Genre 4: Nonfiction: Orbis Pictus Award Winner

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. New York: Clarion.
ISBN 0395776082

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Murphy deftly chronicles the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 that struck the then capital city of Philadelphia. Day by day, and week by week, Murphy exposes the fear felt in the city, first hand accounts of those who stayed throughout the epidemic, and those who fled, including President George Washington. As doctors and caretakers fled the city, many died from the disease with no water or anyone to care for them. Heroes of the day turned out to be members of the Free African Society, who tended to the sick and were thought to be immune to the plague. Tragically, they were not immune, and many fell sick and died. Then, rather than being heralded, they were vilified in Mathew Carey's book, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE MALIGNANT FEVER, LATELY PREVALENT IN PHILADELPHIA; "The great demand for nurses afforded an opportunity for imposition, which was eagerly seized by some of the vilest of the blacks." Various theories as to the etiology of the disease are explored, as are treatments that were given such as blood letting and purging. Renowned physicians disagreed bitterly in the press regarding causes and cures. The eventual cause of the plague is finally discovered, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and attempts were then made to reduce the mosquito population.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The accuracy of Murphy's book is first rate for numerous reasons; he is well-known in his field for his historic nonfiction titles, what is known and what is simply speculated is clearly differentiated, and reference aids are included. A detailed and thorough list of sources is included, as is an index. In his list of sources, Murphy even includes personal notes of interest, such as discussing his favorite entry of Elizabeth Drinker in EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF ELIZABETH DRINKER, FROM 1759 TO 1807. The organization of the book is also exemplary, as Murphy shows what was occurring each day, from setting the scene on the hot, swampy streets of Philadelphia on August 3, 1793, to January 8, 1794, when the disease and the fear had both abated. A table of contents is in the front of the book, and chapter titles and subheadings provide information as to what is in each chapter. Black and white illustrations are throughout the book, and they help the reader to feel the spread and despair of the outbreak. Lists of the dead from the newspapers are shown, as are newspaper articles, and portraits of the important figures. Each illustration's source is given as well. Murphy's style invites the reader to explore this terrible time in our nation's history. First hand accounts of families and their losses enable the reader to visualize what it must have been like during this terrifying period. The many tragedies of this disease are uncovered, with easy to comprehend text that even reluctant readers should enjoy reading. Murphy closes the book by making it clear that there is still no cure for yellow fever, and we may yet be exposed to its plague.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED): "Black-and-white reproductions of period art, coupled with chapter headings that face full-page copies of newspaper articles of the time, help bring this dreadful episode to life."

BOOKLIST: "History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago."

A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK

WINNER OF THE ROBERT F. SIBERT MEDAL

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST

ORBIS PICTUS AWARD WINNER

5. CONNECTIONS
* Look at other mosquito borne diseases including Malaria, West Nile Virus, and Heartworm disease in cats. See how these diseases are transmitted and compare to yellow fever.
* Look at what is being done to eradicate mosquitoes. What else could be done? Is it likely that we will ever be able to eliminate them and the diseases they carry?
* Murphy's sources contain a wealth of information to explore, including sources about yellow fever, Philadelphia and George Washington.
* Read fictionalized accounts of yellow fever:
FEVER, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
ISBN 0689848919
PATH OF THE PALE HORSE by Paul Fleischman
ISBN 0064404420

Genre 4: Nonfiction by Seymour Simon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1997. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. New York: HarperCollins.
ISBN 0060877197

2. PLOT SUMMARY
With the use of colored enhanced photographs, computer colored and greatly magnified images of the brain and nervous system, Simon explores the brain and its functions. Easy to understand explanations for terms such as neurons, stimuli and responses help the reader learn about this important organ. Simon describes, and shows through illustrations, the pathways messages travel in response to stimuli such as pain. The functions of the three main sections of the brain- the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem- are described in detail.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The accuracy of this title is primarily assured due to the presence of Simon's vast library of previous titles in the science field. Simon has authored numerous titles regarding the body including, THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. The accuracy is not further enhanced by other means though, as there are no indexes, bibliographies, or notes included in this title. The lack of supporting resources are made up for by the title's excellent organization. While no reference aids such as subheadings or a table of contents are included, the book unfolds in a logical sequence. The design of this title, as with Simon's other titles, is the book's forte. The style of writing is clear, with a great deal of information presented, but in a way that readers will comprehend. Each page of text faces a full color photo. Each breathtaking photo is labeled, and many photos, such as that of neuron pathways, are greatly magnified. The color enhanced photographs are set against a black background, which is visually appealing to the reader.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Simon brings his deft touch to an explanation of the brain and the nervous system. His clear, concise writing style is complemented by stunning color images."
BOOKLIST: "The vivid illustrations catch the eye, but the clearly written text provides a fuller understanding of what happens in various parts of the brain and nervous system."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Full-color photographs, computer simulations, drawings, and three-dimensional models are used to grand effect to clarify, explain, and celebrate the remarkably complex system of brain and nerves; the large format, often with white type on black paper and full-page photos, is visually striking."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read some of Simon's other titles about the body, including:
BONES: OUR SKELETAL SYSTEM
ISBN 0688177212
GUTS: OUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ISBN 0060546514
MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM
ISBN 0688177204

* This title is produced in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution. Have students visit the website: www.si.edu

* Have students test their reflexes that the brain is responsible for, such as the response to bright light, loud noises, and (mild) pain.

Genre 4: Nonfiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 1997. OUT OF DARKNESS: THE STORY OF LOUIS BRAILLE. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN 0395968887

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Chronicles the life of Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille system of the raised dot alphabet for the blind. Blinded in a freak accident in 1812, young Braille is sent to a boarding school for the blind in Paris. Frustrated by the only current system of reading for the blind, embossing, Braille is determined to come up with a better method. At the age of fifteen, Braille presents his system to his school, which quickly adopts it. Braille's system was not universally adopted though, and he faces difficulties and hardships at the school at which he is now a teacher. Eventually Braille is able to overcome obstacles and see his system adopted worldwide. Ill for years with tuberculosis, Braille died at age forty-three, with the knowledge that his invention was helping blind people worldwide to read and write.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When considering this book's accuracy, many factors have to be considered. To Russell Freedman's credit, he is a highly respected author, and this title has received both positive reviews and multiple awards. However, there are no notes or bibliographies included in the text. We learn in the book about Louis Braille's thoughts and feelings, but we have no way of knowing where Freedman derived this information. The organization of the book is logical, with chronilogically numbered chapters. There is no table of contents or index, but that isn't missed in a nonfiction biography such as this. The design of the book is attractive, with pencil illustrations by Kate Kiesler. The lack of color in the drawings helps to create the mood of the time period. Illustrations are also in teh book showing the Braille alphabet and the device used for punching dots. Freedman's style of writing is clean, concise, and easy to understand without being condescending.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED): "An entertaining and fascinating look at a remarkable man."

BOOKLIST: "The handsome design is clear and open."

KIRKUS REVIEWS: "With warmth and care, Freedman deftly delineates a life."

AN ABA "PICK OF THE LISTS"

AN NCTE NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR THE LANGUAGE ARTS

A PARENTING MAGAZINE READING MAGIC AWARD BOOK

5. CONNECTIONS
* Pair this book with other books about Louis Braille and the Braille method:
LOUIS BRAILLE, THE BOY WHO INVENTED BOOKS FOR THE BLIND by Margaret Davidson
ISBN 059044350X
LOUIS BRAILLE: A TOUCH OF GENIUS by C. Michael Mellor
ISBN 0939173700
GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU by Sam McBratney (Children's book translated into Braille-- would be good for students to see a familiar book translated)
ISBN 0976931311

* Visit a school for the blind or invite a blind or visually impaired student to talk or demonstrate Braille.

* Have students blindfold themselves for a period of time to imagine blindness.

* Using the Braille alphabet, practice writing in Braille using the appropriate dots.

Poetry: Jack Prelutsky

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. IT'S RAINING PIGS AND NOODLES. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN 0060763906

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This fourth collection of funny poems by hilarious duo, Prelutsky and Stevenson, contains more than 100 poems. Titles such as "My Underdog is Overweight", "Chocolate-Covered Salami", and "I've Turned Into a Carrot" invite young readers to romp through the pages. Included in this collection are poems about gross food, fantastical animals, and children-- both everyday and unusual.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With perfect rhythm and rhyme, these uproarious poems beg to be read aloud by students and teachers. With smooth cadence, and sometimes nonsense words, each poem is a delight for the mouth. Prelutsky plays with typeface and shape, with such poems as infinity shaped poem, "I'm Caught Up in Infinity", and "Zigzag", which unfolds in a zigzag shape complete with backwards words. Stevenson's whimsical drawings are simple, yet they complement the poems perfectly, adding to the fun. All of the poems except two are original to this edition, and two indexes are included to aid the readers--one is listed by title, the other by first lines of the poem. Prelutsky's voice bellows through this collection of timeless poetry, which is sure to be a hit among poet enthusiasts, and even students who claim to disdain poetry.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "The sassy selection of nonsense rhymes and puckish poems will further endear Prelutsky to his many fans. Meanwhile, partner-in-crime Stevenson peppers the pages with his inimitably impish sketches."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The verse is fresh and catchy with sparking wordplay and unexpected rhymes, and Stevenson's line drawings project the humor with verve."
* BOOKLIST: "The words have a bouncing rhythm that's great for reading aloud, and Stevenson's small, scribbly, casual ink drawings extend the humor with character and mischief."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Have students pick their favorite poem to read aloud from the collection.
* Have students try their hand at writing a concrete poem, or a funny rhyming poem, using these poems as inspiration.
* Read other collections by Prelutsky and Stevenson, including:
SOMETHING BIG HAS BEEN HERE
0688964345
A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN
0688132359
THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
0688022715

Poetry: Kristine O'Connell George

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
George, Kristine O'Connell. 1999. LITTLE DOG POEMS. Ill. by June Otani. New York, NY: Clarion.
ISBN 0395822661

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A day in the life of Little Dog is told in a series of thirty short poems. The little terrier and his master, a young girl, begin their day in bed with Little Dog's cold nose. Little Dog then faces everyday occurrances in the day of a dog, such as barking at the vacuum cleaner, "Enemy"; going for a "Car Ride"; playing "Hide and Seek" with dog cookies, until it is "Bedtime" and Little Dog snuggles into bed with his mistress.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Each of the thirty poems is a small glimpse into the daily life of Little Dog. Most of the poems are comprised of less than twenty, carefully chosen words, which lend themselves to be read orally. Some of the poems have haiku-like qualities, and all of the poems have fun simple rhythm. The placement of text that accompanies several of the poems helps visually to express the poem, such as "Morning Nap", in which the words curve in a circle indicating the dog turning in circles before laying down for his nap. Carefully placed pauses also help to enhance the poems, such as in "Air Traffic Control",

Shhhh.

Little Dog must rest
after chasing
that airplane

away.

While the poems are sweet and satisfying, by themselves they wouldn't be too inviting. While some of the poems would stand alone for children who love dogs, others might seem rather bland, such as:
"Thief

Oh, Dog.

I bought you toys.

Why my new socks?

However, Otani's watercolors bring these poems to life. Each poem is illustrated with endearing paintings of Little Dog, his mistress, and his adventures. With broad brushstrokes and vibrant colors, Little Dog's character is revealed. Otari is able to show the many expressions of Little Dog, though his eyes barely peek through his mops of fur.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A charming glimpse of life with a small dog, and its small but satisfying pleasures."
* HORN BOOK: "Otani's pen-and-watercolor illustrations make a fine complement to the verse, characterizing the pair as curious and alert as well as affectionate."
*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED): "Balancing simplicity with eloquence, the haiku-like verses make an inviting introduction to poetry."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Have students write Big Dog poems, then compare and contrast how Big Dog's day would be different from that of Little Dog.
* Chronicle the day in the life of another pet in poems. Have students write and illustrate poems about different pets such as a goldfish, a turtle or a guinea pig.
* Share other dog poetry including:
LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN (companion to LITTLE DOG POEMS) by Kristine O'Connell George
ISBN 061811758X
IT'S ABOUT DOGS by Tony Johnston
ISBN 0152020225
FROM THE DOGHOUSE: POEMS TO CHEW ON by Amy E. Sklansky
ISBN 080506673X

Genre 3: Poetry; Verse Novel

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. MAKE LEMONADE. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN 0805080708

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Told in verse is the story of 14-year-old LaVaughn, a girl growing up in the projects, but determined to better herself by going to college. Knowing her widowed mother could never afford college tuition, LaVaughn looks for employment, and her life is soon interwoven with that of Jolly's-- a teenage mother with two young children, Jilly and Jeremy. LaVaughn babysits the children while Jolly works nights, and LaVaughn is exposed to what life for her may look like if she can't escape her neighborhood. Living in poverty and squalor, Jolly is beaten, sexually harrassed, and fired from her job. LaVaughn then has to learn who she really is, and what she is willing to do to get what she wants out of life. She is torn between wanting to continue to help Jolly, and the fear of helping Jolly so much that she abandons her own dreams. Ultimately, LaVaughn emerges a stronger and wiser soul, and she is able to assist nearly illiterate Jolly with going back to school and getting the assistance she needs.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this gritty, moving novel, Wolff uses verse to tell LaVaughn's story. The use of verse works well, allowing the personas of LaVaughn and Jolly to be fully developed. Figurative language further allows readers to emotionally see and feel the characters' hardships, such as when LaVaughn says,
"This word COLLEGE is in my house,
and you have to walk around it in the rooms
like furniture."
Wolff uses hard, distinctive language, which further allows the reader to visualize what is happening, such as when Jolly returns home beaten, and LaVaughn says,
"Then I go back to the people in the room.
Jolly's taking Jilly from me, holding her against her neck,
and Jeremy's jumping out of the way of Jilly's kicking feet,
and he's wondering what to do with his towel,
and I look around and see I'm the only one not crying
in the whole house
so I go get the ice."
The language is also realistic to the story's setting, with slang and grammatical errors peppered throughout. Emotionally heartwrenching, yet uplifting simultaneously, Wolff's incredible use of voice will appeal to adolescents, eager to read a story which will resonate with them personally, make them consider their future, and give them a glimpse into the lives of teenage mothers and those in poverty.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
STARRED-- PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY:
"Radiant with hope, this keenly observed and poignant novel is a stellar addition to YA literature."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
"This stunning work belongs in every public and high school library."
POINTER-- KIRKUS REVIEWS:
"Hopeful-- and powerfully moving."
Winner, Golden Kite Award for Fiction
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Booklist Top of the List

5. CONNECTIONS
* Have students research available resources for teenage mothers in their area. Are programs available such as those that Jolly participated in?
* Have students research college costs and brainstorm ways they might earn the necessary money for college.
* Have students practice writing a short story in verse.
* Read the sequel to MAKE LEMONADE:
TRUE BELIEVER by Virginia Euwer Wolff
ISBN 0689852886
* Read other verse books and then compare elements used such as voice and characterization:
CRASHBOOMLOVE by Juan Felipe Herrera
ISBN 0826321143
LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech
ISBN 0064409597
SHANGHAI MESSENGER by Andrea Cheng
ISBN 1584302380
WITNESS by Karen Hesse
ISBN 0439272009