Genre Four - Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082.

PLOT SUMMARY:
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793 is the true story of an outbreak of yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia in 1793. The residents of Philadelphia are becoming ill and no one knows why. While many people fled the city to avoid the illness, half of those who remained died from the disease. George Washington was one of those who fled the city (then the capital of the United States) and this act caused a constitutional crisis. It details the events that occurred in Philadelphia during the epidemic including the role free blacks played in tending to those who were sick. Jim Murphy tells this horrific tale in gory detail that leaves nothing to the imagination. Anyone interested in American History or science will love this story.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The story of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia is told through a progression of events that leads the reader through the first year of the disease. Each chapter begins with a newspaper article or other primary source of information on the opposite page of the chapter’s text and a quote from the era is also included. This gives readers a taste of what the chapter is about and makes the readers eager to continue reading.

This book is filled with drawings, sketches, newspaper clippings, and other artifacts from historical societies and other sources to allow the reader to know that this was a real event in our past. Mr. Murphy has done an immense amount of research as shown in his extensive list of sources and acknowledgements. Famous historical figures, such as George Washington are mentioned in the book as well as regular people.

Historically accurate, the gruesome details provided about the tolls of the disease, allow the reader to experience what life was like in the 1700’s before sanitary and medical advances were made. Murphy not only does his research on historical events but also in the medical field. The last chapter of the book provides suggestions about how the disease began and was spread. He explains how mosquitoes were eventually identified as the culprit.

This book is great for young as well as older adults. As a U.S. History teacher I will be sure to add this book to my collection of ancillary teaching tools. I recommend this book to history lovers as well as science enthusiasts alike.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Publishers Weekly
"Leisurely, lyrical tone...Murphy injects the events with immediacy...archival photographs...bring the story to life...comprehensive history."

School Library Journal Starred
"solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history."

The Washington Post
"Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy."

2003 National Book Award Finalist

2004 Newberry Honor Book

2004 The Robert F. Sibert Medal

2004 ALA Best Book for Young Adults

2004 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies

2004 Orbis Pictus Award

CONNECTIONS:
Use as a tool for teaching the concepts of primary and secondary sources.
Use as a reading extension in American History.
Have students create a timeline of the book.
Students can publish their own newspaper about the events of 1793.
For science class, students can read this book and study the spread of disease through mosquitoes.

Genre Four - Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Montgomery, Sy. 2006. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. Ill. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618496416.

PLOT SUMMARY:
Most people have never heard of the Matschie’s tree kangaroo and even fewer know that they are an endangered animal. Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop team up to change that in QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUT FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. With beautiful full color photos by Bishop, Montgomery writes the story of a scientific expedition to New Guinea to study this little known animal. Montgomery, Bishop, and a team of scientists led by Lisa Dabek travel to the cloud forests of New Guinea in order to find Matschie’s tree kangaroos. Their goal is to capture the animals, attach a radio collar, and release them back into the wild. Their journey is long and sometimes treacherous but in the end the payoffs are huge.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
In her quest for the tree kangaroo, scientist Lisa Dabek must travel to the cloud forest of New Guinea, climb a mountain, and brave the elements just in the hopes of seeing one. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA is the story of this journey accompanied by full color photograph of the expedition. Sy Montgomery gives a detailed account of the scientific journey and explains the flora and fauna that is encountered along the way. There is glossary provided to define unknown words that were heard from the natives of New Guinea. There are also resources provided that allows readers to further their knowledge about the tree kangaroo that includes websites. In addition to the story of the search for the tree kangaroo, there is information about conservation that everyone can follow and even tips for kids who are interested in science.

Nic Bishop’s color photos capture the journey and people involved. Along with breathtaking views of the landscape of the cloud forest, he shows us the plants, animals, and natives of New Guinea. Each picture has a caption that describes who or what is portrayed. Every aspect of the trip has been documented including the plane trip. Of course there are pictures of the tree kangaroo both in the wild and in the lab during scientific study. A picture of each of the members of the expedition is also in the book. A color map of New Guinea is shown at the beginning of the book to aid readers in the location of the area. The glossy pages and color photographs make this book appealing to young readers as well as adults. Many of the pages have a watercolor background of the trees and leaves of the cloud forest. Even readers who have never hear of the tree kangaroo will be attracted to this beautiful book and will enjoy following the scientists in their journey.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
2007 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
2007 Orbis Pictus Award
2007 ALA Notable Book for Children
2007 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children
2006 John Burroughs Honor List of Nature Books for Children
2006 Boston Authors Club Finalist
2006 ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Bishop's photographs, shots of the expedition members, striking close-ups of flora and fauna including the sought-for kangaroo and lush, green cloud forest scenes, are beautifully reproduced. From the maps in front to the concluding suggestions for young enthusiasts, information about the language, and index, this is another commendable title from an experienced team.”

Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
“Another beautifully illustrated entry in the Scientists in the field series... Montgomery gives a chronological, sometimes moment-by-moment account of the challenging climb into the remote cloud forest...[giving] an unusually strong, visceral sense of the work and cooperation fieldwork entails and the scope and uniqueness of this particular mission...As usual, Bishop's color photographs are exemplary and extend the excitement in close-ups of creatures and of the team at work.”

CONNECTIONS:
This book is a great resource for science classes studying endangered species.
It is also a resource for the study of conservation and ecology.
Other books in the Scientists in the Field Series include:
The Tarantula Scientist
The Bug Scientists
Hidden Worlds
The Woods Scientist
Looking for Life in the Universe
Secrets of Sound
Digging for Bird-Dinosaurs
Swimming with Hammerhead Sharks
Anthropologist
The Wildlife Detectives
Once a Wolf
The Snake Scientist

Genre Four - Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Simon, Seymour. 1997. STRANGE MYSTERIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. New York: A Beech Tree Paperback Book. ISBN 0688146376.

PLOT SUMMARY:
In STRANGE MYSTERIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, Seymour Simon examines nine different unexplained phenomena that continue to have people perplexed and searching for answers. A background of each mystery is provided as well as evidence from the event. Some of the mysteries examined are a Native American crystal skull that people think is possessed and a suspected atomic explosion in Siberia in 1908. Mr. Simon offers explanations that have been considered by experts but ultimately allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the unexplained events.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
There are nine strange phenomena explained in STRANGE MYSTERIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Mr. Simon does a good job explaining the background information on each event and provides primary source evidence from the time. He offers the explanations given by experts and leaves the mystery open to further analysis. Each of the nine chapters is short which allows readers to “complete” a mystery in one sitting. This book can be read straight through or readers can pick and choose stories they read. This aspect is wonderful for readers who will feel successful by reading an entire story in only one chapter without having to complete an entire book. The title of the book has an intrigue that may lure readers to exploring and eventually enjoying this book of non practice.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal
"Sure to whet the appetites of mystery fans."

Booklist
"Will help in attracting reluctant readers."

CONNECTIONS:
Use this book to encourage reluctant readers to enjoy books.
Have students do a creative writing assignment by “solving” a mystery from the book.
Use the stories and their sources to teach the difference between primary and secondary sources.

Genre Three - Poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Sones, Sonya. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. 2004. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205.

PLOT SUMMARY:
In ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES, 15 year old Ruby tells her story about moving across the country to live with a father she has never met. After her mother dies from cancer, Ruby must live with her movie star father that she despises because he divorced her mother before she was born. Through poetry and e-mails, Ruby pines for her home, family, friends, and boyfriend. As hard as she tries to hate Hollywood and her father, she slowly warms up to both. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES is a story about loss, love, and finding family where you least expect it.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Sonya Sones has captured the essence of a teenage girl in the form of free verse poetry. This story of young angst covers topics such as dealing with the death of a parent, first love, best friends, betrayal, unfamiliar situations, and homosexuality. Teenage girls can easily identify with issues portrayed in the story. Even those who have not lost a parent to death has been betrayed by a close friend or lost their first love. The main character, Ruby, experiences these things and the reader sees her pain and grief and ultimately how she comes to term with them.

Although Ruby’s reasons for moving to California are unique, her feelings toward her father are not new to teenagers. Many young people come from broken homes and have a less than perfect relationship with their parents. This book explores how it is possible that there is another side of the story to explore and things are not always as they seem.

Ms. Sones writes as if she is a teenage girl herself experiencing the most difficult time of her life. Any teenager, but especially girls will love this book of free verse poetry. From the moment they read the title until the last page, readers will clamor for more.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Booklist (starred review)
“A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

School Library Journal (starred review)
“It’s solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one’s own happiness…Ruby’s story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable.”

Publisher’s Weekly
“Ruby’s voice conveys genuine emotion.”

Bookpage
“Sonya Sones is one of the leading practitioners of the novel in verse for young adult readers, and readers will enjoy this new book every bit as much as her previous novel, What My Mother Doesn't Know, a huge hit with teens.”

American Library Association 2005 Best Book for Young Adults

Society of School Librarians International 2004 Honor Book

CONNECTIONS:
Use this book as an example that poetry does not always have to follow a certain formula.

Suggest this book to reluctant readers.

Have students predict what will happen at the end of the story.

Have students write their own free verse poem about any subject they choose. Use the style of Sonya Sones as a guide.

Genre Three - Poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Grimes, Nikki. IT’S RAINNING LAUGHTER. Photos by Myles C. Pinkney. 1997. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803720033.

PLOT SUMMARY:
IT’S RAINING LAUGHTER is a collection of only a dozen poems but is numerous in the good feelings it inspires in children. Accompanied by full color photos by Myles C. Pinkney of African-American children, this book brings joy to its readers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Nikki Grimes has written happiness and celebration into poetry that sings on each and every page. Children will love the easy to read and understand poems that speak to their daily lives. African-American children will particularly identify with the names used and the photos but all children will relate to the everyday fun in this book.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal
“Full-color photographs of African-American children at work and play are placed on pastel-shaded pages that convey all the exuberance and delight of the selections. A harmonious blend of words and pictures.”

CONNECTIONS:
Young students can write their own poems about things that make them happy.

Elementary students can bring photos from home that demonstrate their own lives in happy moments or even that illustrate a poem from the book.

Middle school students or older elementary aged students can use digital cameras to take photos of their classmates in joyous situations and write poems to explain the pictures.

Genre Three - Poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Prelutsky, Jack. A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN. Ill. by James Stevenson. 1996. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0688132359.

PLOT SUMMARY:
A book written to be read aloud, A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN is filled with poems children of all ages will love. Jack Prelutsky writes rhyming poetry about whimsical topics that are humorous, entertaining, and often has a surprise ending. He also writes “outside the box” by writing in circles, backwards, and even in a triangle. James Stevenson provides simple black and white drawings to complement each poem. From the moment one reads the title, you know you’re in for a treat.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN is a wonderful tool to use to teach children of all ages poetry or even just general reading skills. This fun and witty collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky grabs the attention of readers beginning with the title of the book, continues until the last page and James Stevenson adds a bit of whimsy with his drawings. Silliness is used in all of the poems. Anticipation builds in each poem as the reader waits find out what the ending will reveal and possibly what shape the poem will take on the next page. Anyone who reads this book will be laughing out loud possibly because he or she sees herself in the poetry.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal (starred review)
"This book should be required reading for those out there who claim they don't like poetry."

Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Poetry's bad boys are back again, teaming up to take another swipe at stuffiness."

Kirkus Reviews
“Prelutsky loosens his agile imagination in words, while around the pages cavort Stevenson's interpretive line drawings, shimmy-shimmying to the beat. Terrific.”

Booklist
“Prelutsky is up to his old tricks, using verbal sleight of hand to create another magical anthology of light verse.”

CONNECTIONS:
Use this poetry collection to read aloud to very young children.

First and second grade students can infer what will happen at the end of the poems and then create their own endings.
Third and fourth grade students can read the shorter poems such as My Brother’s Really Stingy and then write their own four line poem.

A Triangle Tale is written in the shape of a triangle. For eighth grade students studying the Triangular Trade routes, the students can write a poem that summarizes the objectives they have learned.