Genre 5: Historical Fiction - Matilda Bone

Bibliographic Information
Cushman, Karen MATILDA BONE.New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0395881560.

Plot and Critical Analysis
Similarly with the lead character in Jip, Matilda is an orphan. Raised by a priest then sent to become the bone setter's apprentice she cannot seem to grasp the different path her life has taken. Praying to Saints to get back to a life of scholarly centered living, cleanliness and riches, Matilda is first to complain at the dirtiness of her new home, all detailed descriptively by Cushman. The senses are given full attention to the sights and smells of "Blood and Bone Alley" and of Matilda's caregiver and her wild red hair. As Matilda learns of her new duties as an apprentice, she also learns more about people, specifically that one does not need an education or to speak Latin to be good at their job or to be a kind person. She also learns that intelligence is measured in different ways and learns that things are not often black and white, but that life is messy, some things are out of an individual's control, and that you must think independently. These lessens occur from her interactions with other characters, all diverse in ability, education, and traits - even accents. They are believable as to the types of people that would be in a town - the pompous educated physician, the fish sellers in the market, and fellow apprentices who befriend Matilda. There are valuable lessons about thinking for oneself and realizing life is uncertain and Matilda's thought process is similar to how many children would begin questioning their surroundings.

Cushman's details to the trade of bone setting is riveting and a little gruesome, which adds elements children will love as well as authenticity towards the medieval practice. There are bone settings, illnesses, struggles of the poor, even a quick surgery on the street, all of which offer details of what medical care for the poor was like at this time. The details included are accurate, but nicely mixed with dialog so children will feel they are reading more fiction than facts of history. Even though this is set in the past, the aspects of growing up that Matilda faces are the same aspects that children of any period have faced. Readers will find commonalities with Matilda, from the simplicity of learning new chores to questioning which adults are truly honorable and dependable.

Awards and Reviews
Parents' Choice Awards - Fiction: 2000
School Library Journal Best Books: 2000
School Library Journal Best Books: 2000

Booklist
Books for Youth, Older Readers: Gr. 6-8. Matilda Bone joins Alyce, the midwife's apprentice, and Catherine called Birdy as Cushman's latest heroine of the Middle Ages. But in this story, setting not character takes precedence. Matilda has lived her 14 years in a manor house where Father Leufredus has taught her Latin and encouraged her fear of going to hell. Now, with the priest off to London, Matilda finds herself in Blood and Bone Alley where, much to her dismay, she's been apprenticed to Peg the Bonesetter. It's a whole new world for Matilda, who spends her time mentally conversing with saints and thinking herself better than those around her, as she begins to learn about healing. Bloodlettings, bone settings, foul remedies, and scary surgeries abound throughout the book, and it's easy to lose track of Matilda's evolution. It's the illness and the healing (and the death) that's the focal point here, not pious, whiny Matilda, who takes an inordinately long time to learn that the dependable, hardworking people she comes in contact with are worth more than the fools and cheaters whose learning she admires. Readers will find much of interest here, but it probably won't be the evolution of Matilda. ((Reviewed August 2000)) -- Ilene Cooper

School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-A fascinating glimpse into the colorful life and times of the 14th century. Orphaned Matilda, 13, has lived the good life in a manor where she was well educated by Father Leufredus. Things change drastically, however, when he abandons her, leaving her to serve as an assistant to a bonesetter in return for food and shelter. Matilda is expected to cook the meals, tend the fire, and generally assist Red Peg. And Peg has her hands full dealing with this self-righteous, pious child who snobbishly sprinkles Latin in her everyday speech and continuously brags about her ability to read and write. Peg, however, allows Matilda time to ponder her new role and teaches her, by example, that kindness and friendship go a long way toward lessening the harshness of life in this small English village. Matilda constantly prays for help, guidance, and deliverance. The saints, and this child knows many, respond with humor and sometimes sound advice. The theology espoused by Matilda is consistent with the time period and Father Leufredus has taught her well. She has no thoughts of her own-only the musing and learning of Father Leufredus. She stiffly withholds herself from all attempts at friendship and kindness, and she feels more and more alone. However, when she meets a kitchen maid who joyfully introduces her to the market square, her eyes slowly open to the world around her. Readers witness her spiritual and emotional growth as she blossoms from a self-centered "nincompoop" to a compassionate, competent assistant. Cushman's character descriptions are spare, with each word carefully chosen to paint wonderful pictures. This humorous, frank look at life in the medical quarters in medieval times shows readers that love and compassion, laughter and companionship, are indeed the best medicine.-Kit Vaughan, Midlothian Middle School, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Connections
Focusing on two very detailed elements such as the medieval times and medicine, Cushman has opened the door for these topics for further investigation. A reader may be more interested in medieval living than bonesetting or find the development of medicine more of interest, but either way, this fiction will lead a reader to nonfiction where facts and true biographies await.

As all children grow into their own personalities, they question the world around them, and question their purpose. While Matilda may focus more on praying to the Saints for guidance, her uncertainty towards her decisions is felt throughout - a commonality many readers will share with this character. This theme of adjusting her beliefs occurs with her ideas of what makes someone educated, religious expectations, and even what makes someone a good person. She must decide if she will believe what she has been taught or believe what she is seeing and experiencing. In the end, Matilda complaining ceases and she finds enjoyment and a sense of belonging in her new life, even as she admits she may not be a bone setter forever, it is good for her life at this point. She still does not know her life's path, but she has learned from her experiences and has made important decisions on her own.

In the Author's note at the end, readers will learn more of medieval medicine and research Cushman came across before writing this story. She is the first to admit that Blood and Bones Alley is a creation and that she found no town resembling this one. That is just one example of how she stays truthful and accurate in her writing. She is well respected in the genre of historical fiction and her other books are listed as well, which may connect a child to other pieces of this genre. Finally, Cushman offers cited text at the end to encourage readers to read facts about this time period and the practice of bone setting.

Similar Readings
The making of a knight: how Sir James earned his armor (Patrick O'Brien): a similar piece of historical fiction set in medieval times, only this is an account focused on a boy entering knighthood.
The puppeteer's apprentice (Anne D. Love): Another story of a young girl being an apprentice. This time, however, it is to fulfill a dream and done by hard work.

Genre 5: Historical Fiction - The Storm in the Barn

Bibliographic Information
Phelan, Matt. THE STORM IN THE BARN. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-07636-36180.

Plot and Critical Analysis
There are multiple storms occurring in this story. First, the story between Jack and his father, who it seems views Jack as a worthless son unable to do anything correctly and one who always messes up. Secondly, is the storm of the town and their survival against the dust. It is a story of the dust bowl, set in Kansas in 1937. The land is dry, it hasn't rained in years, and farms and livelihoods are diminishing. Finally, is the storm to which the title refers. The storm in the barn is a formed entity of the Rain, which has taken on a ghost-like form trapping the thunder in a bag. The Rain has trapped the thunder which keeps the rain from falling, thus the Rain-man figure has gained the worship of the people, which he believes makes him powerful. As Jip tries to make it day to day as a bullied kid, a loving brother, and a son seeking his father's love, he witnesses a strange light blasting from the barn - a nice contrast to the bland, earthly colored illustrations which have been the only visual colors at this time. That leads him to the barn where the rain is hiding.

The setting is given at the beginning and is the only fact actually written out. The remainder of historic elements come though the character's text (discussions about the dust, lack of rain, etc) and the illustrations of this graphic novel. While one of Jip's sisters is sick from the dust, the other has never known rain. This is especially vital to include to get the seriousness across to any reader. Children of any age will be stunned to find out there is a child who does not know what rain is or that people have gone so long without seeing it. This is especially accurate as people did die due to the dust or abandon their farms and move. The dust seems to escape the pages in Phelan's illustrations with most pages being of shades of brown, greys, and blues for the ground, houses, and clothing. The few exceptions are the rain (a bolder blue) and whenever stories are told or memories of an earlier time are shared - color then enters the illustrations with bright yellows, greens, and reds indicating a time of life and happiness.

This graphic novel is historical fiction for the theme of the dust bowl and how it changed people's lives. The farm life is portrayed by clothes, worries of work and family, and the everyday problems of a child being picked on at school. Readers will relate to the family life portrayed in this book or perhaps, the lack of self-worth Jack feels both from his peers and his father. The farmers are not portrayed as ignorant;however, many are superstitious and one wonders if this idea of the Rain as a thinking and speaking figure was created by other superstition or the author. It is a nice story for at the end Jack battles the Rain and releases the thunder, both releasing the rain over the town and releasing the cloud of stress over his father.

Awards and Reviews
ALA Notable Children's Books - Middle Readers Category: 2010
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Middle Readers Category: 2009
Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens: 2010

School Library Journal
Starred Review. It is 1937 in Kansas, during the Dust Bowl, and 11-year-old Jack can barely remember a world with plentiful water and crops. Unable to help his father with a harvest that isn’t there, and bullied by the other boys his age, he feels like a useless baby. Stories offer a refuge, and there are multiple stories in this work. Jack’s mother tells about the time when the land was a fertile “paradise.” Jack’s invalid sister, Dorothy, is readingThe Wizard of Oz , gaining inspiration from the adventures of another Kansan of the same name. Jack’s friend comforts him with folktales about a brave man named Jack who masters nature, battling the King of the West Wind, the King of Blizzards, and the King of the Northeast Winds. In the end, Phelan turns the Dust Bowl into another one of Ernie’s “Jack” tales when the real Jack encounters the Storm King in an abandoned barn and finds out that he has been holding back the rain. The boy must then gather the strength to determine his own narrative, as well as his parched town’s future. Children can read this as a work of historical fiction, a piece of folklore, a scary story, a graphic novel, or all four. Written with simple, direct language, it’s an almost wordless book: the illustrations’ shadowy grays and blurry lines eloquently depict the haze of the dust. A complex but accessible and fascinating book. –Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY --Lisa Goldstein (Reviewed September 1, 2009) (School Library Journal, vol 55, issue 9, p190)

Publishers Weekly
Set during the 1930s, when Kansas farmers tried to survive during a terrible drought, this graphic novel for younger readers shows a boy discovering that he can save his family by bringing back the rain. Jack Clark is a shy 11-year-old whose father thinks he's useless at practical chores. The boy is not used to having any responsibilities, so when he sees a dark figure lurking in an abandoned barn near their house, he doesn't want to do anything about it. He'd rather chalk it up to “dust dementia,” until he realizes that the brooding shape is the rain, which has withdrawn from the land so that people will yearn for it until they are willing to worship it as a god. What Jack does next won't surprise readers who've seen countless puny but plucky heroes in juvenile fiction. The big novelty here is the Dust Bowl setting, and Phelan's art emphasizes the swirling, billowing clouds of fine grit that obscure even nearby objects. Older readers might have appreciated more text to make up for the lack of visual clarity, but kids will identify with Jack and appreciate his success. (Sept.) --Staff (Reviewed August 17, 2009) (Publishers Weekly, vol 256, issue 33, p51)

Connections
Portraying historical fiction in the format of a graphic novel is a great way to connect an ignored genre of literature with a growing trend (graphic novels). By making a story focused on a part of history into a vivid, illustrative text, children who read graphic novels may be exposed to historical fiction and those that read historical fiction may be exposed to the graphic novel. Anytime genres mix, the results will be the introduction to something new. This could lead to children or teens taking an element of history and not only creating a story from it, but creating some art as well.

Probably most children do not focus on the dust bowl when it comes to history. There are other parts that are much more exciting: war, discoverers, natural disasters. Yet, Phelan's story will grab anyone's attention based on this idea of the Rain retaliating against mankind. Also, the illustrations of the Rain are a bit frightening with his skeletal features which older children will enjoy. The hardships are exhibited more through the illustrations than the text, but I do not see this as a negative aspect. In fact, I think the story being mostly visual would assist in bringing other younger readers to this genre of historical fiction - a task that has proven challenging in the past.

Similar Readings
The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale (Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Robert Papp): A story of historical fiction of a brother who accompanies his last brother to battle in an effort to protect him even though he is younger and the bugler. Also, a graphic novel historical fiction.
Life in the Dust Bowl (Sally Senzell Isaacs): An informational text about the hardships of the dust bowl and how families survived.

Genre 5: Historical Fiction - Jip

Bibliographic Information
Peterson, Katherine. JIP: HIS STORY. New York, NY: Puffin. ISBN: 979-0142404118.

Plot and Critical Analysis
Jip, an orphan who fell off a wagon in Vermont as a toddler, now lives on a farm for the poor, orphaned, and abandoned of his town. As more people come to live on the farm “the lunatic” joins them to an unfriendly greeting. All but Jip, who takes the lunatic Put, could care less about this man, but Jip takes him on as another creature on the barn to care for and then later, a friendship blooms when Put is in good spirits. As Jip faces questions meant for older people he has to face the cruelness of humanity at a very young age. As the year continues, Jip learns more about people and their cruelty and kindess. Any reader will probably have faced similar hardships as Jip up to this point in the story. This will help the reader relate to Jip so that when the plot twists they may be as confused as Jip about his circumstances, where to go, or how this new revelation could occur. This is especially true with a truth is revealed to Jim, which leads him on a journey away from the only home he has known for his own survival. As Jip processes his fate, the questions he asks and personal doubts he faces are believable to a child his age.

As Jip’s story unravels, the reader will face psychoses, drunkenness, slavery and prejudice, and death. It takes place before the Civil War and although it is set in the north, the issues of slavery and people as "property" take over the plot. It begins fairly upbeat with friendship developing in the lease expected places, a teacher supporting a student, and the creation of families; however from the climax through the ending, children will have lots of questions with this storyline – especially when it comes to the makeup of DNA. The friendship between Jip and Put develops throughout the story, resulting in each choosing to protect and help the other over their own needs and survival. The authenticity of the slave catchers, and their cruelty, is both raw and very real.

Historically speaking, the topic of slavery, slave catchers, and the underground railroad is fairly accurate. The cruelty and focus on capture takes priority over human decency and kindness. The people that are against this practice are the town's educator and a family of Quakers. True to the beliefs of Quakers, their representation throughout this novel is of compassion and helpfulness. The epilogue continues to story a few years later to where Jip is returning to America to fight in the Civil War for the freedom of others, which helps show the reader that one should always fight for what is right.

Awards and Reviews
ALA Notable Children's Books: 1997
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 1996
Parents' Choice Awards - Story Books: 1996
Parents' Choice Awards - Story Books: 1999
School Library Journal Best Books: 1996
School Library Journal Best Books: 1996
Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 1997

Publishers Weekly
Abandoned as an infant, Jip West accepts his grim fate on a Vermont poor farm without question until a series of disturbing events changes his beliefs about himself and the people around him. The turning point occurs when, in the year 1855, Jip (who has a gift for "handling beasts and residents") becomes caretaker of a lunatic brought to the farm. The boy's growing friendship with the mysterious, moody man called Put coincides with Jip's discovery that his mother was a runaway slave. Tension mounts when Jip's biological father, the master of a Southern plantation, arrives to retrieve his "property." Like Paterson's Newbery-winning Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved, this historically accurate story is full of revelations and surprises, one of which is the return appearance of the heroine of Lyddie. While Jip's concerns provide insight into 19th-century society, his yearnings for freedom and knowledge are timeless. The taut, extremely readable narrative and its tender depictions of friendship and loyalty provide first-rate entertainment. Ages 10-14. (Oct.)

Kirkus Reviews
Starred Review. Set in the 1850s, this story centers on a boy named for his supposed abandonment by gypsies and for his swarthy complexion. Jip lives on the local poor farm, doing chores and caring for the animals. He befriends a caged lunatic, "Put"; a menacing stranger appears who inquires about Jip's background and turns the boy's life upside down. As he straggles to find answers, he is given the opportunity to attend school and is befriended by the teacher, whom readers will recognize from Lyddie (1991), and her Quaker sweetheart. Through this friendship, Jip is able to face his ancestry and the fact that he must escape or suffer dire consequences. As usual for Paterson, all the characterizations are penetrating--even the villains are interesting. An epilogue lets readers in on Jip's success in reaching Canada and his decisions as the Civil War begins. Unfortunately, the ending is abrupt: Put is sacrificed, and it is not clear what lesson Jip derives from putting his friend in harm's way. Regardless, this is fine historical fiction. (Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1996)

Connections
Even after finishing JIP, I was still thinking about the story. Any reader, especially a young one who has only begun learning or witnessing prejudice (be it racial or to the disabled), will be left feeling personally connected to the characters of Jip and Put. It is real, tragic, and at times upsetting for both the treatment towards Jip and the demise of Put. By covering this topic in a fictional sense, the reader is drawn into the world of the characters and forgets that this did occur in our history. This will most likely lead young readers to inquire to the underground railroad or how humanity could allow the practice of one human "owning" another. The writing is believable as are the elements of farm life, school life, and the language spoken by the Quakers. It then opens to discussion to slave traders, slavery in general, the division in the United States on their tolerance towards it, and even the biological facts of biracial children.

The setting is detailed and believable whether it's describing a farm in Vermont, a creek in the woods, or the details in the smell of a filthy Put in a state of madness. It is not until two thirds into the book that the reader is fully aware of Jip's situation. The topics of the underground railroad, slave catchers, and biracial children - who were viewed as property and slaves - are realistically addressed for this age group and offer details and facts to introduce any child to these topics authentically. Towards the end, the tone takes on a more serious and emotional turn than the beginning of a simple story about a boy on a farm. Any reader will be left thinking about the circumstances during the 1850s in our country and slavery, and their own morals. The theme shows children that not only can they, at a young age, do what is right and be kind to those less fortunate, but that they should grow up standing for what is right. In the 1850s women did not have a say, nor did African Americans, yet it is Jip's female teacher who is one of the strongest characters, along with Jip, in this story.

Similar Readings
Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad (Marlene Targ Brill): It continues the themes of both the Quaker involvement in the underground railroad and the freeing of slaves.
From Midnight to Dawn: the Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad (Jacqueline L. Tobin): Offers a history of the underground railroad, both its creators and the people it freed.

Genre 4: Informational Books - Penguins

Bibliographic Information
Simon, Seymour. PENGUINS. New York,NY: Harper Collins. ISBN:978-0064462211

Plot and Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon, one of the most respected authors for children's science books, offers an inside look at penguins and their habitat. In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute, this book provides an accurate look into how penguins live and offer basic facts of the birds that can't fly. With both the reputation of Mr. Simon and the Smithsonian Institute, any parent or teacher knows this is a trustworthy source with information that children can cite as well as know its accurate. Different penguin species are addressed, offering brief introductions and photos of each in an easily readable layout as a new species or topic occurs with the turning of each page. The similarities among the 17 species are addressed as well as their differences, but only a few get multi-page spreads. Details such as how penguins attract their mate, the differences among species, and the importance of a penguin's call are addressed. There are photos identifying each species, penguin's habitats, and examples of penguin behavior. Each set of pages offer information about a species type on one page with a corresponding picture on the other page so that listeners can recognize the penguin they are learning about. The text is written in clear sentences with humorous facts as well as basic information and the addition of both a glossary and index can assist the reader as well.

The photographs provided by numerous photographers are clear images. Some are of penguins on land, others in water. Some are taken in the sun while others are in harsher elements such as snowstorms. The variety of photographs truly grasp the lifestyle and habits of these animals. Each photograph is up close to the penguin(s) so that readers can truly view these birds. Also, by being so clear and up close, readers can recognize the differences between species which goes along with the message of the text. Children will delight in the fluffy newborn penguin photos, but parents be warned - the page dealing with predators offers the visual of a dead penguin. All in all, the photographs are just as significant as the text of this book as most children, and even adults, have never come across a penguin other than at a zoo.

Awards and Reviews
Seymour Simon is the recipient of:
The Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books
Empire State Award
Jeremiah Ludington Award

School Library Journal
In his signature photo-essay format with appealing full-page color photographs, Simon provides a broad overview of Antarctic penguins' physical characteristics and behavior. Mating, egg laying, and care of the young are described, as are the animal predators and human factors that threaten the survival of penguins. A few species—emperor, king, gentoo, macaroni, Adélie—each get an individual page of description. Readers will find more detailed information in Laurence Pringle's Penguins! Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2007) and in several of the many other books available on this popular animal, but Simon's photographs are eye-catching. A serviceable introduction that will have familiarity for the author's many fans.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston --Margaret Bush (Reviewed October 1, 2007) (School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 10, p140)

Kirkus Reviews
Striking color photographs, often filling a page or more, distinguish this addition to the extensive literature about penguins. Six different species are shown close up and in their natural habitat. The well-organized text describes where these appealing birds live; how they walk, feed and swim; their mating and chick-rearing; and predators, before going on to distinguish among the species and summarize modern threats. Direct references to the pictures on the facing page make this content easy for the youngest reader or listener to follow, although they may be confused by the statement that Gentoo penguins' orange bill "sets them apart from other penguins" when the species illustrated before and after that page are also shown with orange bills. The author of more than 200 books for young readers, Simon packs a great deal of information into his relatively simple, smooth writing. There is no map but the end matter includes a glossary, index and suggestions for further reading, including websites about penguins and the Smithsonian, as well as other titles by the author. (Nonfiction. 4-7) (Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2007)

Connections
Any informational book offers an educational opportunity. In the case of this book, children could go on to read about other birds or even aquatic animals to compare and contrast a penguin to each. As the penguin lives part of the time in water and is a bird, that cannot fly, a child could look into how traits vary from other mammals as well as birds that fly. As there are also numerous picture books about penguins, this nonfiction source could be beneficial to share with a younger audience just for brief facts and real life photographs of their recognized fictitious characters, such as Tacky the Penguin. With learning about one animal, there can always be the connection to study other animals, climates, or how humans influence the world of animals, and how it is important to care for other living creatures.

Similar Readings:
Killer Whales (Seymour Simon): Another Simon and Smithsonian partnership, but this one about whales.
My season with penguins: an Antarctic journal (Sophie Webb): For those interested in penguins, they may enjoy this book on a woman's experience living among penguins for two months.

Genre 4: Social Histories - Our Eleanor

Bibliographic Information
Fleming, Candace. OUR ELEANOR: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ELEANOR ROOSEVELT'S REMARKABLE LIFE. New York,NY: Atheneum books for Young Readers. ISBN:978-0689865442.

Plot and Critical Analysis
Beginning with a diagram of the Roosevelt Family, this informational book is filled with personal details of Eleanor's life, historic facts of her upbringing, information on how she became Mrs. Roosevelt, and the work she did in her lifetime. It addresses her time before becoming first lady through her productive years all the way to her death. It is clearly written with facts and personal accounts alike. The visual elements range from family photos, diary entries, newspaper photos and articles. Its layout resembling a scrapbook allows visual breaks from text, diversity among the pages, and divided passages which would allow a young reader an obvious stopping point for a reading session. The design is very appealing and it provides a variety of primary resources which would be a great example for children in the method of researching. These sources not only correspond to the text, but add a much more personal feel so that any reader will see an intimate look into her life. In the back are source notes, suggested reading, picture credits and an index.

The length and details suggest this book is for older children and perhaps adults who want a introductory look into the life of this first lady. The language used is appropriate for an informational source of both life details as well as historical events. In fact, this is a great book to read out loud as there are brief summaries of topics which offer details in a short informative synopsis. Of high significance is the overall tone of this book. It portrays Eleanor Roosevelt in such a respected light, far above the previous first ladies, covering her struggles in childhood of loneliness to her determination and sense of service into her adulthood.

Awards and Reviews
ALA Notable Children's Books, Older Readers Category: 2006
School Library Journal Best Books: 2005
School Library Journal Best Books: 2005

School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 4-8–This presentation does for the longest-serving First Lady what Russell Freedman's Lincoln: A Photobiography (Clarion, 1987) did for an earlier inhabitant of the White House. While the arrangement is chronological from Roosevelt's parents' marriage to her own death, the narrative is not linear per se. Rather, each of the seven chapters leads readers through the subject's busy life with short sections of text filled with well-documented first-person accounts and direct quotes. Much of the story is told within the meaty sidebars covering supporting perspectives, enlightening details, and amusing anecdotes. Fleming is honest, respectful, and astute throughout, addressing both successes and controversies with balance (not to mention with candor, as when she approaches the issue of Eleanor's sexuality with the statement Was She or Wasn't She?). Not a spread goes by without incredible archival photographs or reproductions, newspaper and magazine clippings, handwritten letters, and diary entries. Many of them have never been published in a book for young people, and they all provide relevant and fascinating insight. The title suggests an intimacy between reader and subject, which is strengthened by a design suggesting a family album. Pages are jam-packed with information in varying fonts and formats, yet still manage to remain clearly and logically laid out. Basic research tools include a time line, family tree, and extensive source notes. Enjoyably educational, Our Eleanor will be a core title in all collections for years to come.–Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL


Booklist
Gr. 6-9. As in Fleming's Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life (2003), which was a 2004 Booklist Top 10 Biography, this takes a pastiche approach to humanizing a legendary life. Through anecdotes and archival photos drawn from an assortment of sources, Fleming invites readers into a camaraderie with the timid, neglected little girl who grew up to become the woman many nicknamed "copresident," and whose flouting of accepted gender roles earned her admiration and ridicule in equal measure. The details of Roosevelt's life are certainly riveting; however, Fleming's jigsaw-puzzle approach is probably best suited for use in conjunction with more traditional narratives, such as Russell Freedman's Newbery Honor Book Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (1993). In terms of Roosevelt's sexuality, for instance, the frank details about Roosevelt's bonds with known lesbians appear 15 pages before a segment that asks "Was She Or Wasn't She?" (Answer: who knows?)--a structural choice that seems to encourage assumptions rather than heading them off. That said, a broad audience, including many adults, will be intrigued by the volume's photo-album immediacy. Those eager to gain perspectives from other biographers may be frustrated by a list of related books primarily geared to younger children, although multimedia resources and exhaustive source notes offer plenty of opportunities to extend this intimate, unvarnished, and ultimately deeply moving portrait. Jennifer Mattson

Connections
One of the reasons I have always admired Eleanor Roosevelt is because of her focus on equality and sense of humanity. She was an advocate for equal rights, equal pay for female workers, and worked to improve the lives of others through an improvement in public housing and welfare. In her writings, some of which are shared in this source, a reader can see how the most basic of courtesies can become an important aspect in life when you witness people not being given the same respect as others. I think for any child reading a book on the Roosevelts, Civil Rights activists, or a book focused on people striving to be kind to others provides an important opportunity for the reader to connect literature to their own lives. Eleanor Roosevelt was a compassionate writer and a compassionate person and hopefully for girls especially, it will show that how someone acts and the kindess they offer is far superior to any superficial element of attractiveness. Reading about a woman who began life with a sad and lonely childhood to later live as one of America's most respected first ladies is inspiring for any young girl. Readers may then like to learn more about first ladies, parts of the world, equal rights issues,the depression, war, or any of the events that were so positively influenced by the actions of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Similar Readings:
With courage and cloth: winning the fight for a woman's right to vote (Ann Bausum): Focuses on woman's roles for another battle of equality - the right to vote.

Abigail Adams: first lady (Janet Hubbard Brown): Offering the details of the life of another influential first lady.

Genre 4: Informational Books- An American Plague

Bibliographic Information
Murphy, Jim. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0395776087

Plot and Critical Analysis
As the title states, this is about the Yellow Fever epidemic that swept through the country in 1793. Mr. Murphy is an award winning author for other works of juvenile nonfiction and judging by this example of his work it is clear why he is so respected. He can deliver facts in a clear and informative way as well as add supporting details which any reader is likely to remember. His focus on the plague reads as clearly and entertainingly as a novel, which guarantees the reader will likely remember its details which educate and inform. It begins with the chapter, "No One Noticed" of the early stages of the plague then goes through the fear and aftermath of this epidemic. By choosing the social history type of format, he has included primary documents such as journal entries, newspaper articles, and photographs, which assists in personalizing this part of American history. The facts of the early days of the epidemic immediately focus on the topic while having diary entries offer a factual sense of fear, and not one created by the author. The imaginative responses do not appear, but instead when an emotional reaction is offered, it is from a primary source. This helps the reader understand the real-life element to this book and not an overly dramatic piece of entertainment. These personal accounts are even more personal as they appear in the writer's hand or are next to the writer's photograph. For example, when the entries focus on the constant sound of the church bell (signifying another death) even over a terrible storm, the reader can understand how haunting the sounds were felt by the townspeople.

Anyone reading this book could do it in one sitting as it's clearly outlined in a chronological sequence and, to many, an unknown part of history which would draw them into the text even further. The chapters are brief with many visual aspects and photographs included to keep someone reading into the next chapter. It is very readable with facts easy to remember and personal accounts difficult to forget.
While reading, I would imagine a child would wonder what they would have felt like during this confusion and hysteria. It is not difficult to get deep into the details of this disaster. It is clearly written with enough death and mystery to attract children who are developing their critical thinking skills and have probably seen some sadness and death in their own lives.

Awards and Reviews
ALA Notable Children's Books: 2004
Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards: Nonfiction
NCTE Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Award
Newbery Honor Books: 2004
Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal
School Library Journal Best Books: 2003
Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable Information Book Award
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2004

School Library Journal
Grade 6-10-If surviving the first 20 years of a new nationhood weren't challenge enough, the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, centering in Philadelphia, was a crisis of monumental proportions. Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories, beginning with the fever's emergence on August 3, when a young French sailor died in Richard Denny's boardinghouse on North Water Street. As church bells rang more and more often, it became horrifyingly clear that the de facto capital was being ravaged by an unknown killer. Largely unsung heroes emerged, most notably the Free African Society, whose members were mistakenly assumed to be immune and volunteered en masse to perform nursing and custodial care for the dying. Black-and-white reproductions of period art, coupled with chapter headings that face full-page copies of newspaper articles of the time, help bring this dreadful episode to life. An afterword explains the yellow fever phenomenon, its causes, and contemporary outbreaks, and source notes are extensive and interesting. Pair this work with Laurie Halse Anderson's wonderful novel Fever 1793 (S & S, 2000) and you'll have students hooked on history.
Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
Gr. 6-12. History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago. Drawing on firsthand accounts, medical and non-medical, Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures. With archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead, and full, chatty source notes, he tells of those who fled and those who stayed--among them, the heroic group of free blacks who nursed the ill and were later vilified for their work. Some readers may skip the daily details of life in eighteenth-century Philadelphia; in fact, the most interesting chapters discuss what is now known of the tiny fever-carrying mosquito and the problems created by over-zealous use of pesticides. The current struggle to contain the SARS epidemic brings the "unshakeable unease" chillingly close. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Connections
Being an informational book, the facts included explain and answer many questions before a reader could ask them. The details included are helpful in reminding the reader of the time period and what was (and was not) available to the doctors and scientists of the late 1700's. This leads the reader to realize how science and medicine are an ever-evolving discovery. The conclusion is that there have been over 150 years of numerous yellow fever outbreaks in this country. It also mentions the treatments and further developments, such as DDT, but the result is that there is still no cure for yellow fever and that it most likely will have another outbreak.

This book could also help a child learn how science and medicine does progress and that sometimes it is better to look for reasoning and facts instead of being influenced by mass hysteria, such as thinking smoking a cigar or chewing garlic would keep someone from not getting the illness. Also included is an index, a bibliography, and many visual aids which will assist any child who needs to refer to an earlier passage or return to it in multiple reads. This will be made easier by the table of contents, index, and 13 pages of sources.

Similar Readings
Pandemics: epidemics in a shrinking world (Miriam Segall): Addresses other epidemics, in a modern world, and how doctors and technology helps to detect, treat, and prevent communicable diseases.
When plague strikes: the Black Death, smallpox, AIDS (James Cross Giblin): Focuses on various health crises of the past and in the present world, could offer a source exhibiting the growth and progress of medicine from each epidemic to the next.

Genre 3, Poetry Books: Something on My Mind

(Amazon)

Bibliographic Information
Grimes, Nikki. 1978. SOMETHING ON MY MIND. Ill. by Tom Feelings. New York, New York: Dial books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0803702736.

Plot and Critical Analysis
Each poem is from a different point of view, yet all seem to be from the same neighborhood, the same feeling, and the same feelings of isolation. While a few focus on friends and belonging, most poems long for an unknown place or missing person. Some are hopeful and some seem to already have given up and are accepting to circumstances - poor, ignored, alone. Short and brief, each poem seems more of a diary entry, something one wouldn't want to share, but something that expresses one's most inner thoughts and doubts. It is a brief collection, but leaves the reader feeling sad for each child speaking the poems. Even the few happy ones have elements of sadness: missing someone, realizing youth has an end.

The text of each poem is different, as if spoken by a different child. There is no set rhyme or rhythm, which actually leads to the feeling of it as a collection of children's thoughts. There are common elements in both the words and Feelings illustrations - neighborhood, loneliness, impatience. The emotion is high. Even if the poems aren't meant to evoke empathy, they do as one can not ignore the abandonment felt by many children who live with hardships. Tom Feelings illustrations are personal, simple, touching, and depressing. Eyes appear to be glazed over or looking away from the reader, supporting the words "waiting", "lonely" and sadness as they appear throughout the text. His illustrations are a bit haunting, but even without the illustrations, the reader can feel each child definitely has something on his/her mind. While it may not be a recognized award winner, Something on my Mind should easily be considered a classic for the insights into a community it offers as well as showing common feelings of childhood that many children may be able to relate.

Awards and Reviews
Coretta Scott King Award

Publisher's Weekly:
...the artist and the lyricist couldn't reveal the thoughts of the boys and girls here more acutely if they were inside their subjects' skins."
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

There were no available reviews from NoveList through Ebscohost, Nikki Grimes' website, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.com other than what is already mentioned.

Connections
Poetry can be simple truths and exhibit honest feelings. These poems are very personal about life, childhood, and waiting for the future. If teachers or parents wanted to encourage written exploration to their children, then this book would easily help to not only encourage a child's writing, but also encourage children to share their own feelings of isolation and confusion of the world. Even the illustrations themselves could show a new art form to children. The simplicity of pencil or charcoal on paper in a world of cable television and over-stimulation could offer a refreshing, yet simple form of expression as well as a new outlet to any child or adolescent.

Similar Readings
Bronzeville Boys and Girls (Gwendolyn Brooks): Similar poetry about neighborhoods, childhood experiences, and similar illustrations in the original print.
Daydreams (Tom Feelings): A continuation with the dreaming of childhood and illustrations by Feelings, but also an example to show the illustrator turned poet in these poems of daydreamers.