BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gantos, Jack. 2011. Dead End In Norvelt. New York. D&M Publishers. ISBN 9780374379933

2. PLOT SUMMARY
American author Jack Gantos has written an autobiographical novel, whose protagonist is a young boy named Jack Gantos, and is set in Norvelt, Pennsylvania. During a summer Jack who had planned an exciting vacation is grounded for firing his father’s Japanese World War II sniper rifle, and then ensues his punishment and is sent to help his elderly neighbor Miss Volker, who writes the obituaries for the town. Then begins a string of incidents and increase in deaths in the town. The theme of the novel is that of politics, that people use power to control others, and it offers a narrative into American Life in the hometown of Gantos.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
this is an important story, with strong community values, important American values and a strong bond of community. It is partly based on the childhood of author Jack Santos and those childhood recollections being brought to life in this autobiographical novel.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Medal

The New York Times starred review:

“Jack Gantos has a way with boys or good memory of being one.”

Dave Berry starred review: “A Brilliant Book.”

5. CONNECTIONS

This book should prompt a discussion of what the American values consist of and do a comparison of the past to present set values.

Other books with a similar theme:

Yelchin, Eugene. Breaking Stalin’s Nose. ISBN 9780805092165

Vanderpool, Clare. Moon Over Manifest. ISBN 9780385907507

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher P. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439023443
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical novel written by Newbery Medal Winner author Christopher Paul Curtis is set in Buxton, Canada, which borders Detroit, centers around Elijah an eleven year old African American boy who is born into freedom and is a child of runaway slaves. This story depicts and delves into the dark side of history, in the 1860s slavery. Elijah whom lives with his family in a settlement of runaway slaves, narrates the story. The juxtaposition explored in this lengthy historical novel is explored through the protagonist Eli who has been born into freedom with those who escaped and risked their lives for freedom. Within this engaging story the ultimate theme is overcoming adversity, being a community, and how people can come together for the greater good of the world.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
this is an important story told with a lot of dialogue, narrated by the protagonist Elijah in the dialect of the African American slaves during that time period. Elijah grows up in a quiet, peaceful life, he attends school and knows how to read. The plot of the story develops and the climax is in the halfway point of the novel. Elijah’s reality is shaken when he encounters and is shocked by his first glimpse into slavery in the United States, and is horrified by the injustices and atrocities of slavery.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Honor Book

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Goodreads starred review: “Newbery Medalist and CSK Award Winner Christopher Paul Curtis’s debut middle-grade/YA Novel for Scholastic features his trademark humor, compelling storytelling, and unique narrative voice.”

5. CONNECTIONS

This book should bring awareness to history and slavery, should prompt a discussion on civil rights.

Other similar books:

Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom. ISBN 9780805086744

Hoose, Philip M. Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. ISBN 9780374313227

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York. Henry Holt and Company. ISBN9780805088410
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jacqueline Kelly has authored a descriptive and interesting story set in the American Frontier in 1899, in Fentress, Texas. The protagonist is a young twelve year old girl, “a naturalist” Calpurnia Virginia Tate, Callie Vee for short. Her traditional upbringing is molded by her family’s tradition. Callie is expected to conform to the role society has for her, but her grandfather Captain Tate encourages her scientific curiosity, which builds up her interest in science and nature and fuels her aspiration to break out of the traditional role in society.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This novel begins every chapter with a scientific tidbit, which provides a scientific uniformity throughout the twenty seven chapters. The story is set in the American Frontier from the year 1899-1900, the story is a time lapse of one year. There is a lengthy description of scientific terms and references, all told through the narration of the young protagonist Calpurnia Tate.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Honor Book

School Library Journal Starred review:

“Growing up with six brothers in rural Texas in 1899, 12 year old Callie realizes that her aversion to housework and costumes disappoints her mother. Still, she prefers to spend her time exploring…”

5. CONNECTIONS

This book should prompt the role and importance of scientific research.

Other books that include scientific discoveries:

Philbrick, Rodman. The Mostly Ture Adventures of Homer P. Figg. ISBN 9780439668187

Matilda Bone

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 2000. Maltilda Bone. New York. Dell Yearling Books. ISBN 9780329272456
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Author Karen Cushman has written an interesting and intricate historical fiction novel, that is set in medieval times, set in an English Village, the protagonist is a young fourteen year old girl named Matilda, who became an orphan and became a pupil to Father Leufreudus who was a priest, he taught her religion and Latin. Then Maltilda’s life is changed forever when she is sent to be an apprentice to a Bonesetter in Blood and Bone Alley, there she encounter her mistress, Peg who practices bone setting and helps aid those with broken bones and ailments, using medieval medicine. In her new surroundings, Matilda encounters many people, like Margery who at first doesn’t seem like much, turns out to be Doctor Margery who practices medieval medicine and proves to be more effective that the studied Master Theobald the physician and Wonderworker. Matilda learns through her life journey that not always is everyone what they seem, and that medieval medicine mostly helps those in need and less fortunate.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an extraordinary story told in English, but is infused with Latin phrases that provides that genuine link to the past centuries in which the story is set in. The inclusion of Latin words and phrases may prove to be a bit challenging for young readers. This story is filled with intriguing twists and turns, and is told in smooth transition throughout its seventeen chapters. The incorporation of all the medieval medicine techniques, potions, herbs, and beliefs makes the story more intriguing because it sheds light on how much the medicine world has changed, it offers a glimpse into how it all started. The addition of the author’s note is very insightful and informative and provides the reader with the knowledge of how much in depth research was done.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Goodreads starred review:

“Newbery medalist Karen Cushman assembles a cast of unforgettable characters in a fascinating and pungent setting; the medical quarter of a medieval English village.”

5. CONNECTIONS

This book can be used to prompt a compare and contrast discussion of medieval medicine to modern medicine.

Other books that deal with the same theme:

Riesman, David. The Story of Medicine in the middle Ages. ASIN B0006EM3R8
Barnhouse, Rebecca. The Book of the Maidservant. ISBN 9780375958564