Module 15: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

SLIS 5420.002
Module 15
December 6 – 9


Summary:

This book is really a collection of letters by Charlie, as he writes them to an anonymous person. In his letters, Charlie recounts the events of his days in high school and the things he just doesn't understand about people. Through his letters, we learn more about Charlie's past and how he learns to actually participate in his life instead of leaning on the wall and letting it pass him by.


Citation:

Chbosky, S. (1999). The perks of being a wallflower. New York: Pocket Books.


My Impressions:

I have read other books written in letters, but none really compare to this one. I truly felt, as I read, the confusion and heartbreak that Charlie encounters as he's learning to make new friends and survive high school without his friend. I know several adults now who had the perspective of their life in high school as just getting by without being noticed. It seems to me like Charlie is okay with that, but if someone offers him something different, he'd be okay with that also. This is a very interesting coming-of-age story that will have you wondering who is he writing to and how will he survive the rest of high school.


Reviews:

From Booklist:
" Dear friend, I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand." In his letters to a never-identified person, 15-year-old Charlie's freshman high-school year (1991-92) and coming-of-age ring fresh and true. First-novelist Chbosky captures adolescent angst, confusion, and joy as Charlie reveals his innermost thoughts while trying to discover who he is and whom he is to become. Intellectually precocious, Charlie seems a tad too naive in many other ways, yet his reflections on family interactions, first date, drug experimentation, first sexual encounter, and regular participation in Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings are compelling. He vacillates between full involvement in the crazy course of his life and backing off completely. Eventually, he discovers that to be a whole person who knows how to be a real friend rather than a patsy, he must confront his past--and remember what his beloved, deceased Aunt Helen did to him. Charlie is a likable kid whose humor-laced trials and tribulations will please both adults and teens. ((Reviewed February 15, 1999)) -- Sally Estes

Estes, S. (1999 February 15). [Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower]. Booklist.


From Publisher's Weekly:
A trite coming-of-age novel that could easily appeal to a YA readership, filmmaker Chbosky's debut broadcasts its intentions with the publisher's announcement that ads will run on MTV. Charlie, the wallflower of the title, goes through a veritable bath of bathos in his 10th grade year, 1991. The novel is formatted as a series of letters to an unnamed "friend," the first of which reveals the suicide of Charlie's pal Michael. Charlie's response--valid enough--is to cry. The crying soon gets out of hand, though--in subsequent letters, his father, his aunt, his sister and his sister's boyfriend all become lachrymose. Charlie has the usual dire adolescent problems--sex, drugs, the thuggish football team--and they perplex him in the usual teen TV ways. He hangs out with a group of seniors, among whom are Patrick and Samantha. Patrick is gay, and Charlie learns about gay. Sam is pretty, and Charlie learns about heartbreak. Sam is, alas, going out with Craig. Charlie goes out with the uppity Mary Elizabeth. Patrick goes with Brad but breaks up with him when Brad's father discovers their relationship. Into these standard teenage issues Chbosky infuses a droning insistence on Charlie's supersensitive disposition. Charlie's English teacher and others have a disconcerting tendency to rhapsodize over Charlie's giftedness, which seems to consist of Charlie's unquestioning assimilation of the teacher's taste in books. In the end we learn the root of Charlie's psychological problems, and we confront, with him, the coming rigors of 11th grade, ever hopeful that he'll find a suitable girlfriend and increase his vocabulary. (Feb.)

[Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower]. (n.d.) Publisher's Weekly.


Library Setting Uses:

For this book, I would have teens (preferably an older group) write a letter to anonymous person about a typical day at school or write a letter anonymously about the weirdest thing they've seen at school. Have the adult running the group read aloud to the group some of the letters in order to keep anonymity, but to stimulate discussion about what really goes on at school and their perceptions of their peers.

Module 14: Crank

SLIS 5420.002
Module 14
November 29 – December 5


Summary:

Every sad story has to start somewhere. Meet Kristina as she leaves her mother's safe house to go spend a summer with her father in Arizona. Unfortunately for Kristina and her family, her father isn't the other person she meets there. She also meets a boy and "The Monster" (crystal meth). Told in verse, this story unfolds the chain of events that lead Kristina down the dark path of becoming her alter-ego Bree.


Citation:

Hopkins, E. (2004). Crank. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.


My Impressions:

I thought this was going to be a depressing book. I was right. I thought I might have a hard time getting into a book written in poems. I was wrong. I loved how Hopkins tied the poems to the story by their structure and hidden messages for the reader. She brings Kristina's story forward in such a no-nonsense way that you can see how easy it is to fall into bad habits and addictions with simply one or two bad decisions. I think this is a wonderful cautionary tale for any teen thinking about experimenting with drugs, because it shows the real possibility that once is enough to get you hooked for life.


Reviews:

From Publisher's Weekly:
Nonfiction author Hopkins pens her first novel, written in verse, introducing 15-year-old narrator Kristina, who reveals how she became addicted to crank, and how the stimulant turned her from straight-A student to drug dealer, and eventually a teen mom. On a court-ordered visit to see her slimy and long-absent dad, she meets—and is instantly attracted to—Adam, who sports a "tawny six pack,/ and a smile." Soon, Adam introduces her to "the monster" (there, she also unleashes a new personality, id-driven Bree). Her addiction grows, as does Bree's control. Readers get a vivid sense of the highs and lows involved with using crank ("I needed food, sleep,/ but the monster denied/ every bit of it"). Her life changes quickly: Soon she's dating two guys, both of whom use crank; says "Fuck you" to her mom, can't keep up with school, and loses her old friends. There are plenty of dramatic moments: The first time she does crank, for example, her dad joins her. That same night, she stumbles into a bad area and is almost raped, and Adam's girlfriend tries to kill herself. Later in the book, she does get raped and starts selling the drug for the Mexican Mafia. Readers will appreciate the creative use of form here (some poems, for instance, are written in two columns that can be read separately or together), and although the author is definitely on a mission, she creates a world nearly as consuming and disturbing as the titular drug. Ages 14-up. (Oct.) --Staff (Reviewed November 1, 2004)

[Review of Crank]. (2004 November 1). Publishers Weekly, 251(44), 63.


From Booklist:
Gr. 8-12. Like the teenage crack user in the film Traffic, the young addict in this wrenching, cautionary debut lives in a comfortable, advantaged home with caring parents. Sixteen-year-old Kristina first tries crank, or crystal meth, while visiting her long-estranged father, a crank junkie. Bree is Kristina’s imagined, bolder self, who flirts outrageously and gets high without remorse, and when Kristina returns to her mother and family in Reno, it’s Bree who makes connections with edgy guys and other crank users that escalate into full-blown addiction and heartrending consequences. Hopkins tells Kristina’s story in experimental verse. A few overreaching lines seem out of step with character voices: a boyfriend, for example, tells Kristina that he’d like to wait for sex until she is “free from dreams of yesterday.” But Hopkins uses the spare, fragmented style to powerful effect, heightening the emotional impact of dialogues, inner monologues, and devastating scenes, including a brutal date rape. Readers won’t soon forget smart, sardonic Kristina; her chilling descent into addiction; or the author’s note, which references her own daughter’s struggle with “the monster.” -- Gillian Engberg (BookList, 11-15-2004, p595)

Engberg, G. (2004 November 15). [Review of Crank]. Booklist, pp 595.


Library Setting Uses:

During National Poetry Month, this book would be great to use along with others in a book display of books written in verse and for a series of programs. Program ideas include (but are not limited to) a poetry slam where people can come present their works, poetry workshops where people can learn new ways of presenting their thoughts (like how Hopkins uses the shape of her poems to convey different messages), and/or exploring the ideas conveyed in Crank via a discussion about the book and drug use.

Module 13: Amulet: Book 1, The Stonekeeper

SLIS 5420.002
Module 13
November 15 – 21


Summary:

Emily, Navin, and their mom move into an old family estate after the sudden death of their father. When exploring their new home, Emily discovers a stone and other mysterious secrets that pull the three of them into another world where Emily is the only one who can wield the power of the stone and help save that world from the Elf King, who is bent on destroying all that is good.


Citation:

Kibuishi, K. (2008). Amulet: Book 1, the stonekeeper. New York: Graphix.


My Impressions:

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The illustrations and panel sizes were just right for the feel of the story. Kibuishi does such a wonderful job of capturing all the details in each panel in order to give you a feeling of total immersion in the story, so you don't question what anything is supposed to look like or be. I think this is a must-read for any lover of graphic novels and comics.


Reviews:

From VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine):
Grade. M G. Popularity. 4P. Tragedy leads to high adventure in Kibuishi's latest creation, which is guaranteed to follow in the footsteps of his previous award-winning title, Daisy Kutter (Viper, 2005). The artist's use of color, moving from the poignant warm blues and whites of comfort and family to the smoky browns and blacks of tragedy and mystery, is subtle but highly effective. This artwork, coupled with Kibuishi's distinctive onomatopoeia and tight frames, help to lock the reader into the action and keep pages rapidly turning toward protagonist Emily's fate. Initially when Emily is forced to move with her mother and brother, Navin, to a dilapidated home in the 'middle of nowhere,' she fears a future filled with mind-numbing tedium, yet she quickly discovers the legacy of her forefather, Silas Charnon, hidden in an upstairs room-a mesmerizing amulet that opens the gates to a perilous alternate world. Readers will identify with Emily, who struggles to make good choices as all people do. Emily's bravery- her choice to confront evil at the risk of her own life-helps to reveal her intense love of family, but her refusal to relinquish the amulet reveals her more vulnerable, selfish side. Fans of Happy Bunny will love family-friendly and incredibly skilled bunny-bot, Miskit, companion in the fight against evil. Transformer fans will love the surprise development mid-novel. This classic quest begs for the next installment-one can only hope that book two of Amulet is not long in coming.-Erin Kilby. 208pg. VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES, c2007.

Kilby, E. (2007 December). [Review of The Stonekeeper]. VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine), pp 446.

From School Library Journal:
Gr 4 Up-Hurrying to pick up her brother, Emily and her parents have a tragic accident, and her father dies. After this dark beginning, the story skips forward two years to when the remaining family members are forced to move to an ancestral house in a small town. Rumored to be haunted, it is unkempt and forbidding. The first night there, Emily's mother goes down to the basement to investigate a noise and doesn't return. The kids search for her and discover a doorway into another world, where their mother has been swallowed by a monster and is being taken away. An amulet that Emily found in the house tells her that together they can save her, but her brother isn't so sure that this voice can be trusted. Still, what other choice do they have in this strange place? Gorgeous illustrations with great color bring light to this gloomy tale. Filled with excitement, monsters, robots, and mysteries, this fantasy adventure will appeal to many readers, but it does have some truly nightmarish elements.-Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA. 208pg. CAHNERS PUBLISHING, c2008.

Rutherford, D. (2008 January 1). [Review of The Stonekeeper]. School Library Journal, pp 152.


Library Setting Uses:

During Free Comic Book Day, coordinate with a local comic book store to get an artist to offer a workshop for students interested in drawing. Have them create a cartoon panel using drawings and magazine cutouts at the end of the session to display the different techniques they have learned.

Module 12: Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl

SLIS 5420.002
Module 12
November 8 – 14


Summary:

This book tells the true story of Maritcha, a young African-American girl growing up in post-Civil War New York. The book not only details parts of Maritcha's life (as written in her memoir), but it also contains historical facts and photos of New York during that time period.


Citation:

Bolden, T. (2005). Maritcha: A nineteenth-century American girl. New York: Harry N. Abrams.


My Impressions:

I really enjoyed the perspective that the visual layout of the book contributed to my reading experience. I found it most enjoyable that the author tried to pull as much information as possible from memoirs actually written by Maritcha herself. And the added historical information lent me more perspective regarding what it was like growing up during that time period.


Reviews:

From School Library Journal:
Gr 4 Up. Readers met Maritcha Rimond Lyons in Bolden's Tell All the Children Our Story (Abrams, 2002), in a one-page entry that included an excerpt from her unpublished memoir. The author has now expanded her use of Lyons's memoir, family archival materials, and other primary sources to tell the story of this free black child before, during, and after the Civil War. Maritcha's achievements were extraordinary for her time, gender, and race. During her youth in lower Manhattan, she was exposed to many strong, well-educated adults. Her parents, their friends (some well known), and her own determination carried her through difficult times, including the Draft Riots of 1863, the destruction of the family home and business, and a fight for public education. Strength of family and education were the driving forces in this girl's life. Bolden emphasizes these themes as she skillfully presents interesting facts and a personal view of an often-overlooked segment of history. While the book focuses on Maritcha's childhood, a concluding note discusses her adulthood. (Lyons spent close to 50 years as an educator, including a term as assistant principal of Brooklyn's Public School No. 83.) A number of family documents and photographs are included; period sketches and paintings complete the picture of 19th-century life in New York City. The high quality of writing and the excellent documentation make this a first choice for all collections.Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH. 47pg. CAHNERS PUBLISHING, c2005.

Janssen, C. (2005 February 1). [Review of Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl]. School Library Journal, pp 145.


From VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine):
Grade. M. Popularity. 3P. In 1928, an eighty-year-old retired school official, Maritcha Remond Lyons, left behind an unpublished manuscript, Memories of Yesterdays. Within its neatly typed pages were revelations of a remarkable woman's life and a firsthand account of what it was like to be a free black woman in nineteenth-century America. The author takes this memoir and scraps of research from museums, special collections, and family keepsakes to assemble a fascinating re-creation of Maritcha's life. New York City-born Maritcha and her family ran a boardinghouse, often used as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. Her extended family included a famous actor who used his influence to establish black churches, ignite an early civil rights movement, and bring celebrities like Frederick Douglass into their midst. Although blacks were free, many rights were still restrictive and prejudice was rampant. She recalls having to walk to school because the coaches would not stop for her. When the Civil War draft riots broke out, blacks were sought out, beaten, and their businesses destroyed. Maritcha moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where she became the first black to enter high school after having to address the state legislature for permission. She dedicated the next fifty years to education and women's rights. A gifted writer and orator during her lifetime, Maritcha is a worthy topic for women's studies or for a black history profile. This book, with its excellent illustrations, engaging text, and primary resources, is also a pleasure to read.-Kevin Beach. 48pg. VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES, c2005.

Beach, K. (2005 October 1). [Review of Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl]. VOYA, pp 332.


From Booklist:
Gr. 4-7. 'Born free in a nation stained by slavery, where free blacks had few rights and rare respect, here was a girl determined to rise, to amount to something.' In this captivating biography, Bolden introduces Maritcha Reymond Lyon, born in the mid-1800s into a family of free blacks in Manhattan. Lyon found fame as a teenager in Providence, Rhode Island, when she sued the state to gain admission to the all-white high school--the only high school in town. Bolden's succinct text focuses on Lyon's growing-up, and the attractive spreads feature well-chosen archival photographs and engravings that offer a fascinating glimpse of Lyon's world of 'New York City's striving class of blacks.' Lyon had a distinguished family, and Bolden shows how its members inspired her to succeed against formidable odds, even when she felt that 'the iron had entered my soul.' Bolden supplements quotes from Lyon's accounts with extensive research and enthralling detail, and the result is both an inspirational portrait of an individual and a piercing history about blacks in the nineteenth and early- twentieth centuries--subjects rarely covered in books for youth. An author's note describes Lyon's adult achievements and lends insight into Bolden's research. Notes and a selected bibliography conclude this powerful volume. ((Reviewed February 1, 2005)). Gillian Engberg. 48pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2005.

Engberg, G. (2005 February 1). [Review of Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl]. Booklist, pp 970.


Library Setting Uses:

For any age, have students make a biography scrapbook about their life and what their hometown and the United States are like today. You can provide newspaper clippings, maps, etc. to help the students feel like their pages look similar to those in the book.

Module 11: The Day-Glo Brothers

SLIS 5420.002
Module 11
November 1 – 7


Summary:

This is the story of the Switzer brothers and how they discovered bright new colors. Meet Joe and Bob, two brothers who start out with different dreams for their future, but end up uniting over their passion to discover a way to make glow-in-the-dark colors come to life during the day. This nonfiction book explains the basic mechanics of fluorescence and how it has been used in the world since the brothers became famous for their Day-Glo colors.


Citation:

Barton, C. (2009). The Day-Glo brothers. Watertown, Mass.: Charlesbridge.


My Impressions:

I absolutely loved the use of fluorescent colors in the illustrations. I have to admit that at first I was tempted to try holding the book up in the dark to see if maybe they tossed some glow-in-the-dark elements, but I was able to hold myself back. I really was impressed with Barton's dedication to getting this story as accurate as possible by his thorough communications with the surviving Switzer family and their mementos from Joe and Bob. I actually learned a lot about how fluorescent colors work.


Reviews:

From Kirkus Reviews:
The Switzer brothers were complete opposites. Older brother Bob was hardworking and practical, while younger brother Joe was carefree and full of creative, wacky ideas. However, when an unexpected injury forced Bob to spend months recovering in a darkened basement, the two brothers happened upon an illuminating adventure--the discovery of Day- Glo colors. These glowing paints were used to send signals in World War II, help airplanes land safely at night and are now found worldwide in art and advertisements (not to mention the entire decade of 1980s fashion). Through extensive research, including Switzer family interviews and Bob's own handwritten account of events, debut author Barton brings two unknown inventors into the brilliant light they deserve. Persiani, in his picture-book debut as well, first limits the palette to grayscale, then gradually increases the use of color as the brothers' experiments progress. The final pages explode in Day-Glo radiance. Rendered in 1950s-cartoon style, with bold lines and stretched perspectives, these two putty-limbed brothers shine even more brightly than the paints and dyes they created. (author's note, endnotes) (Picture book/biography. 4-8). 44pg. VNU EMEDIA, c2009.

[Review of The Day-Glo Brothers]. (2009 June 15). Kirkus Reviews, pp 653.


From Publishers Weekly:
Ages 7-10. In this debut for both collaborators, Barton takes on the dual persona of popular historian and cool science teacher as he chronicles the Switzer brothers' invention of the first fluorescent paint visible in daylight. The aptly named Day-Glo, he explains, started out as a technological novelty act (Joe, an amateur magician, was looking for ways to make his illusions more exciting), but soon became much more: during WWII, one of its many uses was guiding Allied planes to safe landings on aircraft carriers. The story is one of quintessentially American ingenuity, with its beguiling combination of imaginative heroes ('Bob focused on specific goals, while Joe let his freewheeling mind roam every which way when he tried to solve a problem'), formidable obstacles (including, in Bob's case, a traumatic accident), a dash of serendipity and entrepreneurial zeal. Persiani's exuberantly retro 1960s drawings--splashed with Day-Glo, of course-- bring to mind the goofy enthusiasm of vintage educational animation and should have readers eagerly following along as the Switzers turn fluorescence into fame and fortune. (July). 44pg. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2009.

[Review of The Day-Glo Brothers]. (2009 June 29). Publishers Weekly, pp 129.


From School Library Journal:
Gr 4-6--Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. Barton discusses how two brothers worked together to create the eye-popping hues. Joe Switzer figured out that using a black light to create a fluorescent glow could spruce up his magic act, so the brothers built an ultraviolet lamp. They began to experiment with various chemicals to make glow-in- the-dark paints. Soon Joe used fluorescent-colored paper costumes in his act and word got around. Through trial and error, the brothers perfected their creation. The story is written in clear language and includes whimsical cartoons. While endpapers are Day-Glo bright, most of the story is illustrated in black, white, gray, and touches of color, culminating in vivid spreads. Discussions on regular fluorescence and daylight fluorescence are appended. This unique book does an excellent job of describing an innovative process.--Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI. Unpg. SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2009.

Callaghan, A.C. (2009 August 1). [Review of The Day-Glo Brothers]. School Library Journal, pp 118.


Library Setting Uses:

For this book, I recommend a program for older elementary school children where after talking about the book, the adult facilitator will show the students the demonstration on fluorescence from the website provided in the back of the book (http://www.charlesbridge.com/day-glo-animation.html). Then, allow the students to use blacklight/glow-in-the-dark paints to draw pictures and designs on pieces of poster board.

Module 10: Fever, 1793

SLIS 5420.002
Module 10
October 25 – 31


Summary:

The year is 1793, the location is Philadelphia, the event is a yellow fever epidemic. Meet Matilda Cook, a teen girl growing up in a time when Washington lived in town and often rode up and down the street. Her mother runs a coffeehouse with her grandfather, so when the epidemic hits, Matilda is reluctant to leave and wants to stay to help her mother out. However, when her mother falls ill, she orders Matilda to leave the city and take refuge in the country. This is a story of self-discovery, survival, and love. Will Matilda be able to see all of her dreams come true?


Citation:

Anderson, L.H. (2000). Fever, 1793. New York: Aladdin Paperbooks.


My Impressions:

I like reading historical fiction books like this when they are based on historical events that seemed to catch the country off guard, especially with last year's swine flu panic. This book made me start to think about what it would be like to just get sent away with no immediate means of checking on loved ones and relying only on hope for their survival. I definitely had a strong appreciation for our modern conveniences at the end of this story, but it made me start to wonder if maybe we're a bit too dependent on them.


Reviews:

From Book Report:
This coming-of-age novel resounds with the voices of ordinary people who endured a tragedy now relegated to a footnote in American history. The idyllic life of 14-year-old Mattie Cook changes dramatically during a yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia during the late summer of 1793. In the course of four months her mother contracts the disease and is separated from the family, Mattie's grandfather dies of the fever, and Mattie becomes responsible for maintaining the family's business, a coffeehouse. The Philadelphia of George Washington and Charles Willson Peale lives in the vibrant word pictures the author creates. Members of the Free African Society are accurately credited with providing food, nursing the sick, and caring for children orphaned during the epidemic. Each chapter begins with quotes from books, diaries, and journals from the period. An afterword provides additional insight into to the people and events of the period. The story features a strong female protagonist and well-defined characters. The plot moves at a fast pace as the horrors of the unexplained pestilence grip the city. This well-researched novel provides a fascinating view of those tragic months in Philadelphia history; it would coordinate well with historical fiction units or thematic units on the resilience of human nature in adversity. This book should be part of every library collection. Highly Recommended. 252 pages LINWORTH PUBLISHING, c2001.

[Review of Fever, 1793]. (2001 January 1). Book Report, pp 54.


From School Library Journal:
Gr 6-10 The sights, sounds, and smells of Philadelphia when it was still the nation's capital are vividly re-created in this well-told tale of a girl's coming-of-age, hastened by the outbreak of yellow fever. As this novel opens, Matilda Cook, 14, wakes up grudgingly to face another hot August day filled with the chores appropriate to the daughter of a coffeehouse owner. At its close, four months later, she is running the coffeehouse, poised to move forward with her dreams. Ambitious, resentful of the ordinary tedium of her life, and romantically imaginative, Matilda is a believable teenager, so immersed in her own problems that she can describe the freed and widowed slave who works for her family as the 'luckiest' person she knows. Ironically, it is Mattie who is lucky in the loyalty of Eliza. The woman finds medical help when Mattie's mother falls ill, takes charge while the girl is sent away to the countryside, and works with the Free African Society. She takes Mattie in after her grandfather dies, and helps her reestablish the coffeehouse. Eliza's story is part of an important chapter in African-American history, but it is just one of many facets of this story of an epidemic. Mattie's friend Nathaniel, apprentice to the painter Master Peale, emerges as a clear partner in her future. There are numerous eyewitness accounts of the devastation by Dr. Benjamin Rush and other prominent Philadelphians of the day. Readers will be drawn in by the characters and will emerge with a sharp and graphic picture of another world.-Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DC; 256pg. CAHNERS PUBLISHING, c2000.

Isaacs, K. (2000 August 1). [Book Review of Fever, 1793]. School Library Journal, pp 177.


Library Setting Uses:

Ask the nearby schools for cooperation if possible, but this would make a great essay contest for middle school and/or high school students. Possible prompt: If there was a sudden outbreak of a disease in the United States, what would you and your parents do and how do you think your cell phones and other modern devices would impact communication during this time period.

Module 9: Maze of Bones

SLIS 5420.002
Module 9
October 18 – 24


Summary:

The Cahills have the longest, most mysterious family history of any other family in the world. At least, that's what Dan and Amy come to discover about their heritage when they embark on their search for clues. As a part of her will, their relative Grace Cahill left a series of clues behind (for those bold enough to try) that will lead one family member to the most important Cahill family secret of all time. Join Dan and Amy as they learn to trust no one but each other and travel the world on their search for the 39 clues.


Citation:

Riordan, R. (2008). Maze of bones. New York: Scholastic Books.


My Impressions:

As a fan of Riordan's work, I was excited to be able to start reading this series. The story flowed really well and I found myself not wanting to stop reading. I can easily see how for younger readers (with a lot more free time than myself) would want to take part in the online search for clues, collect the trading cards, and any other activities out there I may have missed. And I think encouraging children in pursuing the clues is a wonderful idea for teaching them how to reason and figure things out.


Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly:
Ages 9-12. Built around a ripe conceit--wealthy matriarch scatters cryptic clues to a mysterious fortune around the globe--this first installment in a projected 10-book series is tons of fun. Lead-off hitter Riordan (The Lightning Thief) mixes just the right proportions of suspense, peril and puzzles in a fast-paced read (Riordan mapped the narrative arc for all 10 volumes, but other high-profile authors will be writing for the series, too). Likable orphans Amy and Dan Cahill have moxie (plus Dan can memorize numbers instantly) and frailties (Amy hates crowds). As the siblings compete with less honorable members of the Cahill clan, all distantly related to Benjamin Franklin, to win the fortune by collecting all 39 clues (only two are found in this first book), they learn about their dead parents, each other and world history. The humor is spot on--one uncle is credited with inventing the microwave burrito. The only flaw? The story does not end so much as drop off a cliff. (The second book, One False Note by Gordon Korman, is set to arrive in December.) While waiting, readers can collect cards, each of which contains evidence, and play the online game (www.the39clues.com), for which Scholastic is offering over $100,000 in prizes. This ought to have as much appeal to parents as it does to kids--it's Webkinz without the stuffed animals, and a rollicking good read. (Sept.). 220pg. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2008.

[Book Review of Maze of Bones]. (2008 September 22). Publishers Weekly, pp 58.


From Booklist:
Gr. 4-8. In a bold leap forward in marketing strategy, this first book in the 39 Clues series introduces readers to what promises to be a sensational mix of reading, online gaming, card-collecting, and even a grand-prize sweepstakes. The premise of the book: Grace Cahill, matriarch of the world's most powerful family, dies and leaves behind a challenge to her descendants. They can either inherit one million dollars, or forgo the money and receive the first of 39 clues that will lead them on an around-the-world adventure in search of, well, that's a secret. But it's an earth-shattering secret, and with 10 books planned for the series (each by a different author), it had better pay off in the end. Riordan, who has plotted the main arc for the series, gets the ball rolling nicely with likable brother-and-sister heroes, a cast of backstabbing relatives, and a smattering of puzzles and clues to decipher in the quest for the ultimate secret. Whether this intriguing book represents the first major event in a shifting world of publishing, or is simply a clever money- and attention-grabbing ploy remains to be seen, but it will be fascinating to see what kids make of it. (Library edition does not include game cards). Ian Chipman. 224pg. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2008.

Chipman, I. (2008 October 15). [Book Review of Maze of Bones]. Booklist, pp 39.


Library Setting Uses:

I think a great activity for this series would be to gather the students and go to http://www.the39clues.com/. After giving them each their own composition book to keep track of the clues, students could use the book club to keep track of their clues, share amongst each other and try to figure it out! I also think it would be a fun group activity to watch the author webcasts together.