Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Oppel, K. (2004). Airborn. New York, New York: Eos.

Summary

On a trip to Lionsgate City, Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the airship Aurora, spots a drifting hot air balloon. Upon boarding the gondolier, its pilot Benjamin Malloy, tells Matt about flying winged creatures before he loses consciousness and later dies. Six months pass before Malloy’s revelation is tested by the arrival of his granddaughter, Kate de Vries, on the airship Aurora. Kate convinces Matt to help her prove the existence of these creatures, their research being mostly hypothetical and dependent upon Malloy’s journal. However, what is initially a research expedition, soon becomes a fight for survival.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of Age: Matt is constantly trying to prove himself (his ambition to become a sailmaker and thus proving his worth, his quest for understanding his own identity-“light at air”… his constant need to be aloft as he tries to escape unhappiness, his relationship with his father via memories and dreams, his relationship with Kate, his resentment of the wealthy, and finally his relationship with the Aurora itself).

b. Kate “making it” in a male driven society, proving her own worth by proving the existence of cloud cats.

c. The idea of adventure and discovery is a crucial theme to this novel. Air has become the “next frontier” and yet, Kate and Matt are able to find an island with new creatures.

Age Recommendation:

This book would appeal to younger teens. It’s sense of adventure and growing relationships will resonate with readers who are 10 to 14 years old.

Other Information

Kenneth Oppel has also published Skybreaker and Starclimber in this series.

Awards for Airborn Include:
A 2005 Michael L Printz Honor Book (ALA)
Winner of the 2005 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award
Winner of the 2004 Red Maple Award (OLA

Reaction:

With its character development, interesting storyline, and themes, Airborn is an excellent read for young adults. Readers are able to connect with Matt and his sense of duty to his family, the ship Aurora, and his growing relationship with Kate. The writing style and story line is similar to that of Robert Louis Stevenson: a young boy who must face adversity while learning about himself and the world around him. I really enjoyed the fact that this novel takes place in a world created by the author. Where technology in air travel is very different from today, however, social behavior and manners are very reminiscent of our world’s past.

Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell

Campbell, N. I. (2006). Shi-shi-etko. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Summary

Shi-shi-etko is the story of a young girl and how she spends her last four days before she is forced to go to an Indian Residential School. She counts down each day, and spends her time with family members. Together they remember how her culture emphasizes a love of family and nature.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Discrimination: The underlying theme of the book is Canada’s discriminatory laws which required native children to attend an Indian Residential School.

b. Importance of Family: Shi-shi-etko is allowed to visit her family in the days before she will be forced to attend a residential school. Each family member spends time with her, stressing important lessons so that she will not forget.

c. Importance of Culture: Shi-shi-etko’s family encourages her to remember her past by singing songs, recalling the uses of plants, and even maintaining cultural activities like canoeing.

d. Importance of Nature: Shi-shi-etko has a respect for nature, and even treasures the gifts she finds as remembrance of her home.

-Age Recommendation:

I think that young school age children would appreciate this story. While younger children would enjoy the pictures, students from kindergarten to 3rd grade would understand what going to school would mean, and being away from your family.

-Other Information:

The pictures were created by Kim LaFave.

Shi-shi-etko was a finalist for the 2006 Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, the 2006 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the 2006 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and was the co-winner of the 2006 Aboriginal Children’s Book of the Year Award.

Reaction:

For me the introduction was the most important aspect of this book. Without this page, it would be difficult for readers to understand the social context of Indian Residential Schools and their impact on Canada. With the foreknowledge of the introduction, the picture book becomes so much more than just going away to school. The reader is able to understand why the child is remembering her home.

Odd Man Out by Sarah Ellis

Ellis, S. (2006). Odd man out. Toronto: Groundwood Books.

Summary
Kip is sent to his Grandmother’s house in British Columbia while his mother and stepfather honeymoon in Hawaii. He feels bombarded by the different rules and actions of his five other girl cousins who are also visiting. However, when Kip explores the attic, he finds a black binder filled with his father’s writing. Kip’s father, it seems, was an undercover agent fighting against a plot to control all teenagers. As Kip becomes fully immersed with the contents of the binder, he begins to wonder what is real.

Advisory Information

Themes

a. Death: Kip has to come to terms with his father’s death and how it affects his memory of his father. Additionally, there is a sort of death in terms of the Grandmother’s house.

b. Mental Illness: Kip’s father suffered from a mental illness. His wife and mother are the ones who mostly experience the effects.

c. Loneliness/Isolation: Kip is definitely feeling lonely and isolated, especially with the five other cousins and Orm. However, Kip is not the only one who has to deal with loneliness. There is a sense of loneliness within his grandmother and his cousin Daffodil.

d. Family Relationships: Kip has to learn how to deal with living with new people including his stepfather, his grandmother and his five cousins.

e. Proving Self-Worth: In many ways Kip has to deal with some heavy issues in regards to his family life and his perception of self. By climbing the rocks, building a yurt, and coming to terms with the contents of the black binder, Kip is slowly determining the type of person he wants to be.

Age Recommendation
I would recommend this book for intermediate readers aged 8 -12.

Other Information
Odd Man Out won the Sheila A. Egoff Award and the TD Children's Book of the Year Award. It was also designated an ALA notable book.

This book is about mental illness. While the author never really mentions what type of illness Kip’s father Tristan was diagnosed with, he does suffer from delusions which were later “cured” by medication. Reading the book, I felt that the father suffered from Schizophrenia. Some doctors believe that Schizophrenia is caused by genetic predisposition and environmental stressors early in a child's development. For more information about Schizophrenia and support groups please visit: http://www.schizophrenia.com/

Reaction
I found this novel to be interesting, but did have some concerns about Ellis’ portrayal of Tristan. I believe that Sarah Ellis is great at creating realistic characters which model everyday life. Nevertheless, I think that she sort of let down her audience by claiming that medication became the saving grace for Tristan; that he was cured after he began taking pills. Having known someone with Schizophrenia, this mental illness can be a daily battle, and while medication can help they also have side affects of their own. Perhaps, though, this was her way of showing that people do not have to be defined by their mental illness.

Book Trailer Assignment for LIBR 271A

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, C. P. (2007). Elijah of buxton. New York: Scholastic.

Summary
Elijah was the first free-born in the Canadian Elgin Settlement and Buxton Mission of Raleigh. In this coming of age story, Elijah begins to understand the true meaning of being an adult and the burden of responsibility. Mr. Leroy has just accumulated enough money to buy his wife and children back from their American slave owners. However, when the “Preacher” steals his money, Mr. Leroy goes to Detroit for his blood. Taking Elijah with him, Elijah must face his fears and use his heart to do what’s right.

Advisory Information

-Themes
a. Coming of Age: Throughout the story, Elijah is described as being fragile. It is not until the end of the novel that Elijah realizes what being fragile truly is.

b. Slavery: This book emphasizes the extent to which slavery robbed people of their identity as well as their mind. This is shown through Mr. Leroy, Chloe, and even the family who hide in the tree.

c. Freedom: Freedom is a reoccurring theme throughout the novel and not just in terms of physical freedom. Elijah’s upbringing and education is a means of emancipation especially when contrasted with some of the adults in Buxton as well as Chloe.

d. Hope: Hope is one of the main themes of this novel. For many Elijah and the children born in Buxton represent the hope of their parents to have a better life. Buxton itself and the freedom bell also represent hope. Lastly, the young baby, Hope, can also be seen as hope for Elijah – his own example of hope in a world which is not as calm as it once seemed.

-Age Recommendation
Due to the writing style, themes, and descriptions of slave treatment, I would recommend this book for intermediate readers aged 8 – 12.

-Other Information
Elijah of Buxton is historical fiction, and is based upon the actual settlement of Buxton in Canada. Christopher Paul Curtis does include an Author’s Note which goes into further detail about his intentions in writing this novel, as well as the historical truths of Elijah’s story.

Elijah of Buxton is the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor Book for 2008.

Reaction

Curtis’ writing style is one of the best I’ve read for Children’s Fiction. Elijah of Buxton is told in such a way that readers are drawn into the language and descriptions of the story. Elijah’s character is endearing and Curtis challenges his readers to understand some of the more difficult social and political issues during the 19th century. This novel’s characterization and narrative techniques were similar to Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in that Elijah’s experiences and thought process guide the reader to greater insights. Highly recommended.

Christopher Paul Curtis on Elijah of Buxton


Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GdevJ6jjHI

The Gravesavers by Sheree Fitch

Fitch, S. (2005). The gravesavers. Ontario, Canada: Doubleday Canada.

Summary
After her mother’s miscarriage, Cinnamon Hotchkiss, or Minn, is sent to live at her Grandmother’s house for the summer in rural seaside Boulder Basin, Nova Scotia. Minn does not get along well with her Grandmother, and hopes to pass the summer running and avoiding the “witch.” However, when Minn finds a baby’s skull washed along the shore, she begins to uncover a mystery that dates back to a shipwreck. Can Minn have the courage to discover the truth about the skull, the shipwreck and the mysterious boy Max?

Advisory Information

-Themes:

a. Guilt: Minn must come to terms with her parent’s “abandonment” following her mother’s miscarriage in addition to her own guilt surrounding the event.

b. Spirits/Death: Minn and her Grandmother feel compelled to protect the graves of those who were lost during the shipwreck. There is also an example of spirits and how life after death affects both the living and the dead.

c. Coming of Age: The Gravesavers shows Minn’s growth during the summer before she turns 13. She learns what is important to her as well as how she wants to make an impact on the world.

d. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a common theme throughout the book, especially with Minn and her mother, Minn and her grandmother, and Thomas and John.

e. Family Relationships: Family relationships are what push the plot along. Minn’s relationship with her grandmother and the rest of her family is juxtaposed with Thomas and John’s family relationship while crossing the Atlantic aboard the S.S. Atlantic. The reader is able to see how family relationships have changed very little over 100 years in Fitch’s narrative.

-Age Recommendation

Intermediate Children's Fiction (10-14 year olds)

-Other Information

The Gravesavers is a great example of historical fiction, blending fact with fiction. The “…S.S. Atlantic was the most tragic shipwreck in Maritime history before the Titanic” (Back cover of novel). Fitch includes an author’s note which gives readers a little more information regarding museums, parks and archives about the wreck.

NOMINEE 2005 - Canadian Library Association - Book of the Year for Children

Reaction

Sheree Fitch’s The Gravesavers is an excellent work in writing style, characterization, and plot. Minn’s character development is very believable through her growth as a runner, granddaughter, friend, and romantic interest. Fitch’s writing style captures Nova Scotia’s environment as well as Minn’s feelings towards the skull, shipwreck, and its passengers. Highly recommended.

As Long as the Rivers Flow by Larry Loyie

Loyie, L. and Brissenden, C. (2002). As long as the rivers flow. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Summary:

As Long as the Rivers Flow is a semi-autobiographical tale of Larry Loyie’s experiences living in Alberta the summer before he is sent to a residential school. The book shows Lawrence’s love of his family, heritage, the land, and the animals. Lawrence helps save an owlet, spends time with his family and comes face to face with a bear. It also portrays the hardship and the sense of loss that the young children and their parents went through while the children were forced to attend these schools.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Loss and Estrangement: The latter part of the book, takes on a more serious note, outlining what Larry went through during and following his stay at the residential school in Alberta.

b. Cultural Values: The book shows how First Americans treated the land and animals in the story. While out in the forest, Lawrence and his kokom encounter a bear. When the bear dies, Lawrence tells us how his kokom respects the bear’s spirit as well as how the bear will provide support for the village.

c. Importance of Family: Family dynamics is also an important aspect of this story. Lawrence is has a close relationship with his mother and father as well as his grandparents.

Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this book for older intermediate readers, aged 8-12.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Heather D. Holmlund.

Along with Larry Loyie, Constance Brissenden, Larry’s partner, helped write this book.

Winner of the 2003 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Nonfiction.

Reaction:

I was taken with the overall mood of this story. Understandably there is a sadness that prevails throughout the story, especially if one reads the Epilogue documenting Larry’s experiences. Compared to Shi-shi-etko, I think this story was better at examining the heartbreak that families went through when children were taken away to the residential schools.

Ten Small Tales retold by Celia Barker Lottridge

Lottridge, C. B. (1994). Ten small tales. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Summary

Ten Small Tales is a collection of folk tales found from around the globe. Retelling them in her own interpretive way, Lottridge focuses on tales that reinforce good character traits such as the ability to work together, curiosity, and cleverness. At the end of the book, she lists where each folk tale was derived from, as well as some of the original rhymes.

Advisory Information

-Themes

a. Teamwork: In her tales entitled, “The One-Turnip Garden” and “The Great Big Enormous Rock” family and friends must work together in order to pull out the turnip and push the boulder off the cliff, respectively.

b. Cleverness: In most of the stories, the protagonist must employ ingenuity and cleverness in order to save themselves from dangerous or funny situations.

c. Trickster stories: Some of the stories employ a trickster. Different from native people indigenous to North America, these trickster stories simply portray characters using their brain to get what they want. In some cases the trickster ends up being tricked himself like in Lottridge’s telling of “The Fox and the Walking Stick.”

d. Cultural Awareness and Values: Since Lottridge did use different folk tales from around the world, these stories reinforce cultural awareness and values.

Age Recommendation:

I think that young readers will be able to understand this book; therefore, I would recommend this storybook for children aged 5-8.

Other Information

The story was illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald.

Reaction

These stories would be great to read to a young child. They are quick and relatively easy to understand. The stories are a great introduction to other cultures and stories which were new to me.