DANITRA BROWN LEAVES TOWN

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Grimes, Nikki. 2002. DANITRA BROWN LEAVES TOWN. Ill. by Floyd Cooper. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0688131565.

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
DANITRA BROWN LEAVES TOWN is about two friends departing for summer after the school year was over. Danitra Brown is leaving town, and her best friend Zuri is not happy at all. However, Zuri meets a few new people to play with while her best friend is away. Through a series of letters, both friends share their greatest adventures of what their childhood summers are made of, such as block parties, hand ball games, family reunions, and Fourth of July. At the end, Danitra returns back home, where true friendship always remains.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Nikki Grimes has created an outstanding and enjoyable book that children are able to understand and relate to, particularly the characters' emotions such as Zuri's anger and jealousy when Danitra leaves town for her summer vacation. Throughout the book, the reader is able to experience the same sights, sounds, and wonders as the girls, and helps them to become closer to the characters as their friendship is rekindled. This book is unique in that it tells a story not only through poetry, but poetic letters. It is also a good stepping-stone between picture books and poetry. Grimes did an excellent job in telling this story of adventures and friendship through poems in the from of letters that are exchanged between two friends. For the student who is unsure of poetry, this is a great book to begin with. This is a great book to use in the classroom when relating to friendship.


The warm colors that Floyd Cooper uses in the illustrations of this book are enjoyable and make the characters come to life and at the same time, capture the reader's attention. The illustrated pages accompanying the poem, “The Bad Good-bye” are especially moving, showing Zuri’s sullen face upon the news that her best friend is leaving town for the summer. His elaborate pictures that accompany each poem allow the reader to be able to understand the plot based on the illustrations. This book would be extremely appealing for all children as they would be able to make some connection to the story. Great warm and colorful illustrations!

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*From School Library Journal:
Grades 3-5--Grimes and Cooper return with another story told through poems about Danitra Brown and Zuri Jackson. This time, the friends exchange letters all summer long while Danitra is visiting relatives. Zuri starts out feeling angry and disappointed that Danitra is leaving her behind and doesn't seem to care, but eventually both girls make new friends while they look forward to being together again. Some vignettes may leave readers with perplexing questions; for example, Danitra describes a stubborn dragonfly that she's sure would like to eat her, but the accompanying image depicts her smiling at it benignly. All in all, however, Cooper's photo-realist artwork in soft hues against glowing backdrops is a lovely complement to the girls' many moods.

*From Publishers Weekly:
Zuri describes in verse the summer that she and her best friend Danitra are separated in Danitra Brown Leaves Town by Nikki Grimes, a follow-up to Meet Danitra Brown. Floyd Cooper's luminescent pastels chronicle the long days and Zuri's many moods.

*Booklist
Ages 4-8. The best friends from Meet Danitra Brown (1994) celebrate summer apart and together in this warm story, told in simple free verse with big, joyful oil-wash paintings. The girls' friendship frames the story. At first Zuri is hurt that Danitra leaves to go to her family in the country, but then Danitra writes "I wish that you were here" and shares her delight in camping out under the stars, climbing trees, and discovering "a different Danitra." Meanwhile Zuri finds lots of fun and a new friend in her city neighborhood. The surprise is in the details: on one page Zuri writes to Danitra about a hip-swinging, head-bobbling, foot-stomping block party, and the bouncy painting shows Cooper at his best. Just as vital are the words and pictures of Danitra swinging in the country garden. Kids will see that both friends travel far and welcome each other home.

5. CONNECTIONS:
*Follow up the reading with other Grimes Books.
*Grimes, Nikki. 1997. Meet Danitra Brown. Illus. by Cooper, Floyd. Harper Trophy. ISBN 0688154719.
*Grimes, Nikki. JAZMIN’S NOTEBOOK. ISBN 9780141307022.
*Have children write a journal entry about a time when they have been separated from someone they loved?

THE RETURN OF THE BUFFALOES

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Goble, Paul. 1996. THE RETURN OF THE BUFFALOES. National Geographic Society. Washington, D.C. ISBN 079222714X

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
THE RETURN OF THE BUFFALOES talks about a tribe that has been many moons without food and how they must do something to find food. Two young scouts are sent out to look for the buffalo, but they just wander and wander until they agree that they would rather die than return to the camp without food. Then they meet a mysterious woman who ushers them into her tipi, in which thousands of buffalo are painted on the walls. She promises them she will send them buffalo soon. The young men race back to the camp and immediately all the members of the tribe pack up gifts to take back to the woman. Although all of them wait outside her tipi, she doesn't come out. So they leave the gifts and they return to their camp. In the middle of the night a great storm begins crashing all around the campsite and instead of thunder and lightening, it was buffaloes who had returned.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
By writing about a time of hardship, Paul Goble dramatizes the central importance of the buffalo to a vibrantly spiritual and artistic culture. He pictures the vastness of the empty plains, the excitement of discovering the Buffalo Woman, and the thundering return of the herd with superb artisty, bring us a world that must not be forgotten. The details in the India ink and watercolor pictures create realism in a surreal pictorial style. The great text shows compassion, caring, and a great trust in the mystery of life and is conveyed through simple language that is appropriate for all ages. This tale eloquently describes the quiet pride and unwavering honor of the Native Americans. Great combination of text and colorful pictures!

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*School Library Journal: "The strong symbiotic relationship between Native Americans and the natural world is apparent in both the myth and the accompanying information. Goble's signature style is evident in his hues of vivid colors, stylized images, and traditional motifs. The large India-ink and watercolor illustration effectively contrast the natural world with Indian decoration...in a book that is entertaining, informative, and inspirational."
*Kirkus review: "Golbe is customarily generous with supporting information on the Plains Indians: Children can discover the Lakota design elements he incorporates into the art, learn how to make parfleche (an intricately decorated rawhide container for dried meat) and appreciate the use these native people made of every part of the buffalo. Attractive, absorbing fare."

5. CONNECTIONS:
*Follow up the reading with other Native American tales.
*Goble, Paul. 1998. THE LEGEND OF THE WHITE BUFFALO WOMAN. National Geographic Society. Washington, D.C. ISBN 9780792265528
*Crow Dog, Leonard; Lame Deer, John (Fire). 1976. THE SOUND OF FLUTES AND OTHER INDIAN LEGENDS. Pantheon books. New York. ISBN 0394831810

AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Schwartz, Alvin. 1999. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. by Sue Truesdell. USA: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 0064462145

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE is a collection of poetry, riddles, rhymes, and taunts that have been spread by word of mouth from place to place and in which Alvin Schwartz has brought together into creating an outstanding book for kids and adults of all ages. This book is full of material that is fun and very enjoyable to read.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Alvin Schwartz has taken folk poetry from most every decade and has created a book divided into chapters, in which makes it easy to follow and read. He has also included a very helpful section that details the sources of each folk poem and summarized the reason for writing certain poems based on a subject. This is just a great and funny book.

Illustrations by Sue Truesdell highlight particular scenes on a page and are in a simple black ink sketch. The sketches look child-like and would appeal to both children and adults of all ages. The text just flows with all the sketches in the book. The musical notes are used as illustrations to help make it easier for readers to sing their favorite tunes.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*School Library Journal: "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter. Schwartz has gathered sassy, funny, scary, and slightly naughty children's folk poetry heard on school grounds and wherever else kids are having fun.
*The Horn Book Magazine: "Full of vigorous, swinging rhythms and funny, often nasty, sentiments, the pages are filled with well-known rhymes as well as new discoveries."

5. CONNECTIONS:
* Have students compare and contrast between two different poems?
*Do interacting writing, in which both the educator and the student create a new poetry or rhyme?

BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. by
James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE is a retelling story of Cinderella, but western style. Bubba lives in his family ranch in Texas with his wicked stepdad and his nasty stepbrothers. Even though he is constantly bossed around the family ranch by his wicked stepdad and he stepbrothers, he never complains and does all of the chores he is told to do. Until one day when Miz Lurleen decides to throw a ball to find herself a real cowboy, Bubba had to stay home. As he watch his stepdad and stepbrothers leave for the ball, he knew that he was unable to go because he had no clothes. Than with the help of his fairy godcow, and a little Texas magic, he was able to attend the ball where he meets Miz Lurleen who finds him as the cowboy prince she's always dreamed of.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Unlike most Cinderella stories, this one is very entertaining. Ketterman added an extremely funny twist on the old Cinderella tale. Its choice of language keeps your attention and is outstanding. Also, it has a well developed Texas setting that when you read the story it makes you use a southern/western accent because it makes the story more interesting.

Warhola's illustrations are outstanding and makes the story very enjoyable. The remarkable features on the character's faces reflect what they are actually thinking. The great colorful pictures enhance the interest of the reader in wanting to read the story. The artwork is just amazing!


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*Publisher's Weekly - "Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin'fer a good read."
*School Library Journal - "This is a fun-filled story with more hyperbole than a Christmas turkey has stuffing."

5. CONNECTIONS:
* Compare and Contrast between versions of Cinderella so that the students may be able to learn and accept the different cultures.
*Do interacting writing, in which both the educator and the student create a new text about Bubba's and Miz Lurleen's life together and their future?
*Karlin, Barbara. CINDERELLA. Ill.by James Marshall. Trumpet Club. ISBN 0440847052

A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL . New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION is a book that focus on Marcus informative pictures of the world's most prestigious illustration award and the six acclaimed illustrators who were awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture books for children. It reflects on the work and creation of the six different artists spanning six different decades. Each section provides the opportunity to be able to see preliminary sketches and read about the methods each author used to write their award winning story.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This is an outstanding and very informative book about the interesting facts about the illustrators, creation process, and illustrations. It is great that Marcus takes the reader into the studios and behind the drawing board to see how much work actually goes into the detail drawings and sketches. The text and illustrations adds to the enjoyment of this book and I strongly believe that this would be one of the books that should be on an educator's bookshelf.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*Starred review in Booklist: "A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully make book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/illustrator studies."
*Starred review in Publishers Weekly: "Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus's approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers."

5. CONNECTIONS:
* Compare and Contrast between the six artist and illustrations. Discuss with students about the six different styles.
* Setup a writer's workshop to allow students to observe the writing and illustration process and to understand that it takes planning and preparation to produce an outstanding product. Provide the students with a narrative composition and have them write and illustrate their writing.

MOSES

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Boston Weatherford, Carole. 2006. MOSES WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children, New York.Illustrator: Kadir Nelson ISBN 13: 978-078685175-92.

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman dreamed for a life free from slavery. Believing and trusting in God she decides to escape slavery one night by leaving her husband and family behind to find freedom in Philadelphia. Later she risked her life by making nineteen subsequent trips back south to lead her family and many others to safety.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Moses is a beautiful and inspiring book. The three distinct typefaces, represent the three voices, which are the narrator, Harriet Tubman and of God, who sends her guidance. Even though it is a fictional account of Harriet Tubman’s spiritual and physical escape from slavery to freedom, she is truly a real life hero. Carole Boston Weatherford includes an outstanding foreword explaining the practice of slavery and also an author’s note describing further details of Harriet’s life, which adds to the understanding of the story. She writes about the dangerous journey Tubman makes by using poetic conversation between Tubman and God, which is easy to read.

The illustrations, by Kadir Nelson, are just amazing as some of the printed text mirrored the shape of a rushing stream. The emotional expressions on Harriet’s face reflected both joy and despair that she experienced throughout her life. The joy reflected her love, devotion to God, and her triumph. The despair reflected her fear, anger, and hurtful events as she struggles to continue her journey. Every single page is filled with dark, colorful, and spiritual illustrations that draw your attention to what was important in Harriet’s life. It also draws the attention of the reader to imagine and understand the depth of Harriet’s faith.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*Horn Book starred (Spring 2007)Weatherford’s poetic telling and Nelson’s atmospheric painting of Tubman’s role in the Underground Railroad portray the spiritual like of the African American visionary.
*Library Media Connection (January 2007)This is a moving story of the beliefs that sustained Tubman as she worked to gain freedom for herself and others.

5. CONNECTIONS:
More titles about Harriet Tubman:
*Adler, David. A PICTURE BOOK OF HARRIET TUBMAN. ISBN 978082340926
*Ferris, Jeri. GO FREE OR DIE: A STORY ABOUT HARRIET TUBMAN.
ISBN13: 978-0-87614-317-9
Mara, Wil. HARRIET TUBMAN. ISBN 13: 978-0-516-22521-0
*Skelton, Renee.HARRIET TUBMAN: A WOMAN OF COURAGE.ISBN 9780060576080
*Stein, Conrad R. ESCAPING SLAVERY ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
ISBN 13: 978-0-7660-2799-2
*Students may create a map of Harriet Tubman’s journey to freedom.
*Students may write a response to the story.

MY FRIEND RABBIT

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:Rohmann, Eric. 2002. MY FRIEND RABBIT. Ill. by Eric Rohmann. Roaring Book Press.ISBN 0761324208.

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Eventhough Rabbit means well, his exuberance gets him into trouble at times. His friend Mouse lets him fly his toy plane, which ends up in a tree, but with Rabbit's brilliant idea to get it down doesn't exactly work. He still has a new idea and good intentions, in which Mouse supports him through it all.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Eric Rohmann’s Caldecott Medal book relates to several key virtues, in which the main one is friendship. Mouse is a loyalty friend who has no allusions to his friend’s faults but chooses to support him through many troubles. Rabbit is a creative and persistence character that as soon as a problem arrives he instantly has an idea. Unfortunately his ideas are usually followed by trouble. The strong artisitc bold lines, simple text, graphic illustrations set within a black-lined theme, and uplifting message that Rohmann used in this book helps get the attention of readers. This allows the reader to focus on the brillant colors and detailed illustrations of the characters. Rohmann did an excellent job in addressing the supportive friendship of Rabbit and Mouse.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
*Caldecott MedalBooklist: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”
*Horn Book: “…visually exciting—Rohmann’s hand-colored relief prints make fresh and innovative use of picture book space—and broadly humorous.”
*Publishers Weekly: “this gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”

5. CONNECTIONS:
*Discuss with children the meaning of friendship and other key virtures used in the story.*Have children discuss Mouse and Rabbits relationship as well as other mischief that could have happen in the story. *Create a different ending of the story by predicting different ways Rabbit and Mouse could get out of the tree.
*Other books for children about friendships:
*Lobel, Arnold. FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS. ISBN 1559942290
*Clark, Emma. WILL AND SQUILL. ISBN 1575059363
*Silverstein, Shel. THE GIVING TREE. ISBN 0060256656