This blog is a continuation of a class assignment for the TWU course 5603, Literature for Children and Young Adults. Subsequent entries are for TWU course 5653, Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults. The new entries are for TWU course 5663, Poetry for Children and Young Adults.

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Single Shard


A Single Shard
By Linda Sue Park



cover image retrieved 11/9/12 from


Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. A Single Shard. New York: Clarion Books, 2001.  ISBN  978-0395978276


Summary
Tree-Ear is a young orphan who lives under a bridge with a kindly old man who cares for him, Crane-man. Though they are destitute, Crane-man teaches Tree-Ear survival tactics, how to have dignity, and the importance of believing in himself. Tree-Ear is fascinated with a local potter, the best in the region. In his efforts to sneak a peak at the potter’s new vase, he accidentally breaks it and must work to pay back the damages. As part of his work Tree-Ear must take a vase to the King’s Court. Along the dangerous journey Tree-Ear gains a greater understanding of who he is, what he is capable of, and what matters in life.


Critical Review
“Work gives a man dignity. Stealing takes it away.” So begins this novel that exudes dignity and life lessons. Though rooted in the culture of 12th century Korea, A Single Shard is a universal story of the virtues of integrity and hard work. Through the simple narrative compelling truths ring clear that transcend culture and time.

Cultural markers abound in this novel. The architecture of the buildings, both in the small village where Tree-Ear has lived most of his life, and at the royal palace are described in detail. Words carefully chosen by the author draw a clear picture for the reader of the landscape as Tree-Ear travels to the palace to show the emissary the pottery of Min. Tree-Ear makes a long, arduous journey walking over the land, which was the standard mode of travel in the day. As a reward for bringing a fine sample of pottery for the emissary, it is arranged for Tree-Ear to travel by ship to return home. This would have been a too expensive type of travel for an orphan peasant, so the arranged trip is an unexpected extravagance.

Mannerisms typical of the Asian culture are evident throughout the novel. Bowing in respect, speaking only when spoken to, and using formal titles are all typical cultural markers. After accepting a commission for his master from the emissary, Tree-Ear is ecstatic, but responds with calm reserve. He observes, “There are some things that could not be molded into words.” This composure is a distinct cultural phenomena.

Traditional Korean names, both of people and places, are used throughout. Near the end of the novel, the Potter Min and his wife Ajima invite Tree-Ear to live with them and work as an apprentice with Min. after Tree-Ear accepts the invitation, Ajima asks him to take the name Hyung-pil. Tree-Ear recalls that Min and Ajima had a son, whom they lost, who had the name Hyung-gu. This is very significant culturally to Tree-Ear, as he knows that sharing a syllable with a sibling is an honor within a family. The simple offer of that name signifies that he will no longer be an orphan, but will now have a familial relationship with this couple.

This simple, touching story conveys life lessons and great insight into a culture from long ago.  It is an unexpected gem, which is recommended for readers in upper elementary through high school.

Reviews
Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2001 (Vol. 97, No. 15))
Readers will feel the hunger and cold that Tree-ear experiences, as well as his shame, fear, gratitude, and love. A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting.  A starred review.

Marie Salvadore (Parents Guide, Fall 2001 (Vol. 4, No. 1))
The spare telling is evocative, bringing to life the setting in 12th century Korea. This compelling story provides a stirring glimpse at distant time and place.

Nina Lindsay (VOYA, April 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 1))
Historical details are included deftly, and in a lengthy author's note, Park describes her research process, letting the reader know what is documented and what is speculation.  With scant historical fiction available in this area, this 2002 Newbery Award-winning book makes a unique offering, and its inviting length and appealing tone should find it wide use. Tree-ear and his companions might be just too truehearted for some, but the story's satisfying arc makes rich reading for those looking for an involving and insightful historical novel.

Best Book Lists/Awards
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 13th Edition, 2002 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Apr. 1, 2001 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2002 ; American Library Association; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2001 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Fourth Edition, 2003 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, January 15, 2001 ; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001 ; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; US
Notable Children's Books, 2002 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2001 ; Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media, Inc.; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 2001 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2001 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2001 ; Cahners; United States
Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association, 2002 ; Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2002 ; American Library Association; United States

Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, 2001-2003 Honorable Mention Text United States
John Newbery Medal, 2002 Winner United States



Connections
Reading/Writing:
·      Students will discover a wealth of information and activities on author Linda Sue Park’s website at http://www.lspark.com/index.html Students will try out their knowledge and luck under the Fun tab, taking quizzes on Newberry Award winning books and children’s books in general.
·      Students will learn more about the writing process by examining Ms. Park’s Writing tab on her website. Students will use the novel structures described here to outline a story. Students will create a about a person who faces a challenging task, using this outline format.

Social Studies:
·      Students will learn more about the people and culture of Korea at http://tkdbible.com/korculture/index.html and http://www.koreanculture.org.au/about/korean-culture-worldwide  Students will take a virtual field trip of ancient Korea at http://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/folk/english/index.htm . Students will create a journal of the things they learn through this field trip, with summaries and illustrations.
·      Students will explore the geography, history, culture, food, religion, and language of Korea on Hidden Korea at http://www.pbs.org/hiddenkorea/index.htm Students will create a map of Korea, depicting important cities, geographic features and landforms, and neighboring countries. Students will write a five-paragraph paper describing the important and historic features of Korea.

Art/Social Studies:
·      Students will learn more about the Age of Celadon at http://www.korean-arts.com/about/age_of_celadon.htm  Students will study the examples of celadon pottery and create a still life drawing of one of the vases.

Other books by Linda Sue Park
Seesaw Girl (1999)
The Kite Fighters (2000)
When My Name Was Keoko (2002)
The Firekeeper's Son (2004)
Mung-Mung: A Foldout Book of Animal Sounds (2004)
What Does Bunny See?: A Book of Colors and Flowers (2005)
Yum! Yuck!: A Foldout Book of People Sounds From Around the World (2005)
Project Mulberry (2005)
Bee-bim Bop (2005)
Archer's Quest (2006)
Click: One novel ten authors, chapter one (2007)
Storm Warning (2010)
A Long Walk to Water (2010)

Poetry
"On Meeting a Poet,"
"Changing the Sheets,"
"Mobius,"
"Fourth-Grade Science Project,"
"Handstand"
"Seven Sins: Portrait of an Aristocratic Young Woman,"
"Irreversible Loyalty,"
"A Little World,"
"The Ramparts at Calvi,"
"Armchair Journey,"
"Hyphen,"
"Picturing the Words,"
"When the Last Panda Died,"
"Tide Pool," 



Grandfather's Journey


Grandfather’s Journey
By Allen Say


cover image retrieved 11/9/12 from
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/tnc/gr4/gr4_th1_sel2.html

Bibliography
Say, Allen. Grandfather's Journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993. ISBN 0395570352

Summary
A boy recounts his grandfather’s life journeys, travelling from Japan to America. While in America he travelled the countryside. Grandfather longed for the land of his youth, and so returned to Japan. He married and started a family. He planned to take his daughter to America, but war cut short that plan. Following Grandfather’s death, his grandson decided to travel to America. He loved the land, but says that he now understands how his grandfather must have felt- when he is in one country, he longs for the other.

Critical Review
Simple, yet striking watercolors supplement this gentle tale of a man with a love for two countries. Told by the grandson, this story highlights the unique features of both countries, Japan and America.  Many cultural contrasts are presented: style of dress, landscapes, modes of travel, and the variety of peoples in America.

The author makes strong connections between love for the land and love for the country. Clear descriptive phrases paint word pictures that complement the paintings. The reader feels the devotion to each country and culture. Cultural differences are most apparent in the illustrations. Activities, such as meditation and keeping songbirds are depicted, as are the cultural differences in dress. The tender emotion of the book is well summed up at the end, when the author confesses, “The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.” Readers will enjoy this gentle tale that shows appreciation for two cultures, an ocean apart.

Reviews
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1993)
Lovely, quiet--with tenderness and warmth.   Starred Review

Roger Sutton (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, September 1993 (Vol. 47, No. 1))
 Say evokes the bittersweet dilemma of the immigrant who, happy in his new country, still longs to return to the old-and once returned, wants once again to travel.  Both the joy in new vistas and the ache of remembrance are captured in Say's large watercolor paintings, fresh perspectives on purple mountains' majesty and amber waves of grain. (Japan looks pretty good, too.)  Highly recommended as a book of special distinction.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 1993)
Say's full-page watercolor paintings present an 11 3/4" by 9 3/4" album-like sequence of landscapes and people with effective uses of light in this unique perspective on immigration.

Best Book Lists/Awards
A Few Good Books, 1993 ; Book Links; United States
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1993 ; American Library Association; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1993 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Books on Aging, 2004 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Fighting Bigotry with Books, 1998 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Second Edition, 1997 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1993 ; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1994 ; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
Notable Children's Books, 1994 ; Association for Library Service to Children; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 1993 ; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
Sharing Cultures: Asian American Children's Authors, 2001 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Suggested Books for the Boys and Girls Club of America List, 2001 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1994 ; International Reading Association; United States

ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award, 1994 Winner Picture Books United States
Bay Area Book Reviewers Association Award, 1994 Winner Children's Literature United States
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 1994 Winner Illustration United States
California Book Awards, 1993 Winner Ages Up to 10 United States
National Association of Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA), 1993 Winner United States
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 1993 Winner United States
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 1994 Winner United States
Reading Magic Award, 1993 Winner United States

Connections
Reading/Writing:
·      Students will learn more about haiku poetry at http://www.kidzone.ws/poetry/haiku.htm or http://homepage2.nifty.com/haiku-eg/ Students will each select one of the gorgeous watercolors in this picture book and compose a haiku inspired by it.  Haiku will be shared with the class and added to the classroom library.
·      Pair this picture book with All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan, which also has incredible watercolor illustrations and is a story of a family’s love for the land on which they live. Students will compare and contrast these picture books by creating a double bubble mind map.

Cross-curricular:
·      Students will interview a family member about the family’s heritage. Students will plot points on a map, showing locations their ancestors have come from. Students will transcribe the interview with their family member. Students will then select a part of the interview from which to create a short story that elaborates the event. Illustrate the short story and share with the class, posting points on a class map of the various places where class members’ ancestors have come from.

Art:
·      Students will paint a picture of a favorite location, and write a short descriptive phrase to accompany it.

Science/Social Studies:
·      Students will research the pastime of keeping songbirds as pets. Students will discover countries where this hobby is common, find out the needs of songbirds, and find out about basic healthcare needs of the birds. Students will compare and contrast this hobby to another hobby of their choosing that also involves animals in some way. (e.g., horseback riding, keeping fish tanks, showing livestock, etc.)

Other Books by Allen Say
·      Allison
·      The Bicycle Man
·      The Boy in the Garden
·      The Boy of the Three-Year Nap (illustrations)
·      El Chino
·      Dr. Smith's Safari
·      Emma's Rug
·      Erika-san
·      The Feast of Lanterns
·      Grandfather's Journey
·      Home of the Brave
·      How My Parents Learned to Eat (illustrations)
·      The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice
·      Kamishibai Man
·      The Lost Lake
·      The Lucky Yak
·      Magic and the Night River
·      Music for Alice
·      A River Dream
·      The Sign Painter
·      Stranger in the Mirror
·      Tea with Milk
·      Tree of Cranes
·      Under the Cherry Blossom Tree
·      Drawing from Memory



The Year of the Dog


The Year of the Dog
A Novel by Grace Lin


cover image retrieved on 11/15/12 from
http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=book_yeardog

Bibliography
Lin, Grace. The Year of the Dog: A Novel. New York: Little, Brown, 2006. ISBN 0316001805

Summary
Pacy is a Taiwanese American girl who goes by the English name Grace at school. Grace becomes fast friends with a new girl at school, another Taiwanese American, Melody, whose family has recently moved into the neighborhood. This novel chronicles the school year, intertwined with tales Grace’s family shares with her about their own lives growing up in Taiwan. The title of the novel comes from the Chinese New Year of the Year of the Dog, which signifies good luck for Grace and Melody. As the girls learn and grow, will they find the good fortune they desire? The Year of the Dog provides readers anecdotal stories to find the answer to that question.

Critical Analysis
Grace Lin draws from her own experiences to craft this story into a relatable tale of growing up, finding yourself, and navigating through the unknowns in life. The main character, Grace, contemplates who she is and how she fits into the world throughout this novel. Her family has Taiwanese heritage, which they keep alive in the home and their associations with friends and family. They strongly encourage Grace to fit into school life, trying all the activities and making friends with Americans as well as the new Taiwanese girl at school. Melody and Grace complement one another nicely, as friends should. They share their Taiwanese heritage, and figure out how it meshes with life in America.

Grace’s family is close-knit, which is a blessing for Grace. She is comfortable seeking guidance from her family, who often share stories from their childhood to illustrate a point for her. This provides wonderful insight into daily life in Taiwan for the reader. Grace learns well from the stories, applying them to her life. She occasionally struggles to understand how the family story has relevance to her, but her older sister Lissy or best friend Melody help her make the connection.

Cultural connections are strong and positive. Taiwanese and Chinese words and customs are part of the fabric of the novel, with explanations for the reader of unfamiliar terms. Sketches by the author are peppered throughout the book, further clarifying words new to the reader. At one point in the story, Grace wants to try out for the class musical, The Wizard of Oz. She has her heart set on being Dorothy, until one student asks, “Who ever heard of a Chinese Dorothy?” Grace loses her confidence, never having considered that her physical differences would invalidate her from being that part. She decides to not try out for the part. She is cast as a munchkin, but continues to question if a Chinese munchkin should even be in the play. She is so discouraged she considers quitting, until she is asked to assume a special role as a munchkin. She does well, and realizes that her ethnicity wasn’t important to her ability to perform the part.

Grace’s family’s desire to be sure their children know something of their heritage is apparent as they structure times to observe important holidays and traditions, join their extended family for important events to be celebrated according to tradition, and arrange to spend time at a Taiwanese cultural gathering. They even make a trip to an ethnic grocery store to stock up on delicacies that they can’t find anywhere else.  But her parents also make sure their kids know that they are Americans, and that is an important part of their identity. This novel is a treat for Taiwanese or Chinese kids who want to read about characters familiar to them, or to those from other cultures who desire a taste of another culture that is simple and pleasant.

Reviews
Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 9))
Lin, who is known for her picture books, dots the text with charming ink drawings, some priceless, such as one picturing Grace dressed as a munchkin. Most of the chapters are bolstered by anecdotes from Grace's parents, which connect Grace (and the reader) to her Taiwanese heritage.        Starred Review

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 24))
Being Taiwanese-American is confusing, and being the only Asian kid in your elementary school-except for your older sister-is not always comfortable. Pacy has high hopes for the Year of the Dog, which, she learns, is a year for finding friends and finding yourself.  This comfortable first-person story will be a treat for Asian-American girls looking to see themselves in their reading, but also for any reader who enjoys stories of friendship and family life.

Avis Masuda (WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures, April 2010 (Vol. 2, No. 3))
Year of the Dog is Grace Lin’s memoir of growing up as a Chinese American whose parents wanted her to fit in with other American youth. To her family, she is known as Pacy, but to her American friends, Grace. Lin tells the story of her struggle to find her identity in a bicultural world. What name should she go by? What should she tell her friends? Pacy/Grace thinks about whether she is Chinese, Taiwanese or American. Her mother tells her to say she is American. The reader learns of the richness behind Pacy’s heritage as Lin skillfully weaves a tapestry of her identity through her mother’s stories of growing up in Taiwan and then immigrating to America. 

Best Book Lists/ Awards
   2006 Fall Publisher's Pick
• Starred Booklist Review
• 2006 ALA Children's Notable
• 2006 Asian Pacific American Librarian Association Honor
• 2006 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) GOLD Winner
• 2007-2008 Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist
• 2007 Nene Awards Recommended List (Hawaii's Book Award Chosen by Children Grades 4-6)
• 2007 Cochecho Readers' Award List (sponsored by the Children's Librarians of Dover, New Hampshire)
• NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2006
• Kirkus Best Early Chapter Books 2006
•2006 Booklist Editors' Choice for Middle Readers
•Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice 2007
•Boston Authors Club Recommended Book
•2007-2008 Great Lakes Great Books Award nominee
•2007-2008 North Carolina Children's Book Award nominee
•2007-2008 West Virginia Children's Book Award nominee
•2009 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award (OR) nominee
•2009 Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award (WA, OR, ID)nominee

Connections
Reading/Writing: 
·      Students and teachers can explore Grace Lin’s website at http://www.gracelin.com/index.php , which includes a variety of activities for teachers and students.
·      Pair this novel with poetry by Janet Wong. Hear the author read her poems and short stories at http://www.janetwong.com/poems/index.cfm Students will select a poem and create a compare/contrast T chart connecting the selected poem and The Year of the Dog.


Social Studies:
·      Students will learn more about the Chinese Zodiac by exploring and discussing http://www.history.com/topics/chinese-new-year ; http://www.history.com/topics/chinese-new-year-traditions-and-symbols and http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html. Students will create a six page booklet, with one symbol or tradition highlighted on each page in summary and with an illustration. Books will shared with the class and kept in the classroom library.
·      Students will create a map of Asian countries, identifying China and Taiwan with an asterisk, since they are important locations in this story. Students will then write five questions about the countries on the map, and exchange questions with another student to answer. Ex: Name an Asian country that is an island or island group. Ex: What Asian country is East of Thailand?

Cross-Curricular:
·      Grace writes an award-winning book about something very common in her life- vegetables. Students will choose an everyday item from their life to create a book about. The book should be at least ten pages, with full color illustrations and a well-developed plot.
·      Grace enjoys many artistic activities. Students will learn about origami at http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-for-kids.html or http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/origami/ . Students will create an original origami creation, then write a poem that describes or characterizes their creation. Origami and poems will be displayed in classroom art center.

Other Books by Grace Lin
·      The Ugly Vegetables
·      Dim Sum for Everyone!
·      Kite Flying
·      Okie-dokie, Artichokie!
·      Olvina Flies
·      Robert’s Snow
·      Jingle Bells
·      Fortune Cookie Fortunes
·      Deck the Halls
·      The Twelve Days of Christmas
·      Merry Christmas! Let’s All Sing!
·      The Year of the Dog
·      Our Seasons
·      Olvina Swims
·      The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale
·      The Year of the Rat
·      Bringing in the New Year
·      Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
·      Dumpling Days