One of those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-85820-5

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

 Boston teen Ruby Milliken’s mother has recently succumbed to cancer. Not only does she have to come to terms with this horrific event, but she has to do it on the other side of the country from her friends and boyfriend. This is because her father, a famous movie star that divorced Ruby’s mother before she was born, lives all the way in Los Angeles. Needless to say, Ruby is not happy.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 Sonya Sones has a clever writing voice. She takes the subject of a teen losing her mother to cancer and having to move clear across the country away from everything she knows, and makes it an enjoyable, and often times humorous, read.

The novel is written in verse, a style of poetry writing that the average book reader may have to get used to. The entries are short—one to two pages long—and offer quick insights into Ruby’s mind. She also writes emails to her best friend Lizzie and boyfriend Ray, and even to her dead mother. The story is poignant and our lead character is quirky and quick-minded. Young adults everywhere will find a new favorite author in Sones.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “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.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Lead the teens in a discussion about the loss of a parent. Has anyone in the group experienced this, or have a friend who has? Did this book come across as realistic? Do they think it would be helpful to someone who has lost a parent? What did they think of the verse format of the book?

*More verse novels by this author:

Sones, Sonya. STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY. ISBN 0064462188

            Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 0689855532

*More young adult novels written in verse:

            Hopkins, Ellen. CRANK. ISBN 1416995137

            Schroeder, Lisa. I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME. ISBN 1416955208

Night is Gone, Day is Still Coming: Stories and Poems by American Indian Teens and Young Adults

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ochoa, Annette Pina, Franco, Besty & Gourdine Traci L. 2003. NIGHT IS GONE, DAY IS STILL COMING: STORIES AND POEMS BY AMERICAN INDIAN TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS. Introduction by Simon J. Ortiz. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0-7636-1518-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This anthology of poems, prose, and memoirs contains the voices of 58 American Indian teens and young adults ranging in age from 11 to 22.

3. CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 In a time when the United States has received its first African-American president, resulting in a sense of long-deserved satisfaction for that community, the Native American culture may seem to be often overlooked. They, too, were persecuted, and murdered, and forced to leave their homes. Here is an anthology of stories and poems from the youth of that culture.

The items within these pages were written by American Indian youths ranging from 11 to 22. They are very aware of their background, of where they came from, of where they stand now, and of where they want to be in the future. The words of these not-so-average teens and young adults should hit home with those of any cultural background.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “These are honest voices in a well-organized anthology that gives an excellent look into an important American culture.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “the teens' stories and poems convey a wide range of emotion and experience with an honesty that is as refreshing as it is sometimes breathtaking.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Book discussion suggestions:

            Which poem stood out the most to you? Why?

            For those of Native American heritage, what does this book mean to you?

* Books containing fictional tales of Native American culture:

Carlson, Lori Marie. MOCCASIN THUNDER: AMERICAN INDIAN STORIES FOR TODAY. ISBN 0066239575

Alexie, Sherman. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. ISBN 0316013692

*More American Indian poetry and essays:

            Hirschfelder, Arlene & Singer, Beverly. RISING VOICES: WRITINGS OF YOUNG NATIVE

            AMERICANS. ISBN 0804111677

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Color

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce. 2009. RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547014945

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

 Seasons come alive in this Caldecott Honor-winning book about a year in colors.  

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Sidman’s picture poem book about colors is a truly engaging read. In it, colors are not just pretty things you see all around you. Colors are living things that come alive with different purposes throughout the seasons. The colors sing and squirm and beam and taste. Sidman words RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS in just a way that it completely absorbs your senses.

In comparison, the visuals in this poem book are stunning. Zagarenski uses mixed media paintings on wood as well as computer illustrations. Even down to the font, which is set in Oldbook ITC, the accompanying images breathe life into Sidman’s already vibrant words.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of 2010 Caldecott Honor Medal

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “As the title implies, the colors that surprise on every page, do sing.”

Starred review in HORN BOOK: "Sustaining the playfulness of the text and its sense of awe, mystery, and beauty, the illustrations contribute gracefully to the celebration."

5.      CONNECTIONS

* Possible book topics:

Ask the children how certain colors make them feel. What are their favorite colors, and why? What colors do the different seasons remind them of?

*Check out other poem picture books by this author:

Sidman, Joyce. DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT. ISBN 0547152280 *2011 Newbery Honor Medal winner

Sidman, Joyce. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN AND OTHER POND POEMS. ISBN 0618135472  *2006 Caldecott Honor Medal winner