Echo
Bibliography
Ryan, P. M. (2015.). Echo: A Novel. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 9780439874021
Summary
Echo is the story of a boy named Otto, that finds himself lost in the forest, but saved by three sisters and a harmonica. Decades later, the harmonica finds its way to a boy named Friedrich in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power. Friedrich wishes to become a conductor, but his family struggles against Nazi ideals and the harmonic provides help during a difficult time. A few years laters, the harmonic finds its way to Mike, a talented pianist and orphan, must find a way to protect his brother and find them a home. Soon, Ivy comes into possession of the harmonica and learns to play it and other instruments. She learns valuable lessons and works to keep her family together along with the neighbors. Finally, Ivy gifts the harmonica to her neighbor, who was fighting in World War II. All three stories are completed in New York at Philharmonic, where Friedrich is conducting, Mike is playing the piano and Ivy is playing the flute. The audience realizes that all three characters were saved and are now connected by the harmonica.
Critical Analysis
Echo is a low fantasy book that has elements that occur without much explanation. The story begins with a tale of three sisters that are hidden from their family and they care for Otto. Then the story of the other characters begin. Even though the book explains the way that the harmonic is passed from person to person the explanation seems far fetched. Then all three end up meeting each other at the end and the three sisters return. This story definitely contains supernatural elements. Basically, the book contains four stories that are interwoven together. The setting plays a significant role in the book, because all three stories are converging towards one meeting place at the end of the story. Throughout the story, the audience is find themselves keep track of dates and years. Despite the various storylines, Pam Munoz Ryan creates wonderful characters that grab the reader’s attention. Each character is developed completely, has their own problem and is searching for answers. One of the most satisfying parts of this book is that good prevails and students can see the universal truths that Pam munoz Ryan is trying to convey. This is a long and complex book, but it is one that should not be missed.
Review Excerpts
The New York Times - “But I always found myself eager to return to the book and the characters I had come to love. And what else really matters? The music swells, the book sings.”
The Kirkus Review - “A grand narrative that examines the power of music to inspire beauty in a world overrun with fear and intolerance, it’s worth every moment of readers’ time.”
Connections
Since this book has three stories in one, students can compare and contrast themes, characters and the setting of each story.
Each story ends in a cliffhanger, which allows students to create their own ending of the story. Once the entire book is finished then students can compare their endings to the ending that Pam Munoz Ryan created.
Create a timeline for the book. Students can build a timeline of all of the stories to see how the lives intersect and intertwine.
Flora & Ulysses
Bibliography
DiCamillo, K., & Campbell, K. G. (2013). Flora & Ulysses: the illuminated adventures. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 9780763660406
Summary
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is written by Kate DiCamillo. Flora is a cynic and she is trying to understand why her parents got divorced, but her life changes when her neighbor runs over a squirrel with a vacuum. The squirrel develops superpowers from the experience and Flora names him Ulysses. She explains that he must fight the injustices and makes things right. Ulysses sneaks downstairs and begins typing on Flora’s mother’s s typewriter. They realize that he is able to write poetry and this angers her mother, plus the squirrel is a wild animal. This anger’s Flora even more, as she already blames her mom for the divorce. Flora’s mother kidnaps Ulysses and Flora enlists her father’s and neighbor’s help to free the squirrel. Somehow Ulysses escapes and Flora’s mother reads a poem that explains Flora’s feelings. At the end of the story, Flora realizes her parents love her.
Critical Analysis
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a change from Kate DiCamillo’s usual novels. She worked with K.G. Campbell to help create a chapter book with fun comic strip illustrations. orked with K.G. Campbell to help create a chapter book with fun comic strip illustrations. This low fantasy novel combines animals with supernatural powers and humorous events that take place within the story. DiCamillo develops Flora’s character and leads the audience to believe that she is in need of a friend. She finds a friend is Ulysses, a squirrel, that receive superpowers from a vacuum cleaner. The bond between a girl and a squirrel is unusual, yet in this book makes so much sense. DiCamillo also develops a supporting cast of characters that all seem to have their own burdens. Despite the irrational behaviors of the characters, the audience is still able to walk away learning a lesson. They also have a sense of the the problems from the story being solved. This book combines the use of low fantasy and characteristics of a graphic novel and it creates a fun experience for the audience.
Review Excerpts
New York Times - “In “Flora and Ulysses,” longtime fans will find a happy marriage of Mercy Watson’s warmth and wackiness and Edward Tulane’s gentle life lessons. In Flora, they will find a girl worth knowing, and one they will remember. She is welcome in my minivan anytime.”
Book Monsters - “Holy unanticipated occurrences! A cynic meets an unlikely superhero in a genre-breaking new novel by master storyteller Kate DiCamillo.”
Connections
Writing prompts - If you were creating a superhero what would it be? An animal or human? What special powers would the superhero have? Who would the superhero help and why?
There are several character relationships within this book. Pick two characters that have a special relationship and interaction. Examine the relationship and the interactions. Write an essay explaining the relationship. Also, think about if you have any relationships similar to this one? What is special about the relationship?
El Deafo
Bibliography
Bell, C. (2014). El deafo. New York, NY: Abrams Books.
ISBN:9781419710209
Summary
El Deafo is written by CeCe Bell and tells the tale of growing up hearing impaired. CeCe’s childhood is seemingly normal with her parents and siblings. One day, CeCe becomes very ill and her parents rush her to the hospital where she is diagnosed with meningitis. While being in the hospital, her health improves, but she realizes that she cannot hear all that is being said. Her parents take her to a doctor and have her hearing tested and they determined that she has lost her hearing. The doctors fit her for a hearing device that will help her hear, and she learns to adjust to her new normal. As CeCe continues to grow and adjust, she has to learn to deal with friends who are not always sure how to handle a hearing impaired friend. Also she struggles with having to be a normal kid, but not being able to do things just like everyone else. To help her cope, CeCe creates an alter ego, El Deafo, to help her deal with being different. In the end, CeCe learns to be comfortable in her own skin, the meaning of true friendship and the love of her family.
Critical Analysis
El Deafo was recognized as a great graphic novel for teens by YALSA. This novel recounts the story of author, CeCe Bell and her struggle with her hearing. This graphic novel contains characters that seem to be animals of some kind, but experience all human activities and characteristics. The storyline is very straightforward and even provides CeCe’s inner thoughts in some of the panes. The illustrations bring to life the story and help the audience understand what is happening. For example, CeCe has to undergo a spinal tap and the illustrations help explain what that is and what the experience me be like. Bell does a great job of showcasing what CeCe actually hears and what is actually taking place around her and how sometimes they are completely different. Bell uses every pane to create a depth to the ongoing plot. In the story, CeCe creates an alter ego to help her escape the her hearing issues and Bell indicates that by highlights the panes with a green cloud around them This helps the reader understand that CeCe is daydreaming. The audience also has a chance to determine the character’s feelings based on facial expressions, which is not always the case with every reading experience. Bell beautifully crafts a graphic novel that helps readers develop empathy for the main character as she deals with being different. This is a must read book.
Review Excerpts
The New York Times - It takes a bit of an inner superhero to get along as someone “special” in a classroom full of “normal” kids. Bell’s book should be an inspiration for those who are “different,” and it should help others to understand just what being different means.
The Kirkus Review - Her whimsical color illustrations (all the human characters have rabbit ears and faces), clear explanations and Cece’s often funny adventures help make the memoir accessible and entertaining.
Connections
I think that creating a character analysis assignment for this book could be very interesting. With this book, not only can the audience read about the feelings, but they can also see the feelings of the character due to the illustrations. I think students could choose a part of the book that illustrates and tells about a specific character trait.
Students could be tasked with creating a comic strip about a superhero that helps a character deal with an issue. Just as El Deafo helps CeCe, what other type of superhero could have helped Auggie in Wonder?
Ghosts
Bibliography
Telgemeier, R. (2016). Ghosts. New York: Graphix.
ISBN:9780545540629
Summary
The book, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier, is about two sisters, Catrina and Maya, and their move to Bahia de la Luna. Catrina and her family are moving to this new city in California in hopes that it will help her sister’s health. Maya has cystic fibrosis and she will benefit from the cool and salty air in the city. Immediately, Cat and Maya meet a boy, Carlos, and learn about the city’s customs. Most of the city believes in ghosts and embraces them. Maya and Cat go out on a hike with Carlos looking for ghosts, but Maya ends up having a cystic fibrosis attack. Catrina feels guilty and blames Carlos for the Maya’s situation. Soon, Maya recovers, but is in need of a breathing tube. Catrina struggles with her fear of ghosts, her curiosity and being pushed by friends to join the celebration of Dia de los Muertos party. Eventually, Cat joins her friends at the party and embraces the ghosts. Catrina works to come to terms that one day she may lose Maya and her ghost may be all she has.
Critical Analysis
Ghosts focuses on the cultural diversity of the family and the town of Bahia de la Luna. Raina Telgemeier creates beautiful illustrations that help bring the story to life. The audience can actually see the cold and dreary climate of Bahia de la Luna and the author’s interpretation of what ghosts may look like. The illustrations help extend the story and in some cases create a storyline. The black cat is seen throughout the story, but not always mentioned. In addition to the illustrations, I believe that the story is a great example of sharing children’s literature to help students read about cultural diversity or read a story that mirrors their life. Within the book, we learn that Cat’s mom is Hispanic and her father is Anglo and this would be another reason students might identify with this book. Ghosts would be a great book to teach theme, fiction concepts and changes within a character. Catrina has a problem and she develops as a character throughout the book. I found myself identifying with her because I remember my being scared as a youth. I loved this book and found myself devouring all of her books, just like my fifth grade students.
Review Excerpts
The New York Times - “Thoughtful young readers will remember Cat and Maya warmly as they face their own life-and-death struggles long after reading this heartfelt graphic novel, a typically empathetic and complex work from a gifted comics creator who is gaining confidence with every book.”
Kirkus Review - “Thoughtful young readers will remember Cat and Maya warmly as they face their own life-and-death struggles long after reading this heartfelt graphic novel, a typically empathetic and complex work from a gifted comics creator who is gaining confidence with every book.”
Connections
Students could create a comic strip that creates another ending for the book. What happens to Maya?
Create a comic strip that summarizes the story.
Identify the theme of the book and provide support from the text. Provide students with several discussion questions that will require higher order thinking skills. For example, why does Catrina dislike ghosts so much and why is Maya so fascinated with them
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