Alone Together

Bloom, S. (2014). Alone Together. Honesdale. PA: Boyds Mills Press, Inc.

Alone Together is a cute tale of a fox, a goose, and a bear. Bear likes to be alone. Fox thinks that he likes to be alone too, so he goes to visit Bear. Fox questions Bear asking if he is sad or lonely; however Bear replies that he likes it quiet sometimes. So, Fox explains to Bear how he likes to swoosh through leaves when he is alone. Bear tells him that is not being quiet. Goose later joins their "alone group" and Bear obliges as long as they are both as quiet as a fox. 

This story is interesting because it challenges the ideas of being alone. It can be very helpful for opening up a discussion with children struggling with why some children do not want to play with them or why some children need quiet time or space. The story also shows children who like alone time that some other children do not like being alone because it makes them feel sad or lonely. The story really is terrific. I would recommend it for Kindergarten-Second Grade. The book is relatively short and the word choice is easy to understand. Most Kindergarten-Second grader should have no problem comprehending the story and understanding the ideas. 

Obviously the conflicts represented are relevant to children. The ways in which they are resolved are compromising and peaceful. These skills are essential to classroom and life behaviors. The characters represented our animals and they are all represented with different personality types and preferences. The book does not show male/female bias whatsoever as there are no sexes listed within the book. 

Lexile Level: BR (Beginning Reader) used for discussion purposes- usually not read independently

Literary Elements:

Character: 2 Characters are inquisitive, curious, outgoing, people-person 

1 Character is quiet, introverted, shy

Language: The language is basic but speaks to a principle of different personalities

Structure: Set up with an opinion, a conflict, a discussion, mutual understanding and resolution of both parties 

HEY, CHARLESTON!

Rockwell, A. (2013). Hey, Charleston! Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books.

Wow.Wow.Wow. This read isn't one any educator, parents, or individual would regret reading. The lessons learned, applied, and what those lessons result give an amazingly inspiration push to every listener and reader.

 The book is a true story about a African-American man living in the year of 1891, an orphan, and a previous slave of the U.S., Mister Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins. This amazing man started an orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina for orphan boys, like he was. Reverend didn't have a lot of money, but he used everything he had to start the orphanage. He was given $100 by the government after his request. After the money was running dry, he sent a request for the old military band instruments. He received them and taught the orphans how to use them. The orphan band got to be so outstanding and popular that people requested for their own children to practice with the orphan boys. The boys, which were referred to the white Americans as "Charleston" had the opportunity to play at the Anglo-American Exposition in London. World War 1 had just broke and the band was sent home safely on ships; however a few Americans could not make it home because of their money being froze in the British bank system. Reverend remembers the time that he was borrowed $100 and sent money to send EVERY American back home safely. The moral of the story is that he and the boys "Turned something bad into something good". [Also, this story reveals where the famous Charleston dance derived from, Reverend Jenkin's boys! Who would have known?!]

This book passes every single assessment for high quality children's literature. The story is interesting and intriguing. Problem-solving and resolution happens throughout. Student's learn positive realities about turning bad situations into good situations. The conflicts are solved in a peaceable and moral manner. Characters are listed in a non-stereotypical context including both African- American and Caucasian individuals. Females are not shown in leadership roles, however, the book is focused on a true story and therefore it follows a specific story line. The females shown in the pictures in the book however are equal with the males and are happy. 

The story moves from a rural setting to a city setting, as well as a setting in the waters. The settings are all depicted in a form that represents them truly. After reading this book, many discussions can arise. For example, one could discuss African-American slavery, events during and before World War 1, Opportunities for turning bad into good in their own lives or past lives, Pro-social behaviors and human love and concern. The list really goes on and on. There are so many inspirational ideas and discussions just waiting behind each page in the book.  

The target audience here in this read is anywhere from 1st grade-adult. Amazing read, so many discussions. The lexile.com website recommends ages 7-11; however, this book is amazing for older ages as well. 

Lexile Level: 1040L

Three Literary Elements:

Mood: The mood is one of inspiration and happiness. There is never a moment in the book where one feels discouraged, only hopeful.

Setting: The setting is rural and urban both, set in the times just after slavery and during Civil War 1. 

Character: Specifically, the character of Reverend Jenkins shows one of optimism, inspiration, hopefulness, problem-solving, joyful, generous, pro-social, and caring. 

Tadpole's Promise

Willis, J. (2005). Tadpole's Promise. N.p.: Atheneum Books.

Tadpole's promise is a children's book that is slightly loving and slightly shocking. The premise of the story is about a tadpole that promises a caterpillar that it would never change; and sure enough the Tadpole changes as it grows legs and arms and eventually turns into a frog. The caterpillar leaves the tadpole as she tells the tadpole that he lied to her too many times. The caterpillar turns into a butterfly and sets out to find her "shiny black pearl" - the tadpole. The frog, however, sticks out his great big tongue and eats the butterfly up. The end of the book demonstrates that the frog still misses his caterpillar and wonders where she is. 

This book could be used as a high quality literature depending on the context it is used in. For example, this book could be used as a preface to a life cycle science class in demonstrating the changes and food chain mechanisms that occur within the animal kingdom. This book could also be used as a moral lesson in teaching children to be careful what kind of promises they make- and about how things change and we cannot expect them to stay the same.

My personal reaction to this text was at first exciting, and then later disappointing. I did not expect the book to turn out the way it did. I don't believe the book has much value in the cheerfulness aisle, but it does teach a general life lesson. As a writer, however, I think the work is well written and follows a linear pattern. 

Reading Lexile Level: AD400L- This type of reading lexile means that it is recommended that an adult reads this book to a child because of the complex ideas and understandings behind the book.

Target Audience: 3rd-6th grade

Literary Elements 

Tone: Reader feels a bit sad/awestruck/surprised/confused

Setting: Underwater and above ground on the land 

Conflict: Two animals promise each other something that is unattainable

Welcome

Welcome to my Child and Adolescent Literature Review blog.

This blog will contain a listing of several books that will be reviewed personally by me, but in the context of certain themes and genres that may be beyond my own choosing. 

Each blog listing will include full APA bibliographic information, reading lexile level, a brief summary of the content, an evaluation of text based on Donna Norton's characteristics of high quality literature (Norton, D. (2011) and my personal reason and interest in particular text as a reader/writer, highlights of at least three literary elements, development of a mini lesson, and target audience, 18/24 posts will contain social justice themes. [Requirements per Dr. Annie Grugel]. 

Thank you for joining me on my reading adventure!

I hope you have fun!

Sincerely,

Courtney

Photo Taken by me in Uganda, Africa. "Giraffe"