Biography
Gaiman, Neil. (2008) The Graveyard Book. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 978006053921
Plot Summary
Nobody Owens is a good-natured boy who is being raised in the most unnatural of circumstances. In fact, you may call them the most supernatural of circumstances, for Nobody Owens is growing up in a graveyard and is learning his life lessons from the dead. When Nobody, or Bod, is a baby, his family is brutally murdered. In a miraculous feat, Bod manages to totter into a graveyard where the ghosts adopt him as their own. Ignoring the admonishments of his guardian, Bod faces many dangers, which oddly enough reside beyond the safe boundaries of the graves. The most pressing danger of all is “the man Jack” who killed Bod’s family and has an undying vendetta to make sure Nobody Owens is dead.
Critical Analysis
Neil Gaiman, who is the famed author of Coraline, presents a dark fantasy tale about a young boy who is raised among the dead. Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is the protagonist of the story, and he is accompanied by his two adoptive parents, his guardian, and a plethora of friends and neighbors, all of whom are dead. His only living companion is Scarlett. They meet as young children and later reconnect as teens. Gaiman seems to have a new life lesson for Bod with every character he comes to know, from the Indigo man in the graveyard hill to the witch ghost in the Potter’s Field, no encounter is in vain.
The primary setting is an ancient graveyard tucked away in a modern time. Although the year is not explicitly given, Gaiman does not fail to give us clues: “She (Scarlett) pulled out her LED light and turned it on.” Such a glimpse of modern civilization is rarely revealed within the confines of the graveyard where the atmosphere is frozen in times that have long passed. Yet, whenever Bod steps into the land of the living, the reader may find it surprising that a technologically advanced world is whirling around the peaceful dead.
Gaiman has written this book for young adults and children, and although it begins with a rather gruesome murder scene, the rest of the book enlists tried-and-true favorite themes among youth. There is humor, albeit gloriously dark. In an instance of mild correction, Bod’s guardian says, “You aren’t allowed out of the graveyard—it’s aren’t, by the way, not amn’t, not these days.” There are suggestions of gore: “The knife had done everything it was brought to that house to do, and both the blade and the handle were wet.” And there is action and suspense: “He pulled his black silk cord tight between his hands. It had been stretched around many necks, over the years, and had been the end of every one of the people it had embraced.” And oddly enough, there is warmth and kind displays of love, even if these prove to be a paradox to our cold and fearful perceptions of death and cemetaries.
Dave McKean lends to the magically morbid ambience of the story through his haunting illustrations. He sketches black and white images of shadowy spirits, a coldblooded killer, and crumbling tombstones. The beginning of each chapter is accompanied by McKeon’s drawings, and they give that extra ounce of creepiness that will ensure the children will be ducking under their covers.
Review Excerpts
2009 Newbery Award Winner
The Washington Post: “Like a bite of dark Halloween chocolate, this novel proves rich, bittersweet and very satisfying.”
Kirkus Review: “Wistful, witty, wise-and creepy. Gaiman's riff on Kipling's Mowgli stories never falters, from the truly spine-tingling opening, in which a toddler accidentally escapes his family's murderer, to the melancholy, life-affirming ending.”
Connections
*Would be a fun and unique required reading for junior high school students.
*This book has excellent examples of foreshadowing, plot climax, plot twist, hidden meaning, and prediction. Students would have a memorable time dissecting this book.
*Look for other books and audio recordings from Neil Gaiman:
The Graveyard Book on CD. ISBN 9780061551895
Coraline. ISBN 9780380807345
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Review of MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF by Jennifer L. Holm
Holm, Jennifer, L. 2007. Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf. Ill by Elicia Castaldi. New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689852817
Plot Summary
Ginny Davis is entering the 7th grade, and has a to-do list that will ensure a year full of accolades, higher social status, and above all fun! Unfortunately, pink hair, plummeting grades, and a new stepfather who “forgets to pick you up after school” are not on the list.
Told through a collage of Ginny’s “stuff,” she maintains a sense of humor as her life unfolds before her. After all, with your delinquent brother in military school and your mother bringing a new dad into her life, what’s a ruined sweater or your dog eating your science project? It’s nothing that horse riding lessons paid by Grandpa Joe can’t cure.
Critical Analysis
Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf is as fun and quirky as it’s title suggest. Jennifer Holm brilliantly patches together a complete story told through items such as post-it notes, diary entries, ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings of 7th grader, Ginny Davis. The plot centers around Ginny’s “to-do” lists which include goals like: “Get a dad”, “Look good in the school photo for once!!”, and “Win something. Anything.” The story begins with Ginny’s “Back-to-school Shopping List” and ends with her “Ginny’s Summer List.” The pages between document the most embarrassing moments and fleeting triumphs during her 7th grade school year.
Elicia Castaldi illustrates the book with an eclectic collage that brings Ginny’s life into full color and focus. On one page, we see a chewed up pencil carelessly lying atop Ginny’s graph paper tablet that contains her hand-written “budget.” To remind the reader that Ginny is a young adolescent girl, a candy-pink lip gloss is placed beside the tablet. Another page depicts a computer screen, showing the instant messaging boxes full of dialog between Ginny and her best friend, Becky. Becky, whose screen name is beckysooboo 1 writes, “I can’t believe u didn’t get the part!! BTW did u hear that Mary Catherine Kelly is having a slumber party on Friday??” Ginny, screen name GinnyGirl, writes back, “no. r. u invited?” To which Becky response, “yes. r u?” We soon find out that Ginny is definitely not invited.
As hard as she tries, Ginny just cannot seem to catch a break. For example, she longs for a particular yellow sweater. After months of begging her mother, babysitting, and doing chores, her mother finally buys her the sweater. But, her good fortune is not to last. Ginny loses the lead role in the big ballet recital to her ex-best friend and new rival, Mary Catherine Kelly. Depressed, Ginny consults her “Five ways to shake the blues!” list and decides to buy some items of comfort, including “Pink Dream Lipstick.” On the next page, we see a sticky note safety pinned to a “Pink Dream” stained yellow sweater: “Ginny, I did my best but I think it’s ruined. You should always check your pockets before washing anything. Sorry, Mom.” Holm and Castaldi do an outstanding job at capturing the essence of pre-teen angst while the collage-style story makes it fun to piece together the puzzle of Ginny’s life.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: “Not quite a graphic novel but not a traditional narrative either, Holm's creative book should hook readers, especially girls who want something out of the ordinary.”
Publishers Weekly: “The punchy visuals and the sharp, funny details reel in the audience and don't let go.”
Connections
*This would be a perfect back-to-school gift for preteen and teenage children.
*Could be used to open up a discussion about serious issues that adolescence may face.
*Students could make a book about their own life using a collage of their “stuff.”
*This book is a perfect example for illustrating to students to not limit their creativity when writing or developing a concept for a book, project, etc.
Plot Summary
Ginny Davis is entering the 7th grade, and has a to-do list that will ensure a year full of accolades, higher social status, and above all fun! Unfortunately, pink hair, plummeting grades, and a new stepfather who “forgets to pick you up after school” are not on the list.
Told through a collage of Ginny’s “stuff,” she maintains a sense of humor as her life unfolds before her. After all, with your delinquent brother in military school and your mother bringing a new dad into her life, what’s a ruined sweater or your dog eating your science project? It’s nothing that horse riding lessons paid by Grandpa Joe can’t cure.
Critical Analysis
Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf is as fun and quirky as it’s title suggest. Jennifer Holm brilliantly patches together a complete story told through items such as post-it notes, diary entries, ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings of 7th grader, Ginny Davis. The plot centers around Ginny’s “to-do” lists which include goals like: “Get a dad”, “Look good in the school photo for once!!”, and “Win something. Anything.” The story begins with Ginny’s “Back-to-school Shopping List” and ends with her “Ginny’s Summer List.” The pages between document the most embarrassing moments and fleeting triumphs during her 7th grade school year.
Elicia Castaldi illustrates the book with an eclectic collage that brings Ginny’s life into full color and focus. On one page, we see a chewed up pencil carelessly lying atop Ginny’s graph paper tablet that contains her hand-written “budget.” To remind the reader that Ginny is a young adolescent girl, a candy-pink lip gloss is placed beside the tablet. Another page depicts a computer screen, showing the instant messaging boxes full of dialog between Ginny and her best friend, Becky. Becky, whose screen name is beckysooboo 1 writes, “I can’t believe u didn’t get the part!! BTW did u hear that Mary Catherine Kelly is having a slumber party on Friday??” Ginny, screen name GinnyGirl, writes back, “no. r. u invited?” To which Becky response, “yes. r u?” We soon find out that Ginny is definitely not invited.
As hard as she tries, Ginny just cannot seem to catch a break. For example, she longs for a particular yellow sweater. After months of begging her mother, babysitting, and doing chores, her mother finally buys her the sweater. But, her good fortune is not to last. Ginny loses the lead role in the big ballet recital to her ex-best friend and new rival, Mary Catherine Kelly. Depressed, Ginny consults her “Five ways to shake the blues!” list and decides to buy some items of comfort, including “Pink Dream Lipstick.” On the next page, we see a sticky note safety pinned to a “Pink Dream” stained yellow sweater: “Ginny, I did my best but I think it’s ruined. You should always check your pockets before washing anything. Sorry, Mom.” Holm and Castaldi do an outstanding job at capturing the essence of pre-teen angst while the collage-style story makes it fun to piece together the puzzle of Ginny’s life.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: “Not quite a graphic novel but not a traditional narrative either, Holm's creative book should hook readers, especially girls who want something out of the ordinary.”
Publishers Weekly: “The punchy visuals and the sharp, funny details reel in the audience and don't let go.”
Connections
*This would be a perfect back-to-school gift for preteen and teenage children.
*Could be used to open up a discussion about serious issues that adolescence may face.
*Students could make a book about their own life using a collage of their “stuff.”
*This book is a perfect example for illustrating to students to not limit their creativity when writing or developing a concept for a book, project, etc.
Review of THE LAST PART FIRST by Angela Johnson
Biography
Johnson, Angela. 2005. The First Part Last. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 9780689849237
Plot Summary
Bobby is a typical teenager moving to the rhythms in the urban heart of New York City. He is restless, impulsive, and growing in the wonderment of life. Just as he is approaching home to celebrate his sixteenth birthday, he finds his girlfriend, Nia, sitting on his stoop, “Just sittin’ there with a balloon, looking all lost.” It is on this day that Bobby’s typical teenage life becomes anything but ordinary; he learns that he will soon become a father. In a tragic and heartbreaking moment, Nia experiences grave health complications that leave Bobby as a single parent. Bobby must now cope with his ever changing and complex emotions while bearing the responsibilities of hastened adulthood.
Critical Analysis
Angela Johnson gives us an insider’s look into the true grit and raw emotions that come with teenage pregnancy. Interestingly, Johnson’s novel focuses on the male’s point of view, one that is often discredited or too easily dismissed as irrelevant. Bobby is a sixteen-year-old father whose girlfriend unexpectedly dies of pregnancy complications. His character is well-rounded, and Johnson allows us to see his wide range of emotions, his fears, and his stark humanity. She gives him a balance of concurrently possessing paternal instincts and pangs for “just being a kid.”
Nia’s character is pivotal to the plot as she changes the tone of the book on two distinct occasions: revealing her pregnancy and slipping away due to eclampsia. It is not until one of the final chapters, entitled Nia, that we get an intimate feel of Nia and her inner thoughts. Johnson releases the narration from Bobby and hands it over to Nia. Nia gives us a punctuated glimpse into her hopes and fears: “When I was five I wanted to be a firefighter. All of my uniforms would have Nia on them…I wanted my arms to be the arms that carried out babies and kids, safe.” The reader is able to make an instant connection with a character that has previously been somewhat elusive. Johnson intuitively uses this chapter to satisfy the readers’ need to feel Nia as well as Bobby.
Bobby and Nia’s baby is a critical component in the book. Johnson is able to capture the power that exudes from this tiny infant as her presence permeates every thought and action of the books’ characters. The baby is named Feather, and the significance of her name is hidden from the reader until the book begins its concluding chapters. “She came to me so slow, and it was just like somebody brushed the air with a feather.”
The setting of the novel is in New York City. Johnson displays inclusive perspectives as she takes us on a well-rounded tour of the city. Bobby bounces between the Bed-Stuy housing project of Brooklyn and a lower middle-class brownstone on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. His girlfriend, Nia, resides in an upscale, modern loft on the Upper East Side where “Every wall in their loft is so white it almost hurts my eyes."
Johnson toggles the chapters back and forth from Now and Then, giving a balanced account of present and background information. Full of romance, drama, and suspense, The First Part Last is a must-read for teens and adults alike.
Review Excerpts
Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award
Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award
School Library Review: "It will also be instantly popular for leisure reading outside of school."
Connections
*Would make an excellent book for required reading for junior high school students.
*Can be used to open a discussion about teen pregnancy.
*Look for the audio version, available on CD and MP3 format:
Johnson, Angela. ISBN 9781400090679
Johnson, Angela. 2005. The First Part Last. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 9780689849237
Plot Summary
Bobby is a typical teenager moving to the rhythms in the urban heart of New York City. He is restless, impulsive, and growing in the wonderment of life. Just as he is approaching home to celebrate his sixteenth birthday, he finds his girlfriend, Nia, sitting on his stoop, “Just sittin’ there with a balloon, looking all lost.” It is on this day that Bobby’s typical teenage life becomes anything but ordinary; he learns that he will soon become a father. In a tragic and heartbreaking moment, Nia experiences grave health complications that leave Bobby as a single parent. Bobby must now cope with his ever changing and complex emotions while bearing the responsibilities of hastened adulthood.
Critical Analysis
Angela Johnson gives us an insider’s look into the true grit and raw emotions that come with teenage pregnancy. Interestingly, Johnson’s novel focuses on the male’s point of view, one that is often discredited or too easily dismissed as irrelevant. Bobby is a sixteen-year-old father whose girlfriend unexpectedly dies of pregnancy complications. His character is well-rounded, and Johnson allows us to see his wide range of emotions, his fears, and his stark humanity. She gives him a balance of concurrently possessing paternal instincts and pangs for “just being a kid.”
Nia’s character is pivotal to the plot as she changes the tone of the book on two distinct occasions: revealing her pregnancy and slipping away due to eclampsia. It is not until one of the final chapters, entitled Nia, that we get an intimate feel of Nia and her inner thoughts. Johnson releases the narration from Bobby and hands it over to Nia. Nia gives us a punctuated glimpse into her hopes and fears: “When I was five I wanted to be a firefighter. All of my uniforms would have Nia on them…I wanted my arms to be the arms that carried out babies and kids, safe.” The reader is able to make an instant connection with a character that has previously been somewhat elusive. Johnson intuitively uses this chapter to satisfy the readers’ need to feel Nia as well as Bobby.
Bobby and Nia’s baby is a critical component in the book. Johnson is able to capture the power that exudes from this tiny infant as her presence permeates every thought and action of the books’ characters. The baby is named Feather, and the significance of her name is hidden from the reader until the book begins its concluding chapters. “She came to me so slow, and it was just like somebody brushed the air with a feather.”
The setting of the novel is in New York City. Johnson displays inclusive perspectives as she takes us on a well-rounded tour of the city. Bobby bounces between the Bed-Stuy housing project of Brooklyn and a lower middle-class brownstone on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. His girlfriend, Nia, resides in an upscale, modern loft on the Upper East Side where “Every wall in their loft is so white it almost hurts my eyes."
Johnson toggles the chapters back and forth from Now and Then, giving a balanced account of present and background information. Full of romance, drama, and suspense, The First Part Last is a must-read for teens and adults alike.
Review Excerpts
Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award
Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award
School Library Review: "It will also be instantly popular for leisure reading outside of school."
Connections
*Would make an excellent book for required reading for junior high school students.
*Can be used to open a discussion about teen pregnancy.
*Look for the audio version, available on CD and MP3 format:
Johnson, Angela. ISBN 9781400090679
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