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.

Alone in an untamed land: The filles du roi Diary of Hèléne St. Onge by Maxine Trottier, A Dear Canada Book

Trottier, M. (2003). Alone in an untamed land: The filles du roi Diary of Hèléne St. Onge. Dear Canada Series. Ontario, Canada: Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Summary

When her father dies in 1666, Hèléne St. Onge and her older sister Catherine, leave France to go to New France. Hèléne suffers many hardships on the boat including the death of her sister. She decides to take her sister’s place as a filles du roi, where when she finally ends her journey in Montreal, she will be asked to marry and start a family so that the population would grow in New France. Determined to marry on her terms, can 15 year old Hèléne find love in Canada’s frontier?

Advisory Information

-Themes:

a. Hardship of Life: Hèléne faces many difficulties, including the death of her immediate family, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and life in rural Montreal.

b. Discrimination: Hèléne sees how the Native Inhabitants are treated especially those who associate with the Mohawk tribe.

c. Women’s Acceptance of Duty: It’s interesting how Hèléne accepts her role as a filles du roi. While she does expect to marry on her terms, she is willing to follow in her sister’s footsteps. Additionally, the way that Hèléne learns the household duties of a Canadian woman is also one of acceptance.

d. Canadian Landscape: The author does discuss the aspects of Montreal seasons. While she does point out the cold, she also reinforces some of the beauty in the natural environment. Hèléne finds much to enjoy including the spring, the rainbows, the trees, and so forth.

Age Recommendation:

I would consider this book appropriate for Intermediate Readers aged 8-13.

Other Information:

The book was written in journal format.

The author has provided the reader an enormous amount of information regarding some of the aspects of this story including: a glossary of both French and Mohawk words, a Historical Note, and pictures to emphasize some of the real people who lived and impacted New France in the 1600s.

Filles du roi is translated as "daughters of the king." In France, girls were sent to Canada as a sort of mail-order-bride with the intention to help populate New France. As "daughters of the king" these girls were given dowries by the monarchy and their passage paid for. It should be noted that this term did not imply any other royal connections or lineage.

Reaction:

I thought that this book provided an introductory example for young girls who are interested in learning the history of how Canada was populated during the 1600s. The book was an easy read; however, I was surprised that the author did not show more physical hardships for the main character Hèléne. While Hèléne does experiences emotional tragedies, Hèléne faces very few obstacles once she arrives in New France. While I did enjoy the book, perhaps the light treatment of Hèléne is due to the audience that Trottier is writing for.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Trolls by Polly Horvath

Horvath, P. (1999). The trolls. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

Summary:

Right before Mr. and Mrs. Anderson leave for Paris, their babysitter cancels on them. Unable to find a replacement, Mr. Robbie Anderson is forced to call his sister, Sally, and ask her to drive from Vancouver Island, B.C. to their home in Ohio to watch their children for a week. While there, Aunt Sally tells her brother’s children all about her family history including her uncle who came for two weeks but stayed six years, and their Aunt Marianne who was the “Fat Little Mean Girl.” Following the week’s end, the children learn more about their family history and father, through Aunt Sally’s capitaving tales.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Family Relationships: Whether good or bad, Aunt Sally’s stories describe the family dynamics. Not all of the stories are happy, some are even sad; however, they allow the reader to realize that not every family is perfect. That deaths, estrangements, and even elements of neurosis are a part of every family.

b. Childhood growth: While this book is not necessarily a coming of age story, I do feel that it represents childhood growth, in that the children start to see their father as a person. Through Aunt Sally’s descriptions of her childhood, Melissa, Frank and Amanda are able to view their father as a young boy and compare that description to the father he is now.

c. Importance of Childhood: Throughout the novel, Aunt Sally reminds the reader what Mrs. Anderson had originally planned for the children. These events are structured and seem to be based upon her ideas of how her children should conduct themselves. While Aunt Sally does loosely follow these guidelines, most of the time she is allowing the children to be themselves.

d. In Aunt Sally’s stories, the Canadian landscape is just as important to the plot as the stories themselves. The forest, ocean, and climate are parts of the character of these anecdotes.

Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to 2nd to 6th graders. There is some evidence of death and sorrow in the book (an aunt who tells Sally about how cougars ate people she knew, etc.), but overall the story should be easy to read. The word choice is sometimes more difficult, however there is usually an explanation of the word, so intermediate readers should not have an issue with the language.

Other Information:

While this book takes place in Ohio, all of the stories take place in Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Awards include:
•National Book Award Finalist
•Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
•ALA Notable Book
•Riverbank Review Book of Distinction
•Booklist Editor's Choice
•Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
•Horn Book Fanfare
•A Rosie O'Donnell Pick and featured on her television show

Reaction:

I thought that this book was an excellent example of how this particular author views Canadian culture to that of American culture. The novel takes an unbiased approach looking at some of the themes prevalent in Canadian literature such as the landscape and the more realistic view of children making mistakes. She interestingly compares this view to that of American parenting and children. While Frank, Melissa and Amanda are not viewed negatively, they are just perceived differently especially when compared to Aunt Sally’s childhood. While I do not think that young readers will necessarily pick up on this commentary, I do think that they will thoroughly enjoy the stories.

Example of Illustrations:

Retrieved from http://www.pollyhorvath.com/trolls.html

Naomi’s Road by Joy Kogawa

Kogawa, J. (1986). Naomi’s road. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Summary

Shortly after her mother leaves to go to Japan, Naomi is sent, by train, with her brother Stephen, her Aunt, Obasan, and her Uncle to an internment camp in Slocan, British Columbia. In Slocan, Naomi’s life is somewhat normal, she goes to school, eventually befriends a young white girl named Mitzi and they exchange dolls. Once victory is declared, Naomi and her family then move to a farm in Alberta. Life is a journey for Naomi, but she is slowly learning how to cope in her new circumstances.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Race Relations: Initially Mitzi is hesitant to befriend the Japanese-Canadians, and it is not until Naomi has lived in Slocan for a couple of months does Mitzi come around.

b. Coming of Age: Naomi is forced to grow up in the internment camp without her Mother and moves without her father to Alberta. As she grows Naomi is beginning to understand the “road” that everyone must take in life but each is unique.

c. The displacement of Japanese-Americans in World War II: The book is an example of what Naomi and her family has to give up due to discrimination against those who are ethnically Japanese, even if they consider themselves Canadian.

-Age Recommendation:

I think that this story would be more suitable for older elementary school children. In the introduction the author said she wanted this book to be an introduction to the treatment of Japanese-Canadian’s during World War II. Therefore, some of the aspects of the story might go over the children’s heads if they do not understand the time period.

-Other Information:

The book takes place in British Columbia and Alberta.

Reaction:

I’m not entirely sure if children will understand the significance of this book without some history and understanding of racial tension during World War II. While the author tries to introduce children to the subject with an opening letter in the introduction, the novel only looks at the world through Naomi’s eight year old eyes. Children, then, will not necessarily understand the culture of the time period, examples of discrimination might be overlooked. Furthermore, the story does not flow as well since this book is sort of like an excerpt to the author’s book Obasan; important characters are introduced then forgotten. While this book is interesting it would be better used as a supplemental text.

A Handful of Time by Kit Pearson

Pearson, K. (1987). A handful of time. Ontario, Canada: Penguin Books Canada, Limited.

Summary:

Patricia is sent away for the summer to her aunt’s house while her parents settle their separation papers. She initially is hesitant with her relatives, since she is smothered by her aunts and uncles, and held in contempt by her cousins. One day she finds a watch that, when she winds it, takes her back to when her mother was twelve and lived at the lake house. She becomes obsessed with the watch and the past, finding that the past offers better insight to her family than her own interactions with them. When the watch finally breaks, Patricia must act on her own in order to come to terms with her family and her relationship with her mother.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Coming of Age: Patricia learns to become more self-confident in her own abilities as her knowledge about her family’s past grows.

b. Social Standing: Patricia’s mother, who is a TV Broadcast Journalist, is seen in a different social stratum than her aunts and uncles. Patricia and her cousins are very aware of these differences.

c. Adult treatment of young adults: The way Patricia’s mother was treated by her mother shows the double standard that was prevalent in the 1950s, where girls were expected to act a certain way compared to boys.

d. Family Relationships: Patricia’s parents treat her with a kind of neglect. Perhaps this is due to their separation or it could just be their parenting style. Whereas, Patricia notices that her Aunt and cousins have more of a “traditional” family dynamic.

e. Split Families: Patricia’s parents are separating, so as the reader we are able to see how it affects Patricia’s attitude towards family, her parents, and her own personality. She is constantly trying to hide from others.

Age Recommendation:

This book would be good for older intermediate readers such as 4th to 7th graders. Patricia is twelve in the book. The themes throughout the book are more for older readers who would be able to connect with Patricia’s experiences at the Lake.

Other Information:

Takes place in Toronto and Edmonton.

A Handful of Time was awarded the Canadian Library Association Book-of-the-Year-for-Children Award.

It is Kit Peason's second book.

Reaction:

The book’s portrayal of family relationships was interesting. While Patricia’s parents’ separation is an important issue, the author never overanalyzes Patricia’s feelings and takes a practical view over what kind of impact it will have on Patricia. It seems so straightforward that the reader does not have to make any analysis on character or events. I did, however, think that author did a good job making the ending realistic. While Patricia is more confident about herself, she stays grounded in the fact that she is still unsure what the future may hold for her.

Stormy Night by Michèle Lemieux

Lemieux, M. (1999). Stormy night. Toronto, Ontario: Kids Can Press Ltd.

Summary:

Set in the beginning, middle, and end of a storm, Stormy Night chronicles the thought processes of a young girl while she cannot fall asleep. With her dog, Fido, present, the young girl questions everything. Her anxiety over her questions correlates with the weather. Her fears finally subside along with the passing of the storm, and while no question is resolved, her mind is at peace.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

This book has too many themes to list in its entirety. Whether it is due to her inability to sleep, or the thoughts of an overactive mind at rest, or the coming storm, the girl seems to use free association to come up with questions. Themes would include, but are not limited to: the girl’s place in the world, her appearance, her identity, and her future. Additionally the young girl ponders universal questions like why are we here, what happens when we dream, when we die, and so forth.

Age Recommendation:

While the book does appear to be a picture book, the text is more for older children, say between 3rd and 6th grade.

Other Information:

The author is also the illustrator.

Stormy Night was awarded the 1999 Bologna Ragazzi Award , Bologna Book Fair Winner.

Reactions:

The illustrations make this book; they set the tone and pace, elaborate on the questions and aid in the characterization of the young girl and her dog. I enjoyed the book in that the author was able to take abstract thoughts and questions that a child might not yet think of, and plant the seed of wonder through her illustrations. Furthermore, she justifies all questions as honest and acceptable, even if they reveal our limitations and insecurities as humans. Children might not understand some of the questions or that the storm correlates these emotions, however, there is much they can take from this book.

The Crystal Drop by Monica Hughes

Hughes, M. (1992). The crystal drop. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.

Summary

Due to the destruction of the ozone layer, and hard, dry, soil, Megan and her brother Ian must journey west to find their Uncle Greg. Venturing in the foothills they find themselves captured by a group of teenage boys, getting attacked by dogs and shot at by survivalists. Luckily Ian finds Mitch and Sadie, an elderly couple content living off the land and respecting its bounty. After staying until they heal, Megan and Ian use the map that Mitch drew to lead them to a waterfall. There they meet Gideon who takes them to their uncle.

Advisiory Information:

-Themes

a. Survival (man vs. nature, man vs. man): Megan and Ian must fight against the environment and the survivalists.

b. Man’s impact upon the environment: The author portrays a future where the overuse of crops has destroyed the soil. Additionally the land is desolate due to a depleted ozone layer. While the author does not explicitly state that humans caused this, there is an implication that could be global had something to do with it.

c. Family and human relations in a decaying society: Megan and Ian’s family dynamic is greatly altered with the dead of Megan’s mom. Megan now must take over the role of mother to her brother, Ian. Additionally, we see how people will stop at nothing to ensure their own survival.

d. Coming of Age story: Megan is forced to confront her insecurities and become a leader for her brother.

e. Kindness of strangers: When things get to be too tough for Megan and Ian end up finding aid in Mitch and Sadie in the mountains and Gideon when they are at the waterfall.

Age Recommendation:

Older Elementary to Early Junior High 4-6th graders.

Other Information:

Setting takes place in the future, in Canada’s prairie and along the Rocky Mountain foothills and ridgelines.

The Crystal Drop was awarded the Children's Book Centre Award in 1992, and the R. Ross Annett Award in 1993

Reactions:

The Crystal Drop is an easy, straightforward read for intermediate readers, there are no abstract literary devices and the word choice is simple. It should appeal to science fiction/fantasy readers due to its futuristic setting. Overall the plot is predictable and unoriginal, and while it is not a bad book, it just seems to be an example of what young adult literature used to be.

Almost Eden by Anita Horrocks

Horrocks, A. (2006). Almost eden. Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books.

Summary:

After Elsie’s mother is sent to Eden, a mental institution, Elsie begins to blame herself for her mother’s issues. Trying to survive without her mother, Elsie gets in arguments with both of her sisters, is unable to tell her friends about her mother, and worries about her relationship with God. After countless fights and misadventures, Elsie understands that there must be a God even though she does not understand him and she knows what she must do to help her mother.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Abandonment, Loss, and Grief: Elsie and her family must learn to cope without her mother.

b. Understanding God: Growing up in a Menonite family, Elsie initially, takes on her parents’ religion and belief system. However, following the admittance of her mother in Eden, Elsie slowly begins to question her faith. She then experiences what she feels is proof of God’s existence, and she starts to discover her own feelings towards God and religion.

c. Coming of Age story: Elsie transitions from a gawky tween into someone who better understands herself and knows that she does not have to have all of the answers in life.

d. Family Relationships: Elsie fights with her family, especially her older sister. However, they also all come together to help their mother “escape” from Eden, one rainy night.

e. Religion: This book looks at a Mennonite city, along with its culture and religious practices.

f. Mental Illness and Hospital practices in the 1970s: Elsie’s mother suffers from Depression and uses shock therapy for treatment. Furthermore, it also looks at how other family members are affected by their relative who has a mental illness. For example, Elsie feels ashamed to tell her friends that her mother is in a mental hospital.

g. Social Relationships: Almost Eden, also looks at friendships and how the emergence of crushes can affect that. Elsie also comes to realize that she can easily misread a person’s character and intentions.

-Age Level

Almost Eden would mostly appeal to 4-7th grade girls. While some of the themes seem more advanced, the writing style and experiences are acceptable for that age.

-Other Information:

Setting takes place in a 1970’s Mennonite city in Manitoba.

Reaction:

I enjoyed the story; I thought that the emotions were fairly realistic for a young girl coping with her mother’s illness. The author did write about Depression in a light that would be more understanding to a younger teen, though. While the author definitely believes in God, the religious content is not an attempt to convert, but rather an opportunity for the reader take what they will from it. The treatments used by Eden, like shock therapy, would probably need an explanation for younger readers. I thought that the author did an excellent job capturing the feel of what it must be like to live in a close-knit religious community in the 1970s.