Big Momma Makes the World

Root, Phyllis. 2003. BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763611328 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
For a fun twist of the creation myth, Root has given us Big Momma. As mommas are known for their ability to handle everything at once, such as a baby on one hip and the dirty dishes piling up, Big Momma decides it is time to make a world to live in. And when Big Momma says to do something, “something” gets done. From lightness and darkness to crawling critters and friendly neighbors, Big Momma thinks of everything. She’s even efficient enough to finish it all off in one “Big Bang”. Each night, she takes a moment to reflect on the day’s accomplishments, looks down at that little baby of hers, and says, “That’s good. That’s real good.”

Root endears her readers to Big Momma through the familiarity of the love between mother and child, also applying it, in this case, to the love of a creator for her creation. Oxenbury’s paintings dramatize the depth of this story to its fullest potential. In the beginning, although the work is vibrant, she uses monochromatics to emphasize the newness of everything. Then, as the days progress, and more and more features are added to the new world, a full rainbow of color marks Big Momma’s accomplishments. In the end, all is well, and Big Momma has given her baby the ultimate gift – the entire world.

CONNECTIONS
This book would be an excellent inclusion in a study of the wide variety of creation stories found in different cultures all around the world. It opens up for discussion the aspect of interpretation and symbolism.

Younger children, especially, will be full of questions after listening to this book. Use the opportunity to encourage dialogue about personal beliefs, comparing and contrasting this version with the child’s own.

RELATED BOOKS
Other picture books about Creation:
Johnson, James Weldon. THE CREATION. ISBN 0823410692
Lester, Julius. WHAT A TRULY COOL WORLD. ISBN 0590864688

Another biblically based story by Phyllis Root:
ALL FOR THE NEWBORN BABY. ISBN 0763600938

By Amy D. Picard

To Spoil the Sun

Rockwood, Joyce. 2003. TO SPOIL THE SUN. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805073728 [Suggested Grade Levels Young Adult]

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
It is the early sixteenth century in a town called Mulberry in the southern hills of the Appalachian Mountains before the Spaniards or “Immortals” arrive bearing their “invisible fire.” A young Cherokee girl named Rain Dove is dreaming of marrying a young warrior and having children. Soon her heart is struck with anxiety as she listens to the wise men of the Seven Clans discuss the meaning of the four omens. After all, four omens signal death and complete “the circle.” The first two came in the dead of winter: a rattler strikes down a hawk and an ominous thunderstorm threatened to destroy the town. By spring, the “Ancient Fire” had become a “charred heap,” but the last and most disturbing omen was the arrival of the “Immortals.” Rain Dove’s discernment and interest in the affairs of the council bring her to the attention of one of the council’s most prominent and older men named Mink. He enjoys her wisdom and sensibility and asks her grandfather if she might become his second wife. After a short period of time, Mink dissolves the marriage and frees Rain Dove to marry his young nephew, a brave and popular warrior named Trotting Wolf. They have twin boys and a daughter. While Trotting Wolf is away leading a war party, the ghastly “invisible fire” known as smallpox begins its horrifying rampage. Their firstborn son and little daughter are among the thousands that are left dead by its unrelenting force. Upon Trotting Wolf’s return, Rain Dove and their son, Traveler work to rebuild their lives. Because of her heroism, wisdom, and bravery, she becomes the first woman to be granted the honor of serving on the council of the Seven Clans.

Rockwood’s profound use of words and visual imagery is extraordinary (e.g.” You cannot imagine what it is like…it falls on everyone and soon there is no one left…It is like a fire that sweeps through, an invisible fire. People begin to fall, blisters rise…and turn to running sores…there is no way to give them comfort…I reeled at the force of it, horror-struck…”). In the “Afterword” there is an interesting timeline and a moving comment by Rockwood. “These events…are obscure sentences…the Indians…affected by these ‘minor’ events are never glimpsed by us…This book, then, is about a people who lived and died on the other side of history, just beyond our view.”

CONNECTION
Readers can research the recurrent epidemics that swept through the eastern section of North America during this period. They could discuss the difference in the inevitability of smallpox opposed to diseases like malaria and yellow fever. They can enlarge their understanding of the interesting and different “pox viruses” that exist today via the Web.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books that deal with struggle, perseverance, and the will to survive:
Borland, Hal. WHEN THE LEGENDS DIE. ISBN 0553257382
Creech, Sharon. WALK TWO MOONS. ISBN 0064405176
O’Dell, Scott. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. ISBN 0440439884
By Rita Pickett

The Dot

Reynolds, Peter. 2003. THE DOT. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763619612 [Suggested Grade Levels K-5]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
Vashti is convinced she is not an artist until her art teacher says, “Just make a mark.” Vashti makes her attitudinized mark on her paper, signs it, and turns it in to her teacher. When Vashti enters the art room for the next lesson, she discovers that her art teacher has framed and displayed her masterpiece. This kind spirited act encourages Vashti to explore her artistic abilities. She paints a rainbow of dots, makes little dots into a large dot, and even makes a dot by not painting a dot. With her new found ability, she is able to encourage others to make their mark.

This is a book for all those children who say, “I can’t,” or “I wish I could.” This is a fallaciously simple picture book that delves deep into the psyche to encourage what is already inside. The dot is illustrated with ink and watercolors to continue with the simplistic structure of the book. The change of colors change along with Vashti’s moods. As she sits irritably in front of the blank page, the gray and blue hues create a sad blanket over the page. And when she finally decides to make a mark, the red-orange colors slam down vertically with her pen. As her attitude changes so do the colors and hues. The colors and hues become bright and light as does Vashti’s disposition. This book may be a child’s first step to taking a chance or trying something new and challenging.

CONNECTIONS
Read the story to students to show them that they can do things that they think they cannot.

Students make their own mark and create a picture using only that mark.

Students can cut out 4 to 5 different shapes out of colored construction paper. These shapes are their own creations. Using only these 4 or 5 shapes, have students design a picture on white construction paper. Students can then explain why they chose these shapes. There is no set design students have to follow. It if free form!

RELATED BOOKS
Other stories about the value of an inspiration:
Browne, Anthony. WILLY THE DREAMER. AISN 0763618837
Cohen, Miriam. NO GOOD IN ART. ISBN 0688842348
Moss, Marissa. REGINA’S BIG MISTAKE. ISBN 039555330X

By Jill Howell

My Name is Yoon

Recorvits, Helen. 2003. MY NAME IS YOON. Ill. by Gabi Swiatkowska. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374351147 [Suggested Grade Levels K – 2]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
Yoon is a young Korean girl who has immigrated with her family to the United States. She yearns to return to her homeland where her name, meaning “Shining Wisdom,” dances together as symbols instead of the ugly circles and lines that appear in English. Yoon learns how to spell “cat” and substitutes “CAT” for her own name. Yoon’s teacher encourages her to use her own name but Yoon, who is certain her teacher and classmates dislike her, writes “CAT” on every line trying to conceal her inner feelings. It is an encounter with a classmate on the playground that Yoon imagines she is “CUPCAKE” and wins the affection of her classmates. In the end, Yoon accepts her new home and English name knowing she is still “Shining Wisdom.”

Swiatkowsha creates vibrant pictures laden with surprising vistas and dreamscapes. Her paintings border on surrealistic. They support the feeling and emotions of Yoon. The reader is drawn in to feel for Yoon as her face reveals the range of feelings from sadness, confusion, irritation, playfulness, and finally pride. Children will identify with Yoon and her feelings of insecurity and lack of acceptance. This is a sensitive look at how a young girl learns to adopt her new country, accepts the changes in her life, and thrives in her new circumstances. This is a great book to share with young ones beginning a new school year.

CONNECTIONS
Yoon’s name means “Shining Wisdom.” Have students predict what the meanings of their names are. Students can base their predictions on appearance, personality traits, etc. Then students will look up the real meanings using www.thebaby.net.com. Students can interview their parents and find out where their names came from.

Children can create an individual name shield. In the center of the shield, students write their names and the meanings. In the sections around the center, students will write and draw a picture of their favorite food, hobby, television show, etc. Students can share their shields with their classmates.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about dealing with change and finding acceptance:
Choi, Yangsook. THE NAME JAR. ISBN 0395616263
Hartung, Susan Kathleen. DEAR JUNO. ISBN 0670882526
Park, Frances. Good-Bye, 382 SHIN DANG DONG. ISBN: 0395616263


By Jill Howell

After

Prose, Francine. 2003. AFTER. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060080825 [Suggested Grade Levels 8-12]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
Combining conspiracy theory and, part mystery, AFTER presents life at Central High School for Tom Bishop and his friends after a shooting incident takes place at nearby Pleasant Valley High School. In reaction to the shootings psychologist Mr. Willner steps in to ensure that a similar event will not happen at Central. Willner brings with him a totalitarian hand, armed guards, metal detectors, and an increased feeling of paranoia. The world of Central High School is turned upside down- classrooms are bugged, parents are brainwashed by e-mails, the principal disappears, the students can no longer wear red, lockers are searched, books and CDs are confiscated, and students die mysteriously after being sent to rehabilitation camps. Teachers are in danger as well. A popular history teacher disappears after letting a contraband cell phone ring in class. The basketball coach is forced to conduct random drug tests on his players. Everyone feels the vice-like grip of Mr. Willner’s scrutiny. Creativity is stifled and deviation from the rules is not tolerated. Eventually most of the students fall into line. Tom begins to suspect that Willner is manipulating the student body, not counsel bereaved students. His minor incursions put him in constant conflict with the nefarious Mr. Willner.

As formula dictates, Tom finally convinces his parents of the brainwashing going on at Central. The Bishops leave with a few of Tom’s friends just as Willner’s trap starts to close in around them. Tom is a likeable hero, and because he is neither the typical “perfect kid,” nor the “rebellious youth,” he is easy for readers to relate to. He is loyal to his friends and family, but he is not perfect. He does not save the day, but he does try to save his loved ones. AFTER is suspenseful, dramatic, and fast-paced. Readers will appreciate the opportunity to scrutinize the authoritarian nature of school rules without having to follow such a stringent system or live under the extreme oppression depicted at Central High School. It also allows readers to think about the consequences of violence in schools without being didactic or condescending.

CONNECTIONS
Encourage readers to investigate how different leaders throughout history have been able to persuade groups of people to follow or obey them. Discuss how various historical figures were able to take advantage of a tragic or chaotic event to come into power and affect change.

RELATED BOOKS
Other stories about violence at school and surviving the aftermath:
Koertge, Ron. THE BRIMSTONE JOURNALS. ISBN 0763613029
Strasser, Todd. GIVE A BOY A GUN. ISBN 0689848935

By Lea Ann Gilbert

Malka

Pressler, M. 2003. MALKA. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399239847
[Suggested Grade Levels 7-10]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
MALKA is the true story of a young Jewish girl living in Poland during the World War II
era. Her mother delays leaving Poland because she mistakenly believes her skills as a doctor save her from military cruelty. Eventually, Malka's mother escapes hastily with her two daughters. The family is ill-prepared for the journey across the mountains that divide Hungary and Poland. As a result, Malka becomes gravely ill midway through the journey to freedom. Malka's mother chooses to continue on with her older daughter and send for Malka later. The decision haunts Malka and her mother for the rest of tale. Malka is sent to the streets because the family hiding her is literally scared to death for their own safety. Malka must find her own food and shelter to survive the horrible times. She stares death in the face on a daily basis as a seven-year-old child. Ultimately, Malka's mother returns for her, and the two are reunited. This cannot be too happy of an ending when readers ponder the damage that has been done to the poor, abandoned daughter.

Ms. Pressler tells an unforgettable true story about Malka and her journey to
freedom. The time period is portrayed with haunting accuracy. Readers feel the
fear of the people hunted down with unbelievable cruelty. Readers also empathize
with those who hid the Jewish families. The reality of being scared to death to help
others is depicted well through rich descriptions and dialogue. Perhaps, the most
compelling issue in the tale deals with the mother's choice to leave her youngest child
behind. This is the issue that meets Malka and her mother at night in their dreams.
This remarkable story is an unforgettable one about prejudice, survival, and
motherhood.

CONNECTIONS
Young adults can discuss the mother's choice to leave her youngest daughter
behind during their escape from persecution.

Young adults can role-play different characters portrayed in the story. Malka, the mother,
the sister, church members, and Jewish sympathizers are just a few suggestions of
characters that may be used for role-play situations.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Pressler that can be compared with this one in terms of the Jewish plight during the World War II era:
ANNE FRANK: THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL -- THE DEFINITIVE EDITION. ISBN 0385473788
ANNE FRANK: A HIDDEN LIFE. ISBN 0141312262
HALINKA. ISBN 0805058613

By Laura K. Davis