The Book Thief (Module 6)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zusak, Markus. 2005. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375842207

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Through the words of Death (the narrator), nine-year-old Liesel’s story of survival plays out in the midst of the horrific events of WWII Nazi Germany. She loses her family, is fostered by a family that hides a Jew in their basement, and steals books from many different sources—including a Nazi book burning. Although she again loses pretty much everything in the end, the reader finds hope in the fact that she did survive and continued to build a life for herself.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Zusak has written a beautiful and highly literary book in The Book Thief. In an interview at the end of the novel, he says, “I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it.” His craftsmanship has allowed him to do this while still sounding natural and keeping the pages turning. For example, Liesel describes Max’s hair as twigs when he first arrives on their doorstep and as feathers once he has been taken care of better. There is a lot of German words thrown in but the narrator, not being German, gives the reader sidenote translations that help with understanding.

Zusak also plays with style by incorporating simple drawings and storybooks within the story. One such storybook had been written on a copy of Mein Kampf that had been painted over in white. The reader of The Book Thief can see the words of Mein Kampf bleeding through the page. Such attention to detail is what helps make this story come alive.

There are many unexpected twists, and yet so often the narrator reveals things way before it happens: “I’m spoiling the ending” (e.g. who is going to die or how). Even so, it seems fresh in the way that it is done and the writing of the characters is so well-crafted that the reader still finds himself hoping it wouldn’t be true and weeping when it was.

The history and events are explained well, without being tedious. The perspective is unique as we get to see the war from the eyes of the children (and adults) who were just trying to survive it, even though many are Nazis in Germany. Even with the obvious moral issues that WWII Germany brings up, because Death is the narrator, there are no pat answers or moralizing within the story—just a description of events. In the end, this story of fighting for what’s right, while not actually being able to fight at all, is one that will stay with the reader haunting him as much as the stories of humans “haunt” Death.


Zusak mentions his research methods in an interview that follows the novel: researched before, during, and after writing, included a trip to Munich to check facts at the end. His sources are also listed in the acknowledgments. For those who want more information, there are also lists of related titles and internet resources.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)


• Michael L. Printz Honor Book
• ALA Best Books for Young Adults
• Booklist review: “More than the overt message about the power of words, it’s Liesl’s confrontation with horrifying cruelty and her discovery of kindness in unexpected places that tell the heartbreaking truth.”
• Horn Book starred review: “Exquisitely written and memorably populated, Zusak's poignant tribute to words, survival, and their curiously inevitable entwinement is a tour de force to be not just read but inhabited.”
• Kirkus starred review: “The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it's a work to read slowly and savor.”
• Library Media Connection starred review: “Part Holocaust tale, part coming-of-age story, and part the book thief's story, this title will have readers thinking and talking.”
• School Library Journal starred review: “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward.”


5. CONNECTIONS


• Markus Zusak has a taped interview online about what brought him to write about this subject. It can be used as a preview for booktalking or as a wrap up after having read the book.
  
• Discussion questions are included in the back of the book. Also, there is an online forum discussion of the book thief hosted by Random House. Encourage those readers who really want to get into more discussions about the book to look at what’s being discussed there. As always, make sure that all students who are participating on anything online understand and adhere to good safety and privacy rules.
  
• Other fiction novels about the Holocaust:


Boyne, John. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. ISBN: 9780385751063
Cormier, Robert. Tunes for Bears to Dance to. ISBN: 9780440219033
Spiegelman, Art. Maus. (Graphic novel). ISBN: 9780394747231
Spinelli, Jerry. Milkweed. ISBN: 9780375813740

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