Module 9: Mojo

Book summary: Dylan wants a spark in his life; something that will make him stand out. He stumbles across the dead body of a classmate but instead of being heralded as a hero, he gets the unfortunate nickname of “Body Bag.” Dylan then learns of a missing rich girl from another school and decides to set his sights on finding her. But what he finds is an underground world of secrets and alliances that run deep in the privileged community.

APA Reference of book: Tharp, T. (2013). Mojo. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.

Impressions: I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. The story flowed very well; Tharp is an excellent storyteller and he authentically captures the essence of teenage boys and their thought process. Action and intrigue were spread throughout the novel to keep the reader engaged with a plot-twisting ending I did not see coming at all. I think this is a great introduction to teen mysteries for those reluctant readers who enjoy friendship, adventure, and teenager dynamics.

Professional Review: “Overweight and unnoticed, Dylan badly wants to acquire “mojo,” that ineffable something that would make him popular. Accidentally discovering the dead body of a classmate named Hector doesn’t do it but, inspired by his love of a bad TV detective show, 16-year-old Dylan decides he’s going to try to find rich girl Ashton, who has gone missing. With fellow outsiders Audrey and Randy, Dylan makes new friends at the exclusive Hollister School that Ashton attended and joins the search party. As Dylan’s investigation continues, he suspects that Ashton’s kidnapping might be related to Hector’s death. In this tongue-in-cheek tribute to hardboiled detectives, Tharp (Badd) contrasts the book’s serious subjects—including drug use, statutory rape, and murder—with a stylized narrative in a way that recalls Sean Beaudoin’s You Killed Wesley Payne. In this case, though, Dylan’s extemporaneous past-tense narration (which often uses the slightly jarring present-tense phrase “I’m like” to introduce dialogue) makes the entire wild escapade read as though he’s recounting it over burgers at his favorite local joint, Topper’s. Ages 12–up.”

Reference

Kim, E.S. (11 March 2013). [Review of the book Mojo, by Tim Tharp]. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-375-86445-2.

Library Uses: I would set up a scavenger hunt that highlights important parts of the collection that children and teens may not know about: mysteries and graphic novels at the least.

Module 8: Howl's Moving Castle

Book summary: As the eldest of three daughters, Sophie was never destined for greatest. So when she is visited, and cursed, by the Witch of the Waste, Sophie escapes to the dreaded moving castle of Wizard Howl. During this time, she must learn to live with the temperamental Wizard Howl, his young apprentice Michael, and the nasty fire demon Calcifer. As their time together progresses, Sophie embarks on a journey to self-discovery that reaps more benefits than she knows, learning that there is more to Howl than meets the eye.

APA Reference of book: Jones, D.W. (1986). Howl’s moving castle. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Impressions: I was not particularly impressed with this book, mainly because I felt the characters differed from the Studio Ghibli movie version. The writing was very verbose without being descriptive, especially with the backgrounds, and I did not feel a connection to the characters. Howl was playboy-ish and manipulative, while Calcifer was conniving and rude. That being said, I did enjoy the premise of the story: a mysterious wizard who lives in a moving castle that is not well-known, or trusted, by anyone he meets. The unlikely grouping of naïve Michael, steadfast Sophie, flamboyant Howl, and sarcastic Calcifer make for an interesting core.

Professional Review: “Sophie is caught between a powerful witch and wizard who are terrorizing the magical land of Ingary. Living a humdrum life as a hatter till the malicious Witch of the Waste casts a spell turning her into an old woman, Sophie seeks refuge as cleaning woman to Wizard Howl (although he's rumored to eat the hearts of young girls) in his castle, which moves at will about the countryside. Actually, Howl is a brash young man whose only vice is womanizing. He is a gifted wizard but the despair of his inept apprentice and of Calcifer, a humorously petulant fire demon, because of such human faults as messiness and spending too long in the bath. As in her memorable Archer's Goon, Jones has a plethora of characters who are seldom what they seem and an intricate plot which may dazzle with its complexity or delight by the hilarious common-sense consequences of its preposterous premises. Sophie is a dauntless heroine; when she regains her youth and wins Howl, the odds are this is only the beginning of a tempestuous romance. Great fun.”

Reference

[Review of the book Howl’s moving castle, by D.W. Jones]. (1986 April 14). Kirkus. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/diana-wynne-jones/howls-moving-castle/.

Library Uses: This would be a selection for a “Book to Movie” book club. At the meeting, we would discuss our impressions of the book, watch the Studio Ghibli version of “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and then discuss similarities and differences between the two mediums.

Module 7: Clementine

Book summary: Clementine has NOT had a “good week.” Whether it is her visiting the principal’s office or disappointing adults, every day, something goes awry. Clementine experiences the ups and downs of third grade while trying to juggle her struggles at home. Just when everything seems to go bottoms up, Clementine gets the surprise of a lifetime.

APA Reference of book: Pennypacker, S., & Frazee, M. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.

Impressions: Clementine’s optimism and sense of self was very endearing, and I loved experiencing the daily events through her eyes. I especially loved the food names that she called her younger brother; no one name was ever the same. The illustrations were the perfect addition to a heart-warming and funny tale of a girl who just wants to please. They gave the characters life and were very expressive. I would share this book with any child who feels that they do not quite fit in to celebrate their individuality and quirkiness.

Professional Review: “I have had not so good of a week," begins the irrepressible narrator of this winning caper. Pennypacker (Stuart's Cape) then takes readers straight through that week, making clear that Clementine has an unfailing nose for trouble and a comical way with words. The eight-year-old proclaims herself lucky because "spectacularful ideas are always sproinging up in my brain." One of these ideas concerns her fourth-grade friend and neighbor Margaret getting glue in her hair, and Clementine's attempt to help; together they cut off nearly all of Margaret's long locks. Further strategies involve the use of permanent markers and Clementine undergoing a sympathy coif. Frazee's black-and-white illustrations of the close-cropped gals captures the mixed emotions of their shared fate. Her portraits of the heroine's three-year-old brother, "who didn't get stuck with a fruit name," and whom Clementine calls by various vegetable names, including "Spinach," "Lima Bean" and "Pea Pod," may remind readers of the charming star of Frazee's Walk On! Along with the humorous bits, Pennypacker seamlessly weaves into the narrative common third-grade themes, such as Clementine comparing Margaret's neatly dressed banker mother with her own overalls-clad artist mother, and envying Margaret her kitten from the litter of Clementine's own lately deceased cat, Polka Dottie. Luckily, Clementine ends her week on an up note. Fans of Judy Moody will welcome this portrait of another funny, independent third-grader. Ages 7-10.”

Reference

[Review of the book Clementine, by S. Pennypacker & M. Frazee]. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-3882-0.

Library Uses: This book offers a great opportunity to teach children about journaling. I would have students record significant events daily to promote awareness of their daily routines. Then, I would prompt them to illustrate one portion of their day that they choose to highlight. In the public library setting, I would invite program attendees to share the ups and downs of their week, even inviting them to illustrate them on a giant poster paper.

Module 6: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Book Summary: Lilly is a studious mouse who loves school, her new teacher, and her purple plastic purse. She is eager to share her favorite things with her classmates and teacher, but her fervent insistence leads to an unexpected outcome. Lilly learns a lesson about patience, appreciation, and forgiveness.

APA Reference of book: Henkes, K. (1996). Lilly’s purple plastic purse. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Impressions: I can see how Lilly resonates with people of all ages. Her likeability, positive energy, and overall peppy mood brighten the day of everyone she meets. I enjoyed the format of the illustrations: some occupied the entire page, others were in blocks similar to a comic strip, and some where stand-alone pictures surrounded by white space. I liked the repetition of the phrase, “ ‘Wow,’ said [a character]. That was just about all [they] could say. ‘Wow.’ ” (p.4, 6, 25). Even though it was repeated throughout the story, it meant something different each time a character spoke it.

Professional Review: “Lilly the mouse idolizes her teacher Mr. Slinger, but when she comes to school flaunting three jingly quarters, movie-star glasses and a purple plastic purse ""that played a jaunty tune when it was opened,"" she interrupts Mr. Slinger's lessons on ""Types of Cheese"" and words that rhyme with ""mice."" After one too many disruptions, he confiscates the purse until the day's end. Lilly, humiliated, takes revenge by slipping a mean drawing into Mr. Slinger's book bag--only to open her purse and find a conciliatory note from her hero. Caldecott honoree Henkes (Owen) understands Lilly's enthusiasm for her prize possessions, but astutely shows that Lilly goes too far when she acts up in class (""She's in trouble,"" whispers a classmate in a voice-bubble aside). The perfectionistic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, in vignettes and panels, are as sharp as the narration. Henkes communicates Lilly's emotions through her eyes, so that when she goes from ""sad"" to ""furious,"" her eyebrows shift from U-shaped dips to hard slants; he also enlivens his scenes with tiny details, like Mr. Slinger's copy of Stuart Little. The author/artist offers useful, timeless advice for apologizing to a friend and resolving a conflict. A sympathetic and wise treatment. Ages 4-up.”

Reference

[Review of the book Lilly’s purple plastic purse, by K. Henkes]. (1996 August 19). Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-688-12897-5.

Library Uses: This book is a little lengthy to be used for a storytime session, but I love the idea of letting kids create their own special purse and/or bag. I would provide small plastic, cellophane bags that the kids would decorate with markers, stickers, glitter, etc. Then, the kids could fill their special purses/bags with little trinkets: bookmarks, small erasers, stickers, chocolate coins, or pencils.