Genre 6

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Myers, Walter Dean.1999. MONSTER. Ill. By Christopher Myers. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN 0060280778

2.PLOT SUMMARY
Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial for felony murder for his accused role in a robbery of a drug store. Steve, a budding and talented filmmaker, recounts his experiences of prison and his trial through a movie screenplay. Myers alternates the telling of the story through Steve’s daily journal entries, and the happenings in the courtroom. Steve contemplates how his actions have led him to this pint in his life, he fears greatly for his future, and he matures as he grows to understand how his actions have lasting consequences. Steve’s relationship with his mother, father, and younger brother, Jerry, are also explored. Though Steve is acquitted for the murder, Myers leaves it up to the reader to decide Steve’s actual role in the crime.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Myers includes all of the elements necessary to contemporary realistic fiction in MONSTER. The characterization of Steve, his family members, the others in prison, and those in the judicial system are all believable and realistic. Steve’s fear and confusion are evidenced through his handwritten journaling in which key descriptive words are in bold and larger writing. The social and emotional aspects of the younger characters ring true as street-wise, harsh boys whose lives are difficult. Myers’ plot unfolds through Steve’s trial. We, as the reader, gradually learn more about Steve’s background, including his friends, his family, and how he got into trouble. The ending of the book is not predictable, as Steve easily could have been convicted, and Steve’s future does look to be more hopeful. The setting is both believable and contemporary, as both the horrors and the drudgery of prison life are fully explored. It is easy to imagine the cold, dreary bars and floors due to Myers’ descriptive narrative. The theme emerges naturally and is an important one, especially to at risk adolescent readers. Readers who might be in similar social situations will hopefully see how one wrong decision can dramatically change one’s life forever.

4.REVIEW EXCERPTS
* WINNER OF THE MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD
* CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AWARD
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Myers expertly presents the many facets of his protagonist’s character and readers will find themselves feeling both sympathy and repugnance for him.”
* BOOKLIST: “Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and in intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder.”
* KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The format of this taut and moving drama forcefully regulates the pacing; breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes written entirely in dialogue alternate with thoughtful, introspective journal entries.”

5.CONNECTIONS
* Read Myers other books to see what other young adult issues he has tackled including:
STREET LOVE
ISBN 0060280794
SHOOTER
ISBN 0064472906
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MY DEAD BROTHER
006058291X
* Share Myers' biography with students. Look at how Myers has incoporated his history into his books, and the fact that his son ofte illustrates his books.
* Read other books about teens facing obstacles such as gangs and prison, including:
MARTYN PIG by Kevin Brooks
ISBN 0439507529
HOLE IN MY LIFE by Jack Gantos
ISBN 0374430896
HOLES by Louis Sachar
ISBN 0440419468

Genre 6

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
DiCamillo, Kate. 2003. THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX. Ill. by Timothy Basil. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.
ISBN 0763617229

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Deep within castle walls, a small mouse with giant ears is born. Despereaux as he is called, is seen as an outcast by his family because he is born with his eyes open and prefers reading fairy tales to nibbling them. Despereaux befriends the young princess of the castle, Pea, but he is banished to the dungeon by his relatives for talking to her. The dungeon is full of rats waiting to eat Despereaux. Also amongst the dungeon's inhabitants is a man who traded his daughter for a red tablecloth. This man's daughter, Miggery Sow (Mig), a dim-witted peasant girl, has just come to the castle as a servant. When Mig is fooled by the rats into kidnapping Pea and bringing her to the dungeon, newly escaped Despereaux must return to the dungeon in hope of rescuing his beloved princess. The climax of the fairy tale sees everyone living more or less "happily ever ever", though maybe not in the traditional sense.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
DiCamillo's fairy tale is also a fantasy novel. The plot is entertaining, fast-moving, and unique. It is also believable, aside from the fact that animals talk to each other and to people. The setting for the story takes place primarily within the castle, and within the dungeon. The stark contrasts between the two are identified, with light and dark being important identifiers. The castle itself is bright and sparkling; it is light, which signifies good. The dark, dank and smelly dungeon portrays dark which signifies evil. DiCamillo reveals the characters and the plot by talking directly to the reader; "And in his sleep, reader, the small mouse began to cry." By doing this, she helps to connect the reader to each character. The interwoven stories sometimes go between Despereaux's adventures, what is happening to Mig, and what is occuring to Pea. This enables each character, and their particular story, to become more fully developed. As the reader, you are just getting wrapped up in one character's dilemma, when you suddenly shift to anothers. The universal themes of good triumphing over evil, of love over hate, and of forgiveness, resonate strongly in this book. The theme unfolds naturally with the story, without being obvious or moralizing. The dialogue of each character is different and specific, helping the reader to identify each one's unique personality. Dimwitted Mig frequently says "Gor", and her damaged ears allow for frequent and humorous misunderstandings. DiCamillo's charming style makes this story what it is-- an award winner which children will love for generations. Ering's pencil drawings help to depict Despereaux and the other characters. The drawings are interspersed lightly throughout the book, and are delicious morsels to enjoy.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With a masterful hand, DiCamillo weaves four story lines together in a witty, suspenseful narrative that begs to be read aloud. This expanded fairy tale is entertaining, heartening, and, above all, great fun."
* BOOKLIST (STARRED): "And as with the best stories, there are important messages tucked in here and there, so subtly that children who are carried away by the words won't realize they have been uplifted until much later."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other books about talking mice and rats, including:
CHRISTOPHER MOUSE: THE TALE OF A SMALL TRAVELER by William Wise
ISBN 1582347085
MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
ISBN 0689710682
GREGOR THE OVERLANDER series by Suzanne Collins
ISBN 0439678137
CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E.B. White
0064400557
RALPH S. MOUSE series by Beverly Cleary
0380709570
* Read other books with unlikely heroes, including:
Again, CHARLOTTE'S WEB
SWORDS FOR HIRE: TWO OF THE MOST UNLIKELY HEROES YOU'LL EVER MEET by Will Allen
ISBN 0613900855

Genre 6

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf.
ISBN 0440237688

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jonas and his family live in an Utopian futuristic society where no pain, choices, or controversies exist. In Jonas' world, each family unit consists of a mother, a father, a boy and a girl. Each year all members attend a ceremony, where children gain new responsibilities and privileges such as bike riding. At the Ceremony of Twelve, members get assigned their future job assignment by the community Elders who carefully decide on this based on a person's strengths and weaknesses. Some members become Birthmothers, and they are the ones who provide the communities "newchildren". Jonas is chosen to be the "Receiver", a great honor, but one which also comes with great pain and awareness. He is to receive the communities memories from "The Giver". It is during these sessions that Jonas first learns of ordinary things such as color, pain, snow and death. Jonas also learns the unsettling truth that new and old members who are "released" are actually murdered, and that his own father will soon be "releasing" a newchild that Jonas has come to love, Gabriel. With the Giver's help, Jonas sets off with Gabriel to "Elsewhere" in the hope of returning memories to the community, and ultimately altering their existence.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lowry's fantasy masterpiece is skillfully woven, incorporating the elements fantasy novels need in order to succeed. The basic tenet of fantasy novels, magic, is evidenced by the Giver and the Receiver's exchange of memories, both pleasant and unpleasant. The internal consistency of the novel stays constant throughout, and the plot is easily believed, especially due to its futuristic setting. Lowry visually presents her setting, making it easy for the reader to imagine a world devoid of color, pain, or choices. Lowry presents just enough setting information to paint the picture of the society, but her focus remains on the characters. Each character is fully developed and credible. The characters of Jonas and the Giver are well faceted, and to a lesser extent, so are those of Jonas' sister Lily, his parents, and his peers. It is a bit difficult to identify with Jonas' father once the reader knows his job includes murdering innocent children, however, because the total brainwashing and automatic responses are understood, one can somewhat identify even with him. The theme of the novel is paramount. Jonas' battle deep within himself, and his strength to rebel in order to save society, even if it means sacrificing himself, is admirable. Lowry's style enables the reader to easily suspend beliefs, and allows one to immerse themselves into Jonas' future world. This thought provoking novel makes one truly consider the consequences of living in an utopian world.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL (1994)
* BOOKLIST: "Lowry is once again in top form-- raising many questions while answering few, and unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time."
*KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Wrought with admirable skill--the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Compare and contrast Lowry's writing style and subject matter in some of her other novels, including:
GOSSAMER
ISBN 0618685502
MESSENGER (Also about a Utopian society)
ISBN 0618404414
GATHERING BLUE
ISBN 0385732562
ANASTASIA ABSOLUTELY
ISBN 0440412226
* Discuss why or why not students believe a Utopian society will ever be possible. Read other books on related subjects, including:
ISLAND by Aldous Huxley
ISBN 0060085495
BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley
ISBN 0060929871

Genre 5: Historical Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lasky, Kathryn. 1998. DREAMS IN THE GOLDEN COUNTRY: THE DIARY OF ZIPPORAH FELDMAN, A JEWISH IMMIGRANT GIRL. New York: Scholastic.
ISBN 0590029738

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Zipporah Feldman, a 12-year-old Jewish girl from Russia, and her family arrive at Ellis Island in 1903. Told in diary form, Zippy chronicles the differences her Orthodox Jewish family has to face as immigrants in New York City. Zippy relays her experiences as she tries to learn English, and she has to start school in the first grade and work to move up the grades. Her fifteen-year-old sister, Miriam, and her seventeen-year-old sister, Tovah, go to work in the sweat shops. Tovah becomes active in Union activities, and Miriam has a forbidden relationship with a non-Jewish boy. Zippy's parents struggle in America as well; her mom holds tight to their religious customs and heritage, while her father tries to assimilate into America. When Miriam elopes with her boyfriend, the family is torn apart, as Zippy's mom declares Miriam dead. Each member of the family grapples with the new freedoms America affords them, including Zippy's mom starting a sewing business, Zippy pursuing acting, and her dad's desire to join a symphony rather than work in the factories.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The forte of Lasky's novel which shows the authenticity of the period is the setting. The time and place are accurately portrayed as the Feldman's living and working conditions and schooling are fully described. A historical note at the end of the novel gives ample background information on why Jews chose to escape persecution in Russia and come to America. Actual historic events such as the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire which killed 146 factory workers, are woven into the story to show the hardships immigrants of the period endured. The characters are well developed and believable. The wish to join the melting pot yet hold onto family traditions is felt from each member of Zippy's family. As Zippy's confidence in English grows, her diary entries change from being written in her traditional Yiddish, to being written in English. Her friendships with fellow immigrants and her sisters also help to develop her character more fully. During the eighteen months of the diary, Zippy celebrates the Jewish holidays with relatives; warmth, comraderie and humor abound. The values and morals of the time period are fully explored as Zippy's strict religious upbringing is shown to interfere with the family's new life in America. The theme of the novel is universal and timeless, with the strength of the family and the hardships they must overcome together being ones that families of today still face. Overall, an excellent historical fiction novel that should interest a wide variety of readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The hopes and dreams of a young girl are beautifully portrayed through Lasky's eloquent and engaging narrative. A story of hope and love for one's country."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other historical fiction novels in the Dear America series including:
I WALK IN DREAD: THE DIARY OF DELIVERANCE TREMBLY, WITNESS TO THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS by Lisa Fraustino
ISBN 0439249732
A JOURNEY TO THE NEW WORLD: THE DIARY OF REMEMBER PATIENCE WHIPPLE, MAYFLOWER, 1620 by Kathryn Lasky
ISBN 059050214X
STANDING IN THE LIGHT: THE CAPTIVE DIARY OF CATHARINE CAREY LOGAN by Mary Pope Osborne
ISBN 0590134620
* Read other historical fiction novels by Kathryn Lasky including:
MARVEN OF THE GREAT NORTH WOODS
ISBN 0152168265
TRUE NORTH
ISBN 0590205242
* Learn more about the immigrants who came through Ellis Island by reading books including:
I WAS DREAMING OF COMING TO AMERICA: MEMORIES FROM THE ELLIS ISLAND ORAL HISTORY PROJECT by Veronica Lawlor and Rudolph Giuliani
ISBN 0140556222
DREAMING OF AMERICA: AN ELLIS ISLAND STORY by Eve Bunting and Ben Stahl
ISBN 0816765219
ELLIS ISLAND: NEW HOPE IN A NEW LAND by William Jay Jacobs
ISBN 0648191717

Genre 5: Historical Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1995. THE WATSON'S GO TO BIRMINGHAM--1963. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440414121

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set in the racially tense year of 1963, Kenny's family is known as the Weird Watsons in their hometown of Flint, Michigan. Kenny's family consists of his younger sister, Joetta (Joey); his "juvenile delinquent" older brother, Byron; his Momma; and Dad. As Byron's behavior continues to worsen, and his friendships are questionable, Momma and Dad decide to return "home" to Birmingham, Alabama, where they plan to leave Byron with his grandma. The car trip has to be planned to the last detail, because the Watsons won't be able to stop where the white people would. After a tumultuous journey, the Watsons arrive in Birmingham, which seems to have an almost immediate positive effect upon the family. However, when Kenny almost drowns in a "Wool Pooh" and Joey is feared lost (but not) in a racially charged bombing at the church, Kenny withdraws emotionally. It takes Byron to help Kenny realize he couldn't have done anything to save the young girls who died in the bombing, and to help him begin to heal emotionally.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Curtis exemplifies historical fiction through the way he balances literary elements, strengthening the authenticity of the novel. Curtis sets his story by vividly portraying the vast divide in the country that was occurring in 1963. The Watson family begins in the automotive capital of Flint, Michigan, and then travels to the deep south of Birmingham, Alabama, where racial tensions are still running rampant. The dialogue of each character is both true to the times, and to the circumstances they are up against. Slang and southern dialect are used to further develop the characters. Each member of the Watson family is believable and true to the way Curtis intends the reader to see them. The characters of Byron and Kenny are particularly complex, with each having to come to grips with their personal demons, and grow from their hardships. Ultimately, the theme of the novel is one which resonates true today, that of family love and strength overcoming uncontrollable obstacles. Curtis' style is particularly successful as he weaves the history of the time into his characters' lives. The bombing of the church in Alabama is based on an actual bombing that occurred at that time, and by using this setting, Curtis is able to let the reader feel what it might have felt like for blacks during this pivotal period in history.

4. REVEIW EXCEPRTS
* A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
* A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR BOOK
* A GOLDEN KITE AWARD FOR FICTION
* PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (STARRED): "An exceptional first novel."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Curtis's ability to switch from fun to funky to poinpoint-accurate psychological imagery works unusually well. Ribald humor, sly sibling digs, and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit."
* BOOKLIST: "In this compelling first novel, form and content are one."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other historical fiction books by Christopher Paul Curtis including:
BUD NOT BUDDY
ISBN 0440413281
* Read other novels by Christopher Pual Curtis including:
MR. CHICKEE'S FINNY MONEY
ISBN 0385327722
MR. CHICKEE'S MESSY MISSION
ISBN 0385327757
* Read a biogrpahy or look up biographical information on Christopher Paul Curtis as his books tend to be set in the city in which he grew up-- Flint, Michigan.
* Have students research the timeline of Blacks in America in both the South and the North and when they received various rights. Discuss whether or not students feel blacks still are discriminated against, and if so, in which areas.

Genre 5: Historical Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard.2000. A YEAR DOWN YONDER. New York: Puffin Books.
ISBN 0142300705

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this sequal to A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO, fifteen year old Mary Alice has to leave her family and her life in Chicago, and stay with her Grandma Dowdel for a year During the recession of 1937, Mary Alice's parents are struggling financially and unable to care for her. Grandma is literally larger than life, and Mary Alice at first hates life in the small town where "Everybody in this town knew everything about you. They knew things that hadn't even happened yet." As Mary Alice tries to cope with attending a high school with only 25 students and her Grandma's legendary toughness, she and her Grandma at first butt heads. Over the year, however, Mary Alice experiences adventures and antics with Grandma Dowdel ranging from outsmarting a gang of teenage pranksters who are trying to upturn her privy, to having an artist of nude models living in their home. As time progresses, Mary Alice finds her Grandma, though seemingly tough, is truly affectionate, compassionate and intuitive, and she learns many of life's most important lessons from her.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The authenticity of Peck's novel is supported through his successful use of setting, characters, plot, theme and style. The setting is described in great details, from the clothes Grandma Dowdel wore, to the privy, to the farm and school life of the day. The characters are fully believable and well formed. As you read, it is easy to picture Mary Alice, and Grandma Dowdel, and what they are experiencing. The plot of the book is also realistic, with the various experiences seeming almost real. When the artist and his nude subject find a large snake in the attic, it is easy to imagine the scene unfolding. The timeless theme of a graddaughter and grandmother's mutual love, and the growth their relationship is fully and successfully explored. Peck's style is one of his strong points that make his novels successful, both as historical fiction, and in general. The dialogue used corresponds perfectly with the times, with vernacular and slang that complements the story. The historical details of the novel are presented smoothly, without being obvious or forced.

4. REVIEW EXCEPRTS
* WINNER OF THE 2001 NEWBERY MEDAL
* PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (STARRED): "In this hilarious and poignant sequel to A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO, Peck once again shows that country life is anything but boring."
* BOOKLIST: "With the same combination of wit, gentleness, and outrageous farce as Peck's Newbery honor book, LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO (1998)...."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Peck has created a delightful, insightful tale that resounds with a storyteller's wit, humor, and vivid description."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other historical fiction novels by Richard Peck, including:
HERE LIES THE LIBRARIAN
ISBN 0803730802
A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO
ISBN 041303522
TEACHER'S FUNERAL
ISBN 0803727364

* Read books about the Depression and how children in particular were affected. Books include:
DUST TO EAT: DROUGHT AND DEPRESSION IN THE 1930S by Michael L. Cooper
ISBN 0618154493
CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION by Russell Freedman
ISBN 0618446303