience 9 and up, due to the violence I would recommend not sharing them in public schools as the violence and disturbance can offend many children. The book could be better utilized in upper level educations such as High School or General college courses.

Jacobs' Fairy Tales

Title: Jacobs' Fairy Tales: Mouse and Mouser, The Golden Arm, The Strange Visitor, Henny-Penny

Author: Joseph Jacobs

Publisher: Authoroma Public Books

Date: 1996

Number of pages: 319 pages

 Reading level: 10 and up

 Genre: Fairy Tale

Summary: Joseph Jacobs and his unique style of writing brings a new shared light to the diverse world of fairy tales. Jacob's was and educated English man who fled to the United States to share his literary art at a young age. In the late 1800's Jacobs introduced his variation of Jack in the beanstalk - which opened up a diversity in the journey to seek his style of writing. Once he was in the public eye, Jacobs produced many more works or art that later became to be known as one of the greatest English writers known to this day. 

The four classics I choose to read were interesting. They all had an ending in which you would not expect. Although true to fact and honest, there were no real big twists or turns. In The Golden Arm, you think that the wife will confront him about the arm, but Jacobs cuts off the story before talking about the missing arm in which the husband cut off in the middle of the night. Instead she tells the husband that she knows he has it, but that is the end of the story. In Mouse and Mouser the mouse ends up being the one who pays for good deeds.  The mouse sweeps and becomes a great cleaner - also recognized by the cat. After cleaning he finds a coin, goes to the market, buys a pudding, puts it in the window to cool, and the cat eats it. In attempt to confront the cat about eating his pudding, mouse gets pounced on. You never find out the fate of the mouse, but it is insinuated that he parishes to be the cat's meal as the cat mentions he will now eat the mouse.

Although classics, patterns seemed to suggest that the rugged writings of Joseph Jacob's are not always happy. The mouse parishes, The strange visitor gets a visitor but it's not of notable recognition, and in Henny-Penny the sky does not fall. 

My reaction: My favorite Jacobs' fairy tale is Henny-Penny. I like all the characters unique names, situations/circumstances, and variety of animals and their concerns. The way it was written is almost like a tongue twister which makes it fun. I enjoy the chaotic story that unfolds before you, and the entertainment it offers.

Potential problems: I don't see any inappropriateness towards the audience in which it is aimed. I feel that a few of the works were quite boring and without point, but if you get an entertaining story such as Henny-Penny or Jack and the Beanstalk it's an enjoyable read.

My recommendation: In younger classrooms Jack and the Beanstalk can be used as a children's play or reading time. I remember being in girl scouts and we acted out Jacobs version of Jack and the Beanstalk. I had so much fun not only reading and hearing the story, but implementing the fairy tale fun in my own life. I agree with the age level, about 12 and up a child can really begin to appreciate works of art and recognize entertainment mixed with structural value.

The Giver

Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Date: 1994

Number of pages: 208 pages

Reading level: Young Adult

Genre: Science Fiction

Summary: In a world of no poverty, crime or sickness Jonas is a 12 year old boy that is faced with a lifetime burden and opportunity as being the communities "Receiver of Memories". Under the close eye of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his Utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. The author explores the world where someone would give up everything even their humanity to create a more stable environment that promotes equality amongst all it's citizens.

When Jonas meets the Giver, he is confused  and faces many forms of agony. The Giver is allowed to break some rules, such as turning off the speaker and lying to people of the community to protect them from knowledge. As Jonas receives the memories from the previous receiver, who is currently known as the giver (giver of memories to the new receiver - he discovers the power of knowledge and the thirst to learn and acquire more of it. Regardless of truthfulness, there is a certain serenity about knowing, but also poses as a burden to keep such secrets. The people in his community are happy because they don't know of a better life but the knowledge of what they are missing out on could create chaos. He faces a dilemma: Should he stay with the community, his family living a shallow life without love, color, choices and knowledge or should he run away to where he can live a full life...What does Jonas choose?

 Desperate, Jonas flees the community with his good friend Gabe. Also, he was given the instructions from the Giver to flee, and release all the memories that he had stored to the rest of the community. At first, the escape seems successful, with all of the search planes finally giving up their search for Jonas. Soon, however, food runs out and they grow weak. Cold and hungry, Jonas and Gabe begin to lose hope, but then remembering the memory of sunshine Jonas was given, he uses it and regains strength. Jonas begins to no longer care about himself, but only about Gabe's safety; it is here that he feels happy as he remembers his parents and sister, his friends and The Giver. Jonas and Gabriel cross a snow-covered hill in the dark and find a sled on top, which Jonas remembers from the first memory he ever received. He and Gabriel board the sled and go down the hill where they seem to hear music coming from some houses. The story ends as Jonas develops symptoms of hypothermia. It is never revealed the fate of Gabe and Jonas - but it is hinted that they return safely and survive.

My reaction: Very entertaining, even as an adult reader. I loved the story, and I typically don't like science fiction. The fact that the setting is very much futuristic, the distinct detail makes you feel as if you are there - in the story.

Potential problems: The content at times can be severely inappropriate for young readers.

My recommendation: I would recommend this be used in young adult classrooms as a literary work of art. It can be used for points of discussion in literary circles or groups, and also in lessons about the unknown. I will recommend this novel to any young boys who are struggling to find a genre they actively enjoy reading.

Go, Dog. Go!

Title: Go, Dog. Go!

Author: P.D. Eastman

Publishe: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date: 1966

Number of Pages: 72 pages

Reading Level: Ages 4-6

Genre: Childrens Picture Book

Summary:  Go, dog. Go! Teaches in and out, up and down, and many many colors. There story is two dogs whose lives are intertwined with one another, one who is big, and one who is little. Although very different - they journey together to learn the world of opposites, and teach others the mysteries that comes with being different. As the two dogs learn together - we are taken on a wild adventure with rafts and forts and carnivals.

My reaction: I love the read this aloud to my nephew. He enjoys watching the story unfold in front of him as he See's the big dog and little dog embark on a learning adventure together.

Potential problem: If reading this book directly before bedtime, I have found my nephew gets real distracted, and wound up while immersed in the adventurous story of the two dogs.

My recommendation: It is recommended that we read to our children and average of 20 minutes a day. This book takes about 8 minutes to get through if you speed through all the illustrations and don' ask the child any questions about the illustrations on the page. It just takes a minute to read, and that small amount of time is a wonderful teaching tool for our children. I think it's important this book is used in all home's to help enforce the world of color, design and incorporation of learning the basics between text and picture. 

Mother Goose Treasury

Title: Mother Goose Treasury

Author: Compilation of Authors

Publisher: Dalmation Press

Date: 2001

Number of pages: 316 pages

Reading Level: Preschool - 8 years

Genre: Fairytales

Summary:  A new collection of old and familiar nursery rhymes -- rhymes that stay alive from generation to generation because they move in lively rhythms. The words of these old favorites roll easily from the tongue, whether they be full of wisdom, humor or just plain nonsense. Many are fine poetry and serve as an important introduction to our literature. Featuring the classic nursery rhymes; Humpty Dumpty, Old Mother Hubbard, Jack Sprat, Little Bo-Peep and many many many more!

My reaction: The illistrator Hilda Offen was very much in tune with keeping the spirit of the old familiar words. They will be a lasting joy to readers and listeners, young and old.

Potential problems: There is no problems with this classic variety of fairy tales.

My recommendation: Mother Goose serves as and excellent bed time story for children of young ages. Also can be used for art time in a nursery or preschool as the children illustrate their favorite Mother Goose rhyme.



The Brothers Grimm Fairtytales

Title: Brides on Their Trial, The Moon, The Sweetheart, The Aged Mother

Author: the Grimm Brothers

Publisher: Bantam

Date: 1999

Number of pages: 353 pages

Reading level: 9 and up

Genre: Fairyales

Summary: It's hard to summarize just four of the fairytales I read. The moon was about 4 gentlemen who owned the moon. When each of them passed away, they requested that the 1/4 they owned be buried alongside with them. When he fourth one passed, there was complete darkness that filled the land - but the quarters that were buried with their owners now gathered together and lit up the underworld. St. Peter left the gates to tell the dead to lay back down and rest again.

The Brides and their trials could be compared to a variation of a cinderella story - which also is a Grimm Brothers fairytale. A prince asks his mother which of the three beautiful sisters shall he marry, if he has to choose but one. The mother tells him to invite all three over for cheese. The first sister eats the entire cheese, he second cuts off the rind - but cuts too much, and the third peels off the rind and it's perfect. The mother councils that the son pick the third sister as she is frugile and percise.

The aged mother was mourning over the loss of her two sons...Each of the fairytales varies where they aren't always happy and with positive endings. Many of the Brothers Grimm fairytales are gruesome and not always so delightfully friendly.

My reaction: I love the style and honesty behind the Brothers Grimm. I feel that it relates more to real life as reality isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Grimm's have a way of telling it how it is, remaining entertaining and also sharing variations to popular stories that turn them into more colorful classics.

Potential problems: Sometimes mildly graphic. Different variations, and bloody.

My recommendation: I would recommend teachers in literature classes in high school share the fairy tales by the Grimm Brothers, and encourage them to read some of the 'not so famous ones'. I feel that students of that age will be able to appreciate the literary works more so then the average child. These specific fairy tales can be used as a teaching tool in classrooms that you can stray away from the classic story, yet stay true to the meaning and entertainment value that fairy tales offer. I will share the Grimm Brothers fairy tales in any classroom I might teach in, and also implement them in my own home.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Author: Ann Brashares

Publisher: Dell Books for Young Readers

Date: 2004

Number of pages: 352 pages

Reading Level: Young Adult

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Summary: Just prior to summer, 4 girls purchase a pair of pants in a local thrift store. Little did they know what this pair of pants would do to their lives, and how it would keep them interwoven in one another lives. Over the summer the Pants come to represent the support of the sisterhood, but they also lead each girl into bruising and ultimately healing confrontations with love and courage, dying and forgiveness. 

Lena finds her identity in Greece and the courage not to reject the opportunity to fall in love, regardless of a Capulet vs. Montague family misunderstanding; Bridget gets in over her head with an older camp coach while she attends a soccer camp in Mexico; Carmen finds her father ensconced with a new fiancee and family and the drama that comes with meeting and merging two families; and Tibby unwillingly takes on a film making apprentice who is dying of leukemia. Each girl's story is distinct and engrossing, told in a brightly contemporary style. Like the Pants, the reader bounces back and forth among the four unfolding adventures, and the melange is spiced with letters and witty quotes. The girls take turns with the pants. When the purpose has been fulfilled they mail the pants to the next recipient who utilizes it's magic for her benefit.

Ann Brashares has here created four captivating characters and seamlessly interwoven their stories for a young adult novel that is fresh and absorbing. The story ends with all the girls gathering at Carmen's fathers wedding, and back at home coping and reminiscing their summer experiences and complimenting the pants for the wonderful adventures they went through, and the love they did and did not find over the summer. 

My reaction: This thrilling adventure of Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget allows readers to escape reality. With the belief that a single pair of pants might fit 4 very different forms and body types of these young ladies, you can only imagine where the story will take you. You don't know who will and won't overcome their obstacle thrown their way. The text keeps you enthused and curious as to what shall happen next. I think it's a wonderful piece of art that should be shared with all young women readers.

Potential problems: Family values are strictly enforced throughout the book, but a few of the girls disregard their families advice and their own better judgement. Choices like these go without consequence in the book.

My recommendation: I have shared this book with many young ladies who are struggling to find a genre they enjoy. The way the story unfolds helps keep a student actively engaged in the story. For a middle school or young high school student seeking to find self-satisfaction and passion for the art of reading, they should pick up on of the books from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. 

Love Rules

Title: Love Rules

Authors: Dandi Daley Mackall

Publisher: Thirsty

Date: 2005

Number of pages: 256 pages

Reading Level: Young Adult

Genre: Nonfiction

Summary: Emma is stuck in Hamilton, Missouri, while her best friend, Mattie, and her brother, Jake, head to the West Coast for college. Emma always knew she was really close to her brother, and enjoyed the company of his best friend Mattie. She never thought them heading west would hit her so hard. After their departure, she felt empty, and without purpose. To stay in touch while they're gone, Emma makes Jake and Mattie promise to send a postcard back to her once a week. Each postcard has to have a new Love Rule uncovered that week. In the process, Jake and Mattie discover that love was right under their noses. 

After being away awhile, Mattie writes back to Emma, saying she misses her, and asking her advice about Jake. With the full support of Emma, Mattie and Jake pursue a love that they never knew was hiding within them. They fall in love, and write home to Emma that they are happy, and thank them for helping them write the rules of love - opening up new avenues to them.

My reaction: Although cute and fun, I thought the plot was pointless, and lacked a significant event to which we would credit the climax. The characters were poorly developed, and the text wandered from subject to subject. It was fairly hard to follow.

Potential problems: The moral obligation between best friends and a brother really get in the way of the story. I feel that many young readers will think that it's OK to travel off with you best friends brother to fall in love - and morally that's not acceptable. 

My recommendation: I don't recommend this book to anyone. It was poorly written and the worst novel I have read since I was 13. I feel that although mildly entertaining, the time it takes for the story to get anywhere, I could have read and finished a far better/more worthy book.

The Giving Tree

Title: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein 

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1964

Number of pages: 46

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Summary: This short tale is about the relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree provides the boy with everything that he needs/wants: branches to swing on, shade to sit in, apples to eat, branches to build a home. The boy continues to grow older, and as he grows he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut it down so the boy can build a boat to sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy becomes an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies, "I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree then says, "Well, an old tree stump is a good place for sitting and resting. Come boy, sit down and rest." The boy obliged and the tree was happy.

My reaction: I loved this book as a child, and learned many lessons of sacrifice and love through the kindness of the tree. I learned that the little boy loved the tree, like a small child would love his mother. Their relationship was like that of a child and parent figure. Much like a mother, the tree shows endless love that endures and prevails over all things. 

Potential problems: This children's classic has been speculated to be very controversial in moral values. Some say that the relationship between the tree and the boy is selfishly abused. The boy, in some cases, expects the tree to give him everything without expressing gratitude or giving anything in return. 

My recommendation: Regardless of popular discouragement of readership (due to popular controversy over morals)  I believe this book should still be shared/read aloud to all children. It's a popular bed-time story, and feel it should still be shared directly before child goes to bed. It helps them remember that they are not alone, an also gives them positive thoughts before drifting off to sleep. Children love the illustrations, and the mutual regard for love between the boy and the tree reminds most children of a relationship between them and their parents.

The Honest Words of Abe Lincoln

Title: The Honest Words of Abe Lincoln 

Author: Doreen Rappaport

Publisher: Hyperion Books CH

Date: 2007

Number of pages: 20 pages

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Nonfiction 

Summary: A wonderful overview of Abraham Lincoln's life. Seventeen pages of concise writing, each containing absolutely stunning illustrations, take you through Lincoln's childhood, early political years, presidency, and death. Lincoln's words are printed on every page, highlighting the important aspects of the story. This book can be used to introduce the presidency, slavery, Civil War, or civil rights. The Gettysburg Address is printed in the back, along with a list of important dates and a list of suggested further reading and Internet sites. 


My reaction: Very informational, appealing to children, teaches history, and appeals to the children's crave to learn about former presidents.


Potential problems: The pictures do not match the text as well as I would have liked, and also it appears that the pictures are somewhat distracting


My recommendation: I think this book should be used in Elementary schools to introduce young children to history and the political system.  

The Wheat Doll

Title: The Wheat Doll

Author: Allison L. Randall

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Date: 2008

Number of pages: 32 pages

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Picture book 

Summary: Mary Ann is a  young pioneer girl who lives in the plains of a Utah farm with her mother and father. Her best friend is her homemade wheat-filled doll. One day Mary Ann sets Betty on a stump while she pulls carrots in the garden. Suddenly a storm sweeps across the valley, and Mary Ann's parents hurry her into the safety of the cabin. After the storm, the girl searches everywhere but she cannot find her beloved doll. Mary Ann is lonely without it all winter, but in spring she discovers a doll-shaped patch of wheat sprouting from the mud near where the toy was lost. She tends the sprouts and makes a new doll from the grains. When the grains grow healthy enough, she harvests the wheat and makes a new doll. Her best friend returns and she is happy. 


My reaction: I thought this book was a great example of the theme and morals it portrays. It teaches Mary Ann the protagonist to not give up - even after the long hard winter, Mary Ann has faith that her best friend Betty is still nearby. I know most children can relate to a lost beloved toy that they care deeply for, especially little girl's who have developed close bond relationships with their dolls.


Potential problems: I don't see any problems with this short story picture book.


My Recommendation: This book could be used as an aid to help comfort children whom have lost a toy which is dear to them. Especially toys or blankets they have become dependent on growing up. Little girls can connect with the story so well, so it could be used in lower elementary educational programs and classes (preschool - 2nd grade). 

Stargirl

Title: Stargirl

Author:  Jerry Spinellli

Publisher:  Random House

Copyright Date: 2000

Pages: 208 pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction 

Summary: Stargirl is about this very unusual but beautiful girl who enrolls a new school after being home-schooled most her life. She isn't like any of the other girls. She carries around a ukelele on her back and sings in the lunchroom everyday. When she starts showing up at the football games (which no one goes to), everyone starts coming too. Finally, she becomes an official cheerleader for the school and somehow never stops cheering. At basketball games she would even cheer for the other teams, and she was eventually blamed for a mishap that ended the longest winning streak. Stargirl is spirited, and delightfully kind to be around.  Everyone except Dori Dilson (Stargirl’s friend) and Leo turn Stargirl down.  Leo, although captivated by the spirit of Stargirl, he is forced to choose between his popularity and friends, and this odd girl who recently joined their class. Leo and Dori avoid her in the halls and they don’t even make eye contact with her. It’s like she doesn’t exist. 

Leo realizes that there is something completely beautiful about Stargirl and risks being ridiculed to be her boyfriend. After the rumors and drama got out of control, Leo approaches Stargirl request her to change and become more "normal". Stargirl then admits she loves Leo more then intentionally planned, so she attempts to become as normal as she knows how. The next day, Stargirl disappears, and taking her place is an average girl who isn't as unique, named Susan Caraway. Stargirl undercover in attempt to change, she realizes that she (Susan) doesn't like the change and so she changes back to her normal - un-normal self. After the school dance, in which Stargirl lead the Bunny Hop, she was never seen nor heard from again. 

My reaction:

It reminded me of all the obstacles typical teenagers have in High School. Although I didn't necessarily NOT enjoy my High School days, I was constantly reminded that it's okay to be an individual. There is something beautiful about taking a stand and being yourself. I loved that Spinelli portrayed Stargirl to be a fearless beautiful girl who is unaffected by the era and influences of modern day fashion and ideology.

Potential problems: Not everyone has as miserable experience as Stargirl. A message of "changing who you are for a boyfriend" could potentially be mistaken even though Stargirl didn't end up liking the change at all, and disappears forever. Girls should realize that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies, and if they remain true to themselves, there is no shame in that, and no need to run away no matter what the criticisms may be.

My recommendations:

This classic by Jerry Spinelli can be used in Middle Schools and Junior Highs around the United States to remind young women that it is okay to be themselves. The earlier students learn to accept who they are and be themselves - the earlier students learn to be happy.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Title: Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Author: John Steptoe

Publisher: Amistad

Date: 1987

Number of pages: 32

Reading level: Ages 48

Genre: Folktale

Summary: This book is usually described as an African variation on Cinderella and it has a similar story - when a king invites the women of his kingdom to come to his palace so that he can choose the most worthy to be his wife, two sisters appear before him and he chooses the kinder of the two. But this version of Cinderella is infinitely superior to the tale most Americans grow up on.

In John Steptoe's version, inspired by an African folktale, the two sisters are both beautiful, but the beauty of one, Manyara, is only external. Her sister, Nyasha, the "Cinderella" character is beautiful inside and out. And her goodness doesn't consist just of doing what she's told to do. She's kind to all creatures, even Manyara who is repeatedly wicked and mean towards her younger sister. Nyasha befriends a snake in the garden and sings to it while she tends to her plants. Manyara is mean to all creatures she encounters, especially the 3 she stumbles across on her way to seek the throne. Furthermore, the king chooses Nyasha to be his queen not because of her beauty, but because he has secretly seen her her kindness and generosity (and her sister's meanness) in action. He chooses a good soul, not just a beautiful face. The end of the book you find out the king is also the snake that Nyasha befriends in the garden. Their father is pleased with the King's choice and Manyara is chosen to be a servant in the kings mansion.

My Reaction: I loved this variation of the classic Cinderella fairy tale! This version has all the elements that make Cinderella a classic, but ethically it's far, far better. As if that weren't enough, the illustrations in this book are sheer magic. More than any book we've read, this one has inspired in my daughter a fascination with Africa. The details of Steptoe's paintings, drawn from the plants, animals and architecture of Zimbabwe, are glorious. Every time we read the book, my daughter and I talk about new things we notice about the pictures. I can't think of a single children's book I like better than this one.

Potential Problems: I do not see any problems with this children's classic.

My Recommendation: I think this book should be used as a great reading time book. You could also incorporate a writing assignment with the book to keep children enthused in the story. I would recommend using this to teach children the variations of fairy tales. It's important that children understand the classic stories they see on Disney are not the only versions of the story. The writing activity that could be used is having the children make their own variation of the Cinderella story!

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Author: Jeff Kinney

Publisher: Amulet Books

Date: November 2010

Number of pages: 224 pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Comedy

Summary:  Greg Heffley begins his journal by saying it has been two weeks since he had a big fight with his ex-best-friend, Rowley Jefferson. Then he finds out that Rowley's parents found a replacement best friend: an employee of a role-model-for-hire company called "Cool Brian." Greg goes to extreme lengths to win popularity points at his school. He posts edited photos on the Internet in an attempt not to be more popular, but to simply show others that his life is not boring or stressful, since he is jealous of the comfortable and fun-filled lives of others shown in their photos.

Greg fails and attempt this year to audition for a local commercial/advertisement for an ice cream company called "Peachy Breeze." He only fails because he is 13, and the person needed for the advertisement needs to be 3-6 years old.  Greg complains that he is not treated fairly because of his age by family, friends and news reporters, he then realizes that he is more in the lime light then he deserved and wanted.

Greg's mother decides that now would be a good time to return to college, leaving the family to fend for themselves. Many of the chores are left undone and without his mother at home, most all stability falls apart. As the men must take care of food is often ruined, and misfortune often strikes the family when they simply go out to eat. He also complains that he must take more time to do his homework since his mother often helps in the way of giving him all the answers, and his father makes him do the work on his own. In this book Greg is to take on many new responsibilities, including; waking up on his own, doing his own laundry and taking care of his younger brother Manny. The year isn't shaping out as planned when he accidentally set off the fire alarm at school but somehow manages not to get caught.  At school, a "Lock-In" is organized where boys and girls Greg's age have a supervised sleepover in the school. It turns out to be a disaster, in which there are nearly no girls, and an excess amounts of parent chaperons. One of the chaperone's intentionally turned off the heater in the auditorium and switched on the AC to keep the misbehaving boys in their beds through the night.

After the Lock-In incident, he arrives to school with a large pimple on his forehead. This makes Greg wonder about his growth spurt and if puberty is about to hit.  Due to this curiosity, Greg is humiliated at a family function as he grandma has "the talk" with him. Following this horrendous disaster to make the first move and mends his friendship with his ex-best friend Rowley, and the two became friends again. Everything is back to normal once again.

My reaction: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are always so fun and entertaining. Kinney (the author) has a distinct way of sharing his humor with his readers. It brings to light the horrible experiences any young boy goes through on his adventure through the awkward middle years of his life. Facing facts, starting to be interested in girls, worrying about friendships, and humiliation comes to play. I love his witty comments about puberty and facing the facts of growing up and taking responsibility. In this specific "diary" Greg learns that he needs to step-up to the plate and take on new tasks to get him through his day, which means helping out a little more at home, and acquiring new skills.

Potential problems: Might have borderline inappropriate conversation for little boys younger then about 11.

My recommendation: I think towards the end of elementary and beginning of middle school this book should be given to boys who have yet to find their niche for reading. I have not met a young lad yet who fought the love for Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They are humorous and fun to read while also teaching moral lessons and higher expectations of living.

No, David!

Title: No, David!

Author: David Shannon

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Date: September 1998

Number of pages: 32 pages

Reading level: Baby - Preschool

Genre: Comedy/Humor

 

Summary:  No, David! is an increasingly popular children's book. The book was inspired by a small book, entitled No David, that David Shannon wrote when he was five. Every page you turn includes the words: "No, David!" and a picture of David (which is also Shannon as a young boy) doing things he was not supposed to do like writing and drawing on the wall, getting a cookie, playing in the mud and getting dirty, dressed up in costumes and running down the sidewalk, playing soldier with a spoon and pot from the kitchen, playing with the food at the table and eating while watching television dressed up as a cowboy. throughout the book, David continues to do things other tell him not too like picking his nose, playing baseball in the living room and knocking down a vase. David is then punished for not listening and he sits in time-out. The book ends with a tender hug from his mom.

My reaction: Personally I hate the No, David! book. I think it is nothing but negativity towards children and demands negative attention towards creative play and imagination. I feel that children should be free to create, and master the art of imaginative play. The classic children's book puts a limit on play, and teaches children that typically David can't do anything right.

Potential problems: Blocks children's cognitive development of imaginative play through the scaffolding and guided participation of Vygotsky's theory. Many children would shy away from play and would keep to themselves not pushing their growth the extensive measures that are necessary at this young age.

My recommendation: I don't think this book should be shared in any reading circles, public schools, or day cares. I think it should be up to the parents to expose their child to this piece of literature. I am against reading it to children in a group setting as David is a common name in this day and age, and feel it's a conflict of interest. Children named David may feel confused, and pin-pointed. I don't think it is a good motivation for children to improve, and don't think it's a great example of how to listen to adult instruction. Although David is punished at the conclusion of the book I still feel it does not pose as a positive books to share with children in the age level it is aimed for.

The Polar Express

Title: The Polar Express

Author: Chris Van Allsburg

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Date: 1985

Number of pages: 32 Pages

Reading Level: Ages 4-10

Genre: Children's Picture Book - Fiction

Summary: On Christmas Eve, a young boy searches desperately for any belief in the true meaning of Christmas. He hears a noise from downstairs and runs to investigate. Seeing a shadow of what appears to be Santa Claus, he soon discovers that it is his parents. About an hour later,  a fantasy magic train called The Polar Express pulls up in front of his house. He's welcomed aboard by the trains mysterious conductor - told that he would embark on a journey to the North Pole. Hesitantly, he boards and the adventure begins.

While on this journey, the boy meets a group of young children who are on their way to see Santa Claus. Amongst his peers is a little girl who embodies the true spirit of holiday giving and a lonely boy who does not know what Christmas is. Together, The children must all overcome a variety of obstacles; at one point, a herd of caribou block the tracks. 

When they finally arrive at the North Pole the lonely boy named Billy, riding alone in the observation car, does not want to see Santa because he comes from a broken home on the bad side of his hometown and says that Christmas does not work out for him. They struggle to get to Santa when the boy picks up a bell and shakes it, remembering that the girl could hear a bell earlier when he could not. As before, he can not hear it. The boy then says he believes in Santa and the spirit of Christmas. He then sees Santa's reflection on the bell; he shakes the bell again and hears it at last. He gives the bell back to Santa.

The boy is handpicked by Santa Claus to receive "The First Gift Of Christmas". Realizing that he could choose anything in the world, the boy asks for the beautiful-sounding silver bell (that only believers can hear) which fell from Santa's sleigh. The boy places the bell in the pocket of his robe and all the children watch as Santa takes off for his yearly delivery.

The children return to the train and make the long trip back home. The boy wakes up on Christmas morning, his sister finds a small present hidden behind the tree after all the others have been unwrapped. The Boy opens the present and discovers that it is the bell, which Santa had found on the seat of his sleigh. When the boy rings the bell, both he and his sister marvel at the beautiful sound; but because their parents no longer believe in Santa Claus or Christmas, they do not hear it. 

My Reaction: This is a children's holiday classic. I remember growing up and reading this story every Christmas season, wishing that I could be so lucky to receive a change to ride The Polar Express. Although I never received this opportunity, it never stopped me from enjoying the story. I haven't met a child yet that doesn't adore this book, and love reading it aloud to my nieces and nephews - and not only around the Holidays! 

Potential Problems: Children who come from impoverished families may get hope that Santa Claus will visit their homes like the story says he visits Billy. But due to financial struggles, I can see how this would pose as a conflict in the home life of those who have financial burdens - especially around the holidays. It can bring sadness and turmoil to the child's holiday season.

My Recommendation: I think this story should be read in most all preschool-elementary schools right before Christmas break. I think this classic gives children the hope and sincere desire to give, and be grateful for all that they receive over the course of their holiday break. I know most all young readers enjoy the pictures that are illustrated throughout the book, so it appeals both to young girls and boys! 

Holes

Title: Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

Publisher: Yearling 

Date: August 1998

Number of Pages: 241

Reading level: Young adult (11 and up)

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Summary: Stanley Yelnats and his family have never had anything but bad luck, so it's not really a surprise to him when he is falsely accused and convicted of theft. Given the choice of jail or Camp Green Lake, Stanley chooses Green Lake because he's never been to camp before. Unfortunately, Camp Green Lake doesn't have a lake and it isn't really a camp. It's a juvenile detention facility. And to build character, the warden, who paints her fingernails with snake venom, has each "camper" dig a hole five feet deep by five feet wide by five feet long every day, even Saturdays and Sundays. What Stanley and the rest of the boys don't know is that the warden isn't just building character, she's looking for the lost buried treasure of outlaw, Kissing Kate Barlow. So begins Holes, a terrific, action filled story, full of great characters with strong voices, exciting, funny scenes and enough twists and turns to keep your kids reading non-stop to the end of the book.

As the warden’s heavy hand of having the boys dig more for the treasure Stanley's best friend Zero runs away into the desert. Stanley, runs away himself the next day to find Zero, worried about his chances of surviving the harsh desert elements. Stanley finds Zero in an abandoned rowboat and sees a mountain resembling a thumb. Stanley recalls the story of his great-grandfather’s bad luck of getting robbed by Kissin’ Kate and how he survived by “finding refuge off God’s thumb”. Stanley uncovers groundwater on thumb mountain, and a field of onions, which the boys eat and start to gain their strength back. Stanley proposes to Zero that they make their way back to Camp Green Lake so they can try to find Kissin’ Kate’s buried treasure. The boys are successful and find a old suitcase. Before the boys are able to leave with the suitcase, they are surrounded not only by several deadly yellow-spotted lizards, but the harsh Warden, who waist for the boys to die from a lizard’s bite. The boys are saved by their massive consumption of onions, which the lizards hate the smell of, so the protection of the resting lizards buys them enough time for a surprise visit from Stanley’s attorney who arrives at Camp Green Lake with the Texas Attorney General requesting Stanley’s release. When the Warden demands the suitcase back, Zero tells her that it has Stanley Yelnats' name on it. Kissin’ Kate’s treasure was actually Stanley Yelnats' ancestors treasure (full of jewels, deeds, stocks and promissory notes), which rightfully belonged to Stanley and his parents. Stanley uses the bonds to get a new house for his family, and Zero hires a team of investigators to find his missing mother.

 My reaction: Louis Sachar has written a masterpiece full of humor, insight, wisdom and the triumph of the human spirit and he deserves all the awards this book won. A must read for children aged 9 - 12 and a great addition to all home libraries.

Potential problems: The story twists between the past of kissing Kate Barlow, and Stanley Yelnats which can be kind of confusing. The moral of the story helps readers follow Stanley's journey with ease, but can give children the idea that being wrongfully accused of crime can be a positive thing.

My recommendation: I recommend all parents of young adults purchase this book for their child to have in their own home. I think having strong family themes and morals throughout the book, it's a good family read prior to bed time or at a family gatherings. Also the book on tape is a fun listen on a road trip. But I do think the book is a great form of entertainment for families and young adults, and the classic should be read by all children around the world.

Hatchet

Title: Hatchet

Author: Gary Paulsen

Publisher: Bradbury Press

Date: July 1987

Number of pages: 195

Reading Level: Ages 10-14

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:  A 13 year old boy named Brian Robeson is stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness following the pilot of the single-engine Cessna bush plane suffers a heart attack while traveling. Brian is forced to try to land the plane, but ends up crash-landing into a lake. He just manages to escape as the plane sinks 

Brian figures out how to build a fire. He becomes thrifty and scourges the land to find food he wouldn't dream of eating prior. He endures trials throughout the book building his character and proving his worth and growth into a man.He becomes quite a craftsman, crafting a bow, arrows, and spear for hunting and defense. He also fashions a shelter out of a overhang rock. During the story, he struggles with memories of home, and the bittersweet memory of his mother, who Brian has discovered was cheating on his father.

When a tornado hits the woods and lake, it draws the planes wreckage toward the top of the lake. Brian makes a raft to get to the plane. When Brian is working his way into the plane, he drops his hatchet in the water. He realizes how important the hatchet is for his survival. After diving twice, he retrieves the hatchet and narrowly avoids drowning. Inside the plane, he finds a survival pack, which has an emergency transmitter, many packs of food, a first aid kit, and .22 survival rifle. Brian activates the transmitter, but not knowing how to work it, he thinks it is broken. As he is eating the food packs, a fur buyer arrives in a float plane some time after because he caught the transmitter's signal. He is eventually rescued and returned safely back to his family, but no longer a small boy - but with the advances of a man.  Finally, after reaching his father, he is no closer to being able to tell him about the mother's affair than at the novel's beginning.

My reaction: I remember reading this as a child in elementary school. All the boys in my class would read this classic and wish they were like hatchet. It was a fascinating thought to be living on your own in the wilderness conquering the land and enduring the trials your path my set before you as you struggle to survive the rugged land. Little children aspired to be like Brian, who saved his own life - and figured out a way to overcome each obstacle  throughout the novel.

Potential problems: I don't find any potential problems with the classic novel. I think it's a great book for all children to read as you become involved in the drama, and adventure.

My recommendation: I feel that this book be put on children reading list around 5 grade. By this age they have the ability to separate reality from fantasy and draw the line. They can divulge themselves in the story - but at the same time know it's fiction. I think the thrill of the adventure the protagonist endures is inspirational, and gives each child a motivation, sense of direction, to carry on throughout any trial they might stumble across in their own lives. From battling a bear, to dealing with a skunk, natural life skills unfold in front of Brian as he actively seeks where his journey leads him - hoping it may be home someday.