Module 6/Genre 6 - Fantasy and Young Adult Fiction

Bibliography

Gantos, Jack. 2000. Joey Pigza loses control. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 9780374399894

Plot Summary

Joey Pigza Loses Control is a quirky little story about a kid, Joey, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a feisty little Chihuahua. Joey has his ADHD under control pretty well with medication and help from his mom and school. Then for the upcoming summer break his mom allows him to spend the summer with his estranged father and cranky grandmother. Through the story it’s learned that his father is not only still an alcoholic, but appears to be more “wired” than Joey. His grandmother, suffering from emphysema, regularly has Joey buy cigarettes for her.

In typical fashion, Joey wants to please his father and agrees to do many things ranging from playing baseball on his dad’s team to lying to his mother to not taking his medication anymore. From all this comes the good and the bad. Joey becomes a very good pitcher on the baseball team, but finds his father very demanding and demeaning. Joey’s stay with his father is very confusing and inconsistent for Joey. In the end, after being off his medicine for only a few days, Joey eventually loses control and ends up seeking help from the one consistent person in his life – his mom.

Critical Analysis

This story is a very believable one and one that most any student can relate to easily. The family dynamics almost seems too stereotypical – single mom, alcoholic dad, problematic child, but for this story it works. It’s a very humorous look at the life of a youngster who struggles, and has always struggled with his impairment. This story is also very gut wrenching. It’s very easy to feel Joey’s heartbreak and the struggle with his dad to not only be heard, but to be understood. What child or adult could not relate to that?

The story is told through Joey’s narration and through the actions of the story. All the characters are very believable showing each one’s weakness and strength. Joey’s mom is consistent, but over-protective. His dad is always hopeful, but very selfish and self-focused. His grandmother is cranky, but understands him and his dog. Joey gets into trouble, but is at a place of realization that he knows his medicine helps him (and that’s a very mature thing for any young person). The story eventually builds to a climax as Joey is really doing well as a pitcher on his dad’s team, but convinced that he doesn’t need his medicine by his dad starts to lose it. The theme of this story does emerge naturally and his worth children’s time. The theme of being one’s self and accepting that is a big part of this story. Joey’s dad couldn’t accept that Joey had an impairment (ADHD) – and actually his dad was just living vicariously through his son. The style of this story is very simple and easy to read. The mood of the story is first set by fiascos throughout the story. It starts with Joey’s dog throwing up in the car on the way to his dad’s house, forgetting the dog in the car, his grandmother ripping her oxygen tubes out of her nose as she drives golf balls at the local park, and more. The unsteadiness of his mother’s driving to his dad’s violent and verbally abusive outbursts help paint a picture of the rough life Joey has from the small things to the big things.

Overall, I think many students would enjoy this book and relate to it very easily. Most children long to have their parents understand them and accept them for who they are, so this story is one for all. But, I have an even stronger recommendation for adults. Any adult who works with children – educators, para-educators, health care workers, day care workers, and more – and parents of children with impairments, especially ADD and ADHD, should read this book. As a special educator, I have been to many seminars and professional developments and have read many things and watched videos about ADD and ADHD, but nothing has helped me to see the child with ADD and ADHD’s perspective better than this book. The point of view of this book will open many people’s eyes to the struggles of a person with ADHD and/or ADD.

Review Excerpts

Booklist – “Gantos has given Joey a remarkably vivid personality, and, blending irrepressible humor with a powerful depiction of a child's longing for normalcy, he has written a dead-on portrayal of a young person assessing the often self-serving behavior of the adults who control his life.”
Publishers Weekly – “… this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease.”
School Library Journal – “This is a humorous story about very serious subjects. The inner conflicts and secret wishes that often affect children of divorce are well expressed.”

Connections

Have students journal about something that they have experienced in their life that they have felt they were not understood about.

Have parents read this book with their students and share their feelings about what Joey goes through in this story.

Have students read the other Joey Pigza stories by Jack Gantos:
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key ISBN 978037433664
What Would Joey Do? ISBN 9780807209493
I’m Not Joey Pigza ISBN 9780374399412

Counseling groups could use this story to help students with impairments, like Joey’s ADHD, to open up and share feelings and struggles in their lives.

Module 6/Genre 6 - Fantasy and Young Adult Fiction

Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. 1993. The giver. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780395645666

Plot Summary

The Giver is a young adult fantasy book that takes place in a “utopian” society. The story starts with Jonas, a normal seeming child who is about to turn twelve. He has a small family – mom, dad, and little sister. As the story progresses the reader finds a different society. It’s a society that is void of choices – so much so that even love has no real meaning. Marriages are arranged, careers are assigned, and babies are birthed by less honorable people and given to only those couples who qualify.

As the story continues, a new year comes up which means that everyone from ages one through eleven get to progress to the new age. For Jonas this means that he becomes twelve and that means that he is assigned his career assignment for the rest of his adult life. All of his friends get normal sounding jobs, but Jonas is chosen as the Receiver. This means he gets to receive the memories of the past – pain, joy, pleasure, suffering, and more. These memories are things that their society knows nothing about. As Jonas becomes better friends with the giver they come up with a plan to help everyone share the memories instead of Jonas having to bear them all.

Critical Analysis

The Giver, as a fantasy, is very believable. The story stays consistent and the characters are very believable. Jonas and his friends seem like normal kids except they live in a culture that has no love or choices. The life without choices really raises some good questions about whether choices are important or not or even what life would be like without choices. It’s a realistic enough place that one could imagine what it would be like to live there, even though there’s never been another place like it. A couple of other things that show the fantasy side of this story is the fact that everyone is color blind (except those with memories) and the fact that the people with memories can pass on memories by touching another person directly. The setting is revealed as the story continues. At first it seems like a normal place. As the story continues the “odd” things are uncovered. One thing is the presence of big brother type speakers are everywhere to scold or correct. Another thing is that they climate is controlled always – no rain, no snow and not too hot and not too cold.

The themes revealed throughout The Giver are varied. One is about how having choices can give us wisdom. Another is that without pain, you can’t know true joy and vice versa. A third one is how important it is to not forget the bad and the good, even if it’s painful or difficult. This book is so thought provoking – it makes many questions come up. What would life be like with no choices? Without love? Without rain? Without pain? Even though this story has these themes running throughout, they don’t over power the story itself. The story stays intriguing and interesting to the very end. The style of this story is great. The story is easy to understand without being too obvious. The ambiguous ending makes the story more interesting. The language used is very appropriate and the regular words that are used that have a different meaning in the story – like “release”, which really means euthanized – are explained well, although not always immediately. The characters in this story are very interesting. Jonas, the main character, is very easy to relate to, and he communicates the story through his actions and words. His growth throughout the story is a beautiful thing to read. He goes from being a controlled, unfeeling child, to a young man who learns to love and care and see the greater good.

This very thought provoking story would be great to share with young adults. Some of the subject matter is a bit mature for younger children and this book should be shared after careful consideration. This story could be shared in any country or culture and the themes and story would still be well conveyed because of the universality of them.

Review Excerpts

Booklist – “Anti-Utopian novels have an enduring appeal. This one makes an especially good introduction to the genre because it doesn't load the dice by presenting the idea of a community structured around safety as totally negative. There's a distinctly appealing comfort in sameness that kids--especially junior high kids--will recognize. Yet the choice is clear. Sameness versus freedom, happiness at the risk of pain. Something to talk about.”
Kirkus Reviews – “Wrought with admirable skill--the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel.”
Publishers Weekly – “Until the time that Jonah begins training for his job assignment--the rigorous and prestigious position of Receiver of Memory--he, too, is a complacent model citizen. But as his near-mystical training progresses, and he is weighed down and enriched with society's collective memories of a world as stimulating as it was flawed, Jonas grows increasingly aware of the hypocrisy that rules his world.”
School Library Journal – “The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”

Connections

Have students write their thoughts/predictions for the ending of The Giver.

Have young adults read the two follow-up books to The Giver:
Gathering Blue ISBN 9780618055814
Messenger ISBN 9780618404414

Lead a discussion about limiting choices and what implications that would have for the students.

Module 6/Genre 6 - Fantasy and Young Adult Fiction

Bibliography

Johnson, Angela. 2003. The first part last. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689849220

Plot Summary

The First Part Last is an easy to read story about a teen that is raising his baby. As the story progresses, much is revealed about how Bobby who ends up being a single dad who is still in high school and about his relationship with the baby’s mother, Nia. Although Bobby has understanding parents and family, he loses control one day and forgets about his daughter, Feather, while she’s in someone else’s care. He has to face the reality of the loss of his girlfriend and much of his own freedom.

Critical Analysis

This story is told from Bobby’s narration. The story is an interesting flip on the typical female child raising a child story. The dialog is very real and contemporary. Bobby’s strengths are weaknesses are showcased throughout the book. His love and devotion for his daughter is very strong throughout the story, but there is also a time when he loses track of time and kind of has a little meltdown and he seems very irresponsible. The alternating chapters title “Now” and “Then”, instead of having traditional numbered chapters, really make this story move and make it more interesting and a bit more innovative than traditionally numbered chapter books. The story climaxes as the reader discovers why Bobby keeps the baby and what happened to Feather’s mom. The story takes place in New York and concludes in another state. The author’s use of “Now” and “Then” really helps communicate which story the reader is following.

The theme of The First Part Last is one of responsibility. Teenage sex does come with consequences, at times, and this story portrays this very well. Not only does Bobby end up being a father at the age of sixteen, but Feather’s mother ends up in a coma from complications from her labor. These teens also had to deal with deciding whether or not to give the child up for adoption – after much pressure from the parents to do so. The style of this story is very smooth and natural. Most readers could imagine their neighbor or family member being in Bobby’s shoes. The author creates of mood of mystery about Nia’s destiny while switching between the “Now” and “Then” through the book. There’s also a mood of triumph or pride as Bobby handles so much responsibility well as he takes care of his child, goes to school, and still has friends in his neighborhood to hang out with.

This is definitely a book for mature teens. There is some profane language used and the whole teen sex issue plays out in a very open and honest way. Because of the realism of this story and the issues it deals with, it is a very valuable book for today’s society.

Review Excerpts

Booklist – “Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.”
Kirkus Reviews – “By narrating from a realistic first-person voice, Johnson manages to convey a story that is always complex, never preachy. The somewhat pat ending doesn't diminish the impact of this short, involving story. It's the tale of one young man and his choices, which many young readers will appreciate and enjoy.”
Publishers Weekly – “But as the past and present threads join in the final chapter, readers will only clamor for more about this memorable father-daughter duo—and an author who so skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain.”
School Library Journal – “Told in alternating passages of "Now" and "Then," the back-story that has brought Bobby to this point falls steadily but deliberately into place, with the revelation of why Bobby is a single father arriving only near the very end.”

Connections

Lead a discussion with teens about choices and consequences and how they saw those take place in this story.

Have students write a prediction for Bobby’s life after he moves to Ohio with Feather.

Have an assignment where students summarize The First Part Last and share that with their parents. After they do that, have the students interview the parents on a set list of questions that they can choose from – questions like, “Was this type of story typical from your childhood?” or “What kinds of things did you have to be responsible for prematurely when you were a teen?”

Module 5/Genre 5 - Historical Fiction/Biography

Bibliography
Lisle, Janet Taylor. 2000. The art of keeping cool. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689837876

Plot Summary
This historical novel is a captivating story about a couple of cousins, Robert and Elliot, in a coastal northeastern town during World War II. As one befriends a German artist, the other suspects the German a spy. As the story unfolds two mysteries are presented – one of the true nature of the German and one of Robert and his father, now a pilot in the war. As the story concludes, the novel presents real prejudice – within one’s family and within the community.

Critical Analysis
This story starts off in a powerful way, with symbolism and foreshadowing, as enormous guns pull into town and the two cousins go to watch them arrive. Through the characters in this story you learn about World War II and how life was in the U.S. during that time. Rationing and putting a banner in the window if you had a family member in the war are just a couple of ways that this story portrays WWII life in the early 40s. The characters in this tale help set the stage as well. The fearful hatred of the enemy really shows up as townspeople abuse and taunt the native German artist – who left Nazi Germany because he was being persecuted there. What also makes the story real are the small details, like German subs sinking ships off of the eastern coast.

The theme throughout this story is that of the uselessness of prejudice. Not only does this theme show up in the German artist storyline, but also in the family’s storyline. When the older cousin, Elliot, is continually abused and belittled by this grandfather because his grandfather thinks him weak and useless, one sees the parallel of the storylines. The historical figures of the time are also thrown into the story to make it more accurate and believable. As both mysteries unravel the end is revealed, even though it is predictable, is sad yet realistic.

This well told historical novel would be perfect for older children and young adults to read and discuss. Because of the content, there could be so many useful discussions about family dynamics, self-control/anger management, prejudices, and more.

Review Excerpt
Kirkus Review: "Briskly plotted, emotionally complex, brutal in incident yet delicately nuanced in the telling, a fine historical fiction."
Publishers Weekly: “The intimate first-person narrative brings universal themes of prejudice and loss to a personal level as the boys and their artist friend discover the destructive power of war on the home front.”
School Library Journal: “…this is a heartfelt story about family dynamics and the harmful power of prejudice and hatred.”

Connections
Have students research and discuss how Germans, Japanese, and Italians were treated in the U.S. during World War II.

In an art class have the students learn about expressionism and which Germans took part in that artistic movement. Have them also learn about other influential German artists.

Have a week of rationing in the classroom. Each day have rationing coupons for different items. At the end of the week discuss the kinds of things people rationed during World War II and the kinds of things people did within their community to help.

Module 5/Genre 5 - Historical Fiction/Biography

Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The midwife's apprentice. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780395692295

Plot Summary
The Midwife’s Apprentice is a sometimes humorous, but an always easy-to-relate-to story set in medieval England. It’s a tale about a homeless girl who has enough street smarts to know that sleeping in dung will keep her warm on cold nights. As she travels from town to town seeking food and possible work, she becomes a housekeeper for the local hard and cold midwife and eventually becomes her apprentice. This girl who feels unloved and unwanted grows through this story becoming a brave soul who stands up for herself and makes something of herself – actually a kinder and gentler midwife.

Critical Analysis
The Midwife’s Apprentice is a great little story for all ages. The setting of this story is perfect. It gives enough of a picture of what that time was like without going into too much heavy detail. The protagonist’s, Alyce’s, character is so real, one feels like they could be in her shoes. Also, her compassion and hurt makes the reader hurt with her. The plot of this story is real as well. It reveals how hard life was then and how there was not much kindness outside of ones own family. For Alyce, this is a story of how she overcomes what seems like a very hopeless life. The theme of this story is that of overcoming adversity. This is a novel of a poor, homeless girl who doesn’t even know her own birthday or what it is like to cry.

The style of The Midwife’s Apprentice is very simple, but still engaging. Anyone can feel Alyce’s pain, fear, misery, and triumph. Historically, this story seems very accurate and Alyce even names her little friend after King Edward – king from 1272-1307. It is a realistic story that shows hard life could be for the lower classes of medieval England. Any age can enjoy and relate to this story.

Review Excerpt
BookList: "From the first page you're caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif, somewhere around 12 years old, "unwashed, unnourished, unloved, and unlovely," trying to keep warm in a dung heap."
Kirkus Reviews: “From the rebirth in the dung heap to Brat's renaming herself Alyce after a heady visit to a medieval fair, this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times.”
School Library Journal: “Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.”

Connections
Have a discussion with students about the different classes in medieval England and compare them to classes we have today.

Have students do a short readers’ theater excerpt from this play.

Divide the story into small segments and have each student illustrate that part of the story.

Module 5/Genre 5 - Historical Fiction/Biography

Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 1987. Indian chiefs. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823406253

Plot Summary
Indian Chiefs is a collection of biographies by Russell Freedman. This books starts with a summary section called “War Chiefs and Peace Chiefs” which includes a simple map of the West in 1840. Following that Freedman includes biographies on Red Cloud, Satanta, Quanah Parker, Washakie, Joseph, and Sitting Bull. The book ends with a rich resource section including a list of photographic sources, an index, and a very useful bibliography.

Critical Analysis
Indian Chiefs is a book that has a full bibliography and seems very well researched. Direct quotes, actual photographs, and researched information make up this easy to read biography. The layout of the book is very logical. The book starts with a general summary and then goes into detail about six important and very interesting Indian Chiefs. Freedman does stick with western Indian Chiefs, not really including eastern ones at all.

The photos in this book really make it incredibly fascinating. Seeing each chiefs piercing eyes and leathered skin make them all the more real. The most intriguing photo is one of many Native Americans at the White House with President Johnson. There are also pictures of art that depict how life was back then that are also interspersed throughout the collection. The Remington art pieces really show great detail and help tell the story, as do the photos. These along with Freedman’s interesting depiction of western life for Indians make this an easy read. The most fascinating story was of Quanah Parker. He was the son of an Indian and of a white woman, Cynthia Parker. Ms. Parker was abducted and taken to live with a tribe. This soon became her home and she learned to love the life so much, that when she was returned to her family she tried to escape. Mr. Freedman relates the history of Quanah Parker and his mother so well that one can feel their emotion, passion, and heartbreak.

Russell Freedman seems to just tell the facts, heartbreaking or cruel as they are, without adding extra biases or commentary. He’s very open about sharing the bad things about the Indians or about the U.S. He also freely tells when someone did something well. This may not be the best biography for younger children, but older children, teens, and adults can appreciate this well written and very informative biography on Native American leaders of the past.

Review Excerpt
Kirkus Review: "The humanity, courage, compassion and steel resolve of these dignified, resourceful leaders make a strong impact. With a true biographer's dispassion, Freedman simply tells what happened, what was said, and what effects actions had."
Publishers Weekly: “Their biographies serve as guidelines for negotiation styles, reminders of our government's shame and mother lodes of historical information. Excellent reproduction of the photos gives this reference book a handsome coffee-table look.”
School Library Journal: “Freedman does not romanticize the Indian viewpoint, nor is he judgmental against the whites. He presents a factual, human account of cultures in conflict.”

Connections
Investigate other Russell Freedman western books:

Children of the Wild West ISBN 0395547857

Cowboys of the Wild West ISBN 0395548004

An Indian Winter ISBN 0823411583

The Life and Death of Crazy Horse ISBN 0823412199

In the Days of the Vaqueros: America’s First True Cowboy ISBN 0395967880

Buffalo Hunt ISBN 0823411591

Have students do an internet scavenger hunt for photos of Native American Chiefs and see what new ones they can find in addition to the ones already in the book.

With young adults, have a discussion about the U.S.’s treatment of Native Americans.