Module 12 Biography and Autobiography

When I Was a Soldier 

by Valérie Zenatti

Summary

Valérie Zenatti explores her past as student and then as a soldier in the Israeli Army.  She enlists for a two year span when she turns eighteen and does well in training.  She is given an intelligence position.  She regularly listens in on various radio channels to observe and report activity of other military installments like neighboring countries.  She finds herself questioning the political standing of the military, but understands that there is no perfect answer.  Her friends also join the army as they turn eighteen and each of them have very different experiences.  During her time in the military Valérie forms a new friendship with coworker and reunites with another friend from school.     

Bibliographic Citation

Zenatti, V. (2002). When I Was a Solider. New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books.

My Impressions of the Book

Valérie Zenatti’s memoir is a true coming of age tale.  She begins her service in the army with such excitement and hope for the future.  She initially holds on to an ex-boyfriend in the hopes that he will take her back and they will find happiness together.  She learns the hard way that she must make her on happiness and can’t rely on him to love her.  As Valérie gains confidence in her career with the army she transforms into a responsible adult with ideas and beliefs of her own.  Her story is compelling.  Readers should find her memoir enjoyable and her candid voice delightful.

Reviews 

In this compelling memoir, Zenatti, first among her group of friends to be called for compulsory military service, chronicles two years of growing up in the Israeli army between 1988 and 1990. With teen self-absorption, she describes the end of her high school years, her initial excitement with the uniform and gun, and grueling training. At first overwrought and pretentious, her voice matures as she continues her course, suffers an anxiety attack, and is posted to a security listening post. As Zenatti grows away from her old friends and a former boyfriend, she becomes more aware and open to the ideas, interests, and needs of others–even, eventually, to the Palestinians who share her country. It is true, as adults told her, "The army changes everything." Although immersed in the country and the experience at the time, Zenatti retains her outsider perspective. French by origin, she and her family emigrated to Beersheva when she was 13, where she learned Hebrew. Her love of language shines through, and the translation, though undeniably British, is smooth. Journal entries in italics are interspersed with the present-tense narrative. This is a fascinating glimpse of a different part of the world and a different kind of experience. Older readers, facing the end of high school themselves, will be drawn to this description of the interim between childhood and adulthood that is a universal Israeli experience.–Kathleen Isaacs, formerly at Edmund Burke School, Washington, DC

Isaacs, K. (2005, May 1). When I Was a Soldier. [Review of the book When I Was a Soldier, by V. Zenatti]. School Library Journal, 162.

Ideas for Library Use

Invite and class to the library after they have read When I Was a Soldier and challenge them to write a biography.  Introduce students to self publishing ideas. 

Module 11 Informational Books

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg and illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

Summary

In How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous, Bragg shares fun facts about various famous historical figures. She also details the illness or event that lead to their deaths as well as any medical treatment given in an effort to save them.  A very common treatment throughout the book is bloodletting. 

Bibliographic Citation

Bragg G. (2011). How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. New York: Walker and Company.

My Impressions of the Book

While the book is informative Bragg approaches the topic of death with humor.  The humor does not distract from the facts in any way.  Yes, it lightens the mood, but so many of these topics are overlooked in history.  I found the medical treatment facts very interesting.  For example, after President Garfield was shot a number of doctors inserted their unwashed pointer fingers in his back to find the bullet.  These helpful doctors only managed to further injure him and become the cause of his infection.  How They Croaked is amusing and opens the door to historical figures in a new and clever way.

Reviews 

Georgia Bragg has her tongue firmly in cheek as she describes "how some of the most important people who ever lived--died" in this engaging book (Walker, 2011). Beginning with King Tut and moving chronologically through to Albert Einstein, Bragg explains in a conversational style what maladies brought 19 of the great ones down. Listeners will be clued in to Henry VIII's gluttony, George Washington's little mouth of horrors, and James Garfield's oh-so-slow death by ignorance. Narrator L.J. Ganser uses sarcasm, timing, pauses, and tone to wring out every last ounce of disgusting, gross misery from the deaths of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Christopher Columbus, Napoleon, Mozart, and others. There are humorous subtitles to each story, such as "Marie Curie: You Glow Girl!," and sidebars that add to the history. Be sure to pair this with the print version so students can giggle at Kevin O'Malley's hysterical illustrations. A perfect choice for boys who are reluctant readers. - Tricia Melgaard, formerly Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Melgaard, T. (2011). How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous [Review of the book How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous, by G. Bragg]. School Library Journal, 57, 75.

Ideas for Library Use

Have a discussion with the book club and find out information they found interesting in How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. 

Module 10 Historical Fiction

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

Summary

After bing lectured of the importance of remembrance Hannah attends Passover dinner with her family.  One moment she is standing at the door to welcome the prophet Elijah into the home and the next she has been transported to 1942.  In 1942, she is known as Chaya and she has trouble remembering her real life or even determining which life is true.  Unfortunately, she all to aware of the terrible actions that take place between the Nazis and the Jewish community.  She is forced to live through these events knowing that the people around her will die and everything is not as it seems.  As Chaya she learns the ways of the camp quickly and does all she can to help others.  She experiences loss and forms a bond with a girl named Rivka.  In the end she sacrifices herself for her friend.  Like a dream she is transported back to the moment she opened the door.  

Bibliographic Citation

Yolen, J. (1988). The Devil’s Arithmetic. New York: Puffin Books.

My Impressions of the Book

Yolen gives the readers the experience of sharing these moments with fictional Holocaust victims.  However, it is more eye opening than history books that account for the victims in numbers without an glimpse into personal activities of feelings.  The story is also told with the new element of one character (Hannah / Chaya) knowing exactly what awaits them in the concentration camps.  It is unimaginable what these victims experienced, but Yolen allows readers to remember the love they continued to share with one another even when all hope was lost.  The Devil’s Arithmetic is a must read and I hope readers carry on the message of remembrance. 

Reviews 

The Devil's Arithmetic is about a girl taken into the time of the Holocaust. She experienced everything she had read about her religion and almost experienced the terrifying way some of her fellow Jews died.

Throughout this book, the emotions sweep over you, not fully sinking in until the end of the book when you realize what happened. There is so much truth and reality, it hurts. It hurts to actually have to face the fact that there were and still are people in this world so cold-blooded and mean that they would actually put people through such torture. I don't think I've ever read a book more meaningful than The Devil's Anthmetic. It would take the coldest of hearts to read this book without feeling pain for the Jews and hatred for the Nazis. I kept asking myself questions: "How could somebody do this? Who could have been so powerful to plant these thoughts and ideas in the heads of their pathetic followers?"

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a very powerful book. -Bailey O'Keefe, Grade 8 Oyster River Middle School, Durham, New Hampshire

O’Keefe, B. (1998, September). The Devil’s Arithmetic [Review of the book The Devil’s Arithmetic by J. Yolen]. Voices From the Middle, C5.

Ideas for Library Use

A creative way to continue Yolen’s message of remembrance would be to allow students to help make a bulletin board of memories for Holocaust victims and their families.  Include a cover shot of The Devil’s Arithmetic in the center of the bulletin board.  

Module 9 Mystery

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Summary

Allie begins the novel in recovery of her car accident with her boyfriend Tripp.  Tripp doesn’t survive the accident, but he continues to haunt her with his past deeds.  He physically and mentally abused Allie throughout their relationship.   Allie can’t even look in the mirror without a reminder of Tripp.  Her face is scarred and depression keeps her in bed.  Once Allie finally returns to school she is mistreated by other students because she survived and Tripp did not.  She even receives threats in her locker.  Allie begins to seek comfort in Blake and even the new detective questions Allie’s knowledge and involvement of the accident.  Her brother tries to help Allie recover emotionally, but it becomes clear that Allie find out who is threatening her safety now.  

Bibliographic Citation

Wolf, J. S. (2012). Breaking Beautiful. New York: Walker and Company.

My Impressions of the Book

The book is creative and looks at abusive relationships through the eyes of both the victim and her family as well as the unsuspecting and judgmental public.  Allie faces the pain of her injuries and heartbreak as well the blame of her classmates.  If she shares what Tripp did to her then she looks guilty, but if she keeps the past a secret Tripp remains the town hero.  Allie’s determination to carry on is slow to build, but it is great to see her regain a sense of self.  The take away from the book is that she does have hope and with a little help she can overcome her past. 

Reviews 

Eighteen-year-old Allie's life changes in an instant when her boyfriend, Trip Phillips, drives off a cliff in small-town Pacific Cliffs. Allie survives the wreck but wishes her secret would have died with him. She is haunted by the fact that Trip was physically and emotionally abusive. She can't remember that fatal night but is sure that the incident wasn't an accident. Maybe her twin brother was trying to protect her from Trip's abuse, or maybe it was her best friend, Blake. Regardless, the case is reopened as suspicious circumstances begin to emerge, and Allie must relive that night and find the courage to speak up about the abuse even though she fears that no one will believe her. Teens will be consumed by the mystery, and romantics will hope that Allie and Blake can make it even though it seems that the town is against them. The author has done a good job of helping readers understand the accident as it is told in flashbacks yet intertwined with present-day events. The story unfolds in a convincing manner; nothing is left open-ended, which leaves readers sure that Allie is no longer in turmoil, and that she has moved forward.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Alexander, K. (2012). Breaking Beautiful [Review of the book Breaking Beautiful, by J. S. Wolf]. School Library Journal, 58, 178

Ideas for Library Use

Breaking Beautiful is a creative mystery and would make for a fun book club read.  It could be paired with a mystery solving contest for book club members.

Module 8 Fantasy and Science Fiction

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Summary

Vivian Gandillon is a werewolf and the daughter of the recently deceased pack alpha.  After losing her father Vivian and the rest of the pack are uprooted and forced to live in a new community.  She refuses to hangout with her out of control pack mates and seeks friendship at school.  She quickly falls for a human and the pack warns her against it.  It is not until she reveals herself to him that she learns their worlds are too different to continue the relationship.  However, a dangerous trap has already been set for her and she must take control of the situation save her life. 

Bibliographic Citation

Klause A. C. (1997). Blood and Chocolate. New York: Ember.

My Impressions of the Book

Vivian may begin the novel as an uncertain teenage girl with more concerns than confidence, but she battles past the loss of her father in this coming of age tale.  It has a sense of mystery about it and switches gears in latter part of the book.  Vivian is forced to care for herself and her strength shines through in the end.  Klause balances the character well by mixing in honesty and compassion as two of her traits.  It is a fun read and a little girl power never hurt anybody.

Reviews 

-Klause keeps this story powerful and sexy, reveling in the ferality of her characters and the overtones of legend; some characters are a bit predictable or indistinct, but a few—especially Vivian's human boyfriend, who thinks he wants mysticism and falls apart when he gets it—are intriguing and vivid. At heart here is a classic romance about a girl torn between the sensitive aesthete and the dark dominant enigma; fans of that genre will know where they're headed, but they'll still relish the hunt. - Deborah Stevenson, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Stevenson, D. (1997). Blood and Chocolate (Book Review) [Review of the book Blood and Chocolate, by A. C. Klause]. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 50, 400.

Ideas for Library Use

Advertise a school book talk and invite students to come see why science fiction is so popular.  Use Blood and Chocolate as one of the selections in hopes to win over more girls in the genre.

Module 7 Realistic Fiction

Out of My Mind 

by Sharon Draper

Summary

Melody is an eleven year old girl with no way to express herself.  She has cerebral palsy and she cannot talk or walk.  Fellow students, teachers, and doctors mistakenly assume she is mentally challenged.  Despite all the emotional pain of such judgement Melody never lets her disability limit her goals.  She pushes herself to learn and with a little help she finds a device to enable her to communicate.  Melody begins to excel in an academic achievement group, but not everyone can except her for the wonderfully clever and brave girl she is.

Bibliographic Citation

Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of My Mind. New York: Atheneum Books.

My Impressions of the Book

Out of My Mind is an emotional read.  Draper captures the emotions of heartbreak, triumph, and love and allows the reader to join in as Melody makes a place for herself when so few believed in her.  Melody’s mother champions her daughter whether she faces negative medical experts, uninformed mentors, or hurtful people, she is always there for Melody.  The combination of personal success and a loving family unit make this book a must read for everyone.

Reviews 

-Born with cerebral palsy, Melody, 10, has never spoken a word. She is a brilliant fifth grader trapped in an uncontrollable body. Her world is enhanced by insight and intellect, but gypped by physical limitations and misunderstandings. She will never sing or dance, talk on the phone, or whisper secrets to her friends. She's not complaining, though; she's planning and fighting the odds. In her court are family, good neighbors, and an attentive student teacher. Pitted against her is the "normal" world: schools with limited resources, cliquish girls, superficial assumptions, and her own disability. Melody's life is tragically complicated. She is mainly placed in the special-ed classroom where education means being babysat in a room with replayed cartoons and nursery tunes. Her supportive family sets her up with a computer. She learns the strength of thumbs as she taps on a special keyboard that finally lets her "talk." When she is transitioned into the regular classroom, Melody's undeniable contribution enables her class to make it to the national quiz team finals. Then something happens that causes her to miss the finals, and she is devastated by her classmates' actions. Kids will benefit from being introduced to Melody and her gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes and reveals the quiet strength and fortitude it takes to overcome disabilities and the misconceptions that go with them.-Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Follos, A. (2010). Out of My Mind [Review of the book Out of my Mind, by S. M. Draper].  School Library Journal, 156.

Ideas for Library Use

As anti-bullying campaigns continue to help students accept one another I feel this book would be ideal for an anti-bullying challenge.  

Wintergirls 

by Laura Halse Anderson

Summary

Lia loses her friend Cassie after they make a pact to be the skinniest girls in school.  Even after Cassie dies Lia cannot shake the need to lose weight.  She counts every calorie she allows herself to consume.  Despite her mother’s insistence to see a therapist Lia still manages to manipulate others into believing she isn’t losing weight.  Only in her journal entries does Lia allow herself to be completely honest with her hunger and self hate.  It isn’t until she understands the harm she is inflicting on her family, primarily her stepsister that Lia decides to rethink her actions. 

Bibliographic Citation

Anderson, L. H. (2009). Wintergirls. New York: Penguin.

My Impressions of the Book

Wintergirls is an eyeopening novel into the world of eating disorders, from calorie counting to “thin girl” support sites.  Melody’s drive to be thin dominates the novel, but by doing so it illustrates the all consuming need for her self inflicted hunger and pain.  Her journal entries show just how badly she struggles with her thoughts with slashes eliminating her most negative thoughts.   No matter how many concerned family members show melody support, it is Melody who must decide she needs to care for herself again.  It is a moving and detailed cautionary tale.  

Reviews 

-The intensity of emotion and vivid language here are more reminiscent of Anderson's Speak (Farrar, 1999) than any of her other works. Lia and Cassie had been best friends since elementary school, and each developed her own style of eating disorder that leads to disaster. Now 18, they are no longer friends. Despite their estrangement, Cassie calls Lia 33 times on the night of her death, and Lia never answers. As events play out, Lia's guilt, her need to be thin, and her fight for acceptance unravel in an almost poetic stream of consciousness in this startlingly crisp and pitch-perfect first-person narrative. The text is rich with words still legible but crossed out, the judicious use of italics, and tiny font-size refrains reflecting her distorted internal logic. All of the usual answers of specialized treatment centers, therapy, and monitoring of weight and food fail to prevail while Lia's cleverness holds sway. What happens to her in the end is much less the point than traveling with her on her agonizing journey of inexplicable pain and her attempt to make some sense of her life.-Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library

Edwards, C. A. (2009). Wintergirls [Review of the book Wintergirls, by L. H. Anderson]. School Library Journal, 96.

Ideas for Library Use

It is my hope that readers will take in the novel and discuss Lia’s choices and then learn from those decisions.  With that in mind student reviews for Wintergirls could be submitted digitally or in a drop box to allow for complete anonymity.

Module 6 Picture Books

Thunder-Boomer! 

by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Carol Thompson 

Summary

In the summer heat a family wishes for a rain storm to cool them off as they relax by the pond.  The storm arrives and they rush indoors and protect the animals as well.  The family chicken is anxious to get back outside.  She leads the family to a new furry member of the family. 

Bibliographic Citation

Crum S. (2009). Thunder-Boomer!. New York: Clarion Books.

My Impressions of the Book

Thunder-Boomer is playful. Crum joins the family together in the fast paced dash to secure everything on the farm.  The story is exciting from the first page to the end.  Thompson’s graphics reflect the urgency of the storm, but allow for funny moments and detail character emotion well.  If only all storms could be this much fun.  It makes for a fun family storytime on any thunder struck night.

Reviews 

A farm family is sweltering, hoping for "a thunder-boomer" to relieve the heat. Thompson's illustrations, done in pastels, ink, and watercolor, are full of motion and capture the sensations of the gathering clouds, the rain coming down, the intensity of the storm, and the feeling of cold wetness on the characters. The free-verse storytelling is light, airy, and perfectly matched to the drawings. Readers will enjoy the pictures of the family scurrying home as well as the one of Dad running outside to rescue a stray chicken from the downpour. The ending fully satisfies, as the children discover a wet kitten after the storm and appropriately name it Thunder-Boomer.-Adrienne Wilson, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Monroe, CT

Wilson, A. (2009, June 1). Thunder-Boomer! [Review of the book Thunder-Boomer! by S. Crum]. School Library Journal, 80.

Ideas for Library Use

Thunder-Boomer! would make a fun addition to an all about the weather storytime.