Module 15: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

"I know what it's like to hate your body so much that you want to hurt it."

powells.com

Citation

Mackler, C.  (2003).  The earth, my butt, and other big round things.  Cambridge, Mass:  Candlewick Press.

Summary

Virginia Shreves is fifteen, overweight and self-conscious.  She also might be the only person in Manhattan--or maybe in the world--who hasn't French-kissed.  Her best friend, Shannon, has moved across the country, and her parents don't seem to notice her in between weekend golf trips.   Froggy Welsh the Fourth--yes, that's his real name--has provided some physical distractions, but Viriginia still doesn't want him actually seeing her body.  Between her classmates, her mother, and herself, she is surrounded by pressure to slim down.  And then her older brother, Byron, comes home from Columbia in the middle of the semester.  As she deals with her brother's fall from grace, she begins to feel more empowered about her life and her body.

My Impressions

I was initially a little concerned about Virginia's priorities at the beginning of the book, as she seemed somewhat shallow.  However, she quickly won me over with her smart, candid voice.  She feels very much like a regular teenager, and I quickly related my own teenage insecurities with hers, even if they weren't the same.  Her issues are real, relevant, and necessary to confront.  Body image, fitting in, family dynamics, boys, friends, and boyfriends are all dealt with in this book, leaving the reader satisfied and, possibly, with a stronger sense of self-confidence.

Reviews

School Library Journal

"Gr 7-10-- Overweight 15-year-old Virginia Shreves is the misfit in what she perceives as her perfect, thin, good-looking, exceptional family in this novel by Carolyn Mackler (Candlewick, 2003). Her usually absent father and adolescent psychologist mother are so stifling that Virginia's older sister joins the Peace Corp to escape. Big brother Byron is universally adored by all, particularly Virginia, until halfway through the novel when he is suspended from college for date rape. Virginia slowly comes to realize that Byron is the cause of many of her insecurities, and she is the only one in the family to acknowledge and do something about the fact that he did commit this terrible crime. The absence of Virginia's best friend, romantic entanglement with Froggy Welsh, and the many casual cruelties perpetrated on her by the in-crowd cause Virginia stress and create a serious lack of self- esteem. However, once she realizes her perfect family isn't quite as flawless as she thought, Virginia is empowered to stand up to her awful but well-intentioned mother, reestablish contact with Froggy, and even do the ultimate in teen defiance-get a body piercing. Johanna Parker is a superb narrator for this first person novel. She successfully portrays the angry mother, clueless father, whiny and irresponsible brother, vapid in-girls and, best of all, the appealing main character. Pacing is excellent and Parker perfectly conveys the nuances of teen insecurity in all its painful glory. While the author tries to deal with too many issues and ends up giving many of them short shrift, teens will certainly care and root for the marvelous Virginia Shreves."

Gray, B.A. & Mandell, P.L.  (2004).  [Review of the book The earth, my butt, and other round things by C. Mackler].  School Library Journal, 50(12), 76-78.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com.

Publishers Weekly

""Chubby" New York City teenager Virginia Shreves is having a hard time: not only is her best friend, Shannon, spending the school year out west, but Virginia's being pressured about her weight by her family-especially her formerly fat mother, a prominent adolescent psychologist. Lonely and insecure, Virginia has even started to hurt herself. When the brother she worships is suspended from college for date rape, the news shocks Virginia into realizing that her "stellar" family isn't as perfect as her mother says it is, and that she doesn't have to conform to her mother's expectations. Mackler (Love and Other Four-Letter Words) occasionally uses a heavy hand when it comes to making her points ("Recently, I've been finding it harder to pretend that everything is A-OK"), and some of the plot elements, such as the overweight teacher who looks out for Virginia, or Virginia's discovery that a popular girl has an eating disorder, seem scripted. The date rape story line, on the other hand, is gutsy; her brother wasn't just accused of date rape, he actually committed the crime. Ultimately, readers will find it easy to relate to Virginia; she loves junk food, gets nervous about finding someone to sit with in the cafeteria and can't believe that Froggy, the boy she has secretly made out with after school, could be interested in her, not just using her. The e-mails she exchanges with Shalmon, and the lists she makes (e.g., "The Fat Girl Code of Conduct") add both realism and insight to her character. The heroine's transformation into someone who finds her own style and speaks her own mind is believable-and worthy of applause. Ages 14-up."

Roback, D., Brown, J.M., Bean, J. & Zaleski, J.  (2003).  [Review of the book The earth, my butt, and other big round things by C. Mackler].  Publishers Weekly, 250(29), 197.

Suggested Library Uses

• This book would be an excellent inclusion on any teens' book club list.  It makes an encouraging story full of discussion points that would hit home with almost any teenage girl.
• Have the teen group start their own webzine where they can share their own thoughts through articles, editorials, comics, etc.

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library

I FICTION M218E (young adult fiction)

Notes

YALSA Teens' Top 10, ALA, 2004

Michael L. Printz Honor Book, 2004

Module 14: Shelf Life, edited by Gary Paulsen

" Stop relying on your eyes.  Use your head.  The magic's in the moment itself."

amazon.com

Citation

Paulsen, G.  (Ed.).  (2003).  Shelf life:  Stories by the book.  New York:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Summary

Ten prominent children's authors were asked to write a short story, with the only qualification being that it involve a book in some way.  The aim was to create a compilation to benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide, an international literacy promotion organization.  The resulting book, Shelf Life, contains science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, friendship, and important life lessons.  Some of the contributing authors include M.T. Anderson, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Kathleen Karr, and Gregory Maguire.  Each story uniquely weaves a book into the plot, inviting the reader along for the ride.

My Impressions
I was intrigued by the theme for the collection and impressed by the variety of stories pulled together.  These short stories provided an excellent means for me to get a feel for authors that I have not yet read.  Each story has a unique voice and feel; I was glad to discover the diversity.   A few of the selections I especially enjoyed include "In Your Hat," by Ellen Conford, "Escape," by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and "The Good Deed," by Marion Diane Bauer.  I have come to re-appreciated the short story through this book, as many of them held clever twists or left me wondering what happened to the characters while still completing the story.  

Review
Publishers Weekly

"Introducing this anthology of 10 original stories, Paulsen (The Glass Café, see below) declares, "I owe everything I am and everything that I will ever be to books." Those who share his passion will eagerly meet the protagonists here, young adults from the past, present and future who have been profoundly affected by particular books. In two of the selections, "Wet Hens" by Ellen Wittlinger and "The Good Deed" by Marion Dane Bauer, unlikely friendships are spawned by a common interest in a children's book. For the star of Gregory Maguire's "Tea Party Ends in Bloody Massacre, Film at 11," who would rather hide under the table with a horror story than meet the snooty, reactionary ladies who have ostensibly come to welcome her mother to the neighborhood, reading provides a much-needed form of solace. The sole survivor of a ghost ship featured in M.T. Anderson's "Barcarole for Paper and Bones" finds a way to rewrite an unsavory slice of history by creating his own fiction. Covering almost every genre of fiction, including mystery, SF, fantasy and realism, these well-crafted stories by familiar authors offer sharply drawn characterizations and intriguing premises. Other contributors include Joan Bauer, Margaret Peterson Haddix and A. LaFaye. Ages 10-14."

Roback, D., Brown, J.M., Bean, J. & Zaleski, J.  (2003).  [Review of the book Shelf life:  Stories by the book edited by G. Paulsen].  Publishers Weekly, 250(6), 79.  Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com.

Suggested Library Uses

• Have a weekly short story book club.  Discuss one story a week.  Encourage the kids to write and share their own short stories.

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library

J 813.083 SH43

Notes

Module 14: Tap Dancing on the Roof by Linda Sue Park

"Lightning jerks the sky awake to take her photograph, flash!

Which draws grumbling complaints or even crashing tantrums from thunder--

He hates having his picture taken, so he always gets there late."

goodreads.com

Citation

Park, L.S.  (2007).  Tap dancing on the roof:  Sijo (poems).  New York:  Clarion Books.

Summary

Linda Sue Park introduces a little known form of poetry known as sijo.  Originating in Korea, a sijo is composed in a syllabic structure.  It has three lines, each with fourteen to sixteen syllables.   True to its Asian roots, there is more emphasis on the number of stressed syllables than the number of all syllables.  To facilitate writing sijo in English, the three lines are sometimes shortened into six.  The fun of a sijo  lies in the third line, which usually contains an unexpected twist or joke.  The poems can be about any topic, which allows for greater creativity than the Japanese Haiku.  The sijo contained within Tap Dancing on the Roof are clever plays on everyday childhood occurrences, from long division to the seasons of the year, to daily routines.  A discussion of the poetry form and tips for writing sijos are included.

My Impression

As a somewhat hesitant poetry reader, I was immediately drawn in by the novel (to me!) form and the simplicity of each poem.  Offering an easy step into the world of more structured poetry, Park's sijos are easy to understand and fun to read.  She stays true to the form without the poems feeling forced and delivers an understated, but perfect, twist or playful conclusion to each.  The sketchy illustrations have a somewhat Korean feel, evoking the culture in which the sijo was born while still appealing to American children.  While I am no expert, I picked up on the stressed syllables every once in a while, and noticed they lent the poem a very subtle rhythm.  

Review

School Library Journal

"Gr 2-6 --Sijo is a traditional Korean form of poetry that can take two different shapes, three lines or six lines, using a strict syllable count as haiku does but with distinct differences. All of the lines have a purpose: in a three-line poem, the first one would be the introduction, the second would continue the theme, and the third and final line holds a sort of punch line, be it a play on words or a whimsical observation. Park's sijo, 28 in all, harmonize with illustrations that are deceptively simple at first glance, but have a sophistication and wise humor that will make viewers smile, and at second glance make them think. The selections are thoughtful, playful, and quirky; they will resonate with youngsters and encourage both fledgling and longtime poets to pull out paper and pen. The author's note includes historical background on sijo, further-reading suggestions, and a helpful guide to writing in the form. A smart and appealing introduction to an overlooked poetic form."

Moorhead, S.  (2007).  [Review of the book Tap dancing on the roof:  Sijo (poems) by L. S. Park].  School Library Journal, 53(11), 111.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com.

Suggested Library Uses

• Host a poetry writing workshop, for all ages or specifically elementary children.  Teach a variety of different poems that can be mastered by the attendees and invite them to write their own poems, whether they conform to any structure or not.  Short poems can be displayed around the library or entered into a poetry contest.
• Display with other poetry books.  A sijo can also be incorporated into a storytime or other children's activity to bring the group together and set the mood for the event.  
• The book could also be used to supplement an event teaching about Korean culture and/or literature.  

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library

J 811.54 P219T

Module 13: The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis

"In any endeavor, confidence is the most important tool you can have."

amazon.com

Citation

Davis, E.  (2009).  The secret science alliance and the copycat crook.  New York:  Bloomsbury Children's Books.

Summary

Julian Calendar is actually excited to start at a new junior high school.  Hoping to leave his dorky reputation behind, he makes every attempt not to appear smart on the first day of school.  His best efforts are unsuccessful, but he does catch the eye of two unlikely friends.  Ben Garza and Greta Hughes invite Julian to be a part of their group who create wacky (but useful?) inventions in their secret hideout.  Calling themselves the Secret Science Alliance, they are soon met with their first challenge:  the grouchy scientist Dr. Wilhelm Stringer has stolen their top-secret notebook of invention blueprints.  It is up to the three inventors to get their book back--and prevent Dr. Stringer from carrying out the plans he has for them. 

My Impressions

I very much enjoyed this smart and funny graphic novel.  The illustrations are bright, with simple, bold lines.  Davis makes creative use of panels, word balloons, and sound effects, allowing the story to jump off of the page.  The characters are cartoony, yet expressive, many of which possess caricatures of traits everyone encountered during their school days.  Julian, Greta, and Ben are all convincing junior high students, who form an unlikely, yet completely believable trio.  This comic book is an excellent execution of a good old fashioned adventure combined with a healthy dose of scientific fact and invention and middle-school humor.  I would love to see this book become a series.  Of course, I'm a fan of anything that supports science and shows how fun it can be!

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews
"Julian Calendar has a plan to avoidbeing afriendless nerd at his new school: Play dumb and pretend to love sports. Two weeks later, he's not been labeled a nerd, but he still has no friends. Then an encrypted invitation arrives. Julian is surprised to find supposed trouble-maker Greta and superjock Ben waiting to invite him to join their inventor's club, and the Secret Science Alliance is born.The three happily invent in their secret underground clubhouse until they incur the disdain of stodgy, mean, local inventor Dr. Stringer. When their idea book vanishes, there's only one suspect. In getting the book back, the SSA uncovers an even more dastardly plot. With its frenetically eye-catching, full-color panels chock-full of humorous and informative detail, Davis's first (of many, one hopes) graphic adventure of the SSA pumps new life into the kids'-secret-society formula. With its bounty of factlets slipped in for learning on the sly, it's a sure kid and teacher pleaser--a perfect package for tweens.  (Graphic fiction.  8-12)"


[Review of the book The secret science alliance and the copycat crook by E. Davis].  (2009).  Kirkus Reviews, 77(14), 155.  Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com.


School Library Journal

"Gr 3-7--Julian Calendar, 11, is a supersmart transfer student trying desperately to fit in at his new middle school. Just when he starts to believe that he'll never find his place, he discovers two other brilliant minds and together they form the Secret Science Alliance. These three braniacs create their own book of blueprints for such cunning creations as "the stinkometer," sticky and dangerous gluebombs, and the flying "Kablovsky Copter." However, their blueprints are stolen by evil Dr. Stringer, who has plans for them. Davis's first long-form comic is packed full of detail down to every minute tool in the Alliance's workshop, and the flying words and panels move the story at a quick pace. Davis's creativity is evident from the myriad gadgets and schemes of the story. Children will see, through these inventions and the triumph of the protagonists, that science can be cool."

Rogers-Whitehead, C.  (2009).  [Review of the book The secret science alliance and the copycat crook by E. Davis].  School Library Journal, 55(9), 187.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com.

Suggested Library Uses

• Host an invention fair at the library.  Children can create their own wacky inventions at home and bring them to the library for display, or they can create them within a given time limit and with the library's supplies.  Patrons and/or the participants can vote on the inventions, with a variety of categories, such as "Funniest," "Most Useful," "Most Dangerous," etc.
• This book would make a great addition to a display showcasing fun books about science--both fiction and nonfiction.  

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library

J COMICS DAVIS, ELEANOR


Notes
Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, ALA, 2010
Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2009

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