Heart of a Samurai

Book Title: Heart of a Samurai

Author: Margie Preus

Publisher: Amulet Books

Copyright Date: 2010

Selection Choice: Required class books.

Brief Annotation: In 1841, a Japanese whaling ship sinks after a storm and the members of the crew are forced to find and survive on a small island. 14-year old Manjiro and his crewmates are soon rescued by a American ship that was passing by. Unable to return to their native Japan, they go with the American ship as it heads to America. Language and cultural barriers plague them, but eventually they all begin to get along and Manjiro finds himself close to the ship's captain. The captain takes Manjiro back to his home in New England, where they stay for some time before Manjiro heads to California. All the while he is finding himself and missing his home in Japan. Will he go back, or will the move prove to be too difficult?

Your Rating: 4/5 stars. This book certainly wasn't what I expected it to be, though I was still delightfully surprised. The imagery and beautiful writing create a rich literary landscape that is very easy to get lost in. I liked the historical aspects as well as the character development.

Readers who will like this book: Readers who like historical fiction; readers interested in Japanese or American history.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What do you know about the Samurai or Samurai Code?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Can you make any connections to contemporary racism through what happens in this novel?

Question to ask about this book after reading: What genre would you classify this novel as?

1. Interest Level: Ages 11-16

2. Grade Level Equivalent: Grade 6 and up.

3. List awards: 2011 Newbery Honor Book; 2011 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature; 2011 ALSC Notable Children's Book.

Jacob Have I Loved

Book Title: Jacob Have I Loved

Author: Katherine Paterson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Copyright Date: 1991

Selection Choice: Book by Katherine Paterson

Brief Annotation: Sara Louise, or "Wheeze", lives in the shadow of her twin sister, Caroline. Living on the island of Rass in the early 1940s isn't easy- and being second behind her beautiful and talented sister makes things even harder on Wheeze. When both Caroline and Cass, Wheeze's best friend on the island, leave her for separate reasons, but later end up married. Grief stricken and hurt, Wheeze finally gets her mother's permission and blessing to leave the island and get a college education. She takes on a job as a midwife to earn support for her dream of becoming a doctor later on. She marries a widow and becomes a successful midwife. When a pair of twins is set to be born, Sara Louise's services are called upon, and unbeknown to her, she is about to learn the toughest lesson of her life.

Your Rating: 3/5 stars. While I enjoyed this book I found it very slow moving. I couldn't bring myself to have any compassion or empathy for Sara Louise. I found the story to drag at times. It was an interesting story and very well written, but perhaps it was just out of my interest range.

Readers who will like this book: Readers who like contemporary historical fiction. Readers who like strong female characters. Readers with sibling rivalry.

Question to ask about this book before reading: Have you ever been jealous of another person close to you? Why?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Which character do you find yourself identifying with?

Question to ask about this book after reading: How do we know when a person has truly "learned a lesson"?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 13 years and older

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 6th-9th grade

3. List awards: 1981 Newbery Medal

Escape from Saigon: How a Vietnam War Orphan Became an American Boy

Book Title: Escape from Saigon: How a Vietnam War Orphan Became an American Boy

Author: Andrea Warren

Publisher:

Copyright Date: 2004

Selection Choice: Memoir

Brief Annotation: Long was born in Saigon in 1966. His American father left when he was very young, and his Vietnamese mother, then grandmother, struggled to raise him during what was a difficult and frightening time. This story chronicles the trials and tribulations of growing up as a poor Amerasian in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, especially after the Americans leave in defeat, and anti-American North Vietnam troops begin descending south. He shares fond memories as well as the frequent heartbreak and difficulties that he and his family experienced. At the age of 8, he is given to an orphanage, and makes his way to his adoptive family in America with the help of Operation Babylift. Long, who is now known as Matthew, then describes his transition into a new family and culture.

Your Rating: 5/5 Stars. This is an engaging, honest, and personal account of the life of Long told through the author, who shares her connection with the story, and interweaves facts about the political and social events of Vietnam during the years of the war.

Readers who will like this book: Readers who would enjoy or could relate a story about adoption, readers who are interested in the Vietnam War, readers who would enjoy or benefit from a story about hardships and heartbreak, and also perseverance and friendship.

Question to ask about this book before reading: Have you heard of the Vietnam War? What do you know about it?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Why did Long’s mother try to give him up? Why did Long’s grandmother give him to the orphanage?

Question to ask about this book after reading: What factors help Long get through the difficult times he faced throughout the book?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 10-14

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 6

3. List awards: Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books For Youth 2004, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, Louisiana YR Choice Book Award Master List, Society of Midland Authors Book Award, Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children 2005.

Junie B. Jones- Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (P.S. So Does May)

Book Title: Junie B. Jones- Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus

Publisher: Random House

Copyright Date: 2005

Selection Choice: Part of a Series

Brief Annotation: Junie B. Jones and her class are going to have a secret Santa party. Junie B. draws the worst name possible, May’s name. Junie B. is then given the opportunity to give May the present she deserves. Will it be worthwhile for Junie B. to follow through with her plan?

Your Rating: 5/5

Readers who will like this book: Young readers who are learning to read. Junie B. Jones represents a great portrayal of a first grader so students will be able to relate to her easily.

Question to ask about this book before reading: Have you ever been so mad at someone that you wanted to get back at them by doing something bad?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Do you think Junie B. will follow through with giving May coal for her secret Santa gift? What do you think will happen to Junie B. and May if Junie gives her coal?

Question to ask about this book after reading: Why do you think Junie B. felt so good after giving May the squeeze a burp present?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 7-10

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3-5

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3. List awards

The Midwife's Apprentice

Book Title: The Midwife's Apprentice

Author: Karen Cushman

Publisher: Clarion Books

Copyright Date: 1995

Selection Choice: Galda list of historical fiction novels

Brief Annotation: Brat, a girl of around 12 years old, is an orphan who is discovered living in a dung heap by a midwife named Jane Sharp. She is a skilled and in demand midwife, and takes Brat on as her apprentice. Over some time, Brat begins to develop into a stronger girl. She renames herself Alyce, makes friends with the villagers, and begins to hone the craft of midwifery. But when Jane Sharp abandons a woman in labor in favor of a rich woman, Alyce is left to deliver the first woman's child. After she successfully does so, the woman pays Alyce instead of Jane, and the two women begin a feud. Alyce begins working as a midwife without Jane's help. Will Alyce successfully prove herself? Or does she need to check her pride and work harder to become the woman she will be?

Your Rating: 5/5 stars. Cushman is one of my favorite authors; I must have read Catherine, Called Birdy twenty times when I was younger. She writes fantastic female characters who are spirited but believable for the time period they are set in. The amount of information about the time period you can get just by reading her book is astounding.

Readers who will like this book: Readers interested in medievil times. Readers who like strong yet flawed characters.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What is an apprentice?

Question to ask about this book during reading: What good and bad qualities does Brat, or Alyce, show?

Question to ask about this book after reading: Have you ever deferred help even when you needed it out of pride? What was the result?

Interest Level (age): 11-13 years old

Grade Equivalent: 5-7

Awards: Newbery Award 1996

A Break With Charity, a Story About the Salem Witch Trials

Book Title: A Break with Charity, a Story About the Salem Witch Trials

Author: Ann Rinaldi

Publisher: Gulliver Books

Copyright Date: 1992

Selection Choice: Historical Fiction

Brief Annotation: During the late 1600’s, a young girl named Susana becomes involved with a group of girls that are in the business of starting rumors about people they dislike. Ann, the leader of the group, will not allow Susana to be a member, but still confides in her about the plan to expose certain people as witches. At this time, this was a very serious accusation that involved a trial and a punishment, usually death, if one was found to be a witch. Susana realizes that this is extreme and that people’s lives are at stake, but Ann threatens to accuse Susana’s parents of witchcraft if she exposes Ann’s plan. Susana must choose to expose Ann and the other girls to stop innocent people from being harmed, or remain silent in order to ensure her parents’ safety.

Rating: 5/5

Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy historical fiction, readers who enjoy learning about the Salem Witch Trials

Question to ask about this book before reading: What do you know about the Salem Witch Trials? What was life like back then?

Question to ask about this book during reading: How is Susana different from the girls who meet at the house? Why do you think she wants to belong to their group?

Question to ask about this book after reading: What conclusions can you draw about human nature from the way that people treat each other in this book? Use examples from the book and relate them to examples from today.

Out of the Dust

Book Title: Out of the Dust

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Karen Hesse

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Copyright Date: 1997

Selection Choice: Historical Fiction

Brief Annotation: The story takes place in the Great Depression during the Oklahoma dust bowl. Billie Jo is a fourteen year old girl who loses her mother and newborn baby brother due to a fire accident. She lives with her father who is trying to keep his farm alive but struggles because of all the dust and little rain. Billie Jo and her father become strangers to one another since her mother’s death as her father distances himself from Billie Jo and keeps to himself. Throughout the book, Billie Jo learns how to survive the dust, reunite with her father, and find strength inside herself to keep living. The story is a compelling novel that pulls readers in as Billie Jo learns about herself and the world.

Your Rating: 5/5

Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy reading in diary form and enjoys historical fiction.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What do you know about the dust bowl during the Great Depression?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Do you think Billie Jo and her father can reunite or will they remain strangers to one another?

Question to ask about this book after reading: What did you learn about what life was like during the Great Depression? Are there similarities between how Billie Jo and her father lived then and how some people may live today?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 11-13

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 6-8

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3. List awards

1998 Newbery Medal Winner

Winner of the 1998 Scott O'Dell Award

A Gathering of Days

Book Title: A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Joan W. Blos

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Copyright Date: 1979

Selection Choice: Galda Recommended Historical Fiction

Brief Annotation: This book is written as the journal of a fourteen-year-old girl in New England during the 1880s. Catherine Hall lives with her father and little sister, as her mother passed away shortly after child birth years before. She is very close with her neighbors, the Shipmans, whose matriarch fills in at times as a motherly figure, and whose daughter is her best friend. Catherine has taken on the responsibility of taking care of her family while also attending school, until her father decides to remarry. Living in a northern state, she sees her teacher sympathizing with the struggles of run-away slaves and being condemned for his opinions by the town. She also hears her father, though sympathetic to their cause, state that abiding by the law is more important than helping a runaway. So, when she is contacted secretly by a mysterious person seeking warmth and food, who could possibly be a runaway slave, she is faced with a moral dilemma.

Your Rating: 4/5 stars

Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy history or visualizing what living in a different era may have been like will enjoy this book. Students who enjoy mysteries will also find this book compelling.

Question to ask about this book before reading: How do you think life may have been different for a teenager in 1830 as compared to today? What was going on in the United States at that time?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Have you ever known what the right thing to do was, but were afraid to do it for some reason? Do you think Catherine will help this person who has contacted her? How do you think she's feeling?

Question to ask about this book after reading: Why do you think Catherine's father and mamman did not punish her for giving away the quilt? Why was Catherine happy to leave her home?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 11-14

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 6.1
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3. List awards: John Newberry Medal, 1980

Number the Stars

Book Title: Number the Stars

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Lois Lowry

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company

Copyright Date: 1989

Selection Choice: Historical fiction mentioned in the Galda text

Brief Annotation: Annemarie and her friend Ellen, both ten-year-olds who reside in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen in 1943, experience first-hand the Nazi’s frightening attempts to relocate the Jewish citizens. Ellen’s parents go into hiding, and Ellen quickly becomes a temporary “sister” of Annemarie, taking the name of the sister Annemarie lost just a few years ago. Helping Ellen and her family reach safety requires the swift action and courage of many people, including Annemarie. Can Annemarie overcome her fears and be brave in order to save her friend?

Your Rating: 5/5 stars.

Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy historical fiction, stories about the Nazi occupation, friends, resolution, bravery and courage.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What does it mean to be brave?

Question to ask about this book during reading: How do the characters show bravery throughout the story?

Question to ask about this book after reading: Do you agree that it is sometimes better not to know all of the details, especially if those details make it harder to be brave?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 9-12

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.1

3. List awards: Newbery Medal, Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award, Great Stone Face Children's Book Award, Golden Archer Award, Golden Archer Award, Maine Student Book Award, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, New York State Charlotte Award.

The Midwife's Apprentice

Book Title: The Midwife’s Apprentice

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Karen Cushman

Publisher: Clarion Books.

Copyright Date: 1995

Selection Choice: Book from Galda list.

Brief Annotation: On a frost morning sometime early in the fourteenth century, in a village somewhere in England, a girl known only as Brat was sleeping in a dung heap.  With nowhere to go, hungry and cold, Brat had taken to sleeping in a dung heap to stay warm.  On this particularly cold morning, she was awakened by an important-looking woman with a sharp glance and a sharp nose and a wimple starched into sharp pleats.  This woman was Jane the Midwife, and fortunately for Brat, she needed a helper.

Thus begins the funny, wise, compassionate story of the homeless waif who became the midwife’s apprentice—a person with a name and a place in the world.

Your Rating: 5 out of 5

Readers who will like this book: Readers who like tales delivered in a straight-forward manner, whose characters are simple yet cunning, vulnerable yet strong and who appreciate the daily struggle and hard lives of those lived in the middle ages without the comforts of modern society.  Readers who like characters who overcome life's challenges while gaining confidence from their accomplishments.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What are the duties and skills of a midwife? Do you think third world countries still use midwifery today?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Do you think Alyce has the qualities it takes to become a skilled midwife? Find three passages to support your answer.

Question to ask about this book after reading: If you lived in a village like Alyce’s in the fourteenth century, what would you choose as your occupation? What qualities do you have that would make you good at your job?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 6-8

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.2

3. List awards: John Newbery Medal

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Book Title: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Road Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake

Publisher: Puffin Books

Copyright Date: 1970

Selection Choice: Read a novel of your choice written by an author with a strong reputation.

Brief Annotation: Sly Mr. Fox and his family had been living off of the plump fowl of three nasty farmers for quite some time. When the farmers get fed up with the stealing, they decide to take action, and dig them out of their hole. Little do they know, Fox are fast diggers, and soon the farmers stop digging. They decide they will camp outside of his hole until he must come out for food, but Mr. Fox has some more tricks up his sleeve!

Your Rating: 4/4 stars.

Readers who will like this book: Readers who need a short chapter book, and like animals, clever characters, and unexpected endings.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What does it mean to be clever?

Question to ask about this book during reading: How does Mr. Fox show that he is clever? Do you think the farmers are clever?

Question to ask about this book after reading: What do you think happens with the farmers? Do you think they ever give up?

1. Interest Level (age): 6-10

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 4.9

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Demigod Files

Book Title: Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Demigod Files

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books

Copyright Date: 2009

Selection Choice: Part of a series

Brief Annotation: Percy Jackson lives a normal human life by going to school and having friends who are also human. However, he is the son of Poseidon, the god of water, and also lives another life where he goes on adventures fighting dragons, and enemies with special powers and all awhile protecting gods, his friends, and himself. In this book are interviews with characters as well as puzzles to play around with.

Your Rating: 4/5

Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy reading fantasy and can imagine/visualize going on mythical adventures.

Question to ask about this book before reading: What do you know about Greek mythology?

Question to ask about this book during reading: What do you know about Persephone?

Question to ask about this book after reading: Do you think the life of Percy Jackson is an accurate portrayal of Greek mythology?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 9-13

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5-8

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3. List awards