October 2008 - Posts
The Arrival
By: Shaun Tan
This particular picture book is more a work of art than a children's book. That is not to say that children will not adore this book, especially those of the vivid imagination who like to make up their own stories while they look at pictures.
The book is done in all Sepia tones. The brown tones help keep the extremely complicated subject matter to a minimalist type style - what I'm saying is there's a lot going on in this book and if it was in color it would just be way too much to try and absorb.
Some of the story lines are going to be those we are very familiar with: a long overseas journey (Titanic), being in a strange, new world (immigration and Ellis Island), the future, family, love, separation, hope, joy, kindness and so much more! You're going to feel the whole gamut of emotions while you're looking through this lovely book. Tan really knows how to make his subject matter seem completely strange and surreal (oh is it!) while keeping it achingly familiar.
Honestly, this is a book that will keep you coming back to it again and again. Not only for the subject, but for the gorgeous illustrations - I'm willing to bet you'll find something new and exciting in these pictures on each read-through, they're that detailed!
Notes on the Cover:
It looks like a worn journal, which is really neat since its contents are that of a long journey to a new start in life. The man holding his suitcase on the cover is looking at the adorable little white creature with fascination and even a little confusion. Don't let that make you think he scorns the creature, in fact, quite the opposite happens, he takes home the little guy and they become good friends throughout the course of the book.
Recommended To:
- Art Students! Calling all art students! Take a look at these details!
- Reluctant readers - now that can mean a gamut of types: those who don't like to read, period (they get to make up their own story with the pictures, how cool is that?) those who dislike being read to and any other child who just resists a book with words. This is a book with pictures! Way more fun for them, plus it's a good way to get them familiar with the format - words can always come later!
- Detail-oriented types - you know who you are!
- Everyone!
On our Shelves!
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale
By: Holly Black
Well, Kaye, Corny, Lutie-loo and Roiben from Tithe are back, but we'll also run into Luis, Dave, Val and Ruth at least one more time in Ironside.
We pick back up with Kaye and Lutie-loo heading to the coronation of Roiben. He will soon be the King of the Unseelie Court. He still finds no real pleasure in the job, and he's almost dreading becoming a King since it will practically guarantee a war with the Seelie Court over lands and titles. Kaye and Roiben's reunion does not go quite as well as Kaye had expected and she soon has herself into a difficult situation: she has made a declaration to Roiben of her affection and he, in turn, has to give her a quest to complete before she can see him again. When Roiben's request turns out to be an impossible task, Kaye is despondent beyond all recognition. She believes that he really doesn't love her as she thought he did, but there is so much more to come!
The crowning of Roiben as King of the Unseelie Court goes ahead as planned, but soon things get complicated when Silarial, the Queen of the Seelie Court requests Kaye to visit her. She sets Kaye up in part to torment her, and in part to torment Roiben.
Can Kaye stop the evil plan of the Bright Queen before she destroys the Unseelie and Seelie Courts beyond repair? Will Kaye be able to save Roiben before he has to duel who means so much to him he took on the Unseelie Court despite his lack of ‘darkness' (for lack of a better word...).
A lot happens in a short time period in this book - Kaye has many choices and decisions to make in order to help the people she loves the most. One wrong decision and she could be alienated from her mother, Roiben, Corny and everyone else forever.
Notes on the Cover:
Again, I'm loving the black background with the silvery leaves. I also adore the crown on the cover, just enough color to make it really stand out. Oh, and the font! I love the way the letters appear on these books!
Recommended To:
- At this point you should know who you are!
On our shelves!
Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie
By: Holly Black
This is the 2nd book by Black involving the Faerie folk, and the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. There are two characters (Roiben and Nicnevin) for sure who you will see from the first book, Tithe. I believe that this book occurs after Tithe, based on Roiben's position in the court, but I could be wrong since it's been awhile!
The book introduces us to Valerie Russell, a teenage girl waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up for the hockey game. Unfortunately, he's late, so she decides to wait for him at the train station. Tom doesn't show there either, so Val heads home to a most unexpected and unpleasant discovery. She takes off for New York City, attends a hockey game, shaves her head, and meets some new friends.
That's just the beginning! We've got people talking about Faeries and if they're real or not, and when Val decides to find out for herself she walks into a more dangerous situation than she bargained for. In order to save herself and her friend, she agrees to make deliveries. Unfortunately, the liquid she is delivering for Ravus is suspected in killing numerous Fey from the Seelie Court. It's also highly addictive and her new acquaintances introduce her to a new and dangerous world.
The story does get deep and ventures into uncomfortable topics like teenage homelessness, family fights, drugs, and theft, but it doesn't leave out the redeeming themes like friendship, love, faithfulness, self-confidence and the ability to overcome your demons and your past. Although the book may not be for the faint of heart, it deals with humanity in a realistic way - no holds barred, so to speak - it alsooffers a great look at relationships and trust.
Notes on the Cover:
Lovely, just lovely! The black background is fantastic; it really meshes well with the darker nature of the book. The glowing sword on the front is a great choice for the cover since it becomes an integral part of the story. Granted, it doesn't show up right away, but you will see it from time to time, and it is instrumental in uncovering who was responsible for Tamar's death, along with helping Val out of a practically impossible situation.
Recommended To:
- Those who enjoyed Tithe. No, you're not going to see Kaye here, but she's in the next one and I'll tell you about her soon!
- Those who like their stories a little gritty and dark
On our shelves!
Song of the Sparrow
By: Lisa Ann Sandell
Are you a fan of the Knights of the Round Table? Arthur? Lancelot? What about Gwynivere? Ever heard of the Lady of Shallot?
In the Arthurian legends we are given all sorts of varying insights into the character and the drive of the male characters. We hardly see the women except as "damsels in distress who needed a man to rescue them, and at worse, they were chaperones of doom and destruction" (394 - author's note). Lisa Ann Sandell tells us The Song of the Sparrow from the point-of-view of Elaine, or, Elaine of Ascolat, or, most familiarly, The Lady of Shallot. Let me tell you, she's got some spunk and she will not be a damsel in distress (or for very long!).
We meet Elaine in a camp. She has lived there since her mother's horrible murder many years previous to this. She is a tomboy, she's the only girl in camp, and she has also learned the art of healing. You could count on Elaine to fix you up whether it was from a rash to a wound. She also was the friend of many, as well as their mender. Elaine's role in the camp is layered. She's a daughter, healer, mender, friend, sister and confidante. We read the story in verse format from her point-of-view. She's quite astute. She will even follow the men to their battles and watch from the sidelines to make sure her help is not needed.
When Arthur becomes the leader of this faction of Britons defending their homeland, conflict arises. Some of the men don't want someone younger leading them, others don't have confidence in Arthur, but yet still others have full faith that Arthur will help them to defend their homeland. This is a crucial decision, as Arthur's plans will put the group on the offensive instead of the defensive. They have always defended, never attacked. This change of strategy does bother Elaine, and she even makes her thoughts to Arthur known. Will this make the men murderers instead of defenders? She has a terrible feeling about the upcoming attack and plans to follow, even though it will be much further than she usually travels.
When Elaine is following the men she also feels as if she is being followed. When she has almost reached the camp (she can see the fires and hear the noises associated with it) she is attacked by Saxons. Suddenly, a figure jumps from the trees - her savior and also her nemesis from camp has arrived. Elaine and her friend are taken captive by the Saxons. While there, they hear a spy telling the Saxons how and when to attack Arthur's army so it would be at its most vulnerable. Elaine and her friend devise a plan: Elaine will distract the guards while her friend runs to Arthur to warn him of the danger. Elaine knows that she could very well die doing what she is about to do, but she goes through with it because it will hopefully save all the people that are the most important to her in her life.
That's a basic run-down of the story line. What, you want to know where the romance is? Well, let me tell you, it's there! Early on we know who Elaine thinks she loves, then we know who she really loves before she realizes it herself. We also find out about Lancelot, Arthur and Gwynivere. There's no lack of love or drama in the love department, but it's also not over-the-top mushy-gushy either.
And if you know anything about the Lady of Shallot you will be pleased to note that she does sail down the river. It just may not occur quite how you expect it to!
Additional Information:
There is a fantastic note from the author at the end of the story. She tells of her fascination with the subject, as well as giving you the low-down on what's fact and what's fiction. It's quite murky, but still helpful. There is also a section of suggestions for further reading. That is exciting! (Honestly though, not many teens are going to be looking into some of these books unless they're completely fascinated with the Arthurian legends.)
Notes on the Cover:
Acch! The dreaded back of the head shot! There have been quite a few books with this type of cover in the last few years. My main question is: why doesn't she have anything at least draped over her shoulders? (It's not a distasteful cover by any means). What's with the ivy in her hair? If you read the story, Elaine is just not the type to have ivy in her hair. Honestly, this cover is not going to attract any of the Arthurian legend buffs out there. I wouldn't have even known what this book entailed if it hadn't been for the jacket desctiption!
Recommended To:
- Historical fiction fans - yes, the historically accurate part is up for debate!
- Arthurian legend readers - this offers a unique perspective!
- Readers of the prose - this book is told in long verse. I love it! It just begs to be read aloud!
- Everyone!
On our shelves!
Out of the Wild
By: Sarah Beth Durst
Remember Into the Wild? You know, where Julie saves the world (well, her city anyways) by going into the Wild and defeating it, thereby releasing some of the Fairy Tale characters it had grabbed hold of yet again? Her mom's Rapunzel? Gothel (the wicked witch) is her grandma and Puss-in-Boots is her brother? Yeah, that's what I thought!
This time, the Wild has a surprise in store for Julie and Rapunzel: it swallows one of the Three Blind Mice and spits Julie's father back out. Julie and Zel are confused, as the Wild never willingly lets anyone go, if you'll recall Zel had to fight her way out before. Julie's excitement over her dad's return is soon quashed when they head to the Wishing Well Motel to ask Gothel about the Wild just returning Rapunzel's prince to her (after more than 500 years no less!) and finding a villain whom none had suspected. Unfortunately, there's an even more sinister villain pulling strings from behind-the-scenes. You'll figure it out, and this super bad evil villain's true identity will shock you, and completely make you feel for her. (Yes, I'm giving away the fact that it's a female.)
This is just as exciting and filled with adventure as the first one! People are turned into pumpkins, frogs, are returned to their fairy-tale fates, rescued from their fates all the while trying to outsmart dragons and villains and learning how to navigate a flying carpet. Oh yeah, there's magic carpets, beanstalks, castles in clouds, flying brooms and so much more!
Julie may be young, but she knows her fairy tales, and she's going to do her best to defeat the wild yet again. Will she succeed and save the entire U.S. (really, the Wild lives on the East coast with Julie and Zel and has almost reached Disneyland by the end). Honestly, would you want to be doomed to re-live the same story over and over? How awful would it be to be Sleeping Beauty? She falls asleep for a hundred years, her prince wakes her up and then they start again. How awful! Will Julie have to destroy the Wild in her efforts to save everyone she loves, and therefore destroying most of them? Pick this fast-paced adventure up and find out!
Notes on the Cover:
I like the blue background and we still have the vines along the left-hand side of the book, which helps to tie it together with Into the Wild. Looking at it now, I bet it's a beanstalk....there's even a silhouette of a witch on a broom and a couple of fairies/pixies! The focal point of the cover is pale pink which makes it really pop against the blue background. You can tell that Julie is on a flying carpet, the wind in her hair gives you that effect anyways. The only question you need to answer is this: What in the heck is she doing on a flying carpet and where did she get it?
Recommended To:
- Those who enjoyed Into the Wild (you won't be disappointed!)
- Fairy tale readers
- Adventure junkies
- Talking Animal lovers
- Everyone!
On our shelves!
True North was created by the Minnesota Historical Society in conjunction with Minnesota's Land Management Information Center and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The goal of the website is "to provide Minnesota's teachers with the knowledge, curriculum, and tools to teach the state's new graduation standards for geography and history, using online digital resources and applications."
If you click on Lesson you will find lesson themes for grades 4-8 as well as 9-12. They also provide information on workshops and additional resources.
The Maps link may be a little confusing for the first time user, but the help section is pretty straightforward in explaining how the system works. There is valuable information on Minnesota history, people, natural resources, places, products and transportation in these maps.
Take a little time and learn something new about Minnesota!
The Night of the Burning: Devorah's Story
By: Linda Press Wulf
This story is based on actual events and the main character and her sister were real people. The author is very upfront in telling you right away that she has taken liberties with the dialogue and interactions of the various characters. She also tells you which of the other characters were based on real people, or just named after them.
Set in Poland in the post-Great War (WWI), Devorah's Story is that of the amazing journey and transformation of a young girl who survives a pogrom (Cossacks would agitate local peasants and the group would then loot and burn Jewish homes and shops, they also killed their Jewish neighbors). She is a serious young thing who has trouble understanding how her little sister, Nechema, can still smile after all of the horrors that they have witnessed.
Devorah and Nechema were rescued from their hiding place by the only kind peasant neighbor they had. She sends the girls off in a cart to an orphanage as it's not safe to keep them with her. Nechema adapts more easily than Devorah. A big part of this is because she is so young, but Devorah has a harder time letting go of her past - she made a vow to her father that she would never forget the stories. At the time of the vow he tells her that making a vow is a serious and solemn thing. At 9 (ish...) she thinks she's up to the challenge, but by the time she's at the orphanage the stories are weighing on her soul. She wants to talk about their parents and past, but Nechema wants nothing to do with the past.
When a man named Mr. Ochberg comes to the orphanage wanting to take children to South Africa to live with Jewish families Devorah is intrigued, but scared. She knows that if she goes she will never come back, but at the same time, she has nothing to come back to. Nechema, on the other hand, is a bundle of excitement over the trip. She's going. Devorah knows that she will go because Nechema is and she promised her mother she'd watch over her.
Will Devorah and Nechema make it to South Africa? Will they be adopted? If they are, would it be separately or together?
This story will break your heart and make you cry, but it is so worth it. If you're the oldest sibling in the family it would really be worth the read, especially if you've been raised to ‘set a good example for your little sister (or brother),' or to ‘watch out for your siblings' or ordered to let them follow you around. It might enlighten you to some reasons as to why you are the way you are!
Recommended To:
- Fans on historical fiction
- Anyone interested in Poland at the end of WWI, or just Poland in general!
- The eldest sibling in a family - I'm almost willing to bet you'll recognize various aspects of your personality in Devorah!
- Everyone!
Notes on the Cover:
Devorah takes center stage holding the dolls her father brought back for her and Nechema. The blank, soulful expression of her eyes tells you that she has been through much. I feel as if this is her before the pogrom (because of the dolls), but she doesn't look unhealthy (skinny, malnourished) to me which is how I imagine her for quite a bit of the book. I suppose an emaciated looking girl would put people off of the story...The background behind Devorah is an interesting shape; not really a teardrop, nor a flame. I don't know if I particularly like the shape, but the image inside the shape really adds to the cover. The outlines of the buildings and the fire coming off of them are really an integral part of the story that they've featured on the cover. If not for the fire and pogrom, Devorah's story would be much different.
On our shelves!