The Magician's Nephew

Book Title: The Magician’s Nephew

Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: C.S. Lewis

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Copyright Date: 1955

Selection Choice: Book from The Chronicles of Narnia Series, # 10

Brief Annotation: The story of a young boy named, Digory, and his friend, Polly, who discover a secret passage in the attic above Polly’s home that leads them to a secret attic-room where Digory’s uncle lives.  After Uncle Andrew tricks Digory and Polly into placing magic rings on their fingers, they are transported to the World of Charn, a sad and deplorable world where they awaken the wicked Queen Jadis.  They escape and unknowingly lead the evil Queen to an unknown new world where they witness the creation of Narnia, sung into being by the lion named Aslan.

Your Rating: 5 (out of 5) 

Readers who will like this book: Readers who like magical creatures, witches, adventure and courageous characters that are leaders and who are responsible and fair.

Question to ask about this book before reading: If you could create a world, what five things would you include?

Question to ask about this book during reading: Who is braver? Digory, or Polly? Give two examples from the book to support your answer.

Question to ask about this book after reading: What do you think would have happened to Narnia if Digory had not given the apple to Aslan?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 4-6 (11-12)

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.6

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3. List awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring

Book Title: Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring

Authors: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan

Illustrator: Brian Floca

Publisher: Roaring Brook

Copyright Date: 2010

Genre: Nonfiction Picture

Brief Annotation: Martha Graham, a pioneer of American modern dance, writes a story of American pioneers. She seeks the help of Aaron Copeland, an American composer, to turn her idea into a ballet. Copeland thinks of an old Shaker Hymn as a beginning point to grow his composition from. Graham builds her ballet, through the music, much thought, and trial and error. She enlists the help of artist, Isamu Noguchi, to design the perfect set: “spare and angular”. Their collaboration produces Appalachian Spring, one of the most well liked pieces of classical American music.

Your Rating: 5 (out of 5)

Readers Who Will Like this Book: Any student who appreciates ballet, music, or just art, in general, will enjoy this book. The illustrations are large, sometimes taking up the entire page, so readers who enjoy having an image to accompany their story will like this book.

Teaching Idea: This book shows how successful collaboration works. It could be used to teach how using many different peoples’ ideas can produce amazing end results. Everyone has something to contribute. It also illustrates the creative process.

Question to Ask Before Reading: Who has heard a piece of music or who has seen a ballet? Have you ever wondered how it was created?

Question to Ask During Reading: Why does Martha stare out the window and get frustrated?

Question to Ask After Reading: How did each person help the other in this story? Have you ever had to ask for someone's help to accomplish something?

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level Equivalent: 3.4

Awards: ALSC Notable Children's Book; ALSC Notable Children's Book; Orbis Pictus; Orbis Pictus; CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI); CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI); NYPL Book for Reading and Sharing; NYPL Book for Reading and Sharing; Robert F. Sibert Award - Honor; Robert F. Sibert Award - Honor; Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens; Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens