BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVER OF THE PAST

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James M. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVER OF THE PAST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061880045X.

PLOT SUMMARY

Bodies from the Ice is an informational text about melting glaciers and the human remains and artifacts they reveal.  The information is presented in stories about archaeological discoveries including Otzi a 5,300 year old mummy perfectly preserved under the protection of a rock overhang.  Another account describes the ancient sacrificial ritual of the Aztec people which left the most beautiful children frozen and perfectly preserved on the mountainside. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Deem has made the topic of melting glaciers truly intriguing.  This informational book is divided into seven chapters with each chapter focusing on an archaeological find of human remains and artifacts in melted glaciers.  The text is written in narrative form, telling the story of how the bodies were discovered. Accompanying the text are astounding photographs from the discoveries with detailed captions.  The photographs of the Aztec children sacrificed because of their beauty are tragic yet mesmerizing.  This was one of the more interesting of the stories.  The children were found perfectly preserved on the mountainside.  They looked as if they were peacefully sleeping.  Deem describes the ritual of drugging the children with a coco beer and placing them in an icy tomb to gain favor with the gods. In addition to the photographs Deem has included historical paintings and newspaper articles depicting tourist hiking the glaciers.

The table on contents outlines each chapter and has an accompanying picture related the the chapters topic.  Other sections include a bibliography, illustration credits, and an index.  At the end of the book Deem even provides suggested websites and glaciers to visit for further research.  Deem has created a scientific and historical gem that will captivate young adults. 

REVIEW EXERPTS

Booklist (December 01, 2008)- “There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”

School Library Journal (December 01, 2008)- “With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource. Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

CONNECTIONS

• Allow students to watch the video “Glaciers and Glaciations” on United Streaming.
• Create an experiment by freezing objects on a cookie sheet.  Take the cookie sheet out of the freezer and elevate it allowing it to thaw a little each day.  Measure the movement of the objects on the pan.
• Have students further research topics from the book including Otzi, , the frozen children of the Andes, or the mystery of George Mallory.

HURRICANES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 2007. HURRICANES. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061170712.

PLOT SUMMARY

Sometimes called hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones depending on where they form, these tropical storms cause millions of dollars worth of damage and claim many lives each year.  Simon defines hurricanes, describes how they form and the devastation they cause.  He includes photographs and satellite images as he describes the different categories of hurricanes and past hurricanes that have hit the U.S.  He ends the book by explaining how forecasters can predict these ferocious storms, and how to best prepare for one.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Simon’s photographic essay is written in a narrative like style that is easy to read.  The lack of subtitles or an index makes it difficult to flip through the book quickly to find specific facts.  However the photographs correspond to the text being presented and may serve as a guide.  Simon includes photographs of the devastation after a hurricane as well as satellite pictures of the storms.  Readers will also learn about past hurricanes as Simon describes the Saffir-Simpson scale and hurricanes from each category.  He presents the information in short paragraphs with a corresponding picture.  Perhaps the most valuable information presented is how forecasters can now predict these storms and how to safely evacuate when encouraged to or to protect oneself from the devastation.  Weather enthusiasts will not be disappointed by Simon’s straightforward text.

REVIEW EXERPTS

School Library Journal (May 01, 2008)- “This is a typical Simon effort, with readable text and excellent photos.”

Booklist (August 01, 2003)- “Pairing a simply phrased narrative with arresting, eye-catching color photos, Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential.”

 CONNECTIONS

• Include in a author study with some of Simon’s other books on natural disaster including:  Tornadoes ISBN: 0064437914 or Earthquakes ISBN:  0060877154
• Explore FEMA’s website for kids devoted to hurricanes which has more information including photographs and pet heroes saved during hurricanes:  http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm
• Have students write a disaster plan to prepare for a hurricane

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313.

PLOT SUMMARY

This is a biography story book that recounts the life of Alice Roosevelt and the grief she caused her father with her unconventional behavior.  Alice lost her mother at a young age and had a hard time adjusting to the new family created when her father remarried.  As a child growing up in the White House she was known for her avant-garde behavior including frightening guest with her pet snake, Emily Spinach, and leading her younger siblings into precarious adventures.  As an adult her behavior continued to be controversial to some.  However, she was respected by many as a goodwill ambassador, advisor to the president, and a congressman’s wife.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story book biography will captivate children and encourage them to learn more about the rebellious Alice Roosevelt who dared to be independent during a time when young women were taught to be subservient and silent.  The story begins with the words “Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem,” which is followed by a full page picture of the former president looking flustered and wiping his face with a hanky.  The story goes on to describe the life of his charismatic oldest daughter, Alice, and the grief she sometimes caused him.  Throughout the biography, facts are presented about President Roosevelt and his presidency, as well as Alice and her many adventures. 

The facts are accompanied by colorful illustrations that in many cases take up the whole page or spread across two pages. Each illustration demonstrates Alice’s spontaneity whether she is jumping on her grandparents’ couch as a young girl or plunging into a cruise ship’s swimming pool as a grown woman. After explaining Alice’s successful career as an adult, the book ends with Alice walking past Mt. Rushmore as her father’ statue watches her and the last line says “But there was one problem that Theodore Roosevelt never quite solved….What to do about Alice?” bringing the story full circle, and making it a wonderful non-fiction read aloud.

At the end of the book, Kerley includes author’s notes with more interesting details of Alice’s life.  She also cites her information that is used in the books and notes validating the authenticity of the information presented.

REVIEW EXERPTS

Publishers Weekly (March 31, 2008)- “It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”

School Library Journal (March 01, 2008)- “This book provides a fascinating glimpse into both a bygone era and one of its more interesting denizens as well as a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

CONNECTIONS

• Have students write a letter to President Roosevelt from Alice when she is in Asia
• Have students create a timeline of Alice Roosevelt’s life.
• Visit Suzy Red’s website for more activities including a quiz on the children of former Presidents:  http://suzyred.com/2009-what-to-do-about-alice.html.

DIAMOND WILLOW

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374317763.

PLOT SUMMARY

Willow is part Athabascan and lives in a small interior Alaskan town.  The main mode of transportation is by snow machine or dog sled.  Willow convinces her parents that she is responsible enough to take a sled to her grandparents alone.  On the way back a mistake on her part leads to a terrible accident and her lead dog, Roxy, is badly injured.  Willow is devastated to hear the veterinarian has said Roxy is blind and her parents have made the decision to euthanize her.  In an attempt to save Roxy, Willow and her best friend leave for her grandparents house, but are stuck in a terrible snow storm.  Willow’s ancestors, who are now animals, protect her along the way.  After the girls are safely home, Willow finds out the tragedy her family endured and her relationship with Roxy only grows stronger.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The concept of this lyrical verse novel is a beautiful one.  The diamond willow is a branch that forms small reddish-brown diamonds when a branch is lost.  The branch must be sanded and polished to reveal the beauty beneath.  This imagery is parallel to the transformation Willow goes through as she learns of her family’s tragic past, and realizes that she is much stronger and more loved that she ever imagined.  The novel is written in diamond shaped poems of varying sizes, and embedded within each poem is a hidden message in bold print that conveys the true meaning of the poem.  For instance, when Willow describes why she loves dogs and their loyalty the hidden message is “people scare me”.  Many of the hidden messages reveal Willow’s insecurities that she hasn’t faced.  The novel is a very simple read with a compelling theme that is well suited for young adults.

REVIEW EXERPTS

Voice of Youth Advocates (October 01, 2008)- “Under its bark, the diamond willow is beautiful, with reddish-brown diamond shapes on a cream-colored shank. Likewise this lyrical gem of a story reveals the inner beauty of a seemingly ordinary Athabascan girl.”

School Library Journal (June 01, 2008)-  “Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion. This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.”

 CONNECTIONS

• Have students write a diamond shaped poem with a hidden message inside.
• Tie in the topic of dog sledding by tracking the Iditarod on the official website http://www.iditarod.com/

MATHEMATICKLES!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Franco, Betsy. 2003. Mathematickles!. Ill. by Steven Salerno. New York: Alladin Paperbacks. ISBN 0756967090.

PLOT SUMMARY

Mathematickles! is an individual poet compilation of mathematical brain teaser poems centered around the theme of the seasons.  A girl and her cat are characters present in the illustrations throughout the book though they are not mentioned in the poetry. The poetry, however, focuses on the changing of the seasons.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This unconventional poetry book does not feature poems with rhythm, rhyme, or the elements of poetry to which most are accustom. However, these math puzzlers are a wonderful combination of poetic language and mathematical equations. Reluctant math students will not be intimidated by these simple puzzles presented with colorful, whimsical illustrations.  The central topic is the changing of the seasons, and this topic is presented through the poems, such as "feet-shoes+grass=barefoot", as well as through the vibrant watercolor illustrations.  As students read these creative puzzles, they will be exposed to language and math concepts presented in an artistic approach.

REVIEW EXERPTS

School Library Journal (October 01, 2004)- “These cleverly conceived and lively little poems teasingly blend words with mathematical concepts and symbols. Imaginative double-page, watercolor-and-gouache illustrations rev up the fun, season by season.”

Publishers Weekly (June 16, 2003)- “Franco plus Salerno add up to plenty of fun in this nimble brain teaser.”

 CONNECTIONS

• Have students write their own mathmatickle focusing on a season.  They can publish the poem on a cutout of something that represents the season such as a leaf or pumpkin for fall or a snowflake for winter.
• Use Franco’s teacher’s resource book Math Poetry: Linking Language and Math in a ISBN:  1596470720 to further explore the math and language integration.
  

  Fresh Way

  : Grades 2-5: Teacher Resource
• Use Franco’s book Unfolding Mathematics with Unit Origami to further explore the mathematics and art correlation.

REMEMBER THE BRIDGE: POEMS OF A PEOPLE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2002. REMEMBER THE BRIDGE: POEMS OF A PEOPLE. New York: Philomel books. ISBN 0399237267.

PLOT SUMMARY

The book covers four hundred years of African American history though poems by Weatherford and etchings and photographs that she collected over time.  The poems focus on unknown heroes such as slaves, sharecroppers and cowboys as well as famous heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Weatherford’s powerful words create imagery of persecution and perseverance.  It begins with the the capture of slaves in Africa, and ends with the powerful poem, The Bridge, encouraging all to know the past and affect the future.  The poems are accompanied by photographs and etching that Weatherford collected which enhance the power of her words.  Some poems like On the Auction Block remind the reader of a tragic past and evoke strong emotions when a baby is torn from his mother’s arms as she is sold away and “…tears bead up on her cheeks. Warm milk streams down her bare chest.”  This poem is accompanied by an etching were slaves are weeping next to the auction block as their families are torn away, as the plantation owners socialize and bid on their family members. 

Other poems celebrate African American heroes such as The Mother of the Movement (For Rosa Parks) which ends with “In her soil of her heart, the movement takes root, seeds of change blossom, then bear fruit.”  These rhythm of the poems creates a serious tone for these informative poems.  The photographs and etchings give students an authentic view into the past. The poems tell a story of a people that should be available in the library for all kids to discover

REVIEW EXERPTS

Booklist (February 15, 2002)- “The stories of basket weavers, family farmers, cowboys, Civil War soldiers, quilt makers, and cooks are celebrated along with those of more famous figures in African American history in this powerful collection of poems that implores readers to learn and remember the past.”

School Library Journal (January 01, 2002)- “…this celebratory, visually striking book will be appreciated in most collections.”

Kirkus Reviews (December 01, 2001)- “This is a collection for every library, offering all readers a bridge toward understanding and acceptance.”

CONNECTIONS

• Read aloud during Black History Month as students learn about famous African American heroes.

• Pair with books about heroes mentioned such as Caldecott Honor Book, Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, or the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport.

• Have older children create their own photo essay with accompanying poems.