The Green Glass Sea (Module 5)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 9780545036139



2. PLOT SUMMARY

Dewey Kerrigan, after being abandoned by her mother and losing her grandmother, is sent to live with her father, a scientist doing top secret work during WWII. Although she has trouble fitting in with the other kids, Dewey doesn’t mind because she is in math and science heaven. When her father is sent to Washington, D.C, she goes to live with the family of the girl she gets along with the least, Suze Gordon. When her father is killed in an accident, Dewey has no place to stay but the Gordon’s, and she and Suze finally become close friends. 


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kages writes a WWII novel from the interesting perspective of the children of the scientists who secretly worked on the atomic bomb. The dates are well documented throughout the book as chapter headers (1943-45), yet the town is unknown until Dewey finally arrives—Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Secrets abound for much of the book as the reader is kept in the dark about what they are working on and what will happen with it. Those who know history will find it fascinating how the knowledge unfolds to these children. For kids who are not as well versed in history, they will relate to the idea of being kept in the dark by adults and find the revelation of what is being worked on as amazing as the characters themselves do. Towards the end of the novel, readers get to see the atomic bomb testing and are introduced to the green glass sea, the melting of the sand where it was tested.


History is intricately woven throughout this book. Scientists who are real (e.g. scientist Dick Feynman, first introduced on the train to New Mexico, and J. Robert Oppenheimer, director of Manhattan project, who informs Dewey of her father’s death) work alongside the fictional characters. The book is also filled with small historical details like how big a deal it was to go and get a Coke, the children’s love of comic books, and listening to the radio as a form of entertainment. Although there is some cussing throughout the novel, it is not too disturbing because it seems to fit with the time period and the anxiousness of the war.

The final author’s note at the end of the novel explains how secretive Dewey’s world actually was and how Los Alamos didn’t even appear on any maps back then. Kelly also gives recommended titles for further information on this period.

This coming of age novel presents readers with a wonderful story of figuring out who you are and how to hold that together in the midst of tragedy. It is amazing how Dewey does so after losing her father—her last family member. Many generations of readers should enjoy this book about friendship, loyalty, and love.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)


• Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction
• Horn Book starred review: “History and story are drawn together with confidence in this intense but accessible page-turner.”
• Library Media Connection review: “This well-paced story gives us an insight to a different part of the war and how it affected the people that were involved in the Manhattan Project.”
• Publishers Weekly starred review: “If the book is a little slow-moving at times, the author provides much insight into the controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike.”


5. CONNECTIONS 


• The Los Alamos Historical Society has put together a website that shares some information about their part in the Manhattan Project. The site gives extra details and includes pictures (even one of Oppenheimer). It’s a great way to introduce the facts within the fiction.
  
• For a different perspective on the atomic bomb, make sure to show students information about the dropping of the bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. There are many places to gather information and photos of the destruction. Use this topic to debate what people see as the positives and negatives of what happened through the use of the atomic bomb.
• Nonfiction books for children/YA about Los Alamos:

Church, Peggy Pond. The House at Otowi Bridge: The Story of Edith Warner and Los Alamos. ISBN: 9780826302816

Mason, Katrina R. Children of Los Alamos: An Oral History of the Town Where the Atomic Age Began. ISBN: 9780805791389

Litchman, Kristin Embry. Secrets! of a Los Alamos Kid, 1946-1953. ISBN: 9780941232272

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (Module 5)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN: 9780805088410


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Callie Vee wants only to explore the outdoors and become a naturalist, yet the conventions of 1899 for young ladies do not allow for such behavior. While striking up an unexpected friendship with her eccentric grandfather over their love of nature and science, Callie Vee must fight against the normal cultural roles and expectations that she become a proper woman if she is to be able to pursue her dreams.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Set in the small Texas town of Fentress at the turn of the twentieth century, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a novel about following your dreams and breaking molds/stereotypes. Calpurnia Tate (Callie Vee), the only girl out of seven kids in her family, is growing up as a tomboy during an era where nothing could be more improper. Through a budding relationship with her naturalist grandfather, she is exploring nature and the outdoors, rather than her mother’s desires to learn cooking, embroidery, and music. Young readers should definitely be able to relate to having expectations placed on you, especially familial ones, while still trying to figure out who you are in the first place.

Kelly uses facts and elements of history expertly in this story so that we get a feel for the era without realizing we’re learning a lot about what life was like “back then.” Readers appreciate how much life has changed as Kelly highlights moments like the family getting a “wind machine,” Callie and her grandfather having to go to town to take a picture with their plant, and the celebration of the first telephone in town. The language used is accessible but does carry authenticity. For example, “Isn’t she a corker?” is used to describe Callie’s brother’s love interest and “Dear Sir, Your letter of Wednesday instant at my hand” is how Callie begins a letter.

The acknowledgements at the end explain the liberties Kelly took with Texas history and the blooming seasons of plants. Some sources (e.g. Dallas Museum of Art) are also thanked here. Kelly’s biography on the jacket cover mentions that she lives in Fentress, Texas now. Otherwise, there is not much information given on research or suggestions for further reading.

One final note is that there is some stereotyping of women’s roles within the book. Although I find it delightful that Callie Vee was breaking out from the rather constricting roles placed on women, the idea that a woman might enjoy staying at home and raising children is not even considered. Instead, her mother is seen being at her wits end with her kids and often taking a tonic that is mostly alcohol. It would have been nice to have one adult female figure that enjoyed children and life at home. I’d hate for any reader to feel that her dream/life of raising a family is less than that of someone who works outside the home.

For me, the story seemed slow to get off the ground and got bogged in description/details at times. However, it still is a worthwhile and fascinating read that ties in science and history all within a great story about family and growing up.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)


• Newbery Medal Honor
• Booklist starred review: “Interwoven with the scientific theme are threads of daily life in a large family—the bonds with siblings, the conversations overheard, the unspoken understandings and misunderstandings—all told with wry humor and a sharp eye for details that bring the characters and the setting to life.”
• Horn Book starred review: “Kelly, without anachronism, has created a memorable, warm, spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time.”
• Kirkus starred review: “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for ‘Callie Vee’ and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.”
• Publishers Weekly starred review: “Callie's transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for an exciting and enjoyable read.”


5. CONNECTIONS

• The publisher provides a discussion guide that touches on questions of both the fiction (e.g. characters) and fact (e.g. history). It can be downloaded at http://us.macmillan.com/theevolutionofcalpurniatate.
• This book could open up discussions with older students on evolution vs. creationism. This is obviously a hot topic that could create for dissonance, so make sure to allow for all beliefs and ideas to be respected and listened to. Teaching students how to disagree without attacking is an important life lesson. Set-up the discussion with ground rules that encourage active listening, clarification of someone else’s argument before refuting, and speaking with humility.
• Series fiction books that include science (multiple ISBNs within each series):

Benton, Jim. Franny K Stein, Mad Scientist Series.

Brinley, Bertrand R. Mad Scientists’ Club Series.

Cole, Joanna. Magic School Bus Series.

L'Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time Quintet.

Torrey, Michele. Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives Series.

The Midwife's Apprentice (Module 5)


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0395692296



2. PLOT SUMMARY

Found by Jane the midwife in a dung heap, an orphan named Brat (renamed Beetle) is taken on for menial tasks, yet kept in the dark about the secrets of midwifery, so she won’t become competition. When Beetle (renamed Alyce) must deliver a baby on her own and cannot do it, she runs away filled with shame. Working at an inn, Alyce learns to read and write some, but more importantly, learns the real shame was not in failing but in giving up.



3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although kids probably can’t relate to sleeping in a pile of dung for warmth, they should be able to relate to Alyce in this personable coming of age story. The most relatable part of the book are the themes of finding worth internally not externally, believing in one’s self, and learning to persevere. In one touching moment, Alyce says, “I am nothing. I have nothing, I can do nothing and learn nothing. I belong no place. I am too stupid to be a midwife’s apprentice and too tired to wander again. I should just lie here in the rain and die.” However, Alyce does find a way to believe in herself and her gifts when not many else do. Kids everywhere who are struggling to find their own self-worth should relate.

Set in a 14th century, small village England, Cushman excellently weaves details of the period and midwifery throughout the book without sounding too "teacher-y." The life of an orphan is not sugar-coated, and there is no Daddy Warbucks to save Alyce here. She gains her life through her own efforts and growth, along with the help of characters who bring a bit of truth along the way.

Cushman naturally works in how integral beliefs and superstitions, along with a lack of education, affected midwifery during this period. Other moments that really make the era come alive are descriptions of sweeping dirt floors, worrying about the Devil walking around, and the novelty of bathing with soap. The language is accessible while still being true to the times (e.g. the innkeeper says, “Oskins, boskins, chickadee”).

An author’s note that follows the story gives a history of midwifery, including its place in the world today. Cushman explains the use of superstitions and relics, as well as sharing words for “midwife” in multiple languages. It is an excellent follow-up to a wonderful historical fiction novel.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)


• Newbery Medal Award Winner
• ALA Best Book for Young Adults/ALA Notable Book for Children
• Booklist starred review: “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
• School Library Journal starred review: “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.”
• Kirkus starred review: “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.”

5. CONNECTIONS 


• An audio clip of The Midwife's Apprentice is available on Karen Cushman’s website. Listening to it is a great way to introduce the book to students and get them intrigued.
• Houghton Mifflin has a downloadable reader’s guide with a lot of great discussion questions from the book, comparing this book to other Cushman’s texts, and about the author’s craft.
  
• Other historical fiction books set in 14th century:

Avi. Crispin Cross of Lead. ISBN: 9780786816583

Eco, Umberto; translated from the Italian by William Weaver. The Name of the Rose. ISBN: 9780156001311

Walsh, Pat. The Crowfield Curse. ISBN: 9780545229227

• Nonfiction books about the 14th century:

Clare, John D., ed. Fourteenth-Century Towns: The Living History Series. ISBN: 9780152013202

Macdonald, Fiona. You Wouldn’t Want to Work on a Medieval Cathedral: A Difficult Job that Never Ends. ISBN: 9780531137840

Bodies from the Ice (Module 4)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Deem, James M.. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618800452

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Looking at the discoveries that have been made from bodies frozen in glaciers, James Deem brings the reader into a riveting world of historical artifacts, harrowing mountain climbing expeditions, fun sight seeing tales, and even child sacrifices. A final chapter on visiting glaciers and becoming more eco-friendly rounds out this book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bodies from the Ice encourages curiosity through Deem’s obvious enthusiasm about this subject. The language used throughout the book teaches but doesn’t talk too high or low. Explanations abound while not losing the readability by employing sidebars and inserts, e.g. types of glaciers and a detailed photo showing the three steps of Everest. This book is packed with facts and stories that make the world of glaciers and recovery from them fascinating. Deem uses maps, historical photos, historical postcards, artifacts, newspapers, and drawings to bring in interest and illustrate clear research.

Deem begins with the most important find in the history of glacial discoveries: the oldest man, Otzi, who had lived 5300 years earlier. Although the sequence of the chapters is not so clear, each chapter is exclusively dedicated to one specific place/glacier and the finds there. Through the reference aides such, as a table of contents and detailed index, the book is highly useable for research as well as an enjoyable read. Deem ends with a list of glaciers to visit, suggested websites, acknowledgments, bibliography, and illustration credits that also help in further information gathering.

The photos are one of the most mesmerizing parts of the entire book. They are crisp, clear, and well-researched. The captions explain each photo and help bring in an extra layer of insight. The design is attractive and keeps the pages turning. The pictures can admittedly be slightly graphic and gruesome, but Deem never allows the book to be anything but interesting and scientific.

Deem also does a great job of differentiating fact from theory. For example, in the final chapter “Saving the Past,” Deem writes that the reason for the glaciers receding could be pollution/global warming or an ice age cycle, and there is no way to know for sure. He includes suggestions on working towards helping the environment at home and most importantly visiting the glaciers while we can. However, he allows for both theories and does not postulate on which one he believes to be true.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• ALA Notable Book
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book
• Booklist review: “There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”
• Horn Book starred review: “The design, with its variety of photographs, captions, and sidebars, seals the appeal.”
• Kirkus Review starred review: “Photos of skulls, mummified bodies and artifacts will fascinate readers.”
• Library Media Connection starred review: “This book is a treat to look at, but is also chock-full of enough text and factual information to be a great resource for research reports.”
• School Library Journal starred review: “Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Look at James Deem’s website for further information about glaciers. He has buttons that will get you news, books, exhibits, a powerpoint, links, and information on visiting glaciers. Use the website to look at his personal biography and other books he has written as well. Deem would make a great nonfiction author to highlight.
• Do this simple experiment with marshmallows to help students understand how glaciers are formed.
  
• Other books on glaciers:

Alean, Jürg and Michael Hambrey. Glaciers. ISBN: 9780521828086

Bodden, Valerie. Glaciers (Our World). ISBN: 9781583414620

Dubowski, Mark. Ice Mummy (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4). ISBN: 9780679856474

Sexton, Colleen. Glaciers (Blastoff Readers: Learning About the Earth). ISBN: 9781600141133

Simon, Seymour. Icebergs and Glaciers. ISBN: 9780688167059

Down, Down, Down (Module 4)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2009. Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618966363

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jenkins’ book lets the reader explore right above the ocean’s surface to the sea floor, ending at the deepest spot in the sea, the Marianas Trench. With each spread, roughly three to five different creatures are introduced through the text and pictures. The text also includes information about water temperature and pressure, as well as animal habits such as feeding and defense.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Known as “a master at presenting facts with style and clarity” (San Francisco Chronicle), Jenkins has created an attractive and fact-filled informational book about the sea in Down, Down, Down. He not only shares all about the creatures that live down below, but also inserts statistics about pressure, temperature, and depth in natural and interesting way.

For those who are interested in going deeper, he created a final appendix that identifies each creature with more detail and compares the size of each to the adult body or hand. By wisely putting this at the end, Jenkins has kept the reader from getting overwhelmed with information within the pages of the book, yet he also encourages further research on those creatures that have truly captured the imagination. A short bibliography is found at end to help those readers who want to know more and emphasizes the research that went into this book.

Jenkins’ distinct illustrations make the book highly attractive and complement the text perfectly. He shows luminescence with the “lights on” and “lights off.” Even predatorial relationships and all those crazy fish with huge teeth are done in an accessible and attractive manner.

A scale flows down the right side of every page which is very useful in comparing the depth that we are looking at on that spread with the others and in no way hinders the aesthetics of the art. The scale is mimicked on the last page of the book but shares information on the depths that humans are capable to explore and through what means (i.e. scuba diving, jim suit, submarine, etc.).

This book definitely packs a lot of information about the ocean into picture book format and encourages a desire to learn more about ocean. Students will benefit from reading the book thoroughly, flipping through it for pure enjoyment of the art, or using the book for research.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• ALA Notable Book
• Booklist review: “In this plunge into the deep, Jenkins displays his usual keen awareness of what is fascinating about biology and imparts it without sensationalism—the facts speak for themselves.”
• Horn Book starred review: “His style works well here: with passage into each zone (from the surface to the sunlit zone to the twilight zone, etc.), the blue backgrounds shade darker and murkier, which allows the intricate cut-paper animal illustrations to pop.”
• School Library Journal review: “The bold views tend to emphasize the weirdness of these little-known species, but the repeated message that humans have much to explore and learn in the deeper ocean is intriguing and inviting.”
• Kirkus review: “Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Steve Jenkins has a distinctive style of artwork using a paper collage technique. On his website, he goes into detail on how he makes books from idea to text to artwork. There is even a downloadable video available. Have students create their own collage illustrations using Jenkins’ techniques. Mimic one of the creatures he illustrated or allow the students to make up their own deep water creatures. Jenkins also has a gallery of student work that has been sent to him on his website. Encourage students who want to do so to send in their own collage creations.
  
• Brain Pop has a great free lesson plan on their website that combines a reading of Down, Down, Down with an activity that recreates an oil spill. This lesson, “Environmental Cost of an Oil Spill,” includes activity pages, step-by-step instructions on the experiment, and extension activities.
  
• Other kid books about the ocean:

Littlefield, Cindy A. Awesome Ocean Science (Kids Can! series). ISBN: 978-0824967970

Ryan, Pam Munoz. Hello, Ocean. ISBN: 9780881069884

Ward, Jennifer. Somewhere in the Ocean. ISBN: 978-0873587488

Yaccarino, Dan. The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau. ISBN: 9780375855733

What to Do About Alice? (Module 4)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy. Ill by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780439922319

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The first line, “Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem,” sets the reader up for an exciting ride through the life of Alice Roosevelt in this fun-filled picture book biography. Kerley highlights Alice’s tomboyish ways as a kid, the press’s love for her fun-loving antics, her international exploits, her unusual wedding gifts, and her never-ending antics throughout adulthood.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Revealing a real admiration for and enjoyment of the life of Alice Roosevelt, Kerley encourages a desire to know more about the Roosevelt’s and their time in the White House. Every moment is exciting, which seems to be exactly how Alice attempted to make her life. The information is pared down to the most vital and exciting stories, which whets the appetite and inspires further research.

The highly attractive look makes this book into an inviting informational picture book. The typeface uses all caps for emphasis on important or fun words within the story, which helps younger readers latch onto the main points. Fotheringham’s illustrations capture the time period, e.g. clothing style, home decorating, modes of transportation, and even the look of newspapers. They also add an understated humor that complements Kerley’s sense of humor as well. For example, Alice is warned to not talk to reporters, yet the next page is splashed with newspapers all featuring headlines about her and the text reads, “Oh, Alice.”

The sources are cited at the end following a detailed author’s note on the life of Alice Roosevelt reaching from birth to the age of 84. This gives young readers a good sense of how an informational book is based on fact, even a highly readable biography such as this one. Booklist review suggests having a time line and better sourcing of quotes. I agree a timeline might have helped, but I think the sourcing is appropriate for the interest and reading level of the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• ALA Notable Book
  
• Horn Book starred review: “This sassy biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth validates President Theodore Roosevelt's famous quip about his oldest child: ‘I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both.’”
• Kirkus starred review: “Fotheringham's digital illustrations perfectly evoke the retro styles of an earlier age, depicting a confident Alice sailing through life and tackling every challenge with delight and aplomb.”
• Publishers Weekly starred review: “It’s hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”
• School Library Journal starred review: “This book provides a fascinating glimpse into both a bygone era and one of its more interesting denizens as well as a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Barbara Kerley has wonderful tips on “Writing an Extraordinary Biography” on her website. With younger readers, you can go over this and discuss how her methods made this picture book informational rather than fiction. With lower elementary and up, her methods can be used to write a biography of their own. Students can write biographies about people they know or famous people.
  
• Alice Blue is a light blue color named after Alice Roosevelt and inspired by her eyes. Show the students this color and how Fotheringham uses it throughout his illustrations. A fun activity (also inspired by Kerley’s website) is to have students come up with a color that best represents them as well.
  
• Other picture book biographies (list from Horn Book):
  

Bryant, Jen. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams. ISBN: 9780802853028

Engle, Margarita. Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian. ISBN: 0805089373

Hopkinson, Deborah. Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale. ISBN: 037583768X

Lasky, Kathryn. Georgia Rises: A Day in the Life of Georgia O’Keeffe. ISBN: 9780374325299

McDonnell, Patrick. Me . . . Jane. ISBN: 9780316045469

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal. ISBN: 9780822567646

What My Mother Doesn't Know (Module 3)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2001. What My Mother Doesn’t Know. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689841140

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This teen poetry collection reads more like a novel, with its face-paced plot following the twists and turns of a young teen’s heart. Sophie, the main character, shares through poetry her search for the right boyfriend moving from one mistake to another. What My Mother Doesn’t Know also touches on the topics of being Jewish, budding sexuality, marriage (her parent's), mother-daughter relations, and best friends.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sones’s free verse poetry flows naturally and keeps the pages turning quickly. The use of poetry for this teen novel encourages the deep, intense emotions of being a teenager, without feeling overdone. The emotional connection is the most impressive part of this book because it feels so true to the ups and downs of being a teenager: one minute totally high and the next minute totally devastated. We see Sophie in love and out of love, cheating, lying to her best friends, working through a rocky relationship with her mother, and worried about her reputation. This book is an honest and open work on the embarrassing explorations of teenager-dom.

The poetry is carefully crafted, but it doesn’t lose the teenager’s natural speech patterns for its use of literary devices. When considering breaking up with Dylan, Sophie is thinking how she may have outgrown him when Sones throws in a simile that his hands are “like the hands of a little boy” (“Good night”). She personifies a Christmas tree, “So tall and full, / with all its arms / swooping up at the tips / as if to say, ‘Ta da!’” (“It’s a Beautiful Tree”). When Sophie is caught up in kissing a new boy, she finds her metaphor in hot chocolate: “warming us better / than any cup of steaming cocoa ever could” (“Winter Kiss”). Sones has a gift of writing beautiful poetry that still flows as if it could come straight out of a teenager’s mouth. The poems are also balanced with lists, emails, and chats to add to the reality of a teenager’s life.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Booklist starred review: “The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly. Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read.”
• Publishers Weekly starred review: “Drawing on the recognizable cadence of teenage speech, the author poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy. She weaves separate free verse poems into a fluid and coherent narrative with a satisfying ending.”
• School Library Journal review: “Sones's book makes these often-difficult years a little more livable by making them real, normal, and OK.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Sonya Sones has a fascinating website with great information about her books, her poetry, and her life. For those students who really want to get to know her more, don’t miss the video tour of her writing space: http://www.sonyasones.com/gallery/gallery002.html
• The sequel to What My Mother Doesn’t Know gives us the same quick paced poetry novel, but from the perspective of a boy (Robin Murphy). What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know pairs nicely with this first novel, yet the first one doesn’t have to be read to understand its sequel. Use What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know to interest male reluctant readers or those that would like a the novel in verse with a male protagonist voice.
• Other novels in verse:

Glenn, Mel. Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?: A Mystery in Poems. ISBN: 9780525675303


Herrara, Juan Felipe. CrashBoomLove. ISBN: 9780826321138


Hesse, Karen. Out of the Dust. ISBN: 9780590371254

Rylant, Cynthia. God Went to Beauty School. ISBN: 9780060094331