GENRE 6: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. Read by Neil Gaiman. Harper Collins Publishers, 2008. ISBN 9780061707414

Plot Summary
A family is brutally murdered in their beds by an assassin on a dark and misty night. The only survivor, an 18 month old boy, manages to escape by climbing out of his crib, bumping down the stairs, and walking out the door and into the graveyard across the street. As the assassin tracks the boy to the graveyard, Mrs. Owens, one of the graveyard’s ghostly inhabitants, sees the boy and realizes the danger he is in. Determined to adopt the boy in order to protect him, Mrs. Owens petitions the other inhabitants of graveyard and incites a lively debate. The debate ends when Silas, a mysterious figure in the graveyard, agrees to serve as his guardian. The assassin leaves the graveyard without finding his prey, but the inhabitants in the graveyard know it is just a matter of time before they see him again.

The boy, formally named Nobody Owens, thrives in the graveyard surrounded by love and ghostly inhabitants who do their best to impart their knowledge and wisdom. The freedom of the graveyard bestowed upon him at his adoption by the Owens allows Bod to learn ghostly talents that will prove handy as he continues to elude the assassin that murdered his family. As he grows older, Bod befriends a human girl named Scarlett and yearns to explore the world outside the graveyard. His attempt at attending school is cut short by an incident that places him in danger, and Bod realizes that the world outside the graveyard holds its own set of wonders and dangers.

Years later, a teenage Scarlett once again finds her way into Bod’s life. This time, their adventures in the world outside the graveyard attract the attention of Jack, the assassin who murdered Bod’s family. He, along with his associates, track Jack and Scarlett to the graveyard where the final chapter in the showdown between Bod and Jack plays out to its deadly end.

Critical Analysis
The audio book reviewed was an unabridged MP3 version downloaded from Audible.com with a running time of 7 hours and 43 minutes. The audio book’s narrator was none other than the book’s author, Neil Gaiman, who has also narrated several of his other books. Gaiman’s reading of The Graveyard Book is flawless and provides a listening experience that is truly engaging. The opening sentence of the narration immediately grabs the reader’s attention and draws the reader into the story. Gaiman does an excellent job of providing multiple voices for the many characters in the book, even going as far as to provide accents when appropriate, such as a Scottish brogue or a German accent. The emotions experienced by the characters throughout the novel come across in Gaiman’s narration and allow the reader to make a deeper connection with the characters, especially Bod and Silas.

The sound quality of the audio book was excellent. There was no background noise or static to hinder the listening experience. The pronunciations by the narrator were clear and done with the proper accents when naming cities. An interesting feature of this audio book was the amount of music found throughout the narration. There were musical interludes between chapters and one particular event in the book leads to the whole playing of a musical pieces. These effects add to the listening experience by setting the mood and tone for the book. The front matter of the audio book includes the name of the book, author, and publisher of the audio book.

Gaiman creates a story in The Graveyard Book that is timeless and transcends all age groups. Though the novel’s events take place in England, American readers quickly adapt to the descriptions, language, and style of writing as they lose themselves in a well-written story. Events in the plot flow chronologically and reader’s get a glimpse at Bod’s life during critical stages of development. As the main character, Bod is well-grounded and wise beyond his years. Though his reactions to some events and situations seem a bit unrealistic, reader’s quickly connect to Bod and find themselves hoping that everything thing is resolved in Bod’s favor at the end of the story. Gaiman’s creation of a graveyard filled with a motley crew of characters that nurture and teacher Bod adds charm to the book and makes Bod’s relationship with these characters the emotional center of the novel. The reader is saddened when Bod eventually has to cut ties with these characters, yet is comforted by the knowledge that Bod will never forget those who played such a vital role in his development into a young man who is ready to face life’s challenges. Gaiman includes some powerful themes in the book, including the notion of good triumphing over evil, the need to belong somewhere, the experience of growing up, the fear of the unknown, and the ability of love to overcome any obstacle.

The Graveyard Book is an exceptional book that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The experience between reading the print version of the book and listening to the audio book is completely different, and as such, I would recommend the audio book over the print version. It was somewhat difficult to become fully engaged with the print version, but the audio version drew me in at once and had me appreciating how well-received this book was. This novel is definitely recommended for middle school and high school students.

Review Excerpt(s)
2009 Newbery Medal Winner
2009 Audies Winner

VOYA - “Everyone who reads this book will hope fervently that the very busy author gets around to writing one soon.”

KLIATT - “Gaiman has a true gift for narrative and a delightfully light touch, and there are humorous details along with spine-chilling ones. YAs will race through this fine tale and enjoy every magical, creepy moment.”

AudioFile - “Neil Gaiman is one of the true gems in the audio industry. He’s a great writer who not only reads his own work well, but makes the listener reject any thought of having another narrator in his stead.”

Connections
- Discuss Bod’s reactions to the various adventures he undergoes and debate whether the author’s portrayal of Bod reactions and emotions is believable or not.
- Read Coraline, also by Neil Gaiman, and compare and contrast the plot and characters of the two books.
- Create a fictional graveyard of historical figures. Have students share what advice or wisdom those historical figures would share with someone growing up in the graveyard.
- Discuss the role of supernatural beings in Bod’s education and development. What lessons might he carry into his adult life from these beings?

GENRE 6: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Bibliography
Green, John. 2005. Looking for Alaska. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN 0525475060

Plot Summary
Before the incident. Miles Halter is fascinated by the last words of famous people. Tired of his safe life at home, he decides to attend the same boarding school in Alabama that his father attended in an attempt to discover what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called “the Great Perhaps.” At Culver Creek Boarding School, Miles is befriend by his roommate, Chip “the Colonel” Martin, and nicknamed “Pudge” in an attempt at irony. The Colonel soon introduces Miles to his group of friends, including the clever, funny, and spontaneous Alaska Young. As the group of friends spends their days studying, drinking, smoking, and playing pranks, Miles falls hopelessly under Alaska’s spell. Then the unthinkable happens…

After the incident. Nothing is ever the same after the events of a tragic night that claims the life of one of Miles’s friends. As he comes to terms with the death, Miles begins to re-evaluate his life and questions whether “the Great Perhaps” is truly worth seeking.

Critical Analysis
The plot in John Green’s novel has a somewhat slow build up at the beginning, but the shocking plot twist mid-way through the novel packs a devastating emotional punch to both the reader and Miles, the novel’s main character. Green purposely splits the novel into two sections that allow the reader to see what Miles’s life was life before and after the devastating plot twist. The clever use of ominous chapter headings (40 days before, two days before) creates suspense by alluding to the possibility of a tragic event occurring. This stylistic device draws the reader into the novel and forces the reader to continue reading in an attempt to discern what might be coming up for the characters.

The characters in the novel are flawed, yet these foibles are essential for the story being told. Oddly enough, the character’s idiosyncrasies make the characters appealing and reflect the reality of today’s teenagers as they grapple with issues of drinking, smoking, sex, profanity, and finding their place in the world. As the main character, Miles is bright, insecure, and heartbreakingly idealistic. He years for acceptance and allows himself to be drawn in way over his head by the Colonel and Alaska. As the object of his affection, Alaska is quirky, clever, impulsive, and prone to indulging in self-destructive behaviors. It is difficult to love Alaska, yet it is impossible not to.

The other characters in the book are equally appealing, though some of them take more getting use to than others. Each character has their own personality traits that contribute to the larger collective and make their unlikely friendships work. The believable, and often humorous, dialogue between characters is littered with profanity, yet the realistic portrayal of the characters will strike a chord with teenagers. The novel’s setting is also essential in creating a story that will stay with the reader. The lack of immediate parental support at Miles’s boarding school allows the characters to form close bonds with each other that become the support system that carries them through the days after the tragic accident occurs.
Green’s novel has created controversy for the mature themes and issues found within the novel. While the book has deep insights on human nature, the need for inclusion, the limitations of friendship, and the meaning of life there have been objections to the profanity, sex, and drinking found in the story. The reality is that teens deal with these issues every day, thus the inclusion of these issues make the novel realistic and that much more powerful. Looking for Alaska is recommended for high school readers, specifically grades 10 and up.

Review Excerpt(s)
2006 Michael L. Printz Award Winner
2006 ALA Best Book for Young Adults
2006 ALA Quick Pick
2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
2005 Booklist Editor's Choice
2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Children’s Literature - “Unlike the other award-winning books, this title has characterizations that connect, conversations that ring true, references to inspire further reading, and theological and philosophical truths that speak to young adults and leave them with questions that haunt them.”

Kirkus Reviews - “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice.”

Connections
- Read some of the biographies by famous people referred to in the book.
- Research the dangerous of drinking and smoking by teenagers. Have students answer the question of why the use of these substances is more dangerous for teenagers than adults.
- Discuss what Miles and his friends could have done differently to prevent the tragic event that occurs in the novel.
- Research the signs of grief and discuss whether those signs where presents in the characters who claimed to love the person who dies in the novel. Discuss how the characters might have coped differently with the death in the novel.

GENRE 6: Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff by Jennifer Holm. Illustrated by Elicia Castaldi.

Bibliography
Holm, Jennifer L. 2007. Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff. Ill. by Elicia Castaldi. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689852817

Plot Summary
Ginny Davis is a normal teenage girl getting ready to begin her seventh grade year. Determined to make it the best year ever, Ginny creates a big to-do list that she hopes to make it through. Among the items on her list are: “get a dad” (she does), “get the role of the Sugarplum Fairy” (she doesn’t), “try to be friends with Mary Catherine Kelly (not possible), and “get Henry to chill out” (he gets sent to military school). Ginny’s journey through what she believes to be the worst school year possible is told through a collage of newspaper clippings, report cards, school assignments, notes to friends, store and doctor receipts, instant messages, and cartoons drawn by her brother, Henry. As Ginny survives each humiliation, and celebrates the triumphs, she learns that perhaps seventh grade isn’t as bad as she thought it was…eighth grade might be a different story though.

Critical Analysis
Jennifer Holm crafts a humorous story of teenage angst and drama told through artifacts that are familiar to teenage girls. The female protagonist, Ginny, is a realistic portrayal of a typical seventh grade teenager trying to understand life and those around her. She has many of the same fears and worries--family issues, friendship issues, boy drama--that teenage girls experience everyday and are able to relate to. Ginny’s appeal as a character lies in the fact that she cares deeply about those around her and cannot be mean despite the hurt caused by others. She has a hard time adjusting to the step father she desperately wanted, but makes an effort to understand him. Then Ginny’s grade drop when her older brother Henry is sent to a military school due to drinking and poor behavior choices. Her concern and love for her brother is evident, and though Ginny eventually rebounds, she cannot help but worry about Henry’s future. Through it all, Ginny’s voice remains the resilient, sarcasm laced voice of a teenager traversing life’s many mysteries.

Elicia Castaldi’s beautifully rendered collages realistically depict the various means of communication we use in everyday life to tell the story of Ginny’s seventh grade year. The story flows easily from one colorful page to the other as readers are drawn into the story by studying the appealing mix of objects such as candy wrappers, receipts, bank statements, lipstick tubes, birthday cards, and other teenage paraphernalia. The visually stimulating collages are crucial to the understanding of the plot and Ginny’s motivation, thus several “readings” of the novel are necessary in order to truly take in all the details found within.

Though Holm’s novel might look like a light read due to the colorful collages and quirky title, her use of a graphic novel format with limited text and realistic artifacts forces the reader to truly focus on details and make inferences in order to comprehend the story. The use of humor is effective in balancing some of the serious issues presented in the novel. The themes of family, friendship, and growing up are evident in the novel as Ginny learns how to deal with the more difficult issues life is throwing her way. The unique format of the novel would appeal to many students looking for a new and interesting book to read; however, other students might find the busy collages and intermittent pieces of text to be overwhelming and frustrating rather than engaging.

Review Excerpt(s)
2008 ALA Notable Children’s Book

Beehive Award Master List

New York’s Charlotte Award Ballot

Publisher’s Weekly - “The punchy visuals and the sharp, funny details reel in the audience and don't let go.”

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.”

Children’s Literature - “Jennifer Holm, winner of the Newbery Honor award for Our Only May Amelia and Penny from Heaven, has once again created a story permeated with creativity.”

Connections
- Have students use Elicia Castaldi’s collage format to describe a recent event in their lives through various artifacts.
- Expand on one of the events in Ginny’s life by writing a narrative that fills in the missing details for the chosen event.
- Create a list of popular songs that would be used as a soundtrack to Ginny’s life. Explain why those particular songs fit with the events in Ginny’s life.
- Predict what Ginny’s summer art class might be like by creating a comic like those drawn by her brother Henry.

GENRE 5: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. Read by Blair Brown. Random House Audio Publishing Group, 2004. ISBN 9781400085552

Plot Summary
Annemarie Johansen is a 10-year-old girl living in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1943 during World War II. Copenhagen is occupied by the Nazis, who are beginning to enforce curfews and restrictions on the citizens. On her way home from school one day, Annemarie and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, are stopped by Nazi soldiers and questioned about their business. The encounter leaves Annemarie and Ellen, as well as their mothers, shaken and concerned since the Rosens are Jewish. During a late night visit from Peter, a man formerly engaged to Annemarie’s dead sister Lise, Annemarie and her family learn that the Rosens are being “relocated” and must escape. Peter helps Mr. and Mrs. Rosen flee, but Ellen is left with the Johansens and masquerades and their dead daughter when Nazi soldiers come looking for her and her family.

The next day, Mrs. Johansen takes Annemarie, Ellen, and her youngest daughter to her brother Henrik’s home in Gilleleje, Denmark. Annemarie becomes suspicious when her mother and uncle announce that their Great-aunt Birte has died and that a service will be held in the house that evening. After questioning her uncle, Annemarie learns that the service is a ruse to reunite Ellen with her parents and help them, along with other Jews, escape to Sweden in Henrik’s false bottomed fishing boat. After a tense visit from Nazi soldiers, who are also suspicious of the funeral, Henrik and Mrs. Johansen escort the Rosens and other Jewish families to the docks and Henrik’s boat. When Mrs. Johansen fails to return due to a broken ankle, Annemarie finds her and is entrusted with the delivery of an important package to her uncle’s boat. Though she is stopped by Nazi soldiers, Annemarie is allowed to continue on her way when it is discovered that she is only carrying food and a handkerchief.

When Henrik returns from the docks that evening, he assures Annemarie that Ellen and her family made it safely to Sweden. He explains that the handkerchief she delivered was important because it kept the Nazis dogs from smelling the humans hiding on the boat. He praises Annemarie for her bravery and reassures her that she will see Ellen again someday. Once the war ends, Annemarie learns more about her sister’s death as the family watches Danes parade in the streets with their nation’s flag. Lise was a member of the resistance and died for her involvement in helping Jews escape from Denmark. Annemarie feels proud to know that she helped her friend escape and hopes that she will return to Denmark one day. As a sign of her friendship with Ellen, Annemarie decides to wear the Star of David pendant Ellen left behind until her friend returns and can wear it herself.

Critical Analysis
The audio book reviewed was an unabridged version found on three CDs with a running time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The narrator, Blair Brown, is a theater, film and television actress who has also narrated numerous books, films, and documentaries. Brown’s reading of Number the Stars is flawless and provides a listening experience that is engaging. Multiple voices are used for the characters, and Brown even attempts a German accent when reading the parts of the German soldiers. The emotions experienced by the characters throughout the novel come across in Brown’s narration and give listeners a clear sense of how the character’s dealt with many of the harrowing events in the novel.

The sound quality of the audio book was excellent. There was no background noise or static to hinder the listening experience. The pronunciations by the narrator were clear and done with the proper accents when naming cities. There was no background music throughout the reading, with the exception of the beginning of the book when there is some lively music playing as the narration begins. The music eventually fades out after a few minutes. The front matter of the audio book includes the name of the book, author, and publisher of the audio book. The back matter is extremely interesting because it provides some additional historical information about some of the events depicted in the book, such as the Danes sinking their own ships to keep Nazis from using them and Danes smuggling Jews to Sweden in false bottomed boats. This back matter shows that Lowry conducted extensive research in preparation for the writing of the novel.

Though the novel is short and quick read at only 132 pages, Lois Lowry does an excellent job of creating a poignant story that will stay with the reader long after the novel ends. Events in the plot move quickly, though realistically, without feeling forced or contrived. The urgency and sense of fear during some of the events comes across clearly due to Lowry’s vivid, yet simplistic language. As the main character, Annemarie is memorable and portrayed realistically. Her confusion at the events unfolding around her is understandable, and her desire to help her friend is commendable. The themes found in the novel are timeless and include bravery, family, acceptance, truth, and integrity. Lowry demonstrates the power of small acts of heroism through Annemarie’s delivery of the handkerchief to her uncle’s boat. The values of truth and integrity are also depicted in the novel through the idea that sometimes it is necessary to lie in order to stand up for what you believe in. Annemarie and her family lied to the Nazis several times in order to save the lives of persecuted Jews. They believed that relocation of Jews was wrong and thus stood up for their beliefs by lying and helping Jews escape.

As a whole, Number the Stars is an exceptional book that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The subject matter is fascinating and simplistic language will make for a quick read. Whether the book is listened to or actually read will make little difference as readers will walk away from the novel having gained an appreciation of the courage required of the Danes to help their fellow mankind during World War II.

Review Excerpt(s)
1990 Newbery Award Winner

1990 Jane Adams Book Award Winner

Kliatt - “This Newbery Award-winning children's book can be listened to by the whole family.”

AudioFile - "The combination of Brown's steady voice and Lowry's dramatic story creates a mesmerizing production."

Connections
- Pull in geography by finding maps of prewar and post war Europe. Have students identify which countries would have provided safe havens for Jews and some of the escape routes that might have been taken to reach those safe havens.
- Connect the escape of Jews from occupied countries to that of slaves in America through the Underground Railroad. Have students compare and contrast the two types of escapes.
- Bring in picture books that deal with the Holocaust, such as Erika’s Story by Ruth Vander Zee and Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt. Have students compare and contrast the experiences of the characters with those of Annemarie.
- Research the Danish Resistance movement and create a timeline of its inception and important events. Students can take this information further by creating a scrapbook for Peter or Lise that shows their connection to the Danish Resistance.

GENRE 5: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

Plot Summary
Thirteen-year-old Isabel is a slave in Rhode Island during the onset of the American Revolution. Promised freedom upon the death of her mistress, Isabel is shocked and angered when she and her sister Ruth are sold to the Locktons, a cruel New York couple who are loyal to the British Crown. Upon arriving in Manhattan, Isabel is immediately introduced to the Locktons’ cruelty when she is slapped and humiliated by Madam Lockton at the docks. As she is sent away on her first errand for the Locktons, Isabel meets Curzon, a slave who works for a master with ties to the Patriots. Curzon encourages Isabel to spy on the Locktons, enticing her with the promise of freedom and protection if she provides useful information. Torn at first, Isabel eventually provides several pieces of information to the Patriots when the Locktons do the unthinkable to Ruth.

Though Isabel risks her life to get the information to the Patriots, she is denied her freedom and is branded with an “I” for “insolence” when she is discovered by the Locktons and attempts to run away. After her branding, Isabel continues working for the Locktons, though her spirit has been somewhat broken. When the British invade and capture New York, the Locktons host several British officers in their home. Isabel learns that Curzon has been captured with his regiment of Patriot soldiers and his being held captive in dismal conditions. In order to help him, Isabel must once again turn spy and provide information about the Locktons to the Patriots. When Madam Lockton once again learns of her treachery, she threatens to sell Isabel, thus setting in motion Isabel’s eventual escape with Curzon in an effort to forge a new life for herself.

Critical Analysis
Anderson has created a multi-layered story told through the first person point of view of a teenaged slave. Set during the American Revolution, the story draws readers in and holds them captive until the very end. Through the use of poetic language and vivid imagery, the reader gets a sense of what life was like in New York during 1776 as a nation fought and struggled to gain its freedom. The novel’s pacing is gripping and keeps the reader engaged. Plot events flow seamlessly together without the feeling that they are being forced or contrived for the purpose of furthering the story. Though there is some violence in the book, the descriptions are true to life and fit with the narrative rather than feeling gratuitous.

The characters in the novel are deftly portrayed and believable. Anderson does a fine job of showing the complexity of human nature when at war by making sure that not all Loyalists or Patriots are depicted as “good” or “bad.” The main antagonist, Madam Lockton, will be loathed by readers for her cruelty and self indulgent behavior. Several of the characters that show charity to Isabel, such as Lady Seymour, earn the sympathy and approval of readers. In Isabel, the protagonist, Anderson has created a character that is intelligent, resourceful, and complex. Readers empathize with Isabel as she struggles with her decision to become a spy and provide information on the Locktons. They feel her pain, anger and despair when she loses Ruth through Madam Lockton’s cruelty. Isabel’s hope for a better future is evident in her determination to escape her life and find her sister. Readers will care deeply about Isabel as they experience the emotional rollercoaster she rides throughout the course of the novel.

The themes in the novel are varied and include race, slavery, ethics, freedom, loyalty, self discovery, and the chains people bear. The novel is aptly titled and is symbolic of the physical and emotional chains worn by the characters and a nation struggling to gain its freedom. As the main character, Isabel had several chains to cast off throughout the course of the novel such as her agony over having her freedom denied, her anger over having Ruth sold, and her loyalty to a nation that refused to see her as a human being. The forthcoming sequel is appropriately titled “Forge” as Isabel attempts to forge a life of her own and searches for the freedom that was denied to her after her mistress’s death.

Anderson’s extensive research is evident throughout the novel. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historical document of that time, whether it is a newspaper article, a letter from Abigail Adams to her husband, or the journal of an army officer. Each quote is suited to the events in that particular chapter and gives the reader a sense of what will happen next. Anderson also includes an appendix at the end that novel that provides answers to common questions readers might have. The responses are thorough and provide more details based on the research done.

Anderson’s story of slavery, betrayal, freedom, and hope is a recommended read for middle school and high school students.

Review Excerpt(s)
2008 National Book Award finalist

2009 Scott O’Dell Award Winner

2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award

2008 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

VOYA - “Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page as been read.”

School Library Journal - “Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”

Connections
- Research the conditions prisoners of war were kept in during the American Revolution. Have students compare and contrast their research with the depictions in the novel.
- Study historical maps of New York and Manhattan. Have students try to locate the important places in the novel (or an approximate location).
- Discuss the different types of chores that Isabel was responsible for. Students can then write an essay comparing and contrasting the chores and responsibilities at home with those of Isabel’s.
- Compare and contrast Lady Seymour’s treatment of slaves and indentured servants with that of Madam Stockton. Discuss how this disparity among treatment of slaves was a common occurrence and reasons for this disparity.

GENRE 5: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296

Plot Summary
A homeless, nameless girl in 14th century England known only as “Brat” awakens one frosty morning to find an important-looking woman gazing down at her. The woman is Jane Sharp, the village midwife, and she agrees to take Brat on as an apprentice after Brat agrees to work for food. The midwife christens Brat as Beetle, short for dung beetle, on account of the fact that Beetle sleeps in dung heaps to keep warm during the winter months.

As the midwife’s apprentice, Beetle works hard with little food as reward. She is constantly ridiculed by the village boys, but her observant nature allows her to learn skills necessary for midwifery, such as gathering herb, making poultices, and knowing what concoctions to give women in labor. As Beetle’s confidence grows, she re-names herself Alyce and begins to fit into the village. When she is forced to deliver a child on her own and fails, Alyce runs away and becomes an inn girl.

Life at the inn is simple. Alyce works hard and learns to read and write. When the midwife visits the inn one day, Alyce overhears her say that Alyce was one of the better apprentice’s she ever had. After some reflecting on her part, Alyce decides to return to the midwife in order to get what she truly wants out of life: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in the world.

Critical Analysis
Cushman’s timeless story of a young girl forging her own identity and realizing life’s endless possibilities is executed through a rare focus on medieval midwifery. Readers get a glimpse into the life of a midwife as Alyce learns about herbs, poultices, and remedies for childbirth. Cushman draws readers in with her attention to detail and ability to create an effective atmosphere for the story. As Alyce grows in knowledge, she grows in confidence and eventually realizes what makes her most happy in life. Her new knowledge gives her the courage to go after what she wants while realizing that life will always have set backs and disappointments.

The use of imagery in portraying a medieval village allows the reader to get a sense of how difficult life was during the 14th century. The sights and sounds of the village add to the atmosphere of the story and provide the perfect backdrop to Alyce’s transformation. Her hunger and desperation at the beginning of the novel come through clearly, as do her contentment and new-found sense of confidence toward the end of the novel.

Cushman’s characterization of the main character, Alyce, is fascinating and poignant. Alyce is introduced at the beginning of the novel as a homeless girl with little past and no future. She is hungry, desperate, illiterate, and unsure of the world around her. Readers are able to sympathize with Alyce, yet at the same time yearn for a stronger character that isn’t bullied by the midwife or ridiculed by the villagers. Cushman masterfully transforms Alyce through a series of plot events that ultimately lead to her new life. The midwife is not a likeable character, though her characterization is realistic since life in 14th century England was difficult and people could scarce afford to be nice or sympathetic when everyday was a battle to survive. The midwife’s treatment of Alyce was also a catalyst for Alyce’s change and was necessary for the story.

Readers are bound to have questions about midwifery after reading the novel, thus Cushman includes an author’s notes at the end that reveals more information on medieval midwifery. It is apparent that Cushman has done her research as she writes about the different herbs, medicines, superstitions, and techniques used by midwives during the 14th century.

Review Excerpt(s)
1996 Newbery Medal Winner

1998 Young Readers Choice Award

Booklist - “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”

School Library Journal - *Starred Review* - "With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England.”

Publishers Weekly - “The strengths of this new, relatively brief novel match those of its predecessor…”

Connections
- Research different types of jobs during the 14th century in England. Students can then create an advertisement for a particular job researched.
- Discuss how modern day inventions would have helped Alyce at her various tasks as an apprentice and midwife.
- Write an epilogue to the novel that shows Alyce’s life 10 years after the events in the book.

GENRE 4: An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

Bibliography
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082

Plot Summary
Murphy’s account of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia traces the social and political ramifications of the epidemic. Though undetected at first, the disease soon begins to spread throughout the city, taking victims from all walks of life. The conditions and medical beliefs that helped the disease spread are detailed, along with the confusion and terror that soon ensued due to escalating deaths. Adding to the confusion was the collapse of the state and federal government when famous men such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were forced to abandon the city--and their important documents--in an effort to avoid the contagion. The efforts of several courageous and loyal citizens that led to the eventual containment and clearing of the epidemic are highlighted. The final chapter in the book relates the eventual discovery of a cure for yellow fever and the implications of an epidemic today.

Critical Analysis
Murphy’s book is thoroughly researched, as evident by the inclusion of an extensive section of researched sources that are categorized into different groups, such as “Firsthand Accounts: Nonmedical” and “Doctoring in the Old Days”. This section illustrates the great lengths Murphy went to in ensuring that his book was as historically accurate as possible. Adding to the accuracy of the information in the book is the use of direct quotes from historical accounts of that time. The use of the quotes not only adds to the accuracy, but enhances the narrative quality of the account.

The book is well organized and includes several access features that make is easy for the reader to go back and find a particular piece of information. Among the included access features are a table of contents, an index, a map and legend of the city of Philadelphia, historical photographs with captions, political cartoons, and images of documents from that period. Though the photographs and images are black and white, they add to the sense of a well researched and organized book.

Murphy ends the book with a chapter called “A Modern-Day Time Bomb” that discusses the implications of a possible outbreak of yellow fever, or other infectious disease, in modern times. The chapter is thought provoking and provides excellent closure for the through account of the disease. This books is recommended for upper middle school and high school students.

Review Excerpt(s)
Finalist for the 2003 National Book Award, Young People's Literature
2004 Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the 2004 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
Winner of the 2004 Orbis Pictus Award

Children’s Literature - “This book is a well-researched endeavor with innumerable sources that manages to captivate its readers.”

Kirkus Review - “…interesting in itself, it is also a valuable lesson in reading and writing history.”

Connections
- Students can research other diseases that were prevalent during 18th and 19th centuries, such as smallpox, and compare and contrast those diseases to yellow fever.
- Incorporate a writing lesson by having students take on the role of a citizen of Philadelphia writing a letter to a relative that describes the toll the disease is taking on the city.
- Students can evaluate and rate the efficiency of some of the treatments used to cure yellow fever in 1793.

GENRE 4: Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King by Kathleen Krull

Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2005. Houdini: World’s Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 0802789544

Plot Summary
Like his acts, Harry Houdini was a mysterious and fascinating man. Houdini was born Erik Weiss in Budapest, Hungary. After discovering a book on the French founder of modern magic, Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdini, Weiss adopted the name of his hero and became Harry Houdini. As a young boy, Houdini and his family were always on the verge of hunger and homelessness. He began charging crowds to watch him perform daring and dangerous tricks that no one else was capable off. Houdini ran away from home when he was twelve in order to seek his fame and fortune. He married and continued to perfect various magic tricks. It wasn’t until he began focusing on daring, heart-stopping tricks that true fame and stardom came his way. He dedicated his life to training his body to withstand the dangerous and life-threatening demands of his elaborate acts. Houdini died at the age of fifty-two, but his famous feats of magic live on.

Critical Analysis
Kathleen Krull creates a picture book biography on one of history’s most successful showmen that is both engaging and, through its set up, a tribute to his life. Krull’s narrative is periodically interrupted by interludes that showcase one of Houdini’s famous tricks. The free-verse poems are narrated by an announcer and give the reader the sense of being an audience member at Houdini’s performance. The narrative itself is easy to follow and is organized logically, beginning with Houdini’s early years and ending with his death. Krull’s dedication to her subject is evident as she focuses on giving readers a good sense of Houdini’s commitment and dedication to his art. The “Behind the Scenes” note provided at the end of the narrative gives the reader some interesting information on how Houdini was able to perform some of his tricks. It is a fascinating read, and one likely to have readers eager to learn more.

The illustrations provided by Eric Velasquez are a complement to the narrative in this book. The oil paintings portray the sense of mystery that surrounds Houdini, yet they also highlight the showman’s sense of entertainment. Much of the artwork uses a black background to emphasize the idea that Houdini’s life is still shrouded in mystery. Other paintings, such as those depicting his performances, are done in bright colors that draw the reader in and to focus on the tricks. Velasquez makes sure to include details in his paintings to give better sense of Houdini’s life, such as posters used to advertise his performances and the books he studied relentlessly. The oil paintings are most effective in the sections that highlight Houdini’s daring tricks.

Though Krull’s biography is engaging, it is merely an introduction to Houdini’s life. Reader’s who wish to learn more about Houdini would be wise to take full advantage of the bibliography provided at the end of the book, as well as delving into more research on this fascinating showman.

Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal - “…this title will satisfy young Houdini fans.”

Kirkus Review - “…a tempting set of print and digital resources caps this perceptive and dramatic tribute.”

Connections
- Have students create a visual representation of Houdini’s life by constructing a timeline of Houdini’s life with symbols representing important events.
- Discuss Houdini’s personality traits and how those traits led to his success. Students can then write about what personality traits they feel they possess that will lead them to success.
- Research some of Houdini’s other death defying tricks. Have students discuss what made each trick particularly dangerous and what consequences would be suffered due to a major or minor mistake during the trick.