Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key [audiobook] written and narrated by Jack Gantos

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. (1999). Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. Read by the Author. New York: Listening Library. ISBN 9780739381144. 3 sound discs (ca. 2 hrs., 58 min.) 

SUMMARY
Joey Pigza's got bad wiring, or at least, that's what his mom says. His "dud meds" for his attention deficit disorder don't always work so great and sometimes Joey makes bad choices. He's not bad inside, he just can't help it. He didn't realize that he shouldn't stick his fingers in a pencil sharpener, or what would happen if he ran with scissors, and he really thought the key was still on a string around his neck when he swallowed it. In this audio book, the author, Jack Gantos, reads his own story in this poignant novel which perfectly captures the intensity and challenges in the life of someone with ADD. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Gantos went to 10 different schools when he was growing up and saw a lot of "active" kids that were on the fringes of society; just like himself.  It was when he was giving an author lecture in Pennsylvania and saw one of these active kids, that he decided he wanted to write a story about this boy and all the other children he remembered while growing up. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is the first book in the "Joey Pigza" series.  It was a finalist for the 1998 National Book Award for Young People's Literature and has garnered attention for its sympathetic and realistic view on attention-deficit disorder.  

Jack Gantos reads the audio version of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key and while the quality of the audiobook is not always perfect (we can hear Gantos turn a page), he is able to impart the hyperactivity and worry of someone with ADHD.  On occasion his voice doesn't work, after all, Gantos is an adult with a gravely voice, but these times are minimal and we can believe that Gantos has personal experience when Joey says "At school they say I'm wired bad, or wired mad, or wired sad, or wired glad, depending on my mood and what teacher has ended up with me. But there's no doubt about it, I'm wired."  This book, and series, would be an excellent addition to public and school libraries.  The hyperactivity of the audio version adds to the understanding of someone who has ADHD and makes for a wonderful audiobook. 

Grades 4 and up.  


REVIEW EXCERPTS
In this roller-coaster of a ride, ingenuously and breathlessly narrated by Joey himself, readers are treated to an up-close and personal introduction to life with attention deficit disorder. -- Horn Book

This novel presents a clear picture of a kid at risk, and shows us ADHD from the inside out. . . Gantos doesn't allow us to pity Joey—he lets us understand him. -- Riverbank Review

"...an accurate, compassionate and humorous appraisal of a boy with attention-deficit disorder. -- Publishers Review

CONNECTIONS

*Students may enjoy other books in the series: 

     -Joey Pigza loses control. ISBN 9780439338743

     -What would Joey Pigza do? ISBN 9780060544034

     -I am not Joey Pigza. ISBN 9780374399417

*Jack Gantos also writes the "Jack Henry Adventures" which is good for Grades 4 and up. 

*Other books on disabilities: 

     -Lord, Cynthia. Rules. ISBN 9780439443830

     -Draper, Sharon M. Out of my mind. ISBN 9781416971718

     -Palacio, R. J. Wonder. ISBN 9780375869020

*Here are some Study Guide links: 

 http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/cblp/responsibility/middleschool/Joey.pdf

 http://www.scu.edu/character/subscribers/cbl/quarter-1/upload/Joey-Pigza-Swallowed-the-Key-Lesson-Plans.pdf

http://springborofplibrary.wikispaces.com/Joey+Pigza+Swallowed+the+Key

*Here is a link to an interview with Jack Gantos about writing this book. http://www.ldonline.org/article/5820/

    

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Illustrated by Henry Cole

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Richardson, Justin and Parnell, Peter. 2005.  And Tango Makes Three. Illustrated by Henry Cole. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-689-87845-1


SUMMARY
This picture book for young children is based on the true story of Roy and Silo, two male Chinstrap Penguins in the New York Central Park Zoo. The zookeeper saw Roy and Silo bowing and singing to each other and he thought "They must be in love."  When the zookeeper saw Silo put an egg-shaped rock on the nest they made together, he realized Roy and Silo wanted a baby of their own. The zookeeper gave them an egg that needed to be cared for and the new baby penguin was named Tango.  Now Roy and Silo had their own family, just like all the other families.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell's And Tango Makes Three has won many awards and accolades, including a 2005 American Librarian Association Notable Children's Book, the 2005 ASPCA's Henry Bergh Award, the 2006 Gustavus Meyer Outstanding Book Award,the 2006 Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year, 2006 Bank Street Best Book of the Year,  the 2006 Cooperative Children's Book Council Choice and the CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book, a 2006 Lambda Literary Award finalist and shortlisted in 2008 for the Sheffield Children's Book Award. 

The books theme of adoption and homosexuality in animals has led And Tango Makes Three to be one of the most challenged or banned books since its publication in 2005.  However, Richardson and Parnell have written a touching story about partners who want a family. Authors, Richardson, a M.D. and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia and Cornell, and Parnell approach the themes in a calm and unobtrusive manner. Children will love this story which is a tender commentary on how different families are created.  

Henry Cole's soft brown, green, and blue watercolors have a calming influence and gently illustrate penguins and their families in their home environment.  Cole beautifully illustrates the penguins emotion of love that parents offer their children which will resonate with young children. 

For ages 3-7.

REVIEWS
"Tango has two daddies in this heartwarming tale, inspired by actual events in New York's Central Park Zoo. ... Cole's (The Sissy Duckling) endearing watercolors follow the twosome as they frolic affectionately in several vignettes and then try tirelessly to start a family-first they build a stone nest and then they comically attempt to hatch a rock. Their expressive eyes capture a range of moods within uncluttered, pastel-hued scenes dominated by pale blue…. Older readers will most appreciate the humor inherent in her name plus the larger theme of tolerance at work in this touching tale. Richardson and Parnell, making their children's book debut, ease into the theme from the start, mentioning that "families of all kinds" visit the zoo. This tender story can also serve as a gentle jumping-off point for discussions about same-sex partnerships in human society." Ages 4-8. --Publishers Weekly


PreS-Gr 3-"This tale based on a true story about a charming penguin family living in New York City's Central Park Zoo will capture the hearts of penguin lovers everywhere. ... Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations set the tone for this uplifting story, and readers will find it hard to resist the penguins' comical expressions. The well-designed pages perfectly marry words and pictures, allowing readers to savor each illustration. An author's note provides more information about Roy, Silo, Tango, and other chinstrap penguins. This joyful story about the meaning of family is a must for any library." --School Library Journal

"In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City's Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and-thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper-hatch and raise a penguin chick. ...Cole gives the proud parents and their surrogate offspring small smiles, but otherwise depicts figures and setting with tidy, appealing accuracy. ... this doesn't carry its agenda on its shoulder; readers may find its theme of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non-preachy way." (afterword) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9) --Kirkus Reviews


CONNECTIONS
*Children may also enjoy Henry Cole's other illustrated book: 
     -Fierstein, Harvey. The Sissy Duckling. Ill by Henry Cole. ISBN 9781416903130

*For other books on penguins: 
     -Simon, Seymour. Penguins (Smithsonian). ISBN 9780064462218
     -Tatham, Betty. Penguin Chick (Let's read and find out-Science). Ill. by Helen K. David. ISBN 9780064452069
     -Gibbon, Gail. Penguins! ISBN 9780823415168

*More books on different kinds of families for young children: 
     -Parr, Todd.  We belong together: A book about adoption and families. ISBN 9780316016683
     -Richmond, Marianne. I wished for you: An adoption story. ISBN 9781934082065
     -Newman, Leslea. Mommy, Mama, and me. Ill. by Carol Thompson. ISBN 9781582462631
     -Harris, Robie H. Who's in my family? All about our families. ISBN 9780763636312

Tea with milk by Allen Say

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Say, Allen. 1999. Tea with milk. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-90495-1

SUMMARY
May lives in San Francisco  California and is used to eating pancakes and fried chicken and drinking tea with milk with her friends.  She is not happy when her parents decide to move to Japan, where she'll be known as Masako and will have to redo high school so she can learn the Japanese language. She'll have to drink green tea without milk and her mother will arrange a marriage for her.  May just wants to go to college and live on her own!  At first, she's miserable in Japan, but then she meets, Joseph, who studied at an English school in Shangai, and who also likes his tea with milk.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Caldecott medalist Allen Say has created a poignant and beautiful book that is based upon his parents life. Say grew up going back and forth between America and Japan and bases this story on his and his parent's experiences.  Say expresses the homesickness many feel when leaving their home and the confusion of living in a new culture. However, May and Joseph decide that if "you have certain things, ...one place is as good as any other." 

Say started his career in photography and his watercolor paintings are so realistic they look like photographs.  There is a sense of distance and loneliness in the illustrations which are beautifully rendered.  

Tea with milk was nominated as a Riverbank Review Book of Distinction, a Bulletin Blue Ribbon, a School Library Journal Best Book and an American Library Association Notable Book. 

Recommended for Grades K-6. 

REVIEWS
Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose....With his characteristic subtlety, Say sets off his cultural metaphor from the very start, contrasting the green tea Masako has for breakfast in her home, with the "tea with milk and sugar" she drinks at her friends' houses in America...Whether the subject is food... or the deeper issues of ostracism...and gender expectations, Say provides gentle insights into human nature as well as East-West cultural differences. His exquisite, spare portraits convey emotions that lie close to the surface and flow easily from page to reader: with views of Masako's slumping posture and mask-like face as she dons her first kimono, or alone in the schoolyard, it's easy to sense her dejection. Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms. --Publisher's Weekly

"...The poignant story is accompanied by Say's glorious paintings that look like photographs from a family album. They beautifully capture the setting and the emotions."--Children's Literature

"...This perfect marriage of artwork and text offers readers a window into a different place and time."--Library Journal

"...Say explores familiar themes of cultural connection and disconnection...The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges...including feeling at home in a place that is not their own.--School Library Journal

"...Say continues to explore the ways that differing cultures can harmonize...Painted with characteristic control and restraint, Say's illustrations, largely portraits, begin with a sepia view of a sullen child in a kimono, gradually take on distinct, subdued color, and end with a formal shot of the smiling young couple in Western dress..."--Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS
-This is a very interesting and beautifully spoken acceptance speech for the Caldecott Medal. Although too advanced for young children, have a teacher read and absorb the main ideas and talk to students about dreams, reality, and never being too old to do something you love. 

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/authors/allensay/articlespeech.shtml

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yep, Laurence. 1975. Dragonwings. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060267372

SUMMARY
Seven-year-old Moon Shadow Lee lives and works on his family farm in China in 1903. He's never met his father, Windrider, who left to work in San Francisco in America. His father sends for Moon Shadow to come to America to live and work with him and the Company, a group of fellow Chinese American men who all work together in a laundromat.  Moon Shadow is afraid of the demons (Americans) and is nervous when he and his father leave to rent a room owned by Miss Whitelaw, a demoness, and her niece.  However, as time goes by, each learn and respect each other's culture.  After living through the earthquake of 1906, Moon Shadow decides to help Windrider build his dream - a flying machine called "dragonwing." 

 CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Dragonwings was nominated a 1976 Newbery Honor book, an ALA Notable Children's Book of 1971-1975, a 1976 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor book, a 1975 The New York Times Outstanding Children's Books, and a School Library Journal Best of the Best 1966-1978.  In 1995, it won the CLA Phoenix Award which is given to the best children's book published twenty years earlier that did not win a major award that the committee has determined to be of lasting value. 

Dragonwings is the fifth book in a larger series of ten called the Golden Mountain Chronicles, which also includes the Newbery Honor Book Dragon's Gate. Yep describes the book as "historical fantasy" and has created a beautifully written and touching story about a young Chinese boy growing up in a new land with different customs and traditions.  When first seeing a white woman (a demoness), Moon Shadow is shocked that she's petite with friendly twinkly eyes because he "...expected her to be 10 foot tall with blue skin and to have a face covered with warts and ear lobes that hung all the way down to her knees..." 

Yep's novel discounts Chinese stereotypes found in the media as they exist in the American mind and lead us to a better understanding of the Chinese American experience in the early 20th century in San Francisco, California. He shows us what a young Chinese boy might think of America upon arrival and what Americans thought of the Chinese. When discussing their different constellations, Miss Whitlaw wisely states, "We see the same thing and yet find different truths." 

This book is partly based upon a true story about Fung Joe Guey, a Chinese flyer who improved the Wright's brother original design for an airplanes. His own father, a kite maker, was the model for the character of Windrider. Yep sees his book as “a way of stepping into the shoes of members of my family.” This novel established Yep as a powerful voice for Chinese Americans.

Recommended for grades 5-9. 


REVIEWS
[A]n unusual historical novel, unique in its perspective of the Chinese in America and its portrayal of early 20th century San Francisco, including the Earthquake, from an immigrants viewpoint." -- School Library Journal 

"A fine, sensitive novel written with grace in a way that conveys the Chinese American's cultural heritage."  --Booklist 

"A triumph..." --The New York Times

CONNECTIONS
*Moon Shadow offers jasmine tea to Miss Whitlaw who loves the smell and surprised to see flowers in the tea.  There is also mention of roast duck, dumplings and other Chinese foods. Have a Chinese Food Day at school and have students research popular Chinese foods and their meanings. 

*Miss Whitlaw believes that dragons are all mean and evil.  Yet Moon Shadow knows dragons to be both good and bad.  Have students research Chinese myths and compare/contrast to Western myths.  

*There are many characters in Dragonwings. Have students complete a character web for the main characters. Here is an example of a character chart. 
http://www.dailyteachingtools.com/free-graphic-organizers.html#2

*Watch this interview with students in which Laurence Yep describes his Chinese American background and how he creates stories. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USRnvomwZ30

*Here is a novel guide for Dragonwings. Some research topics discussed in the guide are: immigration, gangs (the brotherhood), the earthquake of 1906, and the Wright Brothers.
http://www.classzone.com/novelguides/litcons/dragwing/guide.cfm

*The University of Missouri has gathered a variety of resources for Dragonwings. They include lesson plans, activities, author interviews, and information regarding Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s, early airplanes, kite making, and earthquakes. There are links to eTheme Resources on the Wright Brothers, aircraft, China, Ancient China, immigration, and Chinatown. 
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1972?locale=en

*Glencoe offers an excellent study guide for teachers.     http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/dragonwings.pdf

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. New York: Little, Brown, and Co.  ISBN 0316060003

SUMMARY
The Chinese New Year has arrived and it's the Year of the Dog. Pacy's mom tells her that it's the year of family, friends and of "finding yourself."  That's good news because Pacy (called Grace at school) is Chinese...well, not really, her parents come from Taiwan. It's all so confusing.  When Pacy meets Melody, who is also Taiwanese-American, they become best friends.  It turns out, the Year of the Dog may be a lucky year after all!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Year of the Dog has won many awards including being a 2006 ALA Children's Notable, 2006 Asian Pacific American Librarian Association Honor, 2006 Booklist Editor's Choice for Middle Readers, 2006 Kirkus Best Early Chapter Books, 2006 NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2007 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, and the 2007-2008 Texas Bluebonnet Award.  

Grace Lin started as an illustrator and this is her debut novel, which is the first in a series of "Pacy" novels.  Lin, who is also Taiwanese-American, has created a lovable character with Pacy.  We learn about Chinese traditions, including a love for food for any occasion, the Chinese New Year and a Red Egg party for her newborn cousin. Lin's writing is descriptive and evocative.  Her grandmother has bound feet and it's painful for her to walk. Lin describes the grandmother taking steps as "...picking her steps like the way you choose peaches at a market." 

Lin has Pacy's mother offer vignettes from her childhood to compare life in Taiwan to life in America.  Pacy is generally comfortable in herself, but when she asks her mom what she's supposed to say when kids ask her "what she is" her mom replies "You tell them you're American" in a firm voice. When a friend tells Pacy she can't try out for the role of Dorthy in the school play because she's Chinese, Pacy is shattered - "Like a melting icicle, my dream of being Dorothy fell and shattered on the ground."  

Lin includes black and white illustrations which give the viewer an insight into Chinese cultural tradition and Pacy's life.  The themes of friendship, self-esteem, multiculturalism, and self-expression will resonate with readers. Young girls will appreciate this book, but Asian American girls may especially feel a connection to Pacy. 

Recommended for ages 7-11.   

REVIEWS
Grace Lin's black and white illustrations are just right....She knows how to turn a phrase too...Pacy describes early spring: "The snow had melted away for good and had left everything smelling like a wet towel." --The Asian Reporter

Lin, best known for her picture books, offers up a charming first novel, an autobiographical tale of an Asian-American girl's sweet and funny insights on family, identity and friendship... Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations. The well-structured story, divided into 29 brief chapters, introduces traditional customs (e.g., Hong Bao are special red envelopes with money in them, given as New Year's presents), culture and cuisine, and includes several apropos "flashback" anecdotes, mainly from Pacy's mother. The book's inviting design suggests a journal, and features childlike spot illustrations and a typeface with a hand- lettered quality. Girls everywhere, but especially those in the Asian-American community, will find much to embrace here. --Publishers Weekly

This readable short novel is even more approachable because of its amusing drawings and instructive family anecdotes. Knowing the character is based on the author's life makes it really interesting to check how everything worked out...--Children's Literature

A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist...Small, captioned, childlike black-and-white drawings are dotted throughout.  [After meeting Melody] The girls become friends and their common backgrounds illuminate further differences between the American and Taiwanese cultures...This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters. --School Library Journal 

Elementary school readers will enjoy the familiar details of school life and the less familiar but deliciously described Chinese holiday meals...Occasional black-and-white drawings by the author enliven the text. This comfortable first-person story will be a treat for Asian-American girls looking to see themselves in their reading, but also for any reader who enjoys stories of friendship and family life.--Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS
*Discussion questions for students: 
      - When does Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) occur? Is it the same day every year? 
      - How is Chinese New Year different from New Year’s Day (January 1). 
      - In what year were you born?  Your family members? What are the characteristics of that     year? Do these words describe you and your family?
      - Pacy and Melody quickly become best friends.  Is this because they are both Taiwanese-American?  
     - Pacy is made fun of because she can’t speak Chinese or Taiwanese. Why do you think the girls made fun of her?  How would you feel if you were Pacy?

*For arts and crafts activities, make Chinese New Year symbols, including: 
     - Chinese lantern:  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear/lantern/
     - Fireworks: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/fireworks/
   - Chinese New Year Activity book:  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/holiday/chinesenewyear/info/

*Here are two holidays Pacy's family celebrates.  Have students research on "Encyclopedia Britannica" or "World Book Encyclopedia" either online or in print. 
     - Chinese New Year
     - Red Egg party

*Food is a big part of Chinese culture.  Have an "International Food Day" where students bring in food that is popular in one of their traditional meals.