Review: Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale



Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 200. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599902883

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Based on the traditional story, Rapunzel is being raised by her “mother” Gothel in a lush and enchanting castle surrounded by a huge wall. Rapunzel’s curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers she was stolen from her parents by Gothel as a baby, and that beyond the wall Gothel is making people work her mines and pay extreme taxes. Gothel is a witch and with the use of various spells is able to make things grow or wither as she chooses. Imprisoned in a tower by Gothel for her rebelliousness for years, Rapunzel makes her escape using her hair, which has grown magically long. She soon meets up with Jack, an outlaw with his own problems, and explains her desire to fight Gothel and free the slaves working in the mines. As they make their way across the land back to Gothel’s castle, Rapunzel and Jack use their skills to help many other townspeople affected by Gothel’s evil spells.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this graphic novel version of the fairy tale, Rapunzel does not wait idly for a prince to save her and defeat Mother Gothel. Instead, this version of Rapunzel is strong and brave, and clever enough to find solutions to problems. She manages to get herself and her unlikely companion Jack out of many difficult situations, winning the friendship and confidence of wary townspeople along the way. As always with traditional fairy tales, the main theme is good vs. evil and Rapunzel especially is an example of a protagonist with strong morals, as she continuously rejects Mother Gothel’s offer of wealth and power choosing instead to bring back prosperity and freedom to the town.

The authors use many clever methods of bringing together a fairytale and a western as Rapunzel uses her hair as a lasso on many occasions. However, the differences in the cover art and the inside illustrations may disappoint some readers as the inside illustrations are cartoonish rather than realistic, which is the opposite of the beautifully rendered cover.

Nathan Hale has created dynamic and colorful illustrations, which are one of the main draws of a graphic novel. He captures many of the stereotypical elements of a western town, including a desolate landscape and deadly desert creatures. Each page of Rapunzel’s Revenge is full of multiple panels full of action. The desolation of the mining town is especially detailed and well illustrated. He appears to have understood the themes and storyline quite well, and translated the dialogue faithfully into illustrations.


4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA  Notable Children's Book 2009
YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens 2009

Texas Lone Star Nominee

Cybil Award winner

Eisner Award Nominee

Starred review in School Library Journal: “The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.”

Positive review in Booklist: “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”

Positive review in Kirkus: “A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Shannon Hale’s Reader’s guide for Rapunzel’s Revenge: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/Rapunzel_TG.pdf

* Shannon Hale’s Rapunzel paper dolls: http://spacestationnathan.com/rapunzelpaperdolls.pdf

* Shannon Hale’s reader’s theater script: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/rap_script-rt.html

* Other books by Shannon and Dean Hale:

Calamity Jack. ISBN 9781599903736

Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York: Harper Perennial. ISBN 9780062081551

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The story of Nobody Owens, or Bod to his friends, is a sad tale. The only survivor of a murder spree that eliminated his whole family, Bod finds himself in a cemetery, alone in the world and only a toddler. He is “adopted” by ghostly Mr. and Mrs. Owens, and is raised in the cemetery among the dead with the mysterious Silas as his guardian. Bod develops friendships with many of the ghosts and has supernatural adventures all while attempting to evade Jack, his family’s murderer.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

At first glance, The Graveyard Book may appear to be just like any other classic good vs. evil story, but upon further reflection it is a story about the love of family. In many ways, Bod is a typical child, with the typical problems that affect a young boy. However, as Bod grows up in the graveyard, he is tutored by the mystical Miss Lupescu, befriends a witch’s ghost, and must escape being kidnapped by ghouls. His most terrifying foe is Jack, the murderer of his human family, and the man desperate to get rid of Bod once and for all.

The majority of The Graveyard Book contains small snippets of Bod’s life in each chapter, but the specter of Jack hunting Bod casts an ominous cloud over every page. Gaiman’s descriptions of Jack are terrifying, but are tempered by the loving and fascinating characters that exist in Bod’s cemetery.

Dave McKean’s black and gray illustrations are sprinkled throughout The Graveyard Book and add just the right aura of mystery and intensity to each chapter. This edition also contains a brief interview with Neil Gaiman discussing his motives for writing The Graveyard Book, a question and answer section, and plot summaries for additional books written by Gaiman.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Medal Winner

ALA Notable Children’s Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

American Bookseller Association's "Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book"

IndieBound Award

Horn Book Honor

Hugo Award - "Best Novel"

Starred review in Kirkus: “Childhood fears take solid shape in the nursery-rhyme–inspired villains, while heroism is its own, often bitter, reward.”

Starred review in Booklist: “There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.”

Positive review in School Library Journal: “This is not yet another silly little fantasy novel, but something with weight and depth. The fact that it just happens to be loads of fun to boot is simply a nice bonus.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Neil Gaiman created a website exclusively for his young readers. It is located at http://www.mousecircus.com/default.aspx

* Other Young Adult/Children's books by Neil Gaiman:

Coraline. ISBN 9780380807345

Odd and the Frost Giants. ISBN 9780061671739

The Wolves in the Walls. ISBN 9780380810956

Blueberry Girl. ISBN 9780060838102

Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak



The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zusak, Markus. 2005. The Book Thief. New York: Albert A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375842207

2. PLOT SUMMARY

It is 1939 Nazi Germany, and Liesel Meminger moves in with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, at her mother’s insistence. Due to her brother’s death on the train ride to her new home, Liesel is alone and scared in this new place. It was at her brother’s gravesite that she stole her first book, and she continues her book thievery all while attending school, Hitler Youth meetings, and creating new friendships with neighborhood children. Hans uses the first stolen book to teach Liesel to read, and eventually Liesel writes the story of her life, called The Book Thief. Adding to the tense situations, Liesel and her family hide a Jewish man, Max, in their basement. Taking place during the beginning of Nazi Germany through World War 2, Liesel’s heartbreaking story is told in magnificent fashion by Death himself.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Book Thief was an incredibly emotional book to read, for a multitude of reasons, which makes it difficult for me to review. The setting was described almost too realistically, with Liesel’s sadness and despair coming through the pages. Descriptions of the environment of Nazi Germany and the appearance of the captured Jews being marched to a work camp were devastating in their realism. Liesel is a wonderful protagonist, and is a typical girl dealing with adult problems on top of the usual issues that affect pre-teens/teenagers. The addition of Death as the narrator of The Book Thief is an inspired choice. Death adds in his personal emotions and point of view on the war and persecution of Jewish people as he picks up their souls. “I am haunted by humans.”

There is a clear theme of coming of age for Liesel, but the whole book is centered on moral questions. Many of the Hubermann’s neighbors are fanatic Nazi supporters, but Liesel, her foster parents, and a few others are aware of the ugliness of Hitler’s message. They struggle with their own moral decisions, and whether to risk being labeled a traitor to the Nazi regime. Zusak stresses the importance of books and words, especially in times of crisis. It is during the most stressful times in Liesel’s life that she steals books, and she shares those books with her neighbors while they wait in a bomb shelter.

A reader’s guide is provided by Zusak in this edition of The Book Thief, with discussion questions, resources for further study of the Holocaust, and a personal interview about writing this book.


4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Michael Printz Honor Book 2007

ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Kirkus Reviews Editor Choice Award

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year

Starred review in School Library Journal : “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward.”

Starred review in Kirkus: “The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it’s a work to read slowly and savor. Beautiful and important.”

Positive review in Booklist: “More than the overt message about the power of words, it’s Liesel’s confrontation with horrifying cruelty and her discovery of kindness in unexpected places that tell the heartbreaking truth.”

5. CONNECTIONS (This book is recommended for grades 9 and up).
* The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany, so it is ideal for a discussion on the Holocaust and World War 2.

* Mark Zusak’s Reader’s Guide for The Book Thief: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375831003.pdf

* Other books by Markus Zusak:

I Am the Messenger. ISBN 9780375836671

Underdogs. ISBN 9780545354424

Getting The Girl. ISBN 9780439389501

Fighting Ruben Wolfe. ISBN 9780439241878

Review: The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

                              
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. The Wednesday Wars. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780618724833

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Being a 7^th grader in 1967 Long Island is the worst. Poor Holling Hoodhood is stuck with Mrs. Baker every Wednesday afternoon alone in the classroom while half the class goes to Hebrew School and the other half to Catechism at the Catholic Church. He is convinced his teacher is out to get him, as she gives Holling Shakespeare to memorize as punishment. All his father is concerned about is winning bids for his architecture firm, and Holling’s sister is a “flower child” against the Vietnam War. But as the months go by, Holling and Mrs. Baker come to like and respect one another as they recite Shakespeare, deal with the classroom rats that have escaped, fight back against school bullies, and deal with prejudices and consequences of the Vietnam War.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Gary D. Schmidt has created a sympathetic character with Holling Hoodhood. Almost everyone has had to deal with a grumpy teacher, distracted parents and school bullies at some point in their life. The setting and characters are all relatable to anyone who has been through junior high. Holling has a difficult relationship with his sister, but they are often allies against their parents. And the description of his parent’s perfect house with a living room where “no one ever sat because all the seat cushions were covered in stiff, clear plastic” is familiar to anyone who either grew up in the 1960-1970s or knows someone who did! The themes of love, friendship and understanding are clear in the relatiosnips between the characters. Despite the Vietnam War background, kids will identify with Holling's various trials and tribulations.

There really is only one main issue in The Wednesday Wars that bothered me. Mrs. Baker seems too good to be true and doesn’t strike me as a realistic representation of a teacher. Anything Holling needs help with, she is apparently an expert: when Holling needs help with track, Mrs. Baker is revealed as a former Olympic runner, she introduces Holling and his friends to members of the Yankees baseball team, and those are just a few examples of her apparent expertise. Almost all the conflicts were resolved due to some kind of influence from Mrs. Baker. It struck me as a terribly convenient plot device.

Although Schmidt doesn’t list any additional resources or citations, his biography states that he grew up on Long Island during the Vietnam War. Many of the experiences he attributes to Holling are based on his own experiences in junior high, such as memorizing Shakespeare, cleaning chalk board erasers and practicing for bomb drills by hiding under school desks. Since this book is based on the author’s past, I assume there is a great degree of authenticity when it comes to details of the time period.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Honor Book 2008

ALA Notable Children’s Book 2008

ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2008

Starred review in Kirkus: “Schmidt has a way of getting to the emotional heart of every scene without overstatement, allowing the reader and Holling to understand the great truths swirling around them on their own terms.”

Starred review in Booklist: “Seamlessly, he knits together the story’s themes: the cultural uproar of the ’60s, the internal uproar of early adolescence, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare’s words.”

5. CONNECTIONS (This book is definitely for older readers, grade 6 and up)
* Use The Wednesday Wars in a conversation on the affects of the Vietnam War.

* Other historical fiction for young adults set during the Vietnam War:

Kadohata, Cynthia. 2010.  A Million Shades of Gray. ISBN 9781416918837

Schmidt, Gary D. 2011. Okay for Now. ISBN 9780547152608 (This is the story of Doug Swieteck, introduced in The Wednesday Wars.)

Wallace, Rich. 2011. War and Watermelon. ISBN 9780670011520

Whelan, Gloria. 1993. Goodbye, Vietnam. ISBN 9780679823766

Review: The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

                              
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 200. The Game of Silence. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0060297891

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The Game of Silence continues the story from The Birchbark House, of Omakayas and her family, who are part of the Ojibwe tribe living in the Lake Superior area during the mid 1800s. The central problem facing the Ojibwe tribe is their impending forcible removal by the United States government to a part of the country where an enemy tribe makes their home. After the tribe sends out men to discover the reasons why the government broke the treaty with the Ojibwe, Omakayas and her tribe attempt to continue a normal life of hunting, fishing, and the occasional sibling squabble. They face many hardships, especially as winter falls and they struggle to keep warm and fed, while awaiting the notice of their forced evacuation.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

It is apparent while reading this book that Erdrich has thoroughly researched the Ojibwe tribe as well as being a member of the tribe herself. She includes an author’s note on the language of the Ojibwe tribe used in The Game of Silence, with a glossary and a phonetic pronunciation guide on the words used in the text. The plot of forcible removal by the government is presented bluntly, as are the consequences of strangers intermingling with the tribe. Although the introduction of smallpox by white settlers is discussed, Erdrich makes it a point to present sympathetic white characters who are friends of tribe members, rather then presenting all of them as villains and all native Americans as heroes.

The book is divided into sections based on the four seasons, with a few chapters per section. Erdrich sprinkles pencil illustrations throughout the book, highlighting a few characters or important details in the book. Partially based on research Erdrich has done of her ancestry as well as her connections to the Ojibwe tribe, The Game of Silence contains surprisingly relatable characters and circumstances. Omakayas and her brother Pinch fight and occasionally gets in trouble with her parents and grandmother which is a situation many children can sympathize with. During the winter, she and her cousins have snowballs fights, and play with dolls just as children do now. The love of family is a powerful theme expressed throughout the story.

My only recommendation, and this may be based only on my personal preferences, is that readers begin with The Birchbark House before continuing on with the remainder of the series.


4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Scott O’ Dell Award Winner

Starred review in Booklist: “In this heartrending novel the sense of what was lost is overwhelming.”

Review in School Library Journal: “The action is somewhat slow, but Erdrich's captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers.”

5. CONNECTIONS (Recommended for middle school grades)

* Read the Birchbark House series in conjunction with a study of Native Americans.

* Game of Silence is the second book in the Birchbark House series. The others are as follows:

The Birchbark House (Birchbark House 1). ISBN 9780756911867

The Porcupine Year (Birchbark House 3). ISBN 9780060297879

Chickadee (Birchbark House 4). ISBN 9780060577902

Review: Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 2010. Alchemy and Meggy Swann. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780547231846

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Margret Swann, Meggy to her friends, is sent to London with her pet goose Louise at the request of her (until now) absent father Master Ambrose. He is an alchemist and in need of a new apprentice, because his current apprentice, Roger, is leaving to become an actor in a famous acting troupe. Meggy has many strikes against her, the first being that her father expected a son to arrive and the second being that Meggy is crippled and must walk with crutches. Although Meggy is scared and lonely at first, she begins helping her father in his experiments as well as befriending Roger and the rest of the acting troupe. As she wanders London, she befriends many others, and blossoms into a confident young lady. When she discovers her father may be involved in an assassination plot, Meggy has to decide how she can use her own talents to save him from arrest and possible execution.

      
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Alchemy and Meggy Swann takes place in 1573 London, after Elizabeth I became queen but before Shakespeare became a famous playwright. If it were not for the time period or London setting, Meggy would be just another young girl struggling to fit in with her peers while navigating a new city.  Cushman uses her extensive vocabulary to make Elizabethan London come alive through vivid imagery. This is also partly due to the book being written in authentic Elizabethan language with a teen’s often surly attitude. Although this is a book for young adults, Cushman does not sugar coat the hardships Meggy faces on a daily basis. Meggy often goes hungry, is tormented by townspeople who believe her disabilities are a curse, and faces the fear of her father’s head being on a spike at London Bridge.

    Cushman provides a city map at the beginning of the book, so readers can follow along with Meggy’s ramblings back and forth across old London. She also includes an author’s note on the Elizabethan era, alchemy, printing presses and Meggy’s handicap. A bibliography is provided for further reading on the Elizabethan era and details in the book. This is a short, slim book that young adults will enjoy reading.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in School Library Journal: “Cushman adds another intrepid, resourceful, courageous girl to her repertoire in this tale set in 16th-century London. The astounding sights, sounds, and smells of the city accost her, and readers see and hear them all through Cushman's deft descriptive and cinematic prose.”

Starred review in Booklist: “Writing with admirable economy and a lively ability to re-create the past believably, Cushman creates a memorable portrayal of a troubled, rather mulish girl who begins to use her strong will in positive ways.”

Starred review in Kirkus: “Cushman has the uncanny ability to take a time and place so remote and make it live. Readers can hear and see and smell it all as if they are right beside Meggy.”


5. CONNECTIONS (This would be appropriate for middle school ages and older)
* Use this book in a discussion of science and transmutation. Is it possible to create gold using alchemy?

* Other historical novels by Karen Cushman:

The Loud Silence of Francine Green. ISBN 9780618504558

The Midwife’s Apprentice. ISBN 9780547722177

Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN 9780547722184

Will Sparrow’s Road. ISBN 9780547739625

Review: Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins

Down, Down, Down: Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2009. Down, Down, Down: Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780618966363

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Down, Down, Down: Journey to the Bottom of the Sea is an informational  book that provides a general explanation of different parts of the ocean, starting at the top with the surface and continuing deeper all the way to the deepest part of the ocean, the Marianas Trench. Each section of the ocean is given its own two page spread in the book, with paragraphs describing the environment and the animals that can be found there. Also located in each ocean section is a measurement line from the surface to the deepest spot in the ocean. A red dot on the line indicates how deep the current section is along with the average temperature of the environment. The majority of each two page section is made of vibrant illustrations, with the descriptive paragraph placed out of the way. Down, Down, Down ends with additional information about animals in the book, a depth timeline showing how far various humans, vessels and explorers have gone, and a bibliography of sources.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Steve Jenkins does an excellent job of showing his readers how large and mysterious the ocean is and how little of it has been explored by humans. Each section has a heading, giving readers a hint about the following descriptive paragraphs. The book is arranged in ocean depth order, getting consecutively deeper into the ocean page after page. The text, while not terribly advanced, would not be easy for young children. However, elementary aged children interested in ocean life would benefit from reading Down, Down, Down. Jenkins provides an extensive bibliography of resources for the creation of his book, as well as a wealth of additional facts and figures about ocean life. After reading Down, Down, Down, most children will be inspired to learn more about the ocean, and what creatures dwell in the deepest areas.

Jenkins’ illustrations are spectacularly detailed and incredibly realistic especially considering they are created by cutting or tearing construction paper into a collage. Each item is carefully labeled in every illustration, from the largest shark to the tiniest plankton. Jenkins knows how to create a sense of atmosphere, making the backgrounds darker as you go deeper into the ocean. In the final pages of the book, the previous illustrations are revisited on a smaller scale with additional facts.


4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Book 2010

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Finalist 2010

New York Times Notable Children’s Books 2009

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2010-2011

Positive review in School Library Journal: “The bold views tend to emphasize the weirdness of these little-known species, but the repeated message that humans have much to explore and learn in the deeper ocean is intriguing and inviting.”

Positive review in Kirkus: “Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers.”

Positive review in Booklist: “In this plunge into the deep, Jenkins displays his usual keen awareness of what is fascinating about biology and imparts it without sensationalism—the facts speak for themselves.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Down, Down, Down would be perfect to use with a classroom unit of study on oceans or ocean dwellers.

* A small sampling of other books by Steve Jenkins:

             Actual Size. ISBN 9780547512914

            Just a Second. ISBN  9780618708963

            What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? ISBN 9780618256280  

            Living Color. ISBN 9780547576824

Review: What to do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

What To do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What To Do About Alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Alice Roosevelt, the oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, is the subject of this lighthearted biography. Beginning when she was a child riding on her father’s shoulders to breakfast and continuing through young adulthood and marriage, Alice led an exuberant and lively existence. Kerley includes author’s notes and a brief paragraph of quote references on the end pages.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Barbara Kerley is an award winning and highly respected author of biographical books for a young audience. She manages to paint a picture with her text of Alice Roosevelt as a fun-loving and inquisitive child who is loved by her father, Theodore, despite her shenanigans. The book is organized in chronological order, highlighting the most important experiences and events in Alice’s life. Kerley emphasizes the way Alice enjoyed living by “Eating up the world" through specific experiences such as foreign travel and learning about new cultures. The writing is not difficult to read and would be appropriate for children of any age. In her Author’s Note she adds additional information about Alice Roosevelt not included in the biography itself, along with references to maintain accuracy and credibility. Kerley backs up the quotations in her biography with specific sources, proving they are authentic and contain documentable dialogue.

Edwin Fotheringham has created vibrant and charming illustrations that appear old-fashioned, to fit the time period in which Alice Roosevelt grew up. The illustrations are so historically accurate that they could be confused with photos, if it were not for the cartoonish style. Although they look hand drawn, they were created using digital media. There is a constant sense of movement on the page, whether Alice is falling down the stairs, riding a bicycle, or sliding down the White House stairs. Each page is vibrantly colored with all space used by pictures or text.


4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2009-2010

Sibert Honor Book

ALA Notable Book

Irma Black Award Honor Book

Starred review in Booklist: “Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was.”

Starred review in Kirkus: “Theodore Roosevelt’s irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book. It’s a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “This book provides a fascinating glimpse into both a bygone era and one of its more interesting denizens as well as a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Use What To Do About Alice? when studying presidents or the children of presidents.

* Other books by Barbara Kerley:

            The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy). ISBN 9780545125086

            Those Rebels, John and Tom. ISBN 9780545222686

            Walt Whitman: Words for America. ISBN 9780439357913

* Other books about Alice Roosevelt:

            Kimmelman, Leslie. Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! ISBN 9781561454921

            Felsenthal, Carol. Princess Alice: The Life and Times of Alice Roosevelt

                        Longworth. ISBN 9780312302221

Review: Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sweet, Melissa. 2011. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780547199450

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Balloons Over Broadway is a charming biography of Tony Sarg, the man responsible for the creation of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. When Tony was young, he was interested in how toys moved so he created marionettes. When he was a young adult in London, he began creating puppets and when he moved to New York City, he caught the eye of R.H. Macy. Macy was the owner of Macy’s Department Store, and he wanted Tony to create puppets for the store’s holiday window display. These became so popular that when Macy created a holiday parade for his employees, Tony was given the task of making puppet balloons. Eventually, Tony created a way for the balloons to rise high into the air and be articulated from below, allowing to be seen by everyone in the crowd.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Melissa Sweet has given her audience a wonderful peek into a part of history that is not well known. How many people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, never knowing how it started or who created the floats rising high over street level? The book is organized in chronological order from Sarg’s childhood to the balloons he created for Macy. Sweet includes an author’s note at the end of the book with more detail on Sarg’s life and work with Macy. She also provides an extensive bibliography with her sources for further reading and to insure her readers of the accuracy of Tony Sarg’s story. Although Sweet's writing voice is simple and direct, the text is not oversimplified or babyish.

The illustrations, also by Melissa Sweet, bring a childlike sweetness to Tony Sarg’s story. According to her Author’s Note, Sweet created all the puppets photographed for various pages, as well as basing some of them on Sarg’s toys. Other illustrations are watercolors, collages with mixed-media and fabrics. Sweet uses real photos and newspaper clippings in addition to other artistic mediums. Every picture appears brimming with happiness and joy for Sarg’s life. Sweet’s enthusiasm for her topic comes through in her work, and her illustrations are sure to charm any reader.

While reading Balloons Over Broadway, I was disappointed to reach the end and wished the book wasn’t so short. I was interested to learn more about Tony Sarg’s life, and I think it is a great compliment to an author when the reader wants to know more. Children and adults will enjoy the lovely illustrations and clear and concise text.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Orbis Pictus Award 2012

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award 2012

Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award

Starred review in School Library Journal: “Sweet tells this slice of American history well, conveying both Sarg's enthusiasm and joy in his work as well as the drama and excitement of the parade.”

Starred review in Kirkus: “Sweet’s charming mixed-media layouts form a playful bridge between her creative process and Sarg’s. This clever marriage of information and illustration soars high.”

Starred review in Booklist: “What she has done is make a joyous piece of nonfiction that informs and delights in equal parts.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Houghton Mifflin has created an activity packet for Balloons Over Broadway. It is located at http://www.hmhbooks.com/kids/resources/BalloonsOverBroadway_ActivityKit.pdf

* Use Tony Sarg’s story as a way to teach problem solving techniques. For example, he had to devise a way to create “upside down” marionettes that could be seen by the crowds in the parade.

* Other books illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet:

Potter, Alicia. Mrs. Harkness and the Panda. ISBN 9780375844485

Bryant, Jen. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams. ISBN

            9780802853028

Davies, Jacqueline. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audobon. ISBN

            0618243437