The Best Books for Teens . . . And All of Us!

I love NPR (National Public Radio).  It's how I get 90% of my news.  NPR is also known for its well developed lists.  Today they came out with NPR's Top 100 Books for Teens, and, boy, did they get it right! 

Although there is the requisite Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Twilight series, most of this list's books are strongly character-driven.  Number 14 on the list is my recently mentioned Anne of Green Gables--a strong female character that every girl should know.  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, ranked #25, develves into the thought process of an autistic teenager. If I Stay, #75, focuses on a girl who has awoken from a coma and, with no memory of her past, must reconstruct her life. 
Many of the plot-driven books are exciting action stories that I have loved: The Giver (#12), The House of the Scorpion (#93), To Kill a Mockingbird (#3).





Every genre is covered.  Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series and Paolini's Inheritance series showcase fantasy literature.  But science fiction fantasy, realistic fiction, and even historical fiction are well represented, as well.

My favorite thing about this list is that it is not just this year's favorites.  Some of the foundational works that have motivated teens for decades are listed.  A Separate Peace, The Outsiders, Go Ask Alice, and, on every junior higher's required reading list, Call of the Wild are listed alongside the newest teen literature.

As I read through the list and saw many books I have read, I was excited to see many books that are on my to-read list. It's nice to know I have some good reads to look forward to!  With five titles listed in the top 100, John Green is certainly the teen author to watch!  

The best thing about this list is that it proves that teen literature is not just for teens!  Some of the best books of all time and some of the best of current literature is in the teen market. Don't let a "teen" label keep you from the great characters and stories in literature!  
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Strong Female Characters for Girls to Know and Love

I've been discussing boys in literature and books that are good for boys for the past couple of weeks.  I thought it would be appropriate to focus on girls in literature--the kinds of girls we would all like our daughters to be.  As I researched and remembered stories with memorable girl characters, it took me back to my childhood, when books began to be powerful to me.  Because books are like good friends, I know I absorbed some of the character qualities of these powerful female characters.


Making lists is always risky.  Certainly, I will have left out many favorites.  And I hope to hear from many of you on who your favorite female characters are.  The list that was supposed to be 5 I had to stretch to 6.  To help me narrow the list, I put some parameters on myself:
1. The characters had to be from literature intended for children/teens.  That removed the powerful Jo from Little Women and Francie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
2. They had to be fictional characters.  This meant I had to take out Laura from the Little House series (sorry, Lori!).
3. They had to have no distracting characteristics.  For me, this meant no characters who are nosy, disrespectful to parents, violent, or just make me feel "icky"  Unfortunately, Hermione from harry Potter fits into this category.  (I sure hope to hear from someone on that!)  
4. It's not about the genre or plot.  I focused on the characters themselves--their strengths, their passions.  I asked myself if I would want to be their friends.


So, here is my list of 6 strong female characters that every girl (and boy!) should read and become familiar with.  Interestingly, some of the characters were written with the character traits I admired, and some of them grew into the traits.  


6. Margaret (Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume)

Genre: Realistic fiction

Thank you, Aunt Judy, for introducing me to this wonderful character by giving me this book for Christmas many, many years ago!  I related to Margaret so much.  She loves her parents but is at the age where she doesn't quite know how to show it anymore and is trying to pull apart from them, to become her own young woman.  During her 6th grade year, she is asking questions about life, friends, her body, the future.  She desperately wants to know and understand God, and she seeks Him out--although she doesn't find Him where she thinks she will.  Moving to a new town, she is thrust into a new school and new friendships at this emotionally challenging time.  I love her intimacy with God.
Character Qualities: inquisitive, persistent, loyal friend
Quote that Expresses Margaret's Personality: "Are you there, God?  It's me, Margaret.  I just told my mother I want a bra.  Please help me grow, God.  You know where.  I want to be like everyone else."  (Okay, maybe this wouldn't be the best choice for a boy.)


5. Mrs. Frisby (Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien)

This is my favorite cover for this book.  When I teach it, I ask students to predict who the character is on the front and what he/she is holding.  It's my favorite read-aloud of all time!

Genre: Science fiction/fantasy
The brave Mrs. Frisby has two major differences with most of my other chosen women: She is a  mother (thus, not a peer of most readers) and she is an anthropomorphic character--a mouse that acts like a person.  Mrs. Frisby embodies courage, as she must protect and act during a very dangerous time to ensure the safety of her sick son.  In one of the book's most thrilling episodes, she must drug a cat to provide safety for the rats to complete their important plan.  Except that she is a rat, Mrs. Frisby is a very normal mother.  She has never done anything eroic up to this point, which is what makes her bravery so real to readers.  Every girl should have a role model like this brave mama.
Character Qualities: courage, sacrifice
Quote that Expresses Mrs. Frisby's Personality: "As she hurried home, Mrs. Frisby considered just how much she should tell her children about all that had happened--and all that was going to happen.  She decided at that stage, at least, she would not tell them about their father's connection with the rats.  Also that she would not say she had volunteered to put the sleeping powder into Dragon's bowl.  That would worry them; she could tell them, perhaps, when it was safely done" (p 150).  




4. Esperanza (Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan)

Genre: Historical fiction
For all of her young life, Esperanza had been a rich and somewhat spoiled girl, living on her family's ranchero in Mexico, until her greedy uncle makes demands that she and her newly widowed mother cannot accept.  They secretly leave Mexico and become day laborers in California's Central Valley.  When her mother falls ill and is unable to work, Esperanza "rises" be a hard-working breadwinner for her family.  Readers see the unfairness of life through Esperanza's eyes, but they also learn of hope (esperanza, in Spanish).
Character Qualities: perseverance, hard work, loyalty, determination, hope
Quote that Expresses Esperanza's Personality: "As the sun rose, Esperanza began to feel as if she rose with it.  Floating again, like the day on the mountain, when she first arrived in the valley.  She closed her eyes, and this time she . . . glided above the earth, unafraid. . . .She had her family, a garden of roses, her faith, and the memories of those who had gone before her.  But now, she had even more than that, and it carried her up, as the wings of the phoenix.  She soared with the anticipation of dreams she never knew she could have, of learning English, of supporting her family, of someday buying a tiny house.  Miguel had been right about never giving up, and she had been right, too about rising about those who held them down" (p. 249-250).


3. Meg Murry (A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle)

Genre: Science fiction/fantasy
As one of the most popular and well written science fiction fantasies of all time, A Wrinkle in Time explores time travel through the perspective of family relationships.  Meg, a wallflower, becomes a rescuer, using her faults as her strengths--stubbornness becomes tenacity, anger becomes hatred of evil.  Her very relateable character is an inspiration to real girls everywhere.
Character Qualities: tenacity, loyalty/love of family, determination
Quote that Expresses Meg's Personality: "Father said it was all right for me to be afraid.  He said to go ahead and be afraid.  And Mrs Who said--I don't understand what she said, but I think it was meant to make me not hate being only me, and me being the way I am.  And Mrs Whatsit said to remember that she loves me.  That's what I have to think about.  not about being  afraid.  Or not as smart as IT.  Mrs Whatsit loves me.  That's quite something to be loved by someone like Mrs Whatsit" (p. 176).


2. Charlotte (Charlotte's Web by E. B. White)

Genre: Animal fantasy
The world's wisest spider, Charlotte will forever be equated with friendship and sacrifice.  While living in Zuckermans' barn with a host of farm animals, Charlotte develops a friendship with the insecure pig, Wilbur, and eventually saves his life with her savviness.
Character Qualities: faithfulness, wisdom, encouragement
Quote that Expresses Charlotte's Personality: "Wilbur blushed.  'But I'm not that terrific, Charlotte.  I'm just average for a pig.'  'You're terrific as far as I'm concerned,' replied Charlotte sweetly, 'and that's what counts.  You're my best friend, and I think your'e sensational.  Now stop arguing and get some sleep,'" (p.91)


1. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery)

Genre: Historical fiction
The optimistic spirit of orphan Anne Shirley makes her one of the most hopeful and enduring characters of all time.  Seeing the good in everyone, dreaming of possibilities, and having undying loyalty to her "bosom friend" Diana Anne is a hero of every dramatic preteen.  This historical fiction story has no serious villains and no epic storyline.  Instead, the reader enjoys observing the growing up of a girl to a young woman on Victoria Island during a kinder, gentler time.
Character Qualities:optimism, loyalty, creativity
Quote that Expresses Anne's Personality: "Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about?  It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world.  It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it?  There'd be no scope for the imagination then, would there?" (p. 21)




I can't wait to hear your favorite females in literature!







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Wouldn't You Read a Book About Origami Yoda?

One of the joys (and dangers) of working at Barnes and Noble is actually having contact with the books that I would otherwise just read about in my professional journals.  And, I confess, it is hard for me to say no to an interesting book.  Predictably, I spend a significant portion of each paycheck on the new "most interesting" books. 


Last week, I saw a display for The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger. I couldn't walk past. Flipping it through it, I saw the dream book of any 12-yr-old boy. 

Origami Yoda is about some 6th grade kids whose very odd friend (he has Aspergers, although it is never stated outright) makes an origami Yoda finger puppet that gives surprisingly good advice. The mystery of the book is trying to figure out if Origami Yoda is real, by some sort of mystical power, or if he is just the odd boy sharing insights. 


The beauty of this book is that Tom Angleberger truly remembers what is like to be an awkward 6th grader.  The characters are sixth-grade-like and relateable without being stereotypical.  


The story is told as a series of episodes, from the perspectives of various students, about interacting with Origami Yoda.  The book pages look like wadded paper that has been smoothed out.  The main character, Tommy, illustrates the pages in doodle style.  After each Yoda episode, the case is analyzed by Harvey, a kid who refuses to believe in Origami Yoda, and by Tommy, who is trying to remain neutral. 


This book has the warmth of Frindle, the silliness and style of Captain Underpants, and the personality of the Lemony Snicket series. It's a perfect book for a 4th-7th grade boy, and it's a great reluctant reader.  But anyone who likes fun books about kids should love this book. Fortunately, there are two more books in is series, Darth Paper Strikes Again and  The Secret of the Fortune Cookie Wookie (available for order), and I can't wait to read them! Pin It

Real Literature for the Young

This is the 25th anniversary edition, which comes out in October.

A customer came into Barnes & Noble a couple of days ago asking for a book that I love, Linnea in Monet's Garden. This is a fictional account of a girl and a grandfatherly neighbor taking a trip to France to visit the garden of Monet, which he epitomized with his paintings of impressionistic lily pads and bridges. It is an entertaining book, but what I love most about it is how it incorporates real paintings, photographs, and history of Monet and his family into a story.

There are many children's books that do this so beautifully. Another is Emily by Barbara Cooney, the story of a young girl who moves into the house across the street from the reclusive poet, Emily Dickinson. Sprinkled throughout the book are lines of Dickinson's poetry. 

Besides being engaging stories, books like Linnea in Monet's Garden and Emily have the added benefit of teaching history to children. Unfortunately, not many young children are exposed to Monet and Emily Dickinson. Mainly, that is because we tend to think children are not sophisticated to appreciate or understand art and poetry.

Soapbox #1: If you introduce children to art and beauty at a young age, there is no reason they can't appreciate it. A little goes a long way with children, and, certainly, there are appropriate and inappropriate ways of teaching the young about art, but introducing children to beauty is part of the job of a parent! Thank goodness there is literature around to help.

There is currently a line of board books, Babylit, that introduces classic stories to preschoolers. Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre, Dracula, and A Christmas Carol are all board book titles that use the characters and settings of these classic stories to introduce colors, numbers, the alphabet, and other preschool-appropriate information. But how would children benefit by having an introduction to classic stories at such a young age?

 

Soapbox #2: The younger you introduce a child to something, the more natural it seems to him or her.  One of the reasons I chose to homeschool my children for many years was so I could invest time on art and literature, making it a natural part of their education.

When I was teaching my son, M (not using his name to spare him any possible embarrassment :-) ), at home, I decided to introduce him to Shakespeare in elementary school.  Lois Burdett publishes a wonderful series of Shakespeare stories (illustrated by her students--it's inspired!) that is geared toward 2nd-5th graders, so we read through a couple of those.  One night at dinner, my husband told a story about something that had happened at work.  When he was done, M pipes up with, "Hey, that reminds me of when Prince Hamlet said, 'The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king'"!  Oh, my gosh!  My 3rd grade son had not just accurately quoted the Bard, he had related literature to a real life situation!  It's been over 10 years, and I'm still not over it.   M really enjoyed Shakespeare, so much that I felt like we were missing out on some other literature that I wanted him to know about. The only way I could persuade him to take a Shakespeare break was to promise that we would cover some new Shakespeare stories the next year. Because of his enthusiasm, we studied Shakespeare for three years. And this was the reason why:  When M got to high school and "had" to read Shakespeare, I didn't want it to be negative or challenging for him. I knew that introducing him to this classic author would give him just enough framework to read the real books in a meaningful way.

Reading Linnea or Babylit's Pride and Prejudice will not make your baby into a literary genius, but one thing it may do is introduce him or her to literary classics. Doing that will make reading the real thing familiar and hopefully a more enjoyable experience. Pin It

Andrew Clements, An Author for Boys (and Girls too :-) )

There are countless websites devoted to discussing boys and books.  There are numerous reasons for this (which I will discuss another day, as it is a very interesting discussion), but today I want to focus on an author who appreciates and understands boys.  He writes intelligently about their motivations, ideas, creativity, and experiences because he lived them himself, growing up in a traditional family in the 50's and 60's.

I love Clements' books not only because they appeal to boys, but also because they are not too edgy.  If today's "boy books" don't have poop and fart jokes or bad language and budding sexuality or fantasy-laden futurism, then authors seem to think boys won't want to read them.  Yes, boys like all those things, and I'm glad they do and that there are books that appeal to those interests.  But Andrew Clements seems to have found a way of communicating that isn't banal but still includes humor, technology, and hormones.  His genre of choice is usually realistic fiction, which means boys are reading about things that could really happen to them. 

Clements' first and most popular novel is Frindle, about a boy who provokes his teacher by creating a new word for "pen."  He encourages all of his classmates to join him in this mini-rebellion.  Boys love this book because it has some mutiny and a budding leader . . . but he's not too bad--just experimental.

Allow me to share a personal story.  When I was working in a cognitive training center last year, I was developing a curriculum for teaching reading comprehension to children who struggled academically.  Most of our students, no surprise, were boys.  One mom asked me for some suggested titles for her reluctant reader son, who "hated reading."  I gave her a short list (including Frindle) that he would work on at home and during his sessions with his trainer.

One day I was sitting at my desk, and a little whirlwind ran through the front door, past my desk, and to his trainer who was going through the program with him.  "Joe! Joe!  Guess what?  I LOVE READING!"  I had tears in my eyes, and Joe had a hard time keeping it together.  He asked this student, "What changed?  What has happened since last week?"  "This book," he announced, waving his copy of Frindle.  By then, his mom had met me at my desk.  She said, "I just ordered everything Andrew Clements has written.  I've never heard my son care about a book before."  That's what it takes with reluctant readers--finding THE book--the one that will draw them into the world of books.

So, Frindle saved this student's life, if you dont mind me being a little melodramatic.

My personal favorite of Clements' is Things Not Seen.  A 15-yr old boy awakes one day to discover that he is invisible.  It has elements of science fiction, but it is a beautiful relationship book, as the boy befriends a blind girl (who has no way of knowing he is invisible). This book was very meaningful to one of my sons, who read it when he was 15. There are a couple of sequels to this storyline (Things Hoped For and Things That Are).  These are great books for early teen boys who don't necessarily crave manga or futuristic technology.

As realistic fiction, these books are ones that boys can relate to.  Most of Clements' books star boys, which is an appealing element to boy readers.  They are clever and enjoy typical boy things. Clements' boys are "everyboy," in a good sense.  They are relatable and enjoyable, but they are not perfect.  Most of the stories take place in a school setting, also relatable to most boys. 

If you have or know of a reluctant reader boy, or if you just want an entertaining story to read to your kids or for them to add to their summer reading list, add Andrew Clements' titles to your list.  (Hint: The Clements' books that are early readers--ages 9-12--all have the same cover illustrator.  They are done by Brian Selznick--remember him?  The Invention of Hugo Cabret?  [see entry on 6/6].)  Here's a sampling:

Middle Grade Readers
Frindle
The Landry News
The Janitor's Boy
The Jacket
A Week in the Woods
The Report Card
The Last Holiday Concert
Lunch Money
Extra Credit
Trouble-Maker

Teen Readers
Things Not Seen
Things Hoped For
Things That Are


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The Magic of a Good Story--The Invention of Hugo Cabret

One of the reasons children (and adults!) are encouraged to read is that stories take the reader to other worlds. Escapism. Exploration.  It is a gift to readers when an author can truly help you leave your present reality and live in the pages of a good book. I am reading a book that does this in a magical way.

I love innovation in the arts. I've always loved three-dimensional art, movies that do something new, and even books that create an experience that is unique. (This is one of the reasons I loved The Book Thief--see the post on May 10.) Perhaps you saw the movie Hugo. It was a visual and storytelling treat. Scorsese was able to direct such a beautiful visual experience because of the uniqueness of Brian Seltznick's illustrative genius in the book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Here are some of the unique elements of Seltznick's book:

1. The pages are black, not white. This gives a feel that I've never had while reading before.  Much of the book takes place at night or in the clock towers, so it is appropriate that black should be the background. The mood-making is perfect.  The black pulls you in and causes the reader to see the book differently than typical white pages would.

2. Most of the story is told through illustration. To say that Seltznick is an illustrator is almost minimizing his incredible talent. There should be a word for artists who can draw like paintings. It is such a remarkable gift. Reading the pages of this book is like slowly watching a movie--Seltznick will draw four or five illustrations of the same scene, bringing the reader in closer with each frame. It is very personal and makes the reading an experience. I find that I "read" the illustrations slowly, so as not to miss any details. The author will tell four or five pages of story through 2-page spreads of illustration, then two to four pages of text. The written story is wonderful, but the illustration is what pulls the reader in.

3.  Unlike most illustrated stories, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is told exclusively with black and white illustrations. I'm sure part of the reason Seltznick did this was because he was telling a story of early film and was reflecting that black and white motif. It also truly showcases his style of line pencil drawing.

Every year the Association  for Library Services to Children chooses a book to honor with the Caldecott Medal, awarded for outstanding illustrations. The honored book each year is usually a picture book--they are the ones filled with illustrations!  Hugo, however, is a middle reader book (7-12 year olds), with a more complex story that will appeal to children beyond the picture-book stage.  Brian Seltznick won the Caldecott Medal in 2008 for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and if you read it, you will most certainly understand why. Pin It

A Look at The Book Thief

I have just finished perhaps the most interesting book I have ever read. I can't say it was my favorite, but there were so many unique things about it, that I appreciate it on a deeper level than "favoriting."

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is not just another in the long list of young adult Holocaust books.  (Goodreads lists 183.)  The narrator of this unique story is Death. Yes, the Grim Reaper. When my daughter told me about this book a couple of years ago, that, itself, was enough to get me curious enough to read it.  More than any book I have ever read, this story had that elusive literary quality of "voice"--something so hard to explain but beautiful when it's done well.  The book has a mournful tone that could only be spoken by one who knows and understands death--even the parts that are not "sad" still feel melancholy.

So, why would one want to read a melancholy book like this?  Why would a person want to read about the horrors of history that overwhelmed the world in the early 1940's? 

Because The Book Thief is about so much more.  It is a different kind of coming of age book--lifechange, maturity, relationships; dealing with abandonment, guilt, and secrets.  It is about the power of words--infectious, inflammatory words and passionate, compassionate words. Written words, spoken words, and even unspoken words. 

Let me give you an excerpt to whet your appetite: " She was suddenly aware of how empty her feet felt inside her shoes. Something ridiculed her throat. She trembled. When finally she reached out and took possession of the letter, she noticed the sound of the clock in the library. Grimly, she realized that clocks don't make a sound that even remotely resembles ticking, tocking. It was more the sound of a hammer, upside down, hacking methodically at the earth." (p. 259)  This metaphorical speech is indicative of the book's interesting style. Here is the narrator speaking about his job: "Five hundred souls. I carried them in my fingers, like suitcases. Or I'd throw them over my shoulder.  It was only the children I carried in my arms." (p. 336)  Although the book is full of thoughts of the Grim Reaper, they are not morbid or graphic. You come away seeing the dichotomous position this character is in.

This is what historical fiction does for its readers--provides them with multidimensional characters, complex human emotions, against the backdrop of history.  Reading books like The Book Thief is a way to help children understand the pains of war, as well as the reality of events like the Holocaust.  And because they are reading about characters their own age, teens come away with a clearer reality of what that part of history felt like.

Not everyone should read this book.  I wouldn't recommend it for anyone younger than 13, and even then, it might not be appropriate. There is a considerable amount of bad language (although we are given the German form frequently, so it isn't the same as reading words you know to be socially unacceptable in your own language.) As a Christian, I don’t like the overuse of God's name in the inflammatory sense.  And, of course, with a narrator like Death, it destines to be a book with a considerable amount of death, so particularly sensitive teens would be wise to avoid it.

I have always said that Schindler's List is so much more than a movie--it is an experience. I would have to equate The Book Thief to that, as well.  Not a fun read, but a rich one.

Again, there are many very well written books about the Holocaust. Here are a few that you might find interesting.  I have ordered them by age-appropriateness.

Number the Stars (Lois Lowry)

The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (John Boyne)

The Devil's Arithmetic (Jane Yolen)

I Am David (Anne Holm)

Night (Elie Weisel)

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Go Ahead . . . Judge a Book by Its Cover!

While you were growing up, how many times did you hear, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”?  Innumerable times, no doubt.  The expression appropriately encourages us to look beyond the exterior to what is underneath.

It is obvious to me that this expression has seen its time, at least in the literal sense.  Yes, it used to be that book covers were pretty generic and unvarying.  Most of these dull book covers would lead readers, especially children, to make assumptions about the stories that may not necessarily be true. But now, covers add personality to books that would otherwise be nondescript. 

Illustrators are some of the most famous artists of our day.  They are paid greatly for their bookcover contributions.  And they are guided by savvy editors who know what markets they are trying to reach with each book.

What can a cover tell you?

            1. What age group this book is appropriate for.

            2. What gender (if there is a specific gender) it is targeted to.

            3. The tone of the story--if it is silly or serious.

You can see that the Snow White story (Jarrell) is a more serious, artistic take on the fable.  Snowballs, by Lois Ehlert, is fun for young children.

How do illustrators and editors do this?

            1. Selecting a font that fits the mood of the story.

            2. Choosing the color scheme that will draw potential readers in.

            3. Deciding on a specific character, item, or scene to highlight on the cover.

By the tone and font, the reader can see that Andrew Clements' Frindle is a friendly book for kids.  The serious tone of Number the Stars (Lowry) hints to its plotline during the Holocaust.

We are a visual people, aren’t we!  We appreciate color and shape and texture.  And since we all have different tastes, it is perfectly appropriate to let your initial reaction to a cover be something that guides you (although not exclusively) to or away from a book.  If a book has a rugged font for the title and dark colors covering the front, I will shy away from it.  (I realize I have just described an entire section of Young Adult literature--science fiction fantasy!) And that is perfectly appropriate!  A book designed with that look is probably not going to appeal to me, and it wasn’t intended to. 

e.e. cummings' Little Tree, illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray

When I saw this book displayed a number of Christmases ago, I was immediately drawn to the fact that it was a picture book of a famous poem by e.e. cummings.  But I don’t think I would have picked it up if not for the dreamy, wistful cover by Deborah Cogan Ray.  I knew immediately that I had to have it—it’s a visceral response that we often have to books. If you feel you have to have it, it is not because the book has meaning to you yet or even because it was so cleverly titled (although many books are); it is because the cover and title font have done their job of speaking to your heart.

Certainly, a cover illustration should not be the only prerequisite for choosing a book, but don’t feel guilty if you are drawn to specific things!  Books you will probably enjoy should look like you would enjoy them. 

So the next time you warn someone not to judge a book by its cover, just be sure you aren’t talking about a real book!

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5 Steps to Doing a Good Read Aloud

Remember those storytimes you grew up with? Remember sitting next to a warm parent at night before bed . . . or with a rambunctious crowd at the library . . . or mesmerized at your desk with the teacher reading aloud?

All children need to be read to--to introduce them to quality literature, to help them with early reading development, to familiarize them with advanced vocabulary and sentence structure, and to learn the love of hearing stories.

There are no shortage of lists of recommended books for children. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information for parents on how to read aloud, which is equally as important! It seems so simple, doesnt it? You just open and read! But for a child to get the most out of a book, there are things you can do that will make the experience even more meaningful to your child. Here are a few steps that will soon become a natural part of your read aloud habits if you practice them every day.

1. EXAMINE the cover together. Then, ask the child what he or she thinks the story will be about. This is called making predictions, which experts now know all good readers do automatically. Good readers make and revise their predictions constantly while reading. It is one way the brain stays actively involved in the story. (By the way, there is no wrong prediction. If the child was wrong, he or she just revises the prediction! It's very liberating.)

2. READ THE TITLE (again) and then the AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR names. Knowing the author and illustrator is so important. First, it teaches children that books just don't appear--someone had to create them. Reading their names shows respect for the people and their hard work. Another good reason to know the author and illustrator is for recognizability. My boys quickly learned that they liked Jan Brett's style, so library searches were easier--I sent them to the B's and let them bury themselves in books until they found another Jan Brett.

3. READ THE STORY. Always read slowly. I say this as a reminder to people like me who tend to talk fast naturally! Remember that an author and editor chose every word to be in that book, so respect the wording the author has used. If the book has a couple of lines of text per page, it is good to move your finger along under the words. This shows children the patterns of reading that will be foundational as they learn to read.

One of my young adult children recently told me that he loved how I read aloud to him. He said, "You made the voices for characters and you did different things with your voice to move the story along." So, in that vein, read extra slowly at suspenseful parts, speed up when Peter is being chased my Mr. MacGregor, and whisper when he is hiding under the pot. Reading with energy and purpose will engage your children in the story. 

Don't stop to answer a lot of questions or explain material, but if there is a question in the text, have your child answer it! 

4. WRAP UP. Encourage some dialogue after the story: "Wow, I sure didn't expect it to end that way! " or "What was your favorite part?" or "Should we read this one again tomorrow night?"

5. ASK QUESTIONS. Only do this if the child is still interested. "When we were reading, I heard an interesting word. [Turn back to the page, point to the word, and say it.]. Do you know what that means? Let me read that sentence again and maybe we can figure it out." Or "Do you think this story could have ended differently?" Children will often have questions while you are reading, and if you don't answer them during the story (which is best because things are often explained in the course of the story or context will make things clearer), this is a good time to say, "What was that question you had back on page [x]?"

One thing we did with our children while they were growing up was to discuss the art medium the illustrator used, which led to a lot of creativity in their own artistic expressions.

It is fine, of course, if the child is done with that book for the day and doesn't want to do any "vocabulary development" or "analysis." Children don't learn to love books by analyzing them to death.

These five steps, with any age child and any genre of story, will get you started in a very enriching reading time together! Pin It

Let's Be Real

One of my great passions is using literature in lesson plans. When I was growing up, all stories were in the language text book, all history came from the history textbook, and all science was from the science textbook.  Fortunately for students, much has changed.  Students are no longer subjected to only short stories, excerpts from great literature, and stories created to fit into the state standards and that fit within the boxy corners of a textbook.

Children deserve more than contrived literature that looks like it belongs on the back of a cereal box.  They deserve excellent literature in every part of the school day.  About twenty years ago, the trend for using "real books" came about.  Although it has continued to grow in acceptance, there is so much more teachers can do.

Real books are literature--real literature--that students will enjoy, be moved by, and read again and again.  A good book is like a friend--you return to it over and over, it moves you, it isn't stagnant but changes as you read it at different stages.

After Disney comes out with a movie, the market is flooded with merchandise using that motif.  In book form those Disney stories have cheap paper, colorful but flat and uninteresting illustrations, and boring text.  They are there just to tell the retell the story.  Although I love Disney and Pixar movies, the blasé books that they develop are an embarrassment to literature. 

So how do you know a real book from a blasé book?

1. Real books have reputable authors. 
    Blasé books often have no author name but just list a publisher.  (There are plenty of blasé books that do have authors--either pseudonyms, made up, or entry-level writers.)

2. Real books have beautiful, inspiring illustrations. 
    Blasé books look like an imitation.  They are flat and uninteresting.

3. Real books stand alone. 
    They are not meant to be a part of some marketing campaign or educational standard. 

4. Real books come before the movies! 
    Almost always after a movie comes out, a book will follow.  These are written quickly, just to capitalize on the timing of the movie's release.  Truly blasé.

5. Real books are the ones you remember from your childhood. 
    Although it is possible, it is very unlikely you remember the books that were take offs on movies or TV shows from your childhood.  You probably don't remember much from your language textbook, either.  And if you read from Dick and Jane readers (although they are seeing a resurgence for their art's sake), you were definitely NOT moved by the riveting storyline. 

The question becomes then, how to incorporate real books into the curriculum.  If this is the best of literature and we want our children exposed to quality, not depressing readers, how can teachers use literature inspiringly in their classrooms?  The best thing about real books is that they are not intended to teach a curriculum subject, but they can be used to do so! 

Real books are being used in the classroom to supplement the content areas.  Literature becomes more authentic because students are able to see that stories apply to history, science, and even math!  Books like Elinor Pinczes' One Hundred Hungry Ants and A Remainder of One (illustrated by Bonnie Mackain), take math concepts like grouping, number sense, and division and show children how fun math can be--They can start to imagine looking at life through math-glasses. 

In language, there are beautiful poetry books that help children understand grammar!  Ruth Heller is an expert at explaining grammar, even the exceptions to the rules!, in books like Kites Sail High, Behind the Mask: A book about prepostions, and Many Luscious Lollipops: A book about adjectives.  Another possibility is using quality children's literature to teach writing concepts like dialogue, characterization, and voice. 

In science, teachers and parents can use a book like The Snowy Day (Keats) to demonstrate concepts like weather, solid-to-liquid, and temperature.  It's a real book, and in a very real way it demonstrates those concepts by story.

The best and easiest use of real literature is for history.  Studying the Civil War with 4th graders?  Choose My Brother Sam Is Dead.  Studying immigration?  Try Esperanza Rising.  Looking at the African-Americans struggle during the 20th century? Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry will teach more than a lecture can--or certainly make a lecture come to life.  These are all novels, but storybooks abound for history, as well. 

Fortunately, students aren't stuck just with textbooks anymore.  They can see how the concepts they are learning have been lived out or can be interesting and entertaining.  This is just one more way to make school relevant to real life!

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Location! Location! Location!

I've gotten off my schedule this week, but I don't think any of you is married to my blog schedule, so I will just feel the freedom to change it up every now and then.  Soon, there will be more literature-related blog posts, but I am so excited about what happened today!

I decided to overcome my fear and take a look at the magical spot I have reserved (in my mind only) for Once Upon a Storybook.  It has been available since November 2011, and I have seen the inside twice.  It is PERFECT for my needs--almost like it was made just for me :-)  I haven't gone to see the space in awhile because my projected opening date keeps getting extended farther and farther out.  Although I am praying the spot will stay available for me, it just doesn't seem like that's likely for so long.

Below you will see some pictures of this darling spot.  And if you look carefully, you will see a lease sign in the window!  It is still available!  So, if you are the praying sort, please ask the Lord to hold it for me. 

Someday, where it says "Sugar Press," it will say "Once Upon a Storybook"!

That little parking spot in front of the door is just for you!

You can see Sugar Press on the right . . . on the left are many other darling shops!  Wouldn't you want to shop here?

The outside is darling with the little gable window that will always be filled with great displays.  Inside is even more amazing!  The cash wrap area is already built in, with white beadboard and a beautiful wood countertop.  On the other side of the cash wrap area is where I will have my storytime corner.  My friend and professional children's illustrator, Priscilla Burris, has offered to make a mural for me.  I know just what I want it to look like: a huge shade tree with lots of animals around the trunk, peeking in to listen at storytime.  The main wall on the left will be all white bookshelves, and there will be some shelving and display tables in the middle.  There will be children's beanbags, a small white picnic table, and two padded benches--plenty of seating for moms and kids. 

One of my favorite things about this shop is that, although it appears small (which is really what I want), behind the wall in the back is a room, perfect for a craft and party room!  I knew that wherever I leased, I would put one in, but in this location, it is here already! 

So, here it is, the beginnings of what Once Upon a Storybook will look like.  I hope you will soon be able to come visit me at Plaza Lafayette, on the corner of Newport and Irvine Blvds in Tustin!
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First steps

Norm and I have talked about owning a business since the first year we were married. We dreamed outloud about "Sweetie's," a 50's diner that would be walking distance from a high school--the perfect hangout. On a trip to the Bay Area, I got motivated to look into drive-through coffee shops. Nevermind that I was homeschooling full time and that I don't drink coffee! (This was pre-Starbucks days.) Then, it was a Dream Dinners franchise. We almost put money down on that one!

Why didn't we pursue any of these options? Mainly, the timing wasn't right. Norm also believed we should be involved in something that used both of our interests, experiences, and passions. Wouldn't it be great if we could find something we would both love, perhaps in education, where making money would be the goal but feel like a hobby!

In December 2011, my position was eliminated at LearningRx, a cognitive training company that works with students with learning issues (another franchise that we researched with some seriousness). After leaving a job I had loved, I knew I wouldn't be satisfied to just "have a job." It was time for me to reevaluate and determine what God had for the second half of my life!

Children's literature has always been my passion (see the first blog entry, April 15, 2012). When I was homeschooling, I did dream of owning a bookstore or working in children's publishing. When my friend, Lori, recently suggested how much fun it would be to own a used children's bookstore, my heart started racing--of course! A children's bookstore! It's the perfect time! It utilizes Norm's business experience (he's a CFO, nominated of OC CFO of the Year last year!) and My biggest passion.

And the more I think about it, research it, write about it, discuss it, the more I know this is the best way for me to accomplish my professional goals.

Next Thursday--the where and when of opening my bookstore Pin It

Are Fairy Tales Important?

I have spent most of my adult life reading fairy tales.  Sometimes it’s the escapism, sometimes it’s the predictability, sometimes it’s the romance that draws me to these timeless stories. 

Fairy tales are seeing a great resurgence in children’s literature.  It is fun to see what many consider “the same old stories” relived, reworked, and reillustrated for a new generation of young (and old!) readers. 

But, still, why should fairy tales be a part of our literary diets?  Do young children really need the predictable, often stereotypical events and characters in fairy tales? 

I love the philosophy of educator E.D. Hirsch, who argues that students need to understand a core curriculum of information so that everyone can communicate and fully participate in democratic life.  His Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know is a primer of the basic information that everyone should know, and he contends, “To be culturally literate is to possess the basic information needed to thrive in the modern world” (Hirsch, Cultural Literacy, xiii). I mention this not because everyone should run out and buy Hirsch’s book (although it is worth it!), but because I truly believe the concept that we all need a basic foundation to ensure that we have a fair playing field for education, jobs, and democracy.

Literacy? Education? Employment? Democracy?  What does all this have to do with fairy tales???

Fairy tales are typically the first types of stories to which children are introduced—especially before the last couple of generations when picture- and storybooks for children began to see a huge development.  Children are drawn to elements in fairy tales that make them “safe,” or predictable.  That familiar conclusion to every fairy tale, “and they lived happily ever after” is second only in recognizability to that “once upon a time” introduction.  We all recognize that young children need security and predictability--stories provide that in a way that real life cannot always do.  Children quickly learn that no matter how dire the circumstances (think Hansel and Gretel), the good will win out in the end and the evil will pay the price.

Children need to be familiar with fairy tales because so much of more advanced literature is based on them.  If a student doesn’t know The Three Little Pigs, it will make the experience of hearing Jon Scieszka’s The True Story of the Three Little Pigs a little empty.  Certainly, The Paperbag Princess is an effective story that can stand on its own, but what makes it significant is the way it turns the typical fairy tale on its head—and if you don’t know that typical fairy tale, you won’t get the joke.  The plot of a damsel in distress, a romantic gentleman, a wicked woman, and elements of magic forms the basis for so many stories. 

Teen literature is also connecting with fairy tales these days.  Especially enjoyable are Donna Jo Napoli’s fractured fairy tales—Beast, Bound, and Zel have all been honored with multiple literary awards.  Again, they are enjoyable stories in their own rights, but what makes them powerful literature is the way they play on fairy tale themes and conventions.  Much of the best of new literature for young children, older children, and teens is taking the form of the fairy tale, either literally or in some fractured sense.

The best reason to read fairy tales goes back to my E.D. Hirsch rant.  Fairy tales are a part of our lives, whether we realize it or not.  Just like with Shakespeare (we’ll discuss that another day!), the language and character stereotypes are part of our culture.  “Happily ever after” is discussed in media, although usually in the negative . . . as in There is no “happily ever after.”  But to know that there isn’t a reality like this, a reader must be able to compare it to the fantasy of the fairy tale.  We use expressions like “the Big, Bad Wolf” to signify villains in our society and the “poisoned apple” to represent something that appears innocent but is truly dangerous.  When we make these literary allusions, we are assuming the audience knows to what we are referring.  Children with strong literary backgrounds will be more well educated than those who aren’t familiar with the traditional stories.

So pull out those dusty copies of some beautiful books and introduce them to young and older children, alike!  Fairy tales are the some of the basics that everyone should know and love!  Along with those mentioned above, here are some of my favorites:

Picture books—

The Rough-Faced Girl (Martin); Native American version of Cinderella

The Stinky Cheese Man: And Other Fairly Stupid Tales (Scieszka); fractured fairy tales

Lon Po Po (Young); Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood

Rapunzel (Zelinsky); traditional

Young Adult Literature—

Fairest (Levine); reworked Snow White (appropriate for jr. high readers)

Ella Enchanted (Levine); reworked Cinderella (appropriate for jr high readers)

Cinder (Meyer); reworked Cinderella (Note: I have not read, but the author is reputable; this is her latest work)



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