The Orphan Boy by Tololwa M. Mollel

Mollel, T. M. (1990). The orphan boy. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary:

The Orphan Boy tells the story of how the planet Venus came to be known as Kileken in Maasai culture. An elderly man, alone and childless is lonely tending his farm by himself. One night, a boy comes to the man and asks the man if he would take him in. When the man agrees, the boy takes on all the farm tasks, even those that seem impossible. Just who is this boy and how is he able to complete these tasks?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Trust: The boy trusts the old man, and for a certain amount of time, the old man trusts the boy.

b. Unusual Strength: The boy is capable of running the farm for the old man.

c. Cultural “creation” story: This story is very similar to the Just So Stories or other cultural tales which explain to children how things came to be. In this case “creation” is not meant religiously, but rather in how Venus was named.

d. Maasi Culture: Through the illustrations, people witness typical clothing and daily chores.

e. Conscious: I especially liked the old man’s shadow, emphasizing a sort of devil on your shoulder. The shadow is never fully explained, but it is an interesting take as to how the man was persuaded to act upon his curiosity.

Age Recommendation

I would consider this story to be appropriate for young children who are just starting to read for themselves, roughly aged 7-10.

Other Information:

The book was illustrated by Paul Morin.

The Orphan Boy received the Governor General Award

Reaction:

I thought that the book read like an oral tradition, with the illustrations reinforcing the text. As a reader it was interesting to see how the author did not fully explain some of the aspects of the story, they were just kind of left up to the reader’s own interpretation of how things were possible. However, I think that is why this book works, since it does feel like a story to read aloud, perhaps readers are more inclined to allow for this suspension of belief.

Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang by Mordecai Richler

Richler, Mordecai. (2009). Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books.

Summary:

Jacob Two-Two, too young to do anything, but yearning for more adult responsibility, is finally given an errand to run for his father. Upon asking twice for two pounds of firm red tomatoes, the grocer, Mr. Cooper believes that he is insulting him. Jacob Two-Two runs away from the grocer, only to be immersed in a deep fog. When he awakes he is in a holding cell awaiting trial for mocking the grocer. Since the adults hate children, Jacob Two-Two is sentenced to a Children’s Prison for his crimes. Will Jacob Two-Two be able to escape from the Hooded Fang?

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. an unlikely hero realizes his own self worth and rises to the occasion: Jacob Two-Two realizes that he is strong enough to fight for himself and others.

b. staying true to yourself: Jacob Two-Two does not let his surroundings affect what he believes in. He insists upon saying everything twice while in prison.

c. finding the good in people: Jacob Two-Two is able to see the good in the Hooded Fang before the Hooded Fang can see the good in himself.

-Age Recommendation

I think that beginning readers would enjoy this book, so I would recommend it to readers aged 6-9.

-Other Information:

The book was illustrated by Dušan Petričić.

Reaction:

As the youngest of six, I understood how Jacob Two-Two felt. The text has a quirky feel; that for some reason kind of reminded me of Roald Dahl. I think that the idea of a young boy who is able to use his own smarts with the help of others to overthrow what is obviously a miscarriage of justice in the adult world will resonate well with young readers.

Dead Man's Gold and Other Stories by Paul Yee

Yee, P. (2002). Dead man’s gold and other stories. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Summary:

Dead Man’s Gold and Other Stories, is a collection of ten stories which chronicles the lives of men and women who traveled from China and Hong Kong to Gold Mountain. Each character shows a different side of the people who came to Gold Mountain, some are rich, others poor. Each story is unrelated to the others, and describes how characters face hardship, greed, disillusionment, and for a few, still feel happiness in their new worlds.

Advisory Information:

Overall Themes of the Short Stories:

a. Death
b. Spirits
c. Honor
d. Discrimination
e. Disillusionment

Age Recommendation:

Due to the older themes, I would encourage intermediate to advanced readers to read this book, aged 10-14.

Other Information:

The book’s illustrations were completed by Harvey Chan.

Reaction:
Heavily inspired by Chinese cultural anecdotes and morals, Dead Man’s Gold and Other Stories transports the reader to the past. While most of the stories do not end with a “happy” ending, it is interesting to see how culturally Gold Mountain was viewed. For many people Gold Mountain was an illusion of wealth and prosperity. I thought that Yee did an excellent job establishing this theme throughout his stories.

The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier

Carrier, R. (1984). The Hockey Sweater. Platsburgh, New York: Tundra Books.

Summary:

A young boy loves the Montreal Canadiens, more specifically Maurice Richard. He even owns a sweater jersey that he wears everywhere. One day the sweater has grown too small for him, so his mother writes Monsieur Eaton a letter with her son’s measurements asking for another sweater. Monsieur Eaton sends the boy a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey instead. Can the young boy survive without his Canadiens sweater?

-Themes:

a. boyhood obsessions: The young boy is obsessed with his hockey sweater and hockey in general.

b. agony of disappointment: The boy’s face is priceless when he sees what type of sweater he got.

c. feelings of persecution: The boy feels like he is being treated unfairly due to his new sweater.

d. Sports idolatry: The entire town looks up to Maurice Richard.

e. Childhood innocence: The boy looks to god in a creative way to help him in his time of need.

Age Recommendation:

I think that everyone should read this book regardless of age, however, I think that it was intended for younger readers aged 5-9.

Other Information:

The book is so treasured in Canada that one of the phrases in the story is written on their currency.

The book was illustrated by Sheldon Cohen, and was later turned into an animated movie.

Reaction:

I thought that this book captured the essence of childhood both with the text and the illustrations. The reader witnesses the entire gamut of childhood emotions from anticipation, exhilaration, to anger, and tentative acceptance. I especially loved the look of humiliation and disgust on the boy’s face when his mom is showing him the Maple Leafs sweater.

The Sweater

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJlilwLlBhg

Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography by Chester Brown

Brown, C. (2003). Louis Riel: a comic-strip biography. Montreal, Quebec: Drawn & Quarterly.

Summary:

Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography looks at Canadian history through the live of Louis Riel. The book begins in March of 1869 where the Prime Minister and the Hudson Bay Trading Company are trying to figure out what to do about the Red River Settlement. The Red River Settlement is a group of land settled by the French and Metis (those of French and Indigenous People ancestry), but also has the British slowly infiltrating their land. From there, the reader meets Louis Riel, a Metis, who must fight the politicians, Mounties, extremists, and his own understanding of God, to help the land and the people he loves.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a.Discrimination: Discrimination is a critical part of this story especially in regards to the French, English and the Metis.

b.Violence: There are numerous examples of Fighting, Vigilantism and Rebellion in the story. While some of the violence is justified, others are not. With most rebellions, justifying violence often comes at a price.

c.Civil Rights: The political and social rights of the Metis is important in the history of Louis Riel.

d.Religion: Religion becomes a focal point in Louis Riel’s life.

Age Recommendation:

I think for readers to understand the political and social nuances of this graphic novel, the reader should be at least 12 years old.

Other Information:

The illustrations were also completed by Chester Brown. He also includes a notes section, bibliography and index.

Reaction:

I think that above all it is the format of this novel that really succeeds. By putting Louis Riel’s biography in a comic form, readers can easily see how events in Canadian history affect Louis Riel’s life and vice versa. The author’s ability to write an intelligent and scholarly text is easy to understand along with the illustrations. Some readers might be overwhelmed with the complexity of the story including its characters and historical events, however most reader should be able to understand the overall significance of the story.

Hold Fast by Kevin Major

Major, Kevin. (1991). Hold fast. Toronto, Canada: Stoddart Publishing Co. Limited.

Summary:

Following the death of his parents involving a drunk driver, Michael is sent from his hometown of Marten, to live with his Aunt and Uncle in St. Albert. Having difficulties coping with his new living arrangement Michael looks to make friends with the kids at school. It is not until he fights with a school bully that Michael starts to befriend his cousin Curtis and the rest of his group. After a series of fights and misunderstandings Michael and Curtis decide to run away back to Marten. Can they make the long journey on their own?

-Themes:

a. Survival: Michael’s quest for survival includes in the wilderness, life, school, and even within his family.

b. Standing up for yourself: While Michael is always prone to standing up for himself; it is Curtis who must learn how to do this for himself.

c. Being true to yourself: Michael never deviates from his perception of self.

d. Coping with loss and Death: When Michael loses his parents in a car crash, he must learn to cope with the aftermath, including the separation between him and his brother.

e. Social Class: Michael is from a poor rural town in New Foundland. This becomes an issue when he moves to the suburbs and people begin to make fun of his background and the way he speaks.

-Age Recommendation:

I would consider this book more for older, more advanced younger teen readers, aged 12-16.

-Other Information:

Hold Fast is Kevin Major’s first book. It won the Governor General's Award, Book-of-the-Year CACL, and Ruth Schwartz Award, when it was first published in 1978.

Reaction:

I found Hold Fast to be interesting. The novel was thought provoking, however, it was difficult for me to connect with Michael. While Michael’s reactions to situations did logically stem from his own experiences and beliefs about authority figures, I found it hard to justify some of his actions. His ability to “borrow” a car was especially problematic for me. Nevertheless, I found Michael’s character to be true to his characterization, especially based upon his personality and background. In that sense I think that I was still able to be engaged in the book. Kevin Major’s characterization was consistent throughout Michael’s experiences.

Boy of the Deeps by Ian Wallace

Wallace, Ian. (1999). Boy of the deeps. New York, New York: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary:

Today is James’ first day working as a coal miner. He goes with his father and the other coal miners to the mine. His father then takes him to their spot, where James is taught what tools to bring, how to dig, how to plant the explosives, to detonating, to picking up the rock fragments. After lunch the two coal miners make their way back to their spot, when a wooden beam collapses on them. Can James help his father before it is too late?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of age/Loss of innocence (James is now required to make money for his family, and must experience the dangers of his and his father’s job) The author remembers his grandfather talking about his experience, and how he recognizes the sacrifices his grandfather had to go through in order for the author to life in a world where a “boy could be a boy, growing naturally into manhood and free to choose his own destiny.”

b. Day in the Life of a Coal Miner

c. Family relationships of the time period: the father teaching his son the trade.

Age Recommendation:

I think that this book would appeal to young readers, from 3 to 6 years of age.

Other Information:

Ian Wallace wrote the book as well as completing the illustrations.

Awards Include:
2000 IBBY Honour Book (International Board on Books for Young People) 2000 Hackamatack Children's Choice Book Award Nominee
1999 Quill & Quire Best Books of the Year
1999 Smithsonian Notable Children's Book
Canadian Booksellers Association, Ruth Schwartz Award Nominee
1999 Maclean's Magazine Best Books of the Year

Reaction:

I enjoyed this picture book. I thought that the canvas quality of the pictures helped the reader distinguish the time period of the story. Most of the illustrations had darkness to them that added atmosphere to the story. I felt like as a reader, you could understand how difficult working in a mine would be. I do not think I could fully connect with the characters; however, it was easy to understand what life would be like in those circumstances.

The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

Slade, A.G. (2009). The Hunchback Assignments. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Summary
The story begins with a man named Mr. Socrates adopting a child named Modo from the back of a freak show caravan. Modo is an interesting child who has the ability to change his facial features. Raised to be a spy, Modo begins his first mission for Mr. Socrates when his 14. Modo is stranded in London and left to survive on his own. Can Modo survive the streets of London while there is a murderer in his midst?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of Age: This book chronicles Modo’s journey from a person who blindly follows Mr. Socrates’ orders, to questioning them and using his own ingenuity to make his decisions.

b. Above the law: Renegade organizations acting upon their own means and with little to no regulatory watch-dog agencies. Modo and the Association must rely on their own moral compass to determine actions.

c. Identity Crisis: The fact that Modo is able to change his appearance at will suggests that his physical identity is nonexistent.

d. Kids are Smarter than Adults: This idea stems from the fact that Modo and Octavia’s judgment is often morally truer than that of other adults. This includes Mr. Socrates who seems to be a cynic and oftentimes will sacrifice one for the sake of all.

Age Recommendation:

I think that this story could have widespread appeal; therefore I would encourage readers from 6th grade through 9th to read this novel.

Other Information:

The author is writing a sequel that is supposedly going to be released September 14, 2010.

Reaction:

I thought that this book had an interesting plot, almost like a Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery with young children solving the mystery. I thought it was interesting the way the author was able to incorporate ideas with such fluidity. The use of steam technology coupled with a Victorian-era time period worked well. Furthermore, he took characteristics of classic novels and incorporated them into his work (Modo in name and true appearance resembles Quasimodo from Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the use of the name Mr. Hyde which could reference Stephenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, etc.).

The Hunchback Assignments Book Trailer

Retrieved from http://www.hunchbackassignments.com/

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

Ellis, D. (2000). The Breadwinner. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre.

Summary:

When her father is captured by the Taliban, 11 year old Parvana must pass as a boy in order to support her family. She works initially by selling goods, and then by collecting human bones. When Parvana’s sister intends to move away for her marriage, Parvana must come face to face with the realization that her family may be splitting forever. How can Parvana decide what is best for her while doing what is best for her family?

Advisory Information

-Themes:

a. Family Relationships: Parvana, Nooria and her mother and father have a relationship built upon obligations to each other. Parvana and her father initially help sell items to make money, while Nooria and her mother work at home.

b. Broken Families: Parvana, Nooria and their mother must learn how to survive when their father is taken from them.

c. War: War and invasion is a central theme to this novel. Parvana is constantly relating her life under the Taliban regime, and compares it to the way her life once was.

d. Coming of Age: Parvana must establish her own identity, step up and dress in her deceased brother’s clothing to help the rest of her family. She also begins to make her own decisions regarding the future of herself and her family.

-Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to intermediate level readers, aged 8 to 12.

-Other Information:

The author provides the reader with a short history of Afghanistan in her author’s note as well as a glossary of terms in the back.

Reaction:

I enjoyed reading The Breadwinner, I think it is a good introduction about different cultures especially from a western standpoint. However, Parvana as a character does seem a little too “westernized.” Parvana does have ideals that reflect more of a traditionally western stance, than say her sister Nooria or her mother. This is explained in that her parents were educated in Europe.

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Iain Lawrence

Lawrence, I. (2002). The lightkeeper’s daughter. New York, New York: Delacorte Press.

Summary
When Elizabeth “Squid” McCrae returns with her three year old daughter, Tatiana, to her home on the remote Lizzie Island, off the coast of British Columbia, her tentative feelings about her family resurface. There, Squid, her mother and her father, reminisce about Squid’s childhood, especially the death of her brother, Alistair. However, when Squid uncovers Alastair’s journals she begins to rethink her impact upon Alastair’s life as well as the causes of his death.

Advisory Information

- Themes

a Family Relationships: This novel is dependent upon the family relationships and how it affects each individual family member.

b Grief: Grief is another central theme to this novel. The entire family is learning how to cope with Alistair’s death.

c Teen Pregnancy and Motherhood: Squid’s pregnancy and motherhood is somewhat of a secondary theme, however it is partly what precipitates her move back to Lizzie Island.

d Rural vs. City Life: Living on a rural island, Squid cannot help but feel as if she is being held back. Even Squid’s mother cannot face the island any longer, and wishes to move to a more populated area. Additionally, Squid’s father represents the need for a rural life, staying one with nature, understanding the give and take relationship between man and nature, and so forth.

e Remembrance and how time and feelings can skew memories: This is portrayed by the switching of narratives throughout the story. We see how certain events are skewed due to different perspectives.


Age Recommendation

Because this novel has more mature thematic elements I would recommend this novel for older teens aged 16-18.

Other Information:

Iain Lawrence lives in the Gulf Islands in Canada. He has written nonfiction books about his travels on the Canadian coastline as well as five other young adult novels.

Reaction
Through Squid, Iain Lawrence paints an interesting picture of life in British Columbia as well as personal struggles with being a single teen parent, coming to terms with your parent’s identity and parenting styles, as well as the process of grieving. Although Squid is not always a likeable character, on the contrary, she is very much a flawed character; the reader is able to relate to her decisions and actions, especially when one remembers that she is only seventeen. We understand her resentment towards her parents, her desire to live a more cosmopolitan life, and her need to find herself. We also see how her interpretations of her memories are in fact a coping mechanism for the loss of her brother. In such a rural, cold, and desolate lifestyle, it is not hard to see how Squid can feel abandoned despite her closeness to her brother.

Rex Zero and the End of the World by Tim Wynne-Jones

Wynne-Jones, Tim. (2007). Rex Zero and the end of the world. New York: Groundwood Books.

Summary:

Set in the backdrop of the Cold War under Kruschev, Rex Norton-Norton, his family and friends, live in constant apprehension of the possibility of war between the two superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union). In his new house in Ottawa, Rex is desperate to make friends before the start of school. While riding, he briefly sees a monster, and a girl who tries to take its picture. He finds out that the monster is an escaped panther. Can Rex capture the panther, or is nothing what it truly seems?


Advisory Information:

- Themes:

a. The book does an excellent job showing how wars in general affect all populations. Despite their attempts to have a normal childhood, the children are bombarded with war paraphernalia like bomb shelters, and are in fear of a nuclear holocaust. While this fear doesn’t ruin their lives, it definitely is a fear and does in part dictate their perceptions of life. How Canadians still feared the Cold War’s affects.

b. Coming of Age Story: Rex’s experiences in this novel affect his overall feelings towards the war, people and his family.

c. Loss of innocence: This can be illustrated, in terms of war Rex becomes disillusioned with the Diefenbunker and the effects World War II had upon Alphonse.

d. Belief in one’s self despite the opposition (Kevin’s dad, and Kevin over the panther)

-Age Recommendation

I think that this book would appeal to intermediate readers in 3rd through 7th grade.

-Other Information:

This book has won awards including the American Library Association Notable Children's Books, the Boston Book Review Winner, and the Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.

Reaction:

I thought that the book captured the time period well. I remember growing up and having my mom tell me stories about how as a child she and her mother would go shopping for bomb shelters at conventions. I also thought that the characterization was very interesting. Rex Zero seemed to be one of those narrators that think beyond their years, and yet act their age.

Essex County by Jeff Lemire

Lemire, J. (2009). Essex county. Marietta, Georga, USA: Top Shelf Productions.

Summary

Essex County uses interconnects the lives of the LeBeuf family and Anne Byrne. Told in splices, the reader is able to make assumptions about the family through second great-grandson, Lester Papineau’s story, sons Lou and Vince LeBeuf stories, and finally through Anne Byrne’s eyes who is a nurse. Told in graphic novel format, Essex County allows the reader to see how human behavior can affect generations.

Advisory Information

-Themes

a.Family Relationships: Essex County focuses on the relationships between family members and family generations. This is especially evident between Lester and his Uncle Ken, Lester and his father, Jimmy, brothers Lou and Vince LeBeuf, and even Anne Byrne and her son Jason.

b.Loneliness: Loneliness is an important part of Lou LeBeuf’s story. He is unsure about his place in the world especially after Vince marries Beth.

c.Hockey: Hockey seems to be the redeeming activity between all generations. Lou and Vince play, Jimmy plays, and occasionally Lester plays. It is not only considered a Canadian pastime, but it also serves as a way for the generations to connect.

d.Aging: Growing old becomes a focal point for all characters. Since the book chronicles the lives of many of the characters, aging is a key part of the story. For characters like Anne and Lou, aging equates to death. For Lester, aging is about his role in the world.

e.Love: Interestingly, it is the absence of love that dominates these stories. While Vince and Beth do get married, and while Jimmy and Clare do have a kid, there are little instances of love in the story.

-Age Recommendation

While this graphic novel reads like a genealogy, the language of this book is more suitable for readers who are at least in 8th grade or 14 years old.

-Other Information

Essex County is an award-winning graphic novel, being recognized as the best in Canadian cartooning in 2008.

Reaction

I thought that this graphic novel did an excellent job weaving the ordinary stories of a family history. I do not feel that this book is essentially a “feel good” novel; however, its characterization becomes crucial in understanding how these insignificant lives have affected future generations. Through these character studies, the reader is able to understand the different layers of humanity.

Coyote's New Suit by Thomas King

King, T. (2004). Coyote’s new suit. Toronto, Ontario: Key Porter Books.

Summary:

Coyote is proud of his new suit, however, when crow tells him that it’s just okay, Coyote decides to start taking other animals’ suits. When the animals cannot find their furs, crow tells the animals to take the human’s clothes. One day, Coyote notices that he does not have any more room in his closet for suits. Crow tells him to have a yard sale, but crow has also invited the humans and the other animals.

Advisory Information:

-Themes

a. Be content with what you have: Coyote is constantly looking for new things he wants, rather than being content with what he has. The humans seem to have the same problem when they will not return the animal skins for their own clothes.

b. Trickster tales: In this story, the crow sort of takes the role of the trickster. She is able to convince other people to do things for her pleasure.

c. Conceit: Coyote is very narcissist, in his coat. His pride overrides his ability to think about how the other animals and humans might feel for having their clothes and fur taken away from them.
Age Recommendation:

I think that this picture book would be great for young readers, namely kids aged 3 to 7. Young children will enjoy listening to the words and looking at the pictures. Older children will enjoy reading the text for themselves and understanding the morals of the story.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Johnny Wales.

Reaction:

This story is reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables told in a modern day context. I think that the illustrations were very interesting adding to the overall feel of the story. I was surprised at how the other animals reacted to coyote. No problems seem to occur despite his actions, especially since he might start stealing coats again.

The Curse of the Shaman by Michael Kusugak

Kusugak, M. (2006). The curse of the shaman: a marble island story. Toronto, Ontario: HarperTrophyCanada.

Summary:

New parents, The-man-with-no-eyebrows and Can’t-see, venture to Bit-of-sand in search for a bride-to-be for their newborn, Wolverine. When The-man-with-no-eyebrows asks the shaman, Paaliaq, for his newborn daughter’s hand in marriage, Paaliaq becomes angry because The-man-with-no-eyebrows is able to calm his crying newborn, Breath. In spite, Paaliaq curses Wolverine, stating that not only will Wolverine never marry Breath, but he will also never set foot on the mainland again once he comes of age. As the two children grow, their friendship blossoms and Paaliaq takes back his curse. When Paaliaq’s animal SikSik refuses to listen to Paaliaq, can Wolverine break the curse?

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Coming of Age: Wolverine must learn how to become independent before he can return to the mainland.

b. Belief in Animism: This is evident with the SikSik, the oral traditions as told by Wolverine’s Grandmother, and the owl named Ukpigjuaq that Wolverine helps save.

c. Forgiveness: Paaliaq learns to apologize for his curse, while Wolverine thinks nothing of it. He does not even begrudge his future father-in-law, feeling that he is beneath him.

d. Good vs. Evil: SikSik represents the bad, while Wolverine must overcome his attempts to keep him from the mainland; this is with the help of Ukpijuaq, of course.

e. Respect of traditions: Wolverine uses the stories he learned from his grandmother and the skills he learned from his father in order to survive on Marble Island.

-Age Recommendation:

I think that The Curse of the Shaman is suitable for 4th graders through 7th graders.

-Other Information:

Vladyana Krykorka completed the illustrations.

Reaction:

The Curse of the Shaman is a great introduction to traditional Inuit lifestyles. The novel reads like an oral tradition, weaving cultural beliefs and lifestyles effortlessly in its prose. Although I know little of traditional Inuit belief systems and culture, the author has created a novel that readers of all backgrounds can enjoy.

Caribou Song by Tomson Highway

Highway, T. (2001). Caribou song. Toronto, Ontario: HarperCollins Publishers, Ltd.

Summary:

Young brothers, Joe and Cody, live in Northern Canada, where the land is covered in snow. Joe, Cody, their parents, and their dogs follow the caribou year round. One day Joe and Cody decide to play the accordion, sing and dance to call forth thousands of caribou. Suddenly, the caribou fill the meadow and the lake, separating the two boys. Can the boys find safety and “embrace the spirit” of the caribou?

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Animism and the spiritual relationship between man and animal: Though a subtle relationship, the author illustrates the idea that animals can embody a spirit that can communicate with man. This is further reinforced with the illustrations and the bilingual text in Cree.

b. Separation: Cody and Joe are separated from their parents, and are separated from each other when the herd of caribou race through the meadow.

c. Protecting the ones you love: Joe must save his younger brother Cody from the stampeding herd of caribou.

Age recommendation:

This picture book can be hard to identify. The pictures are very expressive and little children would enjoy them. However, the context of the book is for more mature readers. Therefore, I would recommend this book to readers as young as 5 and as old as 8.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Brian Deines.

This book is bilingual, written both in English and Cree.

Reaction:

This book told an interesting story about the link between the spirit of animals and its counterpart in man. The boys are not scared of the caribou, but understand the need for safety. Ultimately, it is their innocence and acceptance of the caribou, which allows them to understand and “embrace” the power of the caribou spirit.

Alego by Ningeokuluk Teevee

Teevee, N. (2009). Alego. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Summary:

Written in both English and Inuktitut, a young girl, Alego, goes clamming with her grandmother for the first time. There she finds interesting objects and collects them in her bucket. When her grandmother asks what the young girl has collected, the grandmother chuckles over her granddaughter’s curiosity. They return home and have a feast of clams and hot tea with the rest of the family.

Advisory Information

Themes:

a. Keeping with culture: Since the book was written in Inuktitut, readers are able to see how the written word can keep cultural traditions alive. Furthermore, the illustrations give the reader a chance to understand the environment of Cape Dorset as well as some of the clothing that Alego and her grandmother wear.

b. Curiosity: Alego’s innocence at the tide pools reinforces the idea that children need to explore the world around them and experience new things.

c. Family ties: Alego’s relationship with her grandmother is very loving and accepting towards Alego’s inquisitiveness at the beach, emphasizing the need for strong family bonds.

Age Recommendation:

This picture book would be acceptable for all ages, however, children from 4 to 8 would probably best understand the pictures and the text.

Other Information:

Ningeokuluk Teevee also completed the illustrations for this book.

Reaction:

This was my first introduction to the Inuktitut written language. I really enjoyed the bilingual text and the inside cover map to help readers locate where in Canada the story takes place. I think that children need to be exposed to many different types of language and cultures so that they understand the amount of diversity in the world and the capability to be accepting of other cultures.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Montgomery, L.M. (1994). Anne of green gables. London, England: Puffin Books.

Summary:

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, aging siblings, live on Green Gables in Prince Edwards Island, Nova Scotia. Deciding that they need help on the farm, Marilla and Matthew send for an orphan. However, when Matthew arrives at the station, there has been a mistake and Anne Shirley has been sent instead. Anne is a precocious child full of wonder, excitement and mischief, who turns Green Gables upside down.

Advisory Information:

-Themes

a. Coming of Age Story: The reader sees how Anne’s life at Green Gables affects her growth and outlook. She changes from a young girl into a woman.

b. Illustration of the time period for today’s readers (social norms, ways of life, morals, etc.): This novel takes place just about the turn of the century, where readers can witness a simpler time. Where the land was of great importance, and social decorum was to be strictly upheld.

c. importance of friendship: Throughout the novel the reader sees how friendship plays a crucial role in Anne’s life. Her bosom friend, Diana, allows us to compare Anne’s character growth to that of a more subdued character of Diana. Gilbert also allows comparison as Anne’s sworn enemy throughout most of the book.

d. importance of family: Marilla’s and Matthew’s lives are enriched by Anne. This book promotes how the lives of loved ones can intersect each other and change everything. Family is where the Cuthbert’s and Anne learn acceptance, and remembrance of loved ones who have since passed.

-Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to intermediate readers aged 10 and up. I think that younger readers probably would not be able to relate to Anne, while 10 year olds would still be enthralled with the descriptions, characters, and themes.

-Other Information:

Anne of Green Gables takes place on Prince Edwards Island.

Reaction:

Having grown up with the Wonderworks production of Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows, I had an idea of the plot line and characters in the story. While some of the descriptions of Green Gables became a little overbearing, overall the innocence and time period of the story really capture the reader. Anne’s character is so well loved because of her mistakes. Unfortunately, I do not feel that this book would be one which most boys would voluntarily read, however, I think even they can appreciate some of the catastrophes that Anne gets herself into.