Title: Lou Gehric: The Luckiest Man

Author: David A. Adler

Illustrator: Terry Widener

Award: National Parenting Gold Award in 1997

Medium: Watercolor painting

Genre: Biography

Theme: Lou Gehric was very honored professional baseball player.

Summary: It is a biography of Lou Gehric from birth to death. He was famous for modest and brave Yankees baseball player in 1930’s. He died from deadly disease.

Biography Analysis:

It is about one person, Lou Gehric. There are few imagined conversations in the book. For example, “On May 2, 1939, he told Joe McCarthy, “I’m benching myself… for the good of the team.”

The book is chronological because the book started with birth to death with events in order of occurrence. This book is in category of biographies of the past. Because the author praised Lou Gehric being depicted and put an emphasis only the good qualities of Lou Gehric. After the book, I was led to believe that Lou Gehric is portrayed as “hero”.

Accuracy:

I checked if the information about Lou Gehric and it was accurate. The author wrote hundreds books and he is devoted Yankees fan. And the information was accurate, however, the book about Lou Gehric didn’t include everything about him. It only included his personality, devotion to baseball Yankees, deadly disease, and how he was honored as baseball player. The book included specific dates, specific name of the disease, and specific on how he was honored on baseball stadium.

Social Details: Setting and Plot:

The facts and story line are integrated as the picture and text are. The social details are interesting because it includes facts that he never missed a game for 14 years. He was nicknamed as Iron Horse. It also talked about how he got sick with a deadly disease that affects the central nervous system (ALS). It also includes his accomplishments. He won American League’s most valuable player.

Portrayal of the Subject:

Lou Gehric as the character in the book was well developed. After the book, I learned a lot about him as person and what he did in his baseball career. The stereotypes are avoided. They are illustrated as what the place looked like and people look like in 1930’s. Even the illustrator drew how they dress their baseball Yankees uniform.

Style:

The writing style is comprehensible and engaging. I was very fascinated with the story and the students, especially who loves sports, would enjoy this book. The text matches the pictures. It even showed emotions and I felt emotional about how he was honored right before his death. So to be emotional about his life, the complex topics are explained adequately. It also included specific dates on these occurrences.

Theme:

He was a ‘hero’ in the 1930’s being admired by Yankees fan. It was written about all good qualities about him. The book gives the readers the sense of good side of Lou Gehric. He was honored and considered as modest, lucky man. It doesn’t include anything negative about him except how he died. I learned about him when I read the book for first time and I believe he was a good person because it was accurate that he was well respected by his coaches, teammates, and Yankees fans.

Illustrations:

As I mentioned before, the illustrations were well drawn because they help the reader visualize the time and place. It shows very clear that the story was taken in early 1900’s when Lou Gehric was born and played baseball in his life. The illustrations illuminate the character of the subject. The illustrations showed how modest he was. His coaches and teammates respected him. The fans loved them. It was emotional book. It wouldn’t be if there were no illustrations on the book.

My evaluation on this book is that it is great book with positive qualities about Lou Gehric. It has included specific facts and emotions people had about Lou Gehric. It was interesting book because it was first time I heard of him. The children who loves sports or any readers would enjoy this book.

Amelia & Eleanor Go For a Ride

The Other Side by Woodson

Title: The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Medium: Lifelike watercolor

Theme: In children’s eyes, the skin didn’t matter.

Summary:

It is about black girl, Clover and white girl, Annie wanting to play together but their mothers told them to not cross the fence. So they sat together and became friends. Clover’s friends became friends with Annie too then they think the fence should be taken down.

Genre: Historical Fiction

It is a historical fiction book because the racial tensions and segregation truly happened during Civil Rights movement in 1960's. The fiction part is the characters and the story of friendship. It is combined together to make a story.

Literacy Elements:

Setting:

Setting is really important in historical fiction. The book has well-drawn illustrations that includes what the readers need to know when and where the story is taken. For example, the houses are old fashioned and the clothes the children and mothers wore. The book didn’t tell when or where the story is taken so instead the illustrations tell the setting. The readers could identify that it is during Civil Rights movement and segregation. The fence symbolized as segregation. Therefore, the setting is integral.

Plot:

The plot is sequence of events. It is progressive plot where there is a process when the girls overcome the risks to develop their friendship. Since it is historical fiction, it gives the conflict where the girls could go through that period of time. The young children can identify with their conflicts because they know they would want to be friends. It is from child’s eyes, first point of view perspective. So the young readers could relate. It is self versus society. Mothers are the symbol of society that practiced segregation. The fence is symbol of the segregation. The girls found the way around it by sitting on it. There is no stereotypes or bias in the book.

Characterization:

The characters are well developed. They are possibly real characters that they tend to play outside when it is sunny. Clover is a main character. She was telling the story from her point of view (first point of view). Annie Paul was also main character that she became friends with Clover despites of the fence. They are child like because they seemed from 8 to 10 years old. The young readers can understand them easily that they can identify their problems.

Theme:

The book has the clear theme where it shows the girls cherishing their friendship against the society that should separate them. The author wanted to include interesting story for young readers to relate and think about segregation history for children. They could be friends but the society stopped them. The young readers could learn more about history through historical fiction. There are few specific symbols standing for real world application. It is well readily identified through plot and characters. The text and illustrations fit together well.

Style:

The author has unique style that it has rich language that children can understand. Because it is told by first point of view of little black girl, the young readers can relate. They can be read or read aloud. It also includes symbols that represent the society and history events of segregation. The illustration was well impressed because it describes everything inside the house, weather, yard, people’s clothes, town, and fence. The illustration matches the text that showed history of that period of time. It is a simple book for the children to enjoy and relate to the historical events.

Evaluation/reflection:

I personally enjoyed this book. It is a simple book. I did the book telling for this book in the classroom. It was a good experience, but it doesn’t include much of critical thinking. It is a historical fiction so it shows the history itself. When I will teach about civil rights movement, I would recommend them to read this book on their reading time. I don’t think I will require or book telling this story because there are so many picture books related to Civil Rights movement.

Klondike Gold

Wagons West

Title: Wagons West!

Author and Illustrator: Roy Gerrard

Genre: Picture Book – Historical Fiction

Theme: New beginnings, a action-packed ride filled with hazards, never giving up regardless of obstacles on the way

Summary: The narrator and her parents decided to embark on a journey on the Oregon Trail with the hopes of finding rich green land out West. The pioneers had a guide in Buckskin Dan, the man who convinced them of opportunities that await them. Throughout the story, the pioneers had to fight off robbers, travel down by rafts on the Columbia River, trade with Indians, and finally settle down in Willamette Valley.

Literary Elements:

This book is classified as a historical fiction book due to the accurate portrayal and usage of the setting/time period. The author provided an integral setting as the action, character, and theme are all influenced by the time and place. The book opens up with an introduction of the setting, “Way back in eighteen-fifty, when Americans were thrifty, The times were hard, so most folks had to toil; My mama, my pa, and me labored hard to guarantee That we’d earn a living from the barren soil.” The author then continued the story as the family starts planning their trip to Oregon, in hopes of finding rich green land. The plot is heavily influenced by the setting due to the whole concept of moving out West and how the family finally reached Oregon regardless of the dangerous journey.

The language is described as “jaunty verse,” throughout the book the language was presented in a rhythmic pattern following the format of ABAB. The flow of this pattern didn’t quite match the historical aspect of the unexpected happenings that appear over the course of the Oregon Trail. It provided the reader a sense of relaxation instead of suspense. However the places included in the story such as Columbia River and different Indian tribes were factual and authentic. The language also provided detail of what the characters had to overcome, for example:

“After weeks of perspiration, we were close to desperation, When we reached Columbia River’s rocky shore, Where our prospects looked so slim and the way ahead so grim, That we felt we could not go on anymore.”

During one part of the book, the characters traded with the Indians, which was historically proven to be true. The Indians near Oregon traded potatoes and other vegetables, which was beneficial to the pioneers.

The characters expressed their fears and concerns about what the future held for them, which reflected the time period of how people embarked on a journey not knowing what to expect.

The illustrations enhanced the plot and the setting through authentic paintings of the area matching the time period. For example, the clothing, the tools, the wagons and the animals reflected the time period.

Evaluation:

The question of accuracy in regards to the historical aspect has come into discussion. The places, emotions of the characters, and the obstacles they face are accurate but however the language does not really appear to reflect the mood appropriately. This is a great book for young children learning about the American history of migrating West.

What I found shocking regarding this book was how it is no longer in print, therefore a brand new book selling on Amazon is from $77.24 up to $147.62!

Almost to Freedom

The Bracelet

Baseball Saved Us

The Gardener

Shin-Chi's Canoe

Back of the Bus

Sweet Dreams

Goal!

Title: Goal!
Author: Mina Javaherbin
Illustrator: A.G. Ford
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Medium: Oil
Theme: Make the best out of everything.
Summary: A group of boys got together to play soccer and they displayed power and unity among each other even when bullies arrive.
Literacy Elements:
Setting: The setting was set in only one location throughout the book and that was in an alley. It was not integral to the story because the story wasn’t about the setting but the setting played an important role in this book because it displayed what would really happen in this kind of situation. The book showed a setting they usually play in so it serves a purpose in this story but it is not integral to this story but it is also not the backdrop.
Style: A character in the story is telling it and we do not know his name. I think the style has a lot to do with poetry and rhyming because you could tell that the words are in order. This author uses a lot of repeating, and you could tell that throughout the story because there was a lot of repeating such as “We kick. We dribble. We run after our brilliant ball.”
Plot: This story does have its climax points but it does not take over the story because I felt that the rest of the story had the same amount of impact on me. It is not progressive at all because the climax went up a little bit when the bullies came but once they left, the climax went down so it is not progressive. I think the plot is really great because this book talks about situation that really needs our attention. This is a growing problem in this world and it needs to be addressed.
Characterization: There are not any main characters in this book but one character in the story was the narrator but his role in the book did not have that much of a difference comparing to other characters. The characters in the book are flat because they did not learn any lesson or anything like that. They just found a way to hide the better soccer ball away from the bullies. The odd thing is that throughout the book, the narrator introduced other characters but remained mum on what his name is. All of the characters came from the same community, and they all had the same age so it is really comfortable for them until the bullies arrived. I think this book is a great demonstration that bullying does happen everywhere.
Evaluation: I think this book is a GREAT exposure to young children because it displayed different factors such as race, bullying, poverty and so on. I think this is a book that would promote diversity among the classroom so I think this book is a great book to have on your bookshelf in a classroom. I loved how the story seemed so real even though this book is not based on true events but it feels like that so many children can relate to this book for so many different reasons.

The Snowy Day

"When Joel Comes Home"

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Title-Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Author- Duncan Tonatiuh

Illustrator- Duncan Tonatiuh

Genre- Realistic Fiction

Medium-Watercolors, wavy lines, colorful

Theme: Two boys have the similar ways of living their life in different country. 

Summary: A cousin in America, another one in Mexico write letters to each other sharing their lifestyle. They introduce themselves a new culture.Mexican favorites to eat quesadillas, American eats pizza. Mexican plays soccer, American plays basketball. 

Literacy Elements-

Setting-This book showed the preview images of Mexico and America. It introduced several scenes of what they have to offer such as favorite sports, transportations, outdoors, and places to shop food. This book offers the children to have a general imagine of what's in Mexico and America.

Style-It's a third person view involved both cousins' perspectives on the lifestyles. Duncan Tonatiuh did a good job drawing the pictures of cousins' eager to read the letters to learn the lifestyle in different country. This book gives the children head start to prospect the lifestyles in Mexico and America and how both parallel. It's a book that children aren't likely to have problem reading. It has a few words with the colorful pictures taking over all over.

Plot: It's about two cousins from different countries finding a way to get know each other by writing letters.  

Characterization: This book focused on two characters, two cousins who are from different countries trying to get know each other through writing letters. The illustrator did a good job recognized the cousins' curiosity by showing their eager to read letters. At last, the emotions showed that they want to visit each other's country.

Evaluation: I like this book especially because I am from South California. I see plenty of Mexican-Americans everyday. This book is a wonderful influence to the children by understanding of people's identify as Mexican-Americans. This book gives the broad ideas of the lifestyles in Mexico and America and how both are similar in many ways. It's one of the picture books with the strongest expose to multicultural I've ever read.

The Name Jar

The


Title: The Name Jar

Author/Illustrator: Yangsook Choi

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Medium: Chalk Pastel



Theme: Unhei is struggling with the idea of her own name in a different country but realized that her name is very unique

Summary: Unhei is a korean who moved to New York City, NY with her family from Korea. She struggles with herself and the society because she wanted to change her name and the society " wants" her to have a common name since other children could not say her name correctly.

Literacy Elements:

Setting: Korea, Airport, Kitchen, School, On the bus, and Market.

Style: The text is very easy to read. the author wants people with an unique name to be liked. the author is trying to tell the readers that has an unique name to embrace it because no one has it in the other places. first person.

Plot: The plot is a great because it shows a conflict in the beginning. The children make Unhei feels that she should get a new name because her name is not american name. She struggles throughout the story until she felt the necessary to teach her classmates about her.

Characterization: Unhei is a sweet girl and very smart because when her mother asked her if she understands English, she said yes. at a young age, the children tends to understand new language better than their parents. Unhei is mostly focused on. Joey, a friendly curly haired guy, is a wonderful friend and shows how much he cared for Unhei such as learning about Unhei's culture. Mr. Kim is an owner of his market. He shows his appreciation when Unhei told him about her name. He seems knowledgeable about Korean' names. He, himself, is a Korean.

Evaluation: The book should be read aloud to children because i do rememebr when i was young, all students were making fun of me. " you do not know how to spell your own name correctly" " it is Adrian, not Adrain" i was very frustrated. all of my name are very unique because Adrain no one has that name in the world, that i know of, JaCard- my grandmother went to Zimbabwe and saw Jacaranda, a purple flower. She fell in love with it, Cookneuchan from Europe. If i ever read the book when i was younger, i would be proud of my own name back then. it is not about the name it is also about the person who you are and each name has meaning.

A Shelter in Our Car

Title: A Shelter in Our Car

Author: Monica Gunning

Illustrator: Elaine Pedlar

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Medium: Chalk Pastel

Awards: Honorable Mention in the 2004 Myers Outstanding Book Awards and 2005 Skipping Stones Honor Award

Theme: Homelessness, and the mother love for her daughter. Overcoming obstacles.

Summary: Zettie is a little girl who moved to America from Jamaica with her mom. Her dad passed away so her mom has to support herself and Zettie. Her mama didn’t always hold a steady job. They live in their car.

Literacy Elements:

Setting: The book includes different locations such as Zettie’s school, the park they stayed at overnight with their car parked in parking lot, the hotel they stayed overnight when they got lucky, and their car.

Style: It is written by first point of view. The girl is narrator in the story. It was written man vs. society. Zettie had hard time struggling fitting in. She got bullied and she struggled for the days she could have real bed and variety of food. Zettie and her mom struggled to co-exist with society when policeman told them that they have to park their car somewhere else. Author made us to relate and got frustrated along with Zettie and her mother. The author’s tone shows homelessness is serious issues.

Plot: Progressive and the book have great suspense; we don’t know what will happen. The book have great climax because it got super scary at the highest point and better and better downhill. We can be connected with Zettie and her emotions when she went through something like bullying. This story show how serious homelessness can be problem for society.

Characterization: The main character (Protagonist) is the narrator. Zettie is an immigrant from Jamaica. She already had sense of loss from her father’s death. She had great life in Jamaica. Her mom moved to America for better life. She struggled to see why they had to live in their car. She was teased and she was upset about certain situations. It shows her emotions wonderfully especially when she was embarrassed to be dropped off at school in their car. It makes us to relate with her and issue of homelessness more.

Evaluation: It is wonderful book to raise society awareness of the social problem we have in America. There are millions of homeless people across America. There is higher percentage of chances of young children being homeless. This book portrayed harsh reality of Zettie’s struggles and how limited her choices were when it comes to where she has to sleep and what food she can eat that night. If her mom had plenty of money, she had more choice, if her mom didn’t make enough money that day. She has to live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This book has beautiful artistry, it showed the family’s emotions through the colors and it shows the intensity of the situation. It makes us more emotionally connected with Zettie through the words and us seeing the emotion in the pictures in story makes us more connected. It also portrayed how strong the mother’s love for her child. Many children can relate to the love their parents have for the child. Even through difficult times, the love is only shelter Zettie really needed.

Grandfather's Journey

There's Going to be a Baby

Title: There’s Going to be a Baby

Author: John Burningham

Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Medium: Wavy lines, colorful, watercolor

Theme: The boy is anticipating for the baby to come. He tries to predict what will happen when the baby comes.

Summary: When the boy’s mother told him that there’s going to be a baby. He started to think about what will happen. He predicted many things such as if a baby grew up to be a chef, artist, gardener, and few other fields. The baby would be messy and the boy worries about that. However, he still can’t wait to meet the baby.

Literacy Elements:

Setting: The book includes different locations such as restaurant, home, bus, park, and bedroom. Setting is backdrop because it is not significant to the story. The book mostly shows the boy’s prediction, which leads to his imagination. It could happen anywhere for the boy and his mother.

Style: It is written by first point of view. The boy is a narrator in the book. The illustrations include the mother and the boy’s clear emotions that would attract readers that they could empathize with them. Most readers could relate to the story. It is light and entertaining for the readers, especially for children who are going to be older siblings for very first time in their lives.

Plot: The plot is light and flat. It shows the boy’s imagination, as it could be called prediction. The boy has strong attraction bond with his mother. He shows his emotion anticipating for the baby to come. The reason I say it is flat because there is no deep climax or conflict in the book. It is just not knowing what will happen.

Characterization: The main character is the narrator, boy. The second character would be his mother. The boy had different emotions and thoughts when the baby is coming. They are important to the story because the point of the book is for the readers to empathize and relate to mother and especially boy.

Evaluation: I like this book even I am youngest sibling. I am close to my older sister and this book reminded me of her. She is three years and half older than me. So she was about three years old when I was born. She experienced similar to the boy in the book. It also reminded me of home video that showed how excited she was to see me for first time on the day I was born. This book is excellent because many readers including children can relate to their experiences.

Jumanji