Module 10 - Here Lies the Librarian

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Summary - Here Lies the Librarian is a funny and engaging book that shows children an era and society, and the characters within, which they may not be familiar with, but which they will definitely understand. Beginning with a "twister" and descriptions of a most unusual collection of people, the book follows the (graveyard-free for the most part) adventures of Peewee McGrath and her older brother Jake, as they, and their town, welcome some big city librarian students, prepare for the Ten-Mile Stock Auto Event, thwart the machinations of the malicious Kirbys, and discover what family is all about.

Impressions - This book was not at all what I expected it to be, either from description or from the set up in the first few chapters. I will admit that the 'reveal' of Peewee as Jake's younger sister (purposefully and successfully concealed until that moment in the text) was a bit of a, pleasant, shock, as was the interweaving of the story lines of both the arrival of the librarian students and the auto racing event and its repercussions in the extended McGrath family. It was an unusual mix of themes and characters, almost haphazardly assembled, that should not have worked well together on the surface, but in reality complimented each other brilliantly creating a complex and realistic portrayal of a early 20th century society. Peewee (Eleanor) was endearing in her stubborn refusal to change, Jake in his quiet competence, Grace and Irene in their bubbling enthusiasm, the Colonel in his dottiness, and Aunt Hat in her subtle strength. Because of these characters, the text, and its meandering from the town hiring a librarian to auto car racing, made sense and drew the reader along with it, and showed the reader an experience and era which they otherwise may have been unfamiliar with.

Reviews - In a customer review on Amazon.com (1), Norman Stevens extolls Richard Peck's ability to depict "what life was like for children in a different era" but does a poor job of describing the book in a manner that would either enlighten or elicit new readers. Mainly concentrating on the differences expressed in the librarians described in the book, Stevens completely ignores any discussion of the main character(s) or the auto racing theme which takes up the majority of the book. Stevens is very positive about Here Lies the Librarian, he gave it all 5 stars on the review scale, but I don't think new readers will understand the connection between his review and the book after reading it, nor will they be drawn in by the manner in which he describes it.

Use - This book is a good example of a transition book for children moving from elementary reading to middle school aged books and themes. The old fashioned nature of the descriptions and events within the text and the characters involved may seem confusing or boring to some readers, but the 'action' of the auto racing and the Kirby family's sabotage will keep those who are hooked entranced, and the share of male and female characters in the book should make it accessible to both genders fairly equally, even with a female protagonist.

(1) Stevens, N. D. (2006, June 7). Newfangled librarians. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Here-Lies-Librarian-Richard-Peck/dp/0803730802

Module 9 - The Case of the Missing Marquess

The Case of the Missing Marquess (An Enola Holmes Mystery) by Nancy Springer

Summary - Enola Holmes is the younger sister of the most famous detective in the world, Sherlock Holmes. Her mother is an eccentric progressive who disappears on her fourteenth birthday, and her oldest brother, Mycroft, wants to send her to a finishing school to "make a lady out of her". Overall, Enola decides it is time to strike out on her own, and heads to London to live her own life in her own way. Relying on secret flower messages left by her mother, and the money the puzzles lead to, Enola sets herself up as a self-sufficient widow, but soon finds herself enmeshed in a mysterious kidnapping scheme. In the end, it will take all of Enola's intelligence and new found independence, as well as a little assistance from her family, to find her way safely out.

Impressions - Enola Holmes starts the book as a precocious, but sheltered, Victorian girl and ends it with the growing temperament and understanding of a modern young woman. In this series opener, the Missing Marquess of the title, and Enola's adventures at getting him home, is merely one piece of a book whose concentration lies in exploring the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as those between siblings, and, perhaps more importantly, social expectations and how much we should allow them to dictate who we are. Enola suffers from her mother's desertion, but through the book, and the subsequent sequels, comes to better understand her mother's decisions, even if she recognizes that they were not the ones she herself would have made. Additionally, Enola's relationships with her brothers begin in very constrained manner - rigidly defined by social expectations - but over the course of solving this mystery (as well as the follow on ones), Enola and Sherlock learn more about each other and gain a mutual respect that surpasses Enola's initial awe of her brilliant older brother. The investigation of the family and the push for independence in spite of society's expectations are the most important elements of this book, and offer interesting insights for children of all ages. While the Victorian descriptions and social standards may be unfamiliar to most readers, they offer a great starting point for further discussion and examination, and readers will become more familiar and comfortable with them throughout the series. The character of Enola, with her common sense and acceptance of self, stands as a great role model for young women and can help them work out issues of inferiority and loneliness, with a little adventure and mystery on the side.

Reviews - In rehosting of a School Library Journal review on Amazon.com (1), B. Allison Gray discusses Enola's "bravery" and writes that the underlying theme of the book surrounds the idea that Enola "wants her brothers affection, or indeed anyones, but knows that a socially accepted life will strictly limit her freedom and learning (sic)." Ms. Gray discusses how excited she is that this is the beginning book in an "exciting new series", and what an "extremely appealing heroine" Enola is for young readers everywhere. This review gives readers a good impression of what the book is about and what the characters are like, as well as who will most be drawn to the spirit of the youngest Holmes sibling.

Use - This book would be a wonderful introduction for any child, but especially for girls, into the Victorian era and the Sherlock Holmes mystery novels. Readers as young as late-elementary school will be drawn in to Enola's stories, and the social mores discussions are a great starting point for parents to talk with children about peer/social pressures and demands - and what the child's true feelings about them may be. In true escapist form, this book offers young girls a look a the bridge between girlhood and becoming a young woman, and the mystery elements only heighten this aspect, and add additional interest points for younger readers. It is refreshing to see the Victorian era, and the young members of its society, discussed in a practical and realistic manner in a children's book, and the Enola Holmes series is a fun exploration for any young reader.

(1) Gray, B. A. (Unk). The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery (hardcover). Retreived from http://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Marquess-Holmes-Mystery/dp/0399243046/ref=dp_return_1?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Module 8 - The City of Ember

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Summary - The City of Ember is a post-modern tale about two young people, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, who live in a civilization that is rapidly going dark. When Lina and Doon are placed in their professions after finishing school at the age of 12, they soon discover that all is not well in the land of Ember, and that their homeland is quickly running out of supplies. Wanting to save their people, and thwart the activities of the corrupt Mayor Cole and his henchmen, Looper, Lina and Doon set out to discover the mystery behind a message left by "the Builders" and, hopefully, discover a brighter future for both themselves and their entire civilization.

Impressions - The City of Ember can be seen as a children's version of 1984 with more hope and heart. Lina and Doon are interesting and relatable characters caught in unique circumstances in a fantastical, but realistic, world which will draw children in and leave them asking for more. The text is simple and active, but the themes explored - social order, personal integrity, the search for meaning in life - are deep and powerful, and cause the reader to seek more of the story (taken care of in the novel's sequels) and examine the world around them and their place in it. The adventure portion of the book (the journey out of Ember) is less focused on than the reasons and feelings behind the need for the journey (which is a pleasant change from more adventure for the sake of adventure children's books), although it, and the events leading to it, are exciting enough to draw in less avid readers. Many children will overlook the dystopian elements of the story, but Lina and Doon are sympathetic characters and many children will relate to Lina's outgoing personality and/or Doon's introversion. The family elements in the book, the acceptance of Lina as an orphan responsible for raising her sister Poppy (with her increasingly senile Grandmother) and Doon in a loving, but motherless, household, as common and expected (in the City) situations are realistic and treated with sincerity, but not overly dramatized, allowing children to experience them without scorn or insincere sympathy which is both refreshing and cathartic. The eventual emergence of the outlaws into the world above is redemptive in nature and gives the reader a positive outlook for the characters and Ember - wherein difficulties can be overcome, futures can be changed, and individual effort can make the word a better place for everyone.

Reviews - In their review on blogcritic.org(1), blogger "DrPat" outlines their expectations with a simple idea "When I read children's literature, I look for more than a tale well told." Extolling the virtues of courage, friendship, and perseverance, Dr. Pat points to The City of Ember as a story which allows children to see the best qualities to aspire to and a well crafted tale to encompass these characters. This positive review is a good introduction to the major themes of the book, and can help parents and children discover why it is important to not dismiss it as simple 'science fiction'. DrPat concludes that they "recommend it highly for boys and girls who want something better than comic-book heroes and video-game battles", pointing out that substance is always preferable to style.

Use -This book would be a great teaching tool for children at the late-elementary/early-middle school stage to introduce them to social literature and commentary, as well as keep them entertained with literature. Teachers could mix the story with history lessons and/or open discussion for what and how children would react if they found themselves in similar circumstances to Lina and Doon. Parents can rest easy that the text avoids any true dark or too-adult themes or situations, and children will be happy with the fact that this book is an opening for other Ember tales and that the end is only the beginning of further Lina and Doon tales.

(1) Dr. Pat. (2006, June 9). Book review: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-city-of-ember/

Module 8 - Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Summary - Artemis Fowl the Second is an extraordinary 12 year-old boy with extraordinary plans. In the opening book of the Artemis Fowl series, simply titled Artemis Fowl, he plots to capture - and ransom - one of the fairy folk, making real the old tale of catching a leprechaun and getting their pot of gold. When Artemis is actually able to capture LEP Captain Holly Short with the aid of his trusty bodyguard, Butler, he sets off a chain of events that will set man and the fairy folk against each other, test the boundaries of reality, and, quite possibly, save his fractured family and teach the impossibly bright Artemis a few lessons of his own.

Impressions - Artemis Fowl is a mix of an adventure story and a coming of age story. It gives children a fun and fantastical look into the world of fairies - and the similarities and differences they have with mankind, or as they call us, the Mud People. Additionally, it shows the journey of a young boy in a broken family and the impossible lengths he will go to to try to put it back together. Artemis' gruff demeanor and incredible intellect make him a less than sympathetic character most of the time, but the flashes of insecurity and pain shown throughout the text remind the reader that he is also a lonely, and scared, young boy. CAPT Holly Short, the fairy Artemis is able to capture, is a more realistic personality, even if she is a fairy, and her battle to be the first successful female RECON officer is an interesting and educational plotline for children - although very young readers may miss some of the undercurrents involved. There is plenty of 'action and adventure' and descriptions of fantastic technology in this book which will keep children of all ages engaged and eager for more, although the characters are a bit more esoteric and less identifiable than in some other children's books/series, so some children may lose interest if they don't feel a connection to them. Overall, this book is a fun read which has more heart than other adventure books, but its focus on the wild and wonderful - and its increasingly detailed descriptions of strange technologies - distracts the reader from coming to a real empathy with Artemis and fully investing in either him or his plans. The throw away reunion at the end is an attempt to bring the story back to its heart, but it is short-shrifted in the attempt to set Artemis up for further adventures.

Reviews - In his Entertainment Weekly review (1), Daniel Fierman calls Artemis a "criminal mastermind" and describes the last half of the book as a "Die Hard-style stand off" (which he asserts, correctly, detracts from the initial, more emotional and realistic, section). Both of these descriptors stand out to the reader as phrasing that Artemis himself would approve of and gives a good impression of what the reader will take away most from the text. Speaking to the pervasiveness of the overwhelming children's series of the modern age, Fierman compares this series opener to Harry Potter..., and asserts that the comparison does not allow Artemis Fowl to shine (it is "good" rather than "great"). He concludes by pointing out that the focus of this book is more "high-tech babble and raw exposition" which will appeal to less sophisticated readers and those who demand fast paced fiction, but leave less of a lasting impression on those seeking the depth of Potter-esque world.

Use - Artemis Fowl should be used as an introductory book/series for children who seem bored by other fiction. Any child who has shown an interest in fantasy or adventure novels will, most likely, be interested in the story and some will especially be drawn by the fairy characters and descriptions and the fast-paced text. Mid- to late-elementary school children or young middle schoolers should be invited to read this book, and the accompanying series, but some children will find it more interesting than others, and it may be too complicated of a plot covered in too simple of text for a teacher to choose to assign. It is the type of book where some readers will be drawn in and have a new series to read and world to explore, and others will dismiss it or end their Artemis journey with the first adventure. Either way, Artemis will continue to plot daring deeds and incite the wrath of the fairy world.

(1) Fierman, D. (2001, July 20). Artemis Fowl (Book Review). Entertainment Weekly, (605), 62.

Module 7 - The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Summary - Virginia Shreeves doesn't feel like she belongs in her seemingly perfect family, not least because she happens to be the only one "who has dish-water blond hair, pale blue eyes, a roundish face, and a larger-than-average body". Moving from a story of a "chubby fat" girl who can't seem to figure out where she fits in through a family drama that impacts everyone in Virginia's life and everything she once believed, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is a very modern coming of age tale with a resolution that will neither shock nor resolve, but allow the reader to move forward with Virginia towards adulthood.

Impressions - This was an interesting book to read, and I definitely think that there will be people who have strong emotions towards it, either love or hate. While I recognize the importance of discussing the issues involved with children who may be going through similar situations, this book, and its realistic depictions, are not for every reader. It can, however, be a powerful voice for girls who think of themselves as different or 'less' than their siblings, parents, or friends, and the learning process Virginia goes through and her movement towards understanding herself and her family are powerful enough to draw readers in and allow them to empathize. I cannot see many boys enjoying this book, and the disclaimer on the back for "Age 14 and up" should be adhered to, no matter how advanced the reader may be, as a certain level of emotional maturity is necessary before entering Virginia's life. While I cannot say I really enjoyed this book, I understood how important it could be for some girls, and enjoy the idea that there is a realistic portrayal of true life situations and people (at the children's literature level) that doesn't tie things up prettily in a bow at the end completely - but still offers a positive, though somewhat contrived, resolution.

Reviews - On teenreads. com, Norah Piehl (1) offers an insightful look at why this book has such an impact for the teen female reader. Her discussion of the important elements in the book is summed up with the idea that Virginia "at least...can find ways to feel good about herself and her talents", and shows how the process that Virginia goes through in the book towards self-awareness offers one of the strongest lessons to be taken from the text. However, Piehl is quick to point out that "the ending is far from satisfactory" alluding to the problems the text has with resolving the original 'lost' Virginia with the positive 'new' Virginia of the end. Overall, the book is summed up well by Piehl with the idea that "the lessons Virginia learns about self-worth and self-acceptance go down easy and will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like an outside, whether at school or in their own family."

Use - This book would be an excellent personal choice for teen females, but should be approached hesitantly by any school or official reading list as some parents may have problems with some of the issues discussed (i.e. date rape) in the text. Young male readers may find it interesting to see Virginia's viewpoint, and could actually gain more by experiencing the sub-theme surrounding the rape, but it will be a hard sell to get them involved in something that is so obviously 'chick lit'. Teen females who feel like they don't fit in should definitely be advised of it, as well as those who perhaps don't have knowledge of what it is like not to feel like a part of the group.

(1) Piehl, N. (n.d.) The earth, my butt, and other big round things. Retrieved from http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/0763619582.asp

Module 7 - The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

Summary - The Penderwicks... is a wonderful tale of a summer adventure shared by four very different sisters in a beautiful and mysterious manor named Arundel. Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty (Elizabeth), along with their widowed father and family dog Hound, meet new friends, experience the differences between families, the wonders of nature, and learn a little about the world and a lot about themselves during their summer vacation. The 'Very Interesting Boy' of the title is the son of Arundel, Jeffrey, and the rabbits are the pets, Yaz and Carla, of Arundel's teenage gardener, Cagney, all of whom play integral roles in the Penderwicks' summer of excitement.

Impressions - This book was a wonderful example of transition children's literature, moving kids from reading simplistic wording about idealized versions of childhood into the realm of realistic concerns, situations, and emotions told through (more) complex chapter text. Each Penderwick sister contains her own strengths and faults and represents a different aspect of girlhood with which a reader can identify. Jeffrey is both a strong and delicate boy, and the interactions between the children, and their personal thoughts as described by the narrator, are true to life and relatable. For the most part, the animal and adult characters are one-note personality descriptions (all good, all bad, etc) with the exception of Jeffrey's mother, Mrs. Tifton, who is allowed to show some varying personality aspects towards the end of the book (only slightly though). This separation between the adult and the young allows the child reader to delve into the children's problems without being distracted, or confused, by the adult world that impacts them. The adults are merely there to create issues for, or give solace to, the children characters, which is appropriate for the level of the child reader The Penderwicks... is aimed at.

Reviews - Publishers Weekly (1) describes The Penderwicks... as "sprightly" and "timeless" and emphasizes the relationships between the sisters and Jeffrey as the "ideal", and affirms that readers "fond of gentle stories of closely-knit families and innocent fun" will be drawn to this book, and the series it is sure to spawn, for generations to come.

Use - The Penderwicks... is a perfect example of mid-elementary transition fiction that can be used to draw young girls (and some boys) into chapter books and realistic literature, as it contains both the idealization and exuberance of books for young children and elements of the real world (death, separation, arrogance) for children to become accustomed to these more-adult themes. The natural manner of the language and the seeming simplicity of the situations within the text are inviting for readers who are not as comfortable with longer books, but contain enough subtext and drama for more advanced readers, although there is little (some, but little) to bring in boys who are looking for more adventurous tales. At its heart, this is a simple tale full of love and laughter for 8-11 year old girls.

(1) Unk. (2006). The Penderwicks: a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy. Publishers Weekly, 253 (9), 64.