Module 5: Monster

Book summary: Steve Harmon does not know how he got here. As he sits in the courtroom, watching events transpire that are beyond his control, he imagines this scene through the lens of his camera. The courtroom plays out like a movie while Steve’s diary entries are interspersed throughout, providing insight to this nightmare. Although the trial only lasted for two weeks, Steve (and the reader) embark on an all-consuming journey regarding personal choices, guilt and innocence, and the justice system.

APA Reference of book: Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Impressions: This book struck me with its character portrayals and relevancy, despite being published nearly twenty years earlier. The unique format in which it was written was very influential in my reading it in only a few days; it was very difficult to put down. The movie script held the reader at a distance, allowing them to experience the story without becoming closely invested in the characters. The reader essentially became another juror as Myers left Steve’s involvement (or lack of) in the robbery/murder entirely up to the reader to decide. Monster is a book that crosses many boundaries and is well-regarded, as seen by the numerous award stickers on the cover.

Professional Review: “In a riveting novel from Myers (At Her Majesty’s Request, 1999, etc.), a teenager who dreams of being a filmmaker writes the story of his trial for felony murder in the form of a movie script, with journal entries after each day’s action. Steve is accused of being an accomplice in the robbery and murder of a drug store owner. As he goes through his trial, returning each night to a prison where most nights he can hear other inmates being beaten and raped, he reviews the events leading to this point in his life. Although Steve is eventually acquitted, Myers leaves it up to readers to decide for themselves on his protagonist’s guilt or innocence. The format of this taut and moving drama forcefully regulates the pacing; breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes written entirely in dialogue alternate with thoughtful, introspective journal entries that offer a sense of Steve’s terror and confusion, and that deftly demonstrate Myers’s point: the road from innocence to trouble is comprised of small, almost invisible steps, each involving an experience in which a “positive moral decision” was not made. (Fiction. 12-14).”

Reference

[Review of the book Monster, by W.D. Myers]. (1999 May 31). Kirkus. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/walter-dean-myers/monster-myers/.

Library Uses: This book would be used for multiple book displays: Black History Month to promote winners of the Coretta Scott King awards, Teen Read Week to promote the Michael L. Printz award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, Banned Books Week for the content, and a “Current Events” themed display to show how although this book was written almost twenty years ago, the themes and events contained within are relevant in today’s world.

Module 4: Ginger Pye

Book summary: Jerry and Rachel Pye learn that hard work comes with reward, as their dollar buys them a very intelligent pup that they call Ginger. The ecstasy they experience with the newest family member implodes as their dearest pup goes missing. What follows is a story of resilience, adventure, perseverance, and hope as the brother and sister duo try to complete their family once again.

APA Reference of book: Estes, E. (1951). Ginger Pye. San Diego, CA: Odyssey/Harcourt Young Classic.

Impressions: Ginger Pye was a little difficult for me to read. The writing style was verbose with flashbacks that were not distinct from the present-day storyline. The illustrations were effective in breaking up the story, but they did not really contribute to the overall story telling. The relationships that the characters shared felt very authentic and realistic, especially for kids put in that unimaginable situation. The story tended to drag on in parts, but the conclusion was a real page-turner.

Professional Review: “The tragedy of losing the family pet and the joy of finding him again is a familiar experience of childhood, and this story is an absorbing one. Jerry and Rachel Pye were heartbroken when their puppy Ginger disappeared. Immediately the children begin to pick up clues, and by a yellow hat, luck, and the persistence of Uncle Benny, age three, the mystery is uncovered, and Ginger, now fully grown, escapes his captors. Some amusing incidents, indefatigable youngsters, and an ecstatic reunion. Sure to please.”

Reference

[Review of the book Ginger Pye, by E. Estes]. (1951 April 1). Kirkus. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/eleanor-estes/ginger-pye/.

Library Uses: I would attempt to assemble a group of certified therapy/help dogs for a “Read to a Dog” session at the local public library. It is a nonthreatening environment where reluctant readers can practice their literacy skills without the feeling of judgment, and it could lead to a recurring program for the community.

Module 3: The Adventures of Beekle

Book summary: Beekle waits patiently to be imagined and claimed by his special friend. But when the waiting becomes unbearable, Beekle journeys into the unknown to discover to true meaning of friendship.

APA Reference of book: Santat, D. (2014). The adventures of Beekle: the unimaginery friend. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Impressions: Beekle is an endearing character who captures the reader’s heart from the first few pages. The contrasting backgrounds from the first few sets of pages allow Beekle to be the focus of each page, with his gold shining crown sitting proudly upon his head. Beekle’s facial expressions provide a depth of character with even the smallest adjustment from page to page. My two favorite illustrations are when Beekle hands Alice back her first drawing and the second-to-last page where the reader sees all of Alice’s drawings scattered on the ground. The attention to detail, vivid color schemes, and expressive characters leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Professional Review: “PreS-Gr 2—How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? Born on an island for imaginary friends, Beekle waits to be “imagined by a real child.” He waits and he waits, but his turn never comes. Filled with impetuous courage, Beekle does the unimaginable and heads out across deep waters until he reaches the real world. He finds that life there is so harried that no one notices him. Eventually, as he waits at the top of a star-leafed tree, a small girl with a friendly face calls out to him with a picture in her hand. They learn to be friends, share adventures and snacks, joke, “and together they did the unimaginable.” Santat’s attention to detail in the mixed-media illustrations shares a child’s eye for laughter and movement on full-bleed spreads with strategically placed text. Gazes of wonderment, broad smiles, and changes in perspective ensure an easy transition from page to page. Beekle’s round white visage and taped orange paper crown are immediately identifiable in each scene, a sharp contrast to his surroundings against variations of dark neutrals on a city street or the brightly colored dragons of a child’s imagination. Like Beekle’s new friend, there’s something here that feels just right as an “unimaginary” friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library.”

Reference

Elam, M. (2015 February 2). [Review of the book The adventures of Beekle: the unimaginery friend, by D. Santat]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2015/02/industry-news/slj-reviews-of-2015-youth-media-award-winning-and-honor-books/.

Library Uses: This book encourages the reader to imagine wild fantasies and the unique creatures that live within. I would have students create a character, in both words and illustrations, and progressively build the character’s story. The students will include story elements such as the character’s background, their interests, and their daily activities.

Module 2: How to Eat Fried Worms

Book summary: Taking place over the course of a few weeks, How to eat fried worms is the delightful tale of four friends, fifty dollars, and a ridiculous bet. It starts out harmlessly enough, with a conversation about what the boys would or would not eat for dinner, when Alan asks his friends if they would eat worms. With the competitive spirit on full display, Billy agrees to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days for fifty dollars (which Alan agrees to take out of his savings account, if Billy is successful). Sabotage, hijinks, and hilarity ensue as Billy courageously attempts this unprecedented task.

APA Reference of book: Rockwell, T. (1973). How to eat fried worms. New York, NY: Franklin Watts.

Impressions: While I see the appeal of young boys engaging in ridiculous one-upmanship, I was not that impressed with this book. The characters tended to blend together and the illustrations could have done more to capture the essence of the fried worm meals and the boys as individuals. While I did enjoy the chapter titles, the short chapters prevented me from really delving into the story. This may be a book that readers must re-read a few times before truly appreciating the storyline and antics of young boys, so I might revisit this book at a later time.

Professional Review: “Even fried with ketchup, mustard and horseradish sauce or baked as "Alsatian Smothered Worm" with onions and sour cream by Billy's supportive Mother, fifteen nightcrawlers are still a lot of worms to eat. Having made a fifty dollar bet, Billy persists in his one-a-day regimen much to the disgust of his friend Alan, who knows his father won't let him use his money this way in any case and tries all sorts of schemes to sabotage and psych Billy into quitting. The person who comes off best here is Billy's mother, who after a quick call to the doctor accepts the plan with perfect equanimity, but Rockwell's sensibilities (if that's the word) are so uncannily close to those of the average ten year-old boy that one begins to admire Billy as a really sharp operator.”

Reference

[Review of the book How to eat fried worms, by T. Rockwell]. (1973 September 1). Kirkus. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/thomas-rockwell/how-to-eat-fried-worms/.

Library Uses: If I were to read this title as a book club selection, I would create the “Dirt and Worms” treat as a snack for the kids to enjoy. I would also encourage them to bring family recipes so everyone can swap. In a school library setting, I would have students create their own worm dish, complete with ingredients list and illustration.