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READING STYLE GUIDE

In the Middle

9/27/2017

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All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

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It was the shoes. It was definitely the shoes. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Hold on to your footwear. I'll come back to this later.
Let's talk about All's Faire in Middle School, Victoria Jamieson's latest graphic novel. Florida Renaissance Faire, an annual festival celebrating that the customs, costumes, and crafts from 1600 England is the setting. Every autumn for eight weeks visitors are transported to the time of knights, dragons, feasts and jousts.This is eleven-year-old Imogene's world.  Imogene, affectionately known as Impy,  and her family thrive on being a part of this larger-than-life drama. Each year her mother manages “The Shoppe” and her father becomes evil knight Sir Hugo. She will finally become a cast member and serve as Hugo’s squire. While most of the work involves cleaning up after the horse, it has its engaging moments. During off season dad sells pool supplies. while Impy and her brother are homeschooled.
Things are about to change. This year Imogene decides on a new challenge: attend middle school. Leaving the familiar world of faire and family, she ventures off on the quest for education in public school.
From day one, Impy is constantly aware that middle school has transported her into an entirely new enviornment. Unlike the familiarity of the festival community, the halls of middle school are fraught with terrors at every turn. She must navigate the complex maze of classrooms, negotiate seating in the cafeteria, and meet the demands of a regimented assignment schedule. She is immediately the subject of curiosity. Some express honest interest while others resort to ridicule. For Imply trying to fit in, trying to discover who she is, trying to keep up with the demands of teachers becomes very...well, trying.
She makes two fatale mistakes: one with her younger brother and one with a classmate. From her perspective, it appears that each one is impossible to completely recover from.
This book is honest, so painfully honest. No one is perfect: not Imogene, not the kids at school, not her family. They all make mistakes and struggle to learn, live, and forgive. The characters are spot on and Jamieson imbues each with a distinctive personality.
It is impossible for me to express how much I adore this book. Both the images and text work together to create storytelling magic. Copies of the book should be given as a gift to every youngster about to enter middle school. Not only will tweens learn about the Middle Ages and life in middle school, but they will also gain important insights into self acceptance.

Shoes, Shame, and Middle School Pain

Now, back to those shoes. Impy gets ready for her first big day at school with the purchase of a custom pair of boots from the Faire's Tannery. To her dismay, she discovers that her boots are not considered de rigueur with classmates. In order to be part of the crowd, she needs a pair of brand name shoes., the ones that "everyone" is wearing. After some difficult moments and serious negotiating with her mother, she finally gets a pair of the stylish footwear. The shoes are not her size, and are actually knock-offs.  Imogene endures more humiliation when students pointedly remark on what they see as defects. From that point on, middle school experience only gets worse.
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I read this passage and wondered aloud, "How did she know?" In middle school a certain style of shoe was considered a very important part of a girl's wardrobe. It took months of pleading, but my mom finally relented and purchased a sale pair for me. I was thrilled! The first time I wore them to school I learned that they were not made by the same manufacturer and were the "wrong" color. I was stuck. After all that manuevering, I had to wear the hideous shoes for a very long time. Those purple shoes were my badge of shame: Shame that I didn't have the correct shoes. Shame that I didn't fit in. Shame that I coerced my mom into making that purchase. Shame that I had to wear those squared-off flats that looked like boxes for a very long time.
Oh, Victoria, how did you know? How did you caputre my middle school experience with such painful precision?

Illuminated Manuscript

I have always been fascinated by illuminated manuscripts and was delighted to note that Jamieson chooses to begin each chapter with an introduction featuring some gorgeous illumination.  Why not encourage young readers to try this intricate art?  Instead of illuminating an entire page, why not try illuminating a letter? Here is my attempt to illuminate the first letter of my last name. It's not nearly as intricate and the gold pigment ink is missing. But I had fun with a fine point black sharpie and a fistful of colored pencils. 
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Resources: Creating Illuminated Letters

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Upside Down

9/19/2017

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She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next ​​
If it isn't a requirement, it should be:
​ All Children Should Become Acquainted with Ramona Quimby
Ramona is a girl who knows what she wants and speaks her own mind. She really isn't interested in what you think should happen. She already knows what should be done and goes about doing just that. She's the girl that everyone can relate with. Either you are a Ramona -type or you are older sister Beezus-type. You may be frustrated trying to deal with her. You may be exasperated trying to reason with her. But one thing is certain. You will never ever be bored. Never.

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

She had high hopes for the day. All of them involved her ninja suit."You look like a criminal"
​"No I don't,"Beatrice replied."I look like me."
Welcome to 2017 and the new girl in Kid Lit, Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker.  Shelley Johannes has created one unique individual. Beatrice always does things her own way. Not the way that her family hopes. Not the way that her teacher expects. She thinks things out for herself. As second grade concludes, Beatrice and Lenny, her best friend and partner-in-hijinks, concoct a plan: third grade will be Operation Upside. They will be spies!  When the new school year begins, Beatrice sets out, wearing her ninja suit and ready for a year of reconnaissance. To her astonishment, Lenny instead shows up for class wearing a skirt and a pink ruffled sweater, bringing along  Chloe, a new friend.
Beatrice is crushed. Gone are her plans for a secret mission with her unconventional ninja-loving friend. What happened to Lenny? Is her plan doomed? How will Chloe fit into her schemes? Can she survive the watchful eye of her new teacher? 
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​Johannes’ early chapter book contains wild adventures, puns, and illustrations with just the right amount of zaniness. Did I mention the Pig Latin? Young readers will not be able to get enough of Miss Zinker, a book chock full of more fun than should be allowed. But go ahead and read it. You too might be an upside down thinker.

Upside Down Deliciousness

If you are acquainted with Beatrice, then you know of her affinity with this dessert. Why not try making these Pineapple Upside Down Mini-Cakes? They are fun and easy and yummy! Here is the recipe from an upright girl who knows the up and down sides of cake: Betty Crocker.
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Not everything in her life was a piece of cake -but tonight the Zinkers were eating cake for dinner. And tomorrow, if all went according to plan, Operation Upside would surprise another winner.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 cans (8 oz each) pineapple slices in juice drained,  reserving juice
12maraschino cherries
1box  yellow cake mix
1 cup pineapple juice (from cans of pineapple)
1/2cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Steps
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Place 1 teaspoon melted butter in each of 12 ungreased jumbo or large muffin cups. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to each muffin cup. Place 1 pineapple slice in each cup; place 1 cherry in center of each pineapple slice.
2 In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1 cup pineapple juice, the oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes on high speed. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and cakes spring back with touched lightly in center. Cool cakes in cups 5 to 10 minutes.
4 Place cookie sheet upside down over each muffin pan; turn cookie sheet and muffin pan over. Remove pan. 

Girls Who "Did It My Way"

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I hope you like books written by somebody who once tipped a whole box of cornflakes over her head. That's me!
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Moms just have no imagination, thought Dyamonde.
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I'd rather jump on the bed than go to bed. Who wants to sleep when there are so many fun things to do?
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She wore lots of reflective tape- "Everyone should wear reflecitve tape." Ruby liked to say.
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Jumbified!

9/18/2017

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Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Everyone has the power to be the thing they most want.
Rise of the Jumbies continues the spellbinding adventures of Corinne La Mer. Baptiste draws on rich Caribbean mythology to create this island inhabitant, daughter of a human father and a jumbie mother. Jumbie? What is a Jumbie? Jumbies, along with witches and douens are figures in Caribbean folklore. Lurking within the forest, often these spirits can be terrifying. The Jumbies is a book that will send shivers down the backs of youngsters.
I don't want to give away what happens to Corinne in the first volume, but strongly encourage you to give it a read. This gives context to the extraordinary circumstances that await Corinne and her friends in the companion story.
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Attentive readers will quickly  deduce a few clues about what is in store for our intrepid heroine. First there is Corinne's last name: La Mer. Big hint there. "I feel the pull of the sea, not just because I love it, but because this is where your grand-père taught me everything I know."
Then there is the stunning cover which features an imposing mermaid with a massive tail that encircles Corinne within its scaly corkscrew. It's Mama D'Leau, a powerful jumbie who "rules the water." Corinne, daughter of a jumbie, is uniquely qualified to meet with Mama D'Leau and bargain for assistance in locating island children who have mysteriously disappeared.
Rescuing her playmates will not be an easy task.
Our brave young adventurer is heading into deep waters. Deep. Deep. Waters.
She's in an ocean full of mysterious mythological creatures including a giant squid-like monster, a water goddess, mermaids, and of course, a jumbie.
Her exploits have their share of frightful moments. One incident that made my blood run cold was the scene featuring snakes. Yes. There are snakes. Writhing snakes. Snakes. Snakes everywhere.
During her underwater travels Corinne encounters a vessel on the ocean floor. She makes a horrifying discovery when she uncovers what she assumes to be a rock. Instead Corinne has discovered chains that once enslaved the mermaids, her underwater companions. Their bodies still bear the marks left by these cruel iron bands. Recent reading of Shackles from the Deep brought these scenes to my mind with a fierce intensity. The reality of enslaved people trapped within a sinking ship is indelibly seared into my consciousness.
​"They took us."  "The captured us from our homes."  "The chained us."
Baptiste's book is also a testament to the power of friendship and affirms the enduring bonds which connect family members. "All families are connected, Corinne. It's true. We don't get to choose who we share blood with. But we do get to choose how we are with each other."
Read this book for the flavorful Caribbean setting. Read it for the fantastic mythology. Read it to meet one very brave girl. Read it if you like the thrill of a good scare. Read it to discover more about a shameful past hidden in the depths of the sea.  That's a tall order for one middle grade book, but Baptiste delivers on all counts.
​

Companion Books

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The  book that started it all. Read The Jumbies to learn more about Corinne, her life, her heritage, and her tremendous courage.
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Shackles from the Deep: Tracing the Path of a Sunken Ship, a Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy is Cottman's journey to learn the truth about shackles buried on the Carribean Ocean floor.
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Civics 101

9/14/2017

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Fault Lines in the Constitution:  
The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today
by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levinson

"We the People of the United States,in Order to form a more Perfect Union..."
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The title; Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today makes it clear that the Levinsons' intent goes far beyond a historical account or a surface examination of this document. They want to talk issues, debate the far-reaching effects of the United States Constitution, and consider implications for the future. 
Grounded in historical research, chapters consider: creation of law, voter representation and voters' rights, executive branch of the government, and extenuating circumstances. Topics are ripe for further debate and the authors provide plenty of fodder for continuing the discussion. The concluding chapter titled Now What? offers suggestions for updating/improving the constitution. Each of these topics can serve as the basis for thoughtful consideration. The authors take the unique opportunity to conclude with a dialog, each presenting her/his own views on this compelling debate. Readers are left to weigh the opinions of the authors, form their own conclusions, and then to become consciously involved. 
Back matter includes a historical timeline, acknowledgements, chapter notes, a bibliography, reference to Articles and Amendments, and an index.
Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson, husband and wife team have penned a highly readable consideration of some fascinating details about our constitution.  They bring those musty dusty Civics 101 lessons into the real and challenging world of young people today and invite them to become active participants.

Additonal Resources

Companion Books for Younger Readers
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The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation
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We the Kids
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A More Perfect Union
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We the People

National Endowment for the Humanities offers a collection of online lessons and resources titled  We The People for grades 9 - 12. 
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Interview with the authors
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Check out these downloadable stickers from Peachtree Publishers
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Living Dangerously

9/11/2017

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Dangerous Jane by Suzanne Slade ill Alice Ratterree

"Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon,
​and had left our effort unexpended which might have saved the world."  Jane Addams
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I grew up hearing stories of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. She exerted a significant influence on the development of our country's basic principles during America's formative years.  I admired her and was fascinated by her ideals of equality and liberty.
​As I became older, I  my mother informed me that there was another important woman in our country's history with the name of Addams.  This name, mother reminded me, was spelled with two d's. She offered me a glimpse into the life of Jane Addams including a brief account about the formation of Hull House. I was intrigued. I had discovered another distinguished woman from American history.  Not one, but two remarkable women sharing the same last name. Jane Addams also became a hero of mine. 
My hands trembled with excitement as I picked up a copy of  Suzanne Slade's  Dangerous Jane, a thoughtful picture book biography of this remarkable woman. Beginning with her birth and early childhood, which included the death of her mother and contraction of a debilitating condition,   Jane is characterized as a sensitive and well-educated young woman. After extensive travel in Europe, she returned home determined to realize her dream of creating a settlement house in Chicago.  With the successful establishment of Hull House, she eventually turned her attention to seeking a peaceful resolution to World War I with the formation of the Women's Peace Party in America.  Her leadership brought her international attention: some unfavorable (FBI naming her "Most Dangerous Woman in America") and some favorable (first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.) 
"Throughout her life she remained committed to "doing what she'd always done: helping people."
Alice Ratterree's soft watercolor illustrations show Jane within the context of her ever-expanding sphere of influence.  The passage of time is expertly reflected in the subtle changes in her appearance as Jane ages. The text is significantly enhanced with Jane's expressive face: the dismay on her young face as she views poverty, her hopeful outlook as she returns to American, the adult women looking to her charges with such care. As she encounters the problem of war, her face by turns registers discouragement, resolve, and compassion.  The images on the final pages portray a woman who has lived a full and rich life, surrounded by some of the individuals who benefitted from her untiring efforts.
Backmatter includes additional biographical information, a timeline, a selected bibliography, and a listing of quotation sources. An outstanding addition to a picture book biography collection. Readers will be inspired by the life of Addams. ​ ​
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Wanted: Heroes Who Will Change the World

This historical account of a determined activist can serve as a model for young readers.  After reading and discussing Dangerous Jane, help youngsters explore ways in which they can make a difference.  Encourage them to research the community and identify actions that young people can take to improve life for others in their immediate community or within a larger context.  Video clips of young activists who are reaching out to others may serve as an inspiration.
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Using the Jane Addams posters as an inspiration, young activists may want to create their own "wanted" posters.  Here is an example: After visiting the local Humane Society, a group of teens in our area decided to conduct a blanket and towel drive to benefit a local animal shelter.  Poster artwork was created one of the teens. The group collected an impressive stack of linens which they delivered to the Humane Society.  An easy-to-arrange community service project. Inspired by Jane Addams, young people can find ways to help "save the world."
"She just kept right on working 
for world peace,
for people in need,
for the rest of her life."
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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