Number the Stars

BILBIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989
ISBN: 0395-73270-0

PLOT SUMMARY
Told from the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, Number the Stars is a touching and heroic story about a child facing the struggles of growing up in occupied Denmark. Without an army to defend his tiny country, King Christian X had no choice but to surrender to the Nazis during World War II, changing life for all Danes in Copenhagen. Annemarie discovers many unpleasant truths about the changes that affect not only her best friend, Ellen Rosen, but also many of her other Jewish neighbors and her own view of the world. The story begins when Annemarie and her best friend, Ellen, are frightened by their first encounter with German soldiers on their way home from school. When the Nazis begin forcing Jewish families out of their homes and businesses, the Rosens go into hiding and Ellen is protected by the Johansens. Their journey to the seaside is an attempt to help the Rosens escape to nearby Sweden and also a journey to adulthood for Annmarie.  Although the story is a work of fiction, the events regarding the Nazi occupation of Denmark are based on fact. The food shortages, bombings and other heroic acts of the Resistance, and scientific discoveries that helped many Jews escape, provide an insight into the fear and struggles experienced by the Jews and the Danes who helped them.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lois Lowry portrays a loving family whose lives are changed forever with the German occupation of Denmark. From the start, she skillfully weaves historical details of World War II and Annmarie’s difficulties of growing up in a world filled with adult responsibilities. Annmarie’s transformation into adulthood is parallel with the trip the family makes to the woods, on the boat and into Sweden. Lowry’s expert use of symbolism demonstrates Annmarie’s devotion to her friend and to her stance against the Germans. Certain elements in the story (e.g. the Star of David, the shell, the woods) represent a rite of passage, inner strength and the need to keep one’s identity hidden. Ellen’s interests in acting signify the need to keep appearances hidden and Ellen learns in earnest the importance of this dream. Number the Stars is a work of fiction but the facts are historically accurate. The information about the war that Lowry adds at the end of the book provides the reader with a point of reference to historical facts as she explains her recollection of the account retold to her by a friend. It makes the reader understand that during a time of war, struggle, risk and death are real, even if fictional characters portray the events. This is an inspiring book that can provide meaningful insights to young readers as they view the war from a child's point of view.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

National Jewish Book Award 1990
Newbery Medal 1990
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book 1990

School Library Journal starred review- “ The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”

Publishers Weekly-“ Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend.”

CONNECTONS
Additional recommended reading in historical fiction for upper elementary and middle school students:
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 1999 ISBN: 10-0385323069
Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess 2003 ISBN: 10-0763621641
The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery in History 2002 ISBN: 10-0689851227
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor 1991 ISBN: 10-014034893-X
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan 1985 ISBN: 10-0064402053
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman 1987 ISBN: 10-0816710384
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare 1958 ISBN: 0-395-071143

RESOURCES
http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/fiction/a/history.htm


Picture: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5196ZMP0QRL.jpg


http://www.librarything.com/work/33867


http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/numberthestars.html

Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT. Libraries Unlimited. 2008.

The River Between Us

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. The River Between Us. New York: Dial Books. 2003
ISBN: 0-8037-2735-6

PLOT SUMMARY
The year is 1916 and young Howard Leyland Hutchins travels with his father and younger twin brothers to Southern Illinois to visit his father’s relatives whom he does not recall meeting before. Once the family is introduced, the story flashes back to 1861, setting the stage for family intrigue. Grandma Tilly tells of the start of the Civil War in 1861 and how the entire Pruitt family was transformed in spirit by a beautiful, young debutante. Delphine and her quiet, dark-skinned companion, Calinda, came to their small town of Grand Tower on the banks of the Mississippi River to escape the inevitable conflict in New Orleans. No one knows who these women are or what their purpose is in this small community and with the tension of war building, the rumors begin to fly. 
When the women disembark from the steamboat, Rob Roy, they find a room to rent in the Pruitt household. Everyone in the Pruitt family forms a special bond with the women who forever change their lives. Feeling the effects of war and their father long gone, Noah, Tilly’s twin brother, is anxious to enlist but delays joining the Union Army until the age of sixteen due to his feelings for Delphine. Then facing the rages of war, Noah becomes sick and Mrs. Pruitt sends Tilly and Delphine to the army camp in Cairo, Illinois to find him and nurse him back to health. Dr. Hutchins, the new physician in town joins them on this journey and through twists and turns, relationships are formed and destiny becomes entwined.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Richard Peck vividly describes life in the antebellum South. In a small Mississippi river town the unique mixture of characters are drawn together through circumstances born of conflict. The  reader is quickly pulled into the story through the intriguing characters forming lasting relationships as the story unfolds. This story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the life of another. Descriptions of time and place are integral to the story and authentically represented. Peck provides an accurate historical snapshot of the life and times in Southern Illinois at the start of the Civil War that students who are studying this era will understand. He uses flashbacks to tell the main part of the story and one is compelled to reflect upon the opening chapter to tie the story elements together. The Cajun and French vernacular may be difficult for students not familiar with the South, but the vocabulary is explained flawlessly throughout the book in order to capture the flavor of the locale. The story is rich with personal secrets that will keep the reader engaged, saving the best for last. This is an excellent read for middle school students or young adults connecting historical studies of the Civil War.

REVIEW EXCERPTS AND AWARDS

Booklist starred review- “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”

Horn Book starred review- “ The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.

Kirkus Review starred review- “A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise.”

Publishers Weekly starred review “Peck reaches new depth with this
Civil War-era novel. . .”

National Book Award finalist (Young People's Literature, 2003)

ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2004)

Scott O'Dell Award (2004)

CONNECTIONS
Partner with a social studies and language arts teaching team to promote an integrated study of history. Encourage students to keep a journal of reflection from the viewpoint of the main character.

Additional recommended reading in historical fiction for middle school students:

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park 2001 ISBN: 10-0395978270
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck 2002 ISBN: 10-0142300705
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 1999 ISBN: 10-0385323069
Day of Tears: a Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester 2005 ISBN: 10-0786804904
Elijah of Buxton by Paul Curtis 2007 ISBN: 10-0439023440
Fair Weather by Richard Peck 2001 ISBN: 10-0803725167
On the Wings of Heros by Richard Peck ISBN: 10-0803730810

RESOURCES
Picture: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0803727356.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/river-between-us#whats-the-story-main

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/ 

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/search?query=A%20river%20between%20us

Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT. Libraries Unlimited. 2008.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Avi. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Orchard Books. 1990.
ISBN: 0-53108493-0

PLOT SUMMARY

In the year 1832, during the Industrial Revolution, Charlotte Doyle is left to finish her studies at an English boarding school while her father is summoned home to attend to a textile manufacturing business. This is the story of a prim and proper thirteen year-old girl who has been educated at the best schools, dressed in the finest, and spoiled by her parents and governess. The family sails to America without her with the intent for her to finish her studies and join them in America. Her father has made arrangements for her safe passage at a later date, traveling under the supervision of a well-respected family, but they are unable to make the voyage. Charlotte becomes the sole passenger on the Seahawk, amongst a dozen rough, mutinous seamen and a feared and tyrannical leader, Captain Andrew Jaggery.  The ship’s cook, Zachariah, warns Charlotte of impending troubles and presents her with a dagger to keep for self-defense. Putting all her trust in the captain, whom she reveres as a father figure, she becomes his informer and tells him all about the crewmen’s conniving. She soon learns that her words and actions are used against her as she becomes entangled in the vengeful uprising against the captain. Charlotte is met with a grim opportunity to reflect on her life when she is accused, tried, and found guilty for murder aboard the Seahawk. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Avi is a prolific writer of young adult fiction. In The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle he has created a character reflecting the voice of a strong female point of view. Although Charlotte is groomed to be a prim and proper young lady without thoughts and views of her own, she undergoes a transformation in her own perspectives and courage. The elements of tyranny, mutiny, and moral growth portray challenges that are artfully woven together to suggest conflict that is both internal and external. Charlotte is faced with a moral dilemma to support her shipmates in their uprising or to side with the immoral authority of Captain Jaggery. Avi's vivid descriptions of life on a ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the mid 1800s offer a unique setting integral to the time period of the story. The appendix by the author at the end of the book and the explanation of terms throughout are helpful to someone not familiar with the unique features of the setting (e.g., masts, rigging, bowsprit, etc.). This exciting, adventurous tale is a classic journey novel that is enjoyable for both genders of any middle school population.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS
Newbery Honor Book 1991
ALA’s Best Book for Young Adults and ALA’s Notable Children’s Book

Publishers Weekly-“ In this crackling good yarn--a Newbery Honor book--a 13-year-old girl must extricate herself from a perilous position during an 1832 transatlantic voyage.”

School Library Journal-“ On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1802, a 12 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas.”

CONNECTIONS
Encourage middle school children to choose other historical fiction and to keep a journal from the viewpoint of the main character.
 
Additional reading of historical fiction:
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns 1986 ISBN: 10 0618919710
Flight of the Fisherbird by Nora Martin 2003 ISBN: 10-1582348146
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson 2002 ISBN: 10-0525467394
Post Captain by Patrick O’Brian 1990 ISBN: 10 0393307069
The Secret River by Kate Greenville 2006 ISBN: 10 1841959146
Tales from Gold Mountain: Stories of the Chinese in the New World by Paul Yee 1990 ISBN: 10-0888990983
The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed by Heather Vogel Fredrick 2002 ISBN:10-068984851-X

RESOURCES
Ansell, Janis and Holley, Pam. What do Children and Young Adults Read Next? A Reader’s Guide to Fiction for Children and Young Adults. Vol. 6. Detroit: Gale Cengage Learning. 2005.

http://www.bookrags.com/The_True_Confessions_of_Charlotte_Doyle

Picture:
http://unihighlib.pbworks.com/f/1196102696/trueconfessions.jpg

http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001196.shtml

Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT. Libraries Unlimited. 2008.