"Echo" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2015. ECHO. Ill. by Dinara Mirtalipova. New York City, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439874021

2.      Plot Summary

Echo has a unique introduction as the reader learns of a magical prophecy that sets the tone of the adventures of three main characters, all centered around a harmonica.  This harmonica is the main element of each story within the story and brings hope to each character as it crosses their path.  After the harmonica is introduced to the reader through the prophecy of setting three princesses free, it finds its way to a young boy during Nazi Germany with facial abnormalities.  He discovers the mysterious harmonica in an abandoned desk and finds much joy in playing it.  The harmonica is then shipped to our next set of characters in America, Mike and his brother who live in an orphanage and are being adopted.  Mike finds joy in music during difficult times but sends the harmonica off to its next destination, California, where it finds a girl named Ivy.  Ivy is a Mexican American and must go to a less fortunate school than her white classmates.  She discovers her love of playing the harmonica which brings her hope as she witnesses what life is like for Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.  All three of our main characters have a talent for music and all three experience the pain of injustice, the importance of hope, and the healing power music can have in one’s life.  The three path’s come together for a musical night and the reader is able to see how it all ties together. 

  

3.      Critical Analysis

Pam Munoz Ryan gives readers a fantasy novel with historical elements in this layered story that readers are thrilled to see come together.  Each protagonist, in each of their own stories, connect with readers in different ways but with a common theme.  The historical elements Ryan uses play at the readers emotions in that each time period and place has a major role in our history.  Ryan cleverly pulls readers in from the beginning as she does not begin her novel in a traditional format.  The fantasy element of Echo begins on the first page.  Readers then come across the title page that separates it from the rest of the novel.  This is a very long novel, however readers will find stories within the story to break it up.  The illustrations decorations by Dinara Mirtalipova add to the fantasy element of the text.  The pages of the book the prophecy is from is in different print that helps the reader be able to organize the text as they read.  Children will get pieces of history they will most likely want to explore.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Newberry Honor Book 2016

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Publishers Weekly – “Told in a lyrical, fairy tale-like style…Readers will be swept up.”

5.      Connections

*Make connections with characters from the novel such as Friedrich, with facial abnormalities with other novels with facial abnormalities like Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

*Pull other novels by Pam Munoz Ryan such as Esperanza Rising or The Dreamer and compare story elements.

"Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. LUNCH LADY AND THE CYBORG SUBSTITUE. New York City, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375846830

2.      Plot Summary

Readers are introduced to the star of a graphic novel series with meeting the Lunch Lady, a secret crime fighter that serves in the cafeteria at a school with her sidekick assistant who also helps her in the kitchen.  When three students complain of a substitute teacher, Lunch Lady unravels a mystery, all while using spy gadgets disguised as kitchen appliances.  Lunch Lady uses her crime solving skills to uncover an evil plot of a fellow teacher who replaces a popular teacher the students’ love, with a robot substitute who gives too much homework.  Lunch Lady follows the teacher home to find herself in a fight with robots, all while the three students are curious of Lunch Lady’s behavior, and follow her as well.  All paths are crossed, Lunch Lady solves the mystery of the missing teacher, and the students promise not to reveal her secret.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jarrett Krosoczka gives readers a modern day superhero that students will be cheering for.  Lunch Lady has the smart, crime-fighting, secret spy qualities readers find interesting.  Her gadgets are sprinkled within the novel in the illustrations or in the text which keeps readers entertained.  This easy to read novel will give readers the confidence they need when approaching a longer novel.  The full page illustrations, comic strip panels, and character dialogue give readers a perfect combination of visuals with text.  Students can connect with the setting of the story with it being at school and involving teachers, a substitute, and of course a lunch lady.  Students will even get a mini lesson on bullies and how to stand up to them. 

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Reviews – “Filled with goofy puns and grayscale art with cheery yellow accents, this is a delightfully fun escapist read.”

5.      Connections

*Students may choose a scene to create a readers theater and perform for the class.

*Students will choose a character and write the story from their point of view.

"Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

DiCamillo, Kate. 2013. FLORA & ULYSSES: THE ILLUMINATED ADVENTURES. Ill. by K. G. Campbell. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763660406

2.      Plot Summary

Ten year old Flora is a claimed “natural-born-cynic” who lives with her mother after her parents’ divorce and loves to read comics. Flora witnesses a neighbor vacuuming up a squirrel in the yard and runs to its rescue.  Flora revives the squirrel, names him after the vacuum, Ulysses, and then quickly discovers Ulysses has super powers.  Flora and Ulysses have an instant bond.  Flora learns Ulysses can leap/fly really high, has super strength, and can even write poetry on her mother’s typewriter.  The two have their own adventures of making friends and even trying to survive Ulysses arch nemesis, Flora’s mother, who thinks killing Ulysses would be for her daughter’s own good.  The entire story takes place only over a few days.  Readers will witness Flora realizing she is no cynic after all, and family can work on coming back together and rebuilding a life.

3.      Critical Analysis

Kate DiCamillo gives readers a combination of a graphic novel and a fictional story that ties into a fun to read super hero novel.  There are serious underlining themes such as divorce and dysfunctional family units, Flora dealing with anger and resentment about the divorce, but readers will find themselves laughing at the style and language of the characters and narration.  K. G. Campbell’s pictures and comic book panels tell some of the major plot events so readers must view them beginning with the first scene.  The text, pictures, and panels work together to tell the adventures and troubles of Flora and Ulysses. 

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Newberry Honor Book Winner – 2014

Texas Bluebonnet Book Award Nominee

Kirkus Reviews – “Original, touching, and oh-so-funny tale starting an endearingly implausible superhero and a not-so-cynical girl.”

5.      Connections

*Pull other works by Kate DiCamillo and compare the novels.

*Create a readers theater of a scene from the novel.

*Pull other works about children dealing with feelings about divorce.  

"Babymouse For President" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew. 2012. BABY MOUSE FOR PRESIDENT. New York City, New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 9780375867804

2.      Plot Summary

Babymouse has made the decision to run for class president at school.  She daydreams what life would be like as class president, then her daydreaming is quickly brought back to reality when she is asked what she will do for the students and the school.  Babymouse begins to make all kinds of empty promises in order to get votes.  Babymouse has several friends running for president as well and they all seem to have a campaign manager all set.  Babymouse finds a friend to help her run for president and she learns it is hard work.  The overall problem is Babymouse does not know what she believes in.  Is she running for president for the glory and fame or to help the school?  Although Babymouse does not win in the end, she discovered she never thought about what she could do for the school to make it a better place.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm deliver a humorous graphic novel about a character who wants to make her name in school.  Students of all ages can relate to the theme of self-discovery of selfishness verses greater good especially in the setting of a school.  The illustrations in comic panel format with the text keep readers interested.  Some pages are full page illustrations with text bubbles that help the reader visually break the story apart.  There is some political humor with Babymouse running for president with sarcasm.  This graphic novel is a quick read and gives readers the confidence they sometimes need in approaching a “chapter book” novel.  Readers will find themselves excited to see what a baby mouse will do next. 

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Booklist – “Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny, and this book, like its predecessors, will draw reluctant readers as well as Babymouse fans.”

Kirkus Reviews - "Emergent readers will cheer 'Babymouse!'"

5.      Connections

*Students may choose a scene for the text and create their own comic panel with text to sequence events.

*Students will choose a scene and create a readers theater.

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Yelchin, Eugene. 2011. BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805092165

2.      Plot Summary

Ten year old Sasha is a devoted young Communist in the Stalin-era in the Soviet Union.  He admires Stalin and his followers which includes his own father who works for the State Security.  Together, they all live with forty-six others in a communal apartment with one toilet, thin walls, and no privacy.  Sasha dreams of becoming a Young Soviet Pioneer, but the day before he makes this commitment, his father is arrested and put in prison for no real reason.  Sasha’s day gets even worse when he accidently breaks the nose off of Stalin’s nose on a statue at school and is terrified to be convicted of a terrorist for what will be considered a hate crime.  After watching friends, neighbors, and even family members betray each other and make false confessions, he is rethinking his devotion to Stalin and the Young Soviet Pioneers.  Now that his father is in prison, he is homeless and faces with a difficult decision of denouncing his father in public in order to join the Soviet Pioneers, or walking away.  The novel has an open ending when Sasha walks away from the ceremony and does not join the Young Soviet Pioneers, and gets in a three day wait line to see his father in prison.  There, he meets a nice woman waiting to see her son who keeps Sasha warm in line, feeds him, and offers a place for him to live after they hopefully are allowed to see their loved ones in prison.

3.      Critical Analysis

Eugene Yelchin does a remarkable job sharing the horror and fear the people in the Soviet Union had during this time period.  By using a ten year old character, Yelchin presents the horrors that happen in the background of the storyline, so readers get the perspective of a somewhat still sheltered character, making this novel more appropriate for young children.  Yelchin is able to get the message across to readers how people in this day and age were so terrified of Stalin that they almost worshiped him by beginning the novel with Sasha writing a letter of devotion to Stalin at such a young age.  Readers may be confused with the concept of fear and devotion, and may be frustrated with the false testimonies and betrayal of characters.  Yelchin’s spot art illustrations bring the text to life for readers to connect with.  This quick read novel will enlighten readers of the real fear this era left for future generations.  Yelchin’s author’s note in the back gives more history and background and will inspire readers to further research this topic.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Newberry Honor Book – 2012

Horn Book Magazine – “Although this story takes place over just two days, it is well paced, peeling off the layers of Sasha’s naiveté to show him, and young readers, the cynicism of the system he trusted.”

Peter Sis, author of The Wall – “An important book for all people living in free society.”

5.      Connections

*Readers Theater:  Chose one chapter of the book and create a readers theater for students to perform to increase comprehension and fluency.

*Look up the pledge Stalin had people living in the Soviet Union during this time and interrupt meaning.  Compare it to our pledge in the United States.

"Turtle in Paradise" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 978037583688

2.      Plot Summary

Set during the Great Depression, eleven year old Turtle is sent away to live in Key West with relatives she has never met after her mother accepts a job as a housekeeper and her boss does not like children.  Times are hard for everyone, and although her Aunt Minnie and the family don’t have much, she offers Turtle a place to stay.  Turtle struggles with wanting a home of her own with her mother and it doesn’t help that her cousin, Bean, is not very welcoming and won’t allow Turtle in his gang of friends and business partners.  Things start to turn for Turtle when she begins to take lunch to her cranky Nana Philly (who she did not know about) and after starting to break through with her, and giving her cat to her when it is accused of making messes at Aunt Minnie’s, Turtle finds a treasure map in her grandmother’s piano and decides to go on a treasure hunt.  She recruits her cousin and the gang, they steal a boat, and begin the hunt.  After the group decides to give up, Turtle literally runs into the treasure!  Their excitement turns to fear as they end up stranded on the island and terrified that they will even make it home.  Turtle and the gang are finally rescued by friends, return to Key West, and are greeted with a crowd and reporters all excited about the treasure.  Turtle’s mother returns and she is thrilled to learn her mother has married Archie, who has promised a home and a happy ending.  This “Hollywood ending” is short lived when Turtle and her mom learn Archie took Turtle’s cut of the treasure and fled, leaving them with broken hearts and shattered dreams.  Not only does Turtle learn about her family, who her real father is, and dreams can be shattered, she also learns the value of family and true relationships.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jennifer Holm tells a story based on actual family tales.  She shares in a note that her great grandmother emigrated from the Bahamas to Key West in 1897.  Readers will enjoy the real places and true look into life on Key West during the Depression.  Holm’s even includes a real-life reporter, Ernest Hemingway, in the story.  Readers will connect with Turtle and her longing for family and a happy ending.  She is smart, strong, helpful, and wise beyond her years.  She even breaks down barriers between a cranky grandmother she never knew about and gives her a cut in the treasure since she found the map in her house.  Readers enjoy getting to know Turtle.  She has a tough hard shell on the outside, but her Uncle points out that a turtle has a soft belly underneath.  The message includes money does not bring you happiness, and sometimes your dreams coming true isn’t exactly what you had in mind…but family and being surrounded by people who care about you is a great treasure.  This historical novel includes many resources at the back of the book including an author’s note, acknowledgments, websites, and photos.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Newberry Honor 2011

Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2011-2012

Kirkus Review – “ Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic…”

5.      Connections

*The Author provides several resources and websites at the back of the book.  Students will explore those resources.

*Students will write “Letters Home to Mom” from Turtle’s point of view about what is happening in Key West. 

"Dash" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Larson, Kirby. 2014. DASH. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545416351

2.      Plot Summary

Eleven year old, Mitsi Kashino is a Japanese-American girl living in the Seattle area with her family, great friends, and best of all, her beloved dog Dash.  It is January during WWII, a month after Pearl Harbor, and Mitsi’s life is changed forever.  Mitsi and her family are sent to an incarceration camp because they are of Japanese descent, an anti-Japanese movement that swept through the United States during this time.  Devastated to leave her home, her belongings, her friends, and most of all her dog Dash, Mitsi must ask a lonely neighbor who came to her rescue after school one day and saved her from some bullies, to keep her dog Dash because she was not allowed to bring him with her.  The neighbor agrees and the two of them exchange letters to help Mitsi feel close to Dash and home.  At the camp, her family struggles with living conditions, proper meals, no privacy using the restroom, and feeling like they are losing the strong Kashino family ties they had at home.  Mitsi finds true friendship and the hope of one day leaving the camp and returning home to Dash.  She and her family are moved to another camp with less restrictions, and Mitsi is thrilled to learn Dash can come stay with her until they may return home.

3.      Critical Analysis

Kirby Larson picks remarkable character to share about what it was like for Japanese-American families during WWII who readers instantly fall in love with.  The use of language and dialog, events, historical figures, and cultural details within the story stay true to life in the incarceration camps.  The information is presenting cleverly to a younger audience and still reveals the hardships and struggles of Mitsi’s experience.  Dog lovers will connect and relate to the sadness of leaving an animal not by one’s own choice, and readers get a sense of family values, what true friendship is, and that good things can come out of poor circumstances.  Larson based Mitsi on a true character and includes information at the back of the book with an author’s note and acknowledgments where readers can find more information about life during WWII.   

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Reviews – “Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic.”

Publishers Weekly – “This incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery transcends…”

5.      Connections

*Students will follow this link to use as a guide to find more books about WWII:

The Children’s War:  https://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com/2014/08/dash-by-kirby-larson.html

*Students will use the link provided in the “Acknowledgments” section in the back of the book to learn more about life at Camp Harmony or at Minidoka:  Densho.org

"Matilda Bone" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. 2000. MATILDA BONE. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395881560

2.      Plot Summary

Fourteen year old Matilda was brought up in a manor during the 14^th century by Father Leufredus and was highly educated to read, write, learned Latin, French, Greek, and learned of the Saints.  She is abandoned to live in Blood and Bone Alley with Red Peg the Bonesetter.  Set in a medical quarter of the medieval English Village, Matilda is to be apprenticed by Red Peg but is disgusted with the lowly tasks asked of her.  She is forced to do manual labor in order to stay with Red Peg.  Matilda thinks she is above making fire, cooking, and even the company she is forced to be around.  Red Peg teaches Matilda how to set bones, make ointments and tonics, and ease arthritic pain.  Matilda eventually learns not to judge a book by its cover and that these simplistic people around her can offer her more knowledge than that she has learned from books. 

3.      Critical Analysis

Karen Cushman gives readers a look at what life was like with medicine during the medieval times.  The information is presented with just enough detail that will get readers interested and thankful they live in today’s time and age.  Matilda is a relatable character who is sarcastic and humorous.  She is who she has been taught to be, one who believes she is above some of the characters she is forced to interact with.  She later learns she can learn from these common folk, and in fact learn more than she realized.  Cushman gives readers more fascinating information of her research of medieval medicine in her author’s note and gives additional reading for medieval times. 

   

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year

School Library Journal – “This humorous, frank look at life in medieval times shows readers that love and compassion, laughter, and companionship are indeed the best medicine.”

5.      Connections

* Medieval Exhibits/Virtual Field Trips
Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts
www.higgins.org

* Medieval Medicine
Information about medieval medicine.
www.geocities.com/MedievalWorld/LinksMedicine.html

"Ballet for Martha" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. 2010. BALLET FOR MARTHA:  MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING.  Ill. by Brian Floca. New York City, NY: A Neal Porter Book. ISBN 9781596433380

2.      Plot Summary

The today’s classic 1944 ballet, Appalachian Spring, was created by a talented team of dancer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and set designer Isamu Noguchi.  This informational picture book shares the story of collaboration between adult professionals from different backgrounds.  Martha Graham had a vision to make a dance about American living.  She had a very different style of dance that was sometimes not appreciated by the audience.  She reaches out to composer Aaron Copland, and after several attempts, they create a lovely story about American settlers.  Martha then includes set designer Isamu Noguchi, who works hard to give the perfect background for Martha’s vision.  The book highlights each artist and their role in creating this masterpiece.  Finally it is opening night, and unsure how the crowd will respond, all three artist come together and deliver a beautiful work of art that will enchant the audience.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan work together to give readers a beautiful example of collaboration.  The focus on each artist gives readers an idea of what it is like to work really hard on something, and still not have it just right.  The story of this ballet is full of information and presented in a clear format for children to be able to follow and understand.  The plain text works together with the illustrations that readers can comprehend.  Brain Floca uses his water color illustrations to tell the story with the text.  Readers have a visual of the movements in the ballet and how each artist created their piece to the puzzle.  The book includes more information about each artist with real photographs for readers who are still wanting more information.  There is also bibliography information and notes for references.  Greenberg, Jordan, and Floca are a perfect example of collaboration in giving readers this magnificent story of working together.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Sibert Honor Book

Orbis Pictus Award

Cheri Dobbs, School Library Journal – “The authors researched extensively but found a way to crystallize all of the information into a gem that is approachable for young readers.”

5.      Connections

*Play Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland for students to listen too.  Students will write a reflection about listening to the piece.

*Students will chose one of the artist from the story and conduct further research.

"A Home For Mr. Emerson" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York City, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545350884

2.      Plot Summary

The 19^th century philosopher and writer, Ralf Waldo Emerson, is an American icon and paves the way for himself on living a good life.  Because he was constantly moving homes as a child, Emerson wanted to plant roots and build a home in Concord surrounded by what he loved, nature, open fields, and of course a home full of books.  He takes a bride and they have children.  Emerson sets out to find friendship and a sense of community, and is able to discuss knowledge and books.  Emerson is happy to travel to speak, and host company in his home, all to discuss philosophy.  Emerson is enjoying the rewards of life he envisioned.  In his later years, he is devastated when his home and most of his prized possessions are burned in a house fire.  This is more than he can bear so he leaves for travels with one of his daughters.  He is welcomed home by his wife and a community that rebuilt his home.

3.      Critical Analysis

This picture book biography captures the nature and life style of Ralf Waldo Emerson.  Barbara Kerley focuses on the theme of hope, home roots, community, and a positive approach to living the life you build with highlighting these events in Emerson’s life.  Readers will learn in the Author’s Notes, that not all of Emerson’s days were full of joy, his first wife dies, and after he remarries, his five year old son dies of scarlet fever.  Kerley has a creative approach in including quotes of Emerson as they are a different font on the page so they stand out to readers.  She also includes references at the back and activities to do as a reader. 

Edwin Fotheringham uses digital illustrations to work with the text to inform the reader of the love of knowledge Emerson had.  The bright, full page illustrations are inviting to readers and Fotheringham finds creative ways to include books in many of the pictures.  With beautiful illustrations, informative text, referenced quotes, and more information for readers to learn about, this book inspires readers to build a life they dream of and leave them longing to learn more of this incredible man.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Orbis Pictus Award

Publisher Weekly – “Excellent and exuberant.”

Kirkus Reviews – “Sweet characters, skillful storytelling, and knockout illustrations.”

5.      Connections

*Students will chose one of Emerson famous quotes and design an inspirational image around it.

*Students will pull other collections about Emerson and create a digital product of his life.

"Drawing From Memory" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Say, Allen. 2011. DRAWING FROM MEMORY. New York City, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545176866

2.      Plot Summary

Beginning with his birth in 1937 in Yokohama, Japan, Allen Say tells his story of his childhood path to becoming an artist.  His mother taught him to read at an early age to keep him home, which lead Allen to find comic books and his love for drawing.  Allen realizes at a young age his father will never approve of his talent and love of art.  World War II causes his family to relocate and eventually separate from each other.  Allen is allowed to live by himself at age twelve if he studies hard in school and gets an education.  All Allen can think about is drawing.  He is inspired by another young artist and sets out to find an artist he has admired for many years asking to be his apprentice.  Famous cartoonist, Noro Shinpei, becomes a “spiritual father” and sensei to young Allen, teaching him techniques and how to achieve his dream of being an artist.  Along with a fellow student, Tokida, Allen learns life lessons of his homeland, art, politics, and how to overcome.  Allen Say eventually moves to America and makes his way as a successful artist. 

3.      Critical Analysis

Allen Say’s picture book memoir, captures what his young life was like before becoming the famous artist he is today.  Readers get a variety of information through the unique design and style of graphic cartoons, photographs with captions, and drawings from memory.  Allen’s style of text written in first person gives readers an experience of what life was like for Allen, being rejected by his father, struggling to find encouragement of his talent, separation from family, and finding a mentor to take him in and support his dream. 

The water color illustrations work with the text to inform readers of Allen Say’s journey.  The sequence of events and arrangement of real life photographs connects readers to Allen’s life.  Children will learn of the determination and work ethic it takes to achieve goals and dreams.  Readers will also be able to relate to what life can be like in a broken home after divorce.  The author’s note at the back gives more information to readers who are wanting more details of his incredible story to success.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Review – “Exquisite drawings, painting, comics, and photographs balance each other perfectly as they illustrate Say’s childhood path to becoming an artist.”

5.      Connections

*Students will create a class timeline of Allen Says journey.  Students will also use the Author’s Note at the back of the book for information.

*Students will record their favorite section of the book with a recording device.  They will choose the section they find the most fascinating. 

"The Right Word" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Bryant, Jen. 2014. THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Books. ISBN 9780802853851

2.      Plot Summary

Peter Roget is the author of one of the most popular reference materials we use today.  After the death of his father, Peter travels with his family to London.  His family moved often, and the shy Peter, had few friends.  He discovers his love of books and learning at a young age, making lists of words and arranging them as he sees fit of everything he learns or encounters.  Peter begins with lists of the Latin and English words his tutor taught him and these lists help him remember what he learned and how to find “the right word” when needed.  “…words, Peter learned, were powerful things.”  As Peter grows up, he continues his lists over his studies of science and even medical school.  Peter travels, practices medicine, and performs lectures of his inventions with scientists, all while writing his list of words.  After several years, Peter decides to publish his book of words he compiled in his youth which becomes a best seller and still used today as the “Thesaurus”. 

3.      Critical Analysis

This picture book biography tells the fascinating story of Peter Roget, the author of the “Thesaurus” which we learn means “treasure home” in Greek.  Jen Bryant became interested in Roget when she accidently picked up a thesaurus by Roget and noticed the words were arranged by concepts and ideas, rather than alphabetically.  Jen provides many resources including an Author’s Note, a timeline of Roget’s life with world events, Bibliography, further reading, sources, and more.  Readers can hear the passion in the words of Bryant’s discovered information about Peter Roget’s life.  The sequence of events leading up to Roget’s publication of the thesaurus connects readers with who Roget was. 

Melissa Sweet uses collages of old botanicals, book covers, vintage papers, water color, type drawers, and mixed media to give readers a visual of how Peter Roget saw words everywhere he went.  Sweet even uses some of Roget’s original pieces in the illustrations that keep readers interested in every detail.  The overall design and style of the illustrations work with the text to give readers more information about how notes were taken in Peter Roget’s everyday life and how he would interpret the world around him by making lists of words.  Readers find themselves studying a page and not wanting to leave it until all has been discovered.  Although the title of this biography has the word “thesaurus” in it, children of all ages will be intrigued by the presentation of Pete Roget’s life and will be excited to research more. 

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Sibert Award

Caldecott Honor – 2015

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers – “Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations.  This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of words.”

5.      Connections

*Students will create their own word lists.  Students will make lists of words in a category, then create a thinking map of how the words are connected. 

*Students will practice using a thesaurus by Roget.

Spot Light! A Schneider Family Book Award Winner....."Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille"