Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland

Carroll, L. (1865) Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.

Plot Description: I chose to read Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland this week.  I’ve seen the movies and read some of the Disney versions of the book, but have never read the original version written by Carroll.  I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book.  I was afraid that it would be written in a language that would be difficult to understand because of the age of the publication, but that was not the case at all. 

This story starts out with Alice sitting beside her sister in the grass.  She is quite bored and is not interested in looking at the book her sister is reading so she starts looking around.  That is when she sees a peculiar white rabbit hurrying along.  She decides to follow it and ends up falling down a seemingly never ending rabbit hole and this is when Alice’s real adventure begins.

She enters a land where nothing is the same as it used to be including her.  She is constantly changing sizes based on what she eats and drinks and doesn’t even feel like the same person anymore.  She has many different interactions with various creatures, including the white rabbit, a mouse, a caterpillar that smokes hookah, a fish and frog footman, a duchess and Cheshire cat, a mad hatter and march hare, the King and Queen of hearts and a mock turtle.  She is bewildered by how each creature addresses her and thinks most of them are quite rude and demanding.  Near the end of the book she finds herself attending a hearing and testifying, but she starts to grow again.  She becomes agitated with how the court is being run and angers the Queen who rules that her head must be taken off.  At that moment she awakens on the lap of her sister who says she has been asleep for awhile.  The story ends with Alice’s sister recounting her memories from wonderland.


Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 4-8.

Personal Thought:  This book highlights the innocence of Alice and the difficulties she faces in trying to understand everything that is going on around her in the new land she has entered.  I really enjoyed the story and reading about all the differences that have taken place in the adaptations.
 
One of the things I found interesting was that even though this story was geared toward girls (or at least that is my impression) it featured adventure and fantasy, which were genres usually only reserved for boys in that time period.  I also thought it was interesting that all the characters in the book seemed to accept her and treated her like she belonged there even though she was clearly an outsider.

Subject/Themes: Family, Fantasy, Animals

Sarah, Plain and Tall

MacLachlan, P. (1985). Sarah, Plain and Tall. New York: HarperCollins

Plot Description:This was a book that I actually had never heard of so I was interested in checking it out.  This is a short quick read that tells a wonderful story of two children who lost their mother at an early age.  They dearly miss having a mother around because the house was always so cheerful and full of song.  Even their father has stopped singing after their mother passed.  In order to change the situation, Jacob, their father, puts an ad in the paper for a new wife and mother for his children.  Sarah, from Maine, answers the ad and comes to live with the family for a month trial period. During her stay she misses her home and the sea which she longingly talks about.  The children are worried that she does not like them and will not stay so they are constantly worrying about how she feels about them or if she likes their house.  In the end she tells them that although she misses her home she would miss them more if she left. 

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 3-6.

Personal Thought:  This story highlights the fears, insecurities, and loneliness felt by children who only have one parent.  I think many children who had similar situations would be able to relate to the story and characters.

Subject/Themes: Family, Insecurity, Farming

Awards: 1986 Newberry Medal and the 1986 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Flipped

Van Drannen, W. (2001). Flipped. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Plot Description: For weeks, Juli was looking forward to the new neighbors moving in because they had a son her age and she desperately wanted someone to play with.  When Bryce finally arrives Juli immediately falls in love, and stalks Bryce for the next six years until her feelings all of a sudden change in eighth grade.  She overhears Bryce talking with his friend about her Uncle who has special needs and she decides he isn’t worth her time.  That is when everything flips and Bryce starts liking Juli.  She wants nothing to do with him. but that doesn’t stop him from trying to kiss her and climbing in her window.  As a last attempt to win her over he plants a tree for her in her front yard.  As he is walking away he see Juli in the window staring at the tree and then she waves to him.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 5-8.

Similar Books:

Personal Thought: The two main characters in this book take turns narrating each chapter.  It gives the reader the perspective from each character.

Subject/Themes: Love, Friendship, Relationships

Awards: School Library Journal Best Book, IRA-CBC Children’s Choice, IRA-CBC Teacher’s Choice, & Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Winner.

Character Description: Bryce is seven years old at the start of the book.  He has just moved in across the street from Juli and has been trying to avoid her ever since.

Julianna (Juli) is also seven at the start of the book.  She falls in love with Bryce from the moment she sees him because of his blue eyes.

Annotation: It is love at first sight when Juli lays eyes on Bryce for the first time but she is seven and obviously Bryce doesn’t feel the same way.  Over the years Julie love only grows but will Bryce ever change his mind?  Read along to find out.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann.

Cushman, K (2010). Alchemy and Meggy Swann. New York: Clarion Books.

Plot Description: Meggy has crooked legs and has to use sticks for walking.  Most people either spit at her or call her names so she doesn’t like to go out much but all that changes when she is sent to live with her father.  He is an alchemist and doesn’t have time for her so she is on her own.  She meets Roger, a boy that becomes her friend, and starts to realize that not all people are mean and inconsiderate.  She starts meeting more people and helps save the Baron from a plot to kill him through a ballad she writes.  Her father then deserts her but she comes to find out that he has left her a coin and hasn’t completely forgotten about her.  Meggy ends up becoming a stronger person both emotionally and physically and learns she can overcome almost anything.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 5-8.

Similar Books: The Midwives Apprentice & Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman.

Personal Thought: In this book Meggy learns that people are able to look past her handicap and see who she really is as a person.

Subject/Themes: Family, Disfigurement, Perseverance

Character Description: Meggy is a young girl with crooked legs.  Her mother sends her away to live with her father because she does not want her. 

Louise is Meggy’s goose and her only friend for a long time.

Master Peevish is an alchemist and Meggy’s father.  He is trying to find the secret to immortality.

Roger is a young boy that originally gives Meggy food and advice and they become friends.  He is an apprentice for Master Merryman.

Master Merryman is a player and he is also disfigured.

Master Allyn owns the printing press and allows Meggy to work and live with him after her father leaves her.

Annotation: If only Meggy could dance and walk like everyone else than she might be happy.  She is sick of everyone calling her names and spitting at her and she doesn’t think her move to London to live with her father will make it any better.  Will Meggy learn to ignore the ignorant people that cause her pain or will she continue to hide inside from them?

Miracle’s Boys.

Woodson, J. (200). Miracle’s Boys. New York: Speak

Plot Description: Lafayette wishes that his life was back the way it used to be.  He wishes that his mother was still alive and that his brother still liked him, but ever since Charlie got back from Rahway he has been mean.  Lafayette even calls him Newcharlie now because he isn’t the same person.  Newcharlie is now friends with Aaron, a guy who is usually getting in trouble.  One day, Ty’ree and Lafayette, get a call that Charlie is at the precinct.  He was picked up for being in a stolen car.  The police let him go with a warning and he finally reaches his breaking point and lets his feelings out.  He realizes what is important in his life and the three boys are back to being a family again.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 6-9.

Similar Books: Behind You, Hush, & The Dear One all by Jacqueline Woodson

Personal Thought: This book depicts the life struggle one family faces and the hardships they overcome.

Subject/Themes: Family, Death, Hope

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award

Character Description: Lafayette is twelve years old.  He found his mother dead in her bed when he was nine.

Ty’ree is Lafayette’s older brother.  He works full time to take care of his two younger brothers.

Charlie aka Newcharlie is the middle brother.  He was in juvenile detention for two years for robbing a convenience store and wasn’t around when his mother died.

Mama is the boy’s mother.  She died from her diabetes.

Aaron is Charlie’s new friend.  He is in a gang and ends up getting Charlie beat up as part of an initiation.

Annotation: Lafayette wishes his mother was still alive and that his brother Charlie still loved him, but things have changed and they will never be the same again.  Will Lafayette be able to make things with his family better or will they continue down the same path?

Weezie Bat

Block, F. L. (1989). Weezie Bat. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Plot Description: Weezie and Dirk became best friends in high school and then Dirk told her he was gay.  They then set off looking for the perfect men whom they referred to as ducks, and also happiness.  They both meet the partners and they all live in the perfect house together.  Weezie has a child which completes her life and she learns that happiness is about friends, family, and doing what you love.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 8 and up.

Series Information: Goat Girls, Beautiful Boys& I was a Teenage Fairy all by Francesca Lia Block.

Personal Thought: The way this book is written is different but it depicts what many teenagers feel.

Subject/Themes: Movies, Happiness, Friendships

Character Description: Weezie is a girl in search of happiness.  She is granted three wishes by a jeanie.

Dirk is Weezie’s best friend.  They end up living together in his Grandma Fifi’s house.  He is gay.

Duck is Weezie’s boyfriend.  He also lives in the house with Weezie and Dirk.

Cherokee is the baby that Dirk, Duck, and Weezie made. 

Witch Baby is the baby that My Secret Agent Lover Man had with the Lanka Witch.  She terrorizes Cherokee.

My Secret Agent Lover Man is Weezie’s boyfriend.  He makes movies that star Weezie, Dirk, Duck, Cherokee and Witch Baby.

Annotation: All Weezie wants is a happily ever after…but what does it really mean to be happy?  Weezie comes to find out that happiness is about friends, relationships, love, and living your life to the fullest.  Read along to follow her on her journey as she discovers this and more in Los Angeles.

Return to Sender

Alvarez, J. (2009). Return to Sender. New York: Alfred A. Knopf

Plot Description: Tyler’s family has recently hired three migrant workers from Mexico to work on their farm in Vermont after his father was in a bad accident that left him unable to do the work on his own.  One of the workers has three daughters who also live in the trailer on their property.  Throughout the book Tyler and his family develop a strong relationship with the Mexican workers and their daughters and fight to save them from jail and deportation.  Eventually the family is sent back to Mexico but Tyler and his family keep in touch and both have come to accept that change is okay.    

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book is meant for grades 5-8.

Similar Books:  When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead & Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez.

Personal Thought: This book does a great job at explaining illegal immigration and our countries feelings about it.  It makes the reader think about other points of view and it is very eye-opening.

Subject/Themes: Mexicans, Farming, Immigration, Family

Awards: Pura Belpre Award

Character Description: Tyler is the youngest son in the Paquette family.  He develops a special relationship with Mari.

Mari is the oldest Cruz daughter.  She takes on the role of mother while her mother is gone for over a year.  She was the only child born in Mexico.

Grandma is Tyler’s Grandma.  She recently lost her husband and is very sad until she meets the three Marias.

Ofie is Mari’s middle sister.  She was born in America.

Luby is Mari’s youngest sister.  She is also born in America.

Annotation: Tyler isn’t sure what he thinks about the new Mexican workers his parents have hired but if it allows his family to keep the farm he decides he will give it a chance.  Read along to see how Tyler fights a constant battle between what is right and wrong and how a special relationship forms with he and Mari.

Letters to Juliet

Kaplan, C., Barkin, E., Canton, M., & Kapoor, S. (Producers), & Winick, G. (Director). (2109). Letters to Juliet [Motion Picture]. United States: Summit Entertainment

Plot Description: Sophie and her fiancé decide to take a pre-honeymoon to Italy.  While there Sophie finds a letter to Juliet and responds.  She ends up meeting Claire, who wrote the letter, and her grandson Charlie.  Sophie and Charlie take an instant disliking to each other, but in the meantime Sophie and Claire work on tracking down Claire’s lost love, Lorenzo.  They eventually find him, but then it is time for Sophie to go home.  Back in New York, Sophie and her fiancé end things and she returns to Italy for Claire’s wedding.  Charlie is there and they finally admit to each other that they are in love. 

Genre: Romance

Age Group: This would be appropriate for grades 5 and up.

Personal Thought: This is a fun loving film that tween girls will be sure to love.  It is funny and shows that love can happen anywhere.Similar Films: Dear John, The Last Song, When in Rome, and Eat Pray Love.

Character Description: Sophie is a fact finder in New York City who goes to Italy and meets the love of her life.Subject/Themes: Love, Romance, Italy, Shakespeare

Claire is an older lady who wrote a letter to Juliet many years ago.

Charlie is Claire’s grandson who falls in love with Sophie.

Annotation: Sophie never thought responding to a Letter to Juliet would take her on the adventure of a lifetime.  In the process of searching for Claire’s long lost love she meets Claire’s grandson Charlie and falls in love.

Miscellaneous Information: MPAA Rating: PG

Seventeen

Seventeen (2010).http://www.seventeen.com/

Overview: This website covers a wide range of topics such as fashion, beauty, health, love, college life, parties and prom, and celebrities.  There are articles, quizzes to take, and games to play.  There is also a section where you can post a question and expect to get a response.  This website also has a monthly magazine with similar information.  Visitors to the site can easily follow it on facebook, twitter, or signup for their newsletter through easily accessible buttons on the webpage. Linking the website to social networking sites is a great way to make it more appealable to tweens.

Age Group: This website is intended for teenagers age 15 and up but is used by those ages 11 and up.

Examples of Articles: The Best Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend, Are you Always in a Relationship, and Style Tips from Seventeen’s Style Stars.

Personal Thought: This is a one stop shop for tween and teen girls looking for information on a wide variety of topics.  It is sure to have the latest gossip on the hottest celebrities but because this is meant for an older audience be sure to check in to make sure everything your tween is viewing is appropriate.

Subject/Themes: Advice, Relationships, Beauty, Health, Fitness, Celebrities.

Annotation:  Teens and Tweens looking for boyfriend advice or want to see what their favorite celebrity is doing will find all that and more at seventeen.com.  So take a minute and check it out!

Wintergirls

Anderson, L. H. (2009). Wintergirls. New York: Viking.

Plot Description: Lia’s best friend Cassie has just died alone in a hotel room and she can’t help but feel responsible.  The night Cassie died she had tried calling Lia thirty-three times. 

Anorexia has been a struggle Lia has faced for many years and she has been in and out of rehab.  The death of Cassie is her breaking point.  She goes to a place where no one, not even her little sister who she loves dearly, can reach her.  She stops eating and starts cutting.  It isn’t until she realizes that she wants to live and be a person that she is able to finally get help and start feeling better about herself.  This book follows the emotional journey that Lia takes in fighting her eating disorder and depression.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book is meant for grades 8 and up.

Series Information: Speak and Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, and If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Reviews: Booklist Starred

Personal Thought: This book is very emotional and meant for a more mature reader.  Parents should be ready to discuss the book with their teen after they are finished.

Subject/Themes: Eating Disorders, Broken Families, Best Friends, Depression,

Character Description: Lia is an eighteen year old girl who is anorexic.

Cassie was Lia’s best friend.  She died alone in a hotel room after her esophagus ruptures.

Chloe is Lia’s overbearing mother.  She is a doctor and Lia feels like she never has time for her.

Emma is Lia’s nine year old step-sister.  She looks up to Lia.

Jennifer is Lia’s step-mother. 

Elijah is the boy who found Cassie.  He works at the hotel.

Annotation: MustNotEat, MustNotEat, MustNotEat, MustNotEat.  Lia is caught in a never-ending cycle and her weight is dropping fast.  Not eating and cutting herself makes her feel powerful and in control of her life.  If only her dead best friend Cassie would stop showing up everywhere and leave her alone.  She desperately wants Lia to cross over so that they can be together again.  Will Lia give in to her demons or choose life?