Latinx Lit: The Wild Book

 The Wild Book

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Engle, Margarita. 2014. The Wild Book. Boston: HMH Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0544022750

 

Plot Summary:

Fefa has always struggled with words: reading them, writing them and expressing them. Her doctor calls it "word blindness" (now called dyslexia) because letters and words are all jumbled up for her. To help, her mother gives her a blank notebook to fill with words. Hesitant at first, she begins to write her thoughts, words, and poems in the notebook very slowly and deliberately, saying "Even scribbling is such a struggle. Will my blank book ever be full?" (Engle 2014). Over time and with tremendous patience and practice, her confidence and understanding of words grows until her notebook is a thriving garden of words and stories.  In her journal she shares her personal struggles, her family's love of poetry, and the daily dangers of living in Cuba in 1912.

Critical Analysis:

The Wild Book is a beautiful novel in verse based on Engle's grandmother's experiences growing up in Cuba. Engle's free verse poetry is filled with vivid imagery of both the landscape and the characters. The setting plays an intricate role in the story. 1912 Cuba was in a state of unrest. After winning independence from Spain the country was facing uncertain times. Papa explains "rebellions and choas/ have returned/ Danger roams again/ but this time/ the wild men are not soldiers,/ just greedy bandits/ who kidnap children/ and demand/ ransom money" (Engle 2014). Engle skillfully weaves the historical unrest during this time period into events throughout the novel.

 

Engle's characters are beautifully developed and grounded in authenticity. Her mother, father, and brother play a particularly strong role in Fefa's story. Her mother guides and inspires her at the beginning. Her brother encourages her to develop her skills in the middle and finally her father trusts her correctly identify the bandits demanding a ransom from the family. Each supporting character has an important role to play on Fefa's journey.

 

Although working within prose, Engle beautifully develops Fefa's story of struggling reader to budding poet. Engle's manipulation and stretching of words show Fefa's progress as she learns to read. In the beginning everything is labored and slow. "Mama heps me learn how to picture the sep-a-rate parts of each mys-te-ri-ous syl-la-ble. Still, its not easy to go so ss-ll-oo-ww-ll-yy. S l o w l y. SLOWLY!" (Engle 2014). Engle also uses all caps repeatedly to emphasize Fefa's frustration at reading OUT LOUD. By the end of the novel, Fefa is still stretching out words but the words have changed. As she breaks down "Pre-car-i-ous" (Engle 2014) it becomes clear she is no longer the struggling reader she started out as. Coming full circle in her development, Fefa says, "So I puck up one/ of the thick books/ I used to hate, and I open/ its gate-shaped cover/ and I let my strong eyes/ travel/ slowly/ exploring" (Engle 2014). It takes the course of the novel, but eventually Fefa finds her courage in the power of words and now reads slowly not out of necessity, but rather out of enjoyment and wonder.

In addition to authentic characters and setting, The Wild Book is packed with cultural markers that celebrate the Cuban experience. Throughout the novel, Engle blends Spanish words into the text like describing the pansies as pensamiento flowers and consistently referring to alligators as caimán. She includes details of Cuban flavors in everyday life like coconut milk and saffron. From dancing the wild rumba to reciting the poetry of Rubén Darío, details of authentic Cuban life in 1912 are intertwined with the poetic elements that bring the story to life. Themes of love and family across generations are present not only within the novel, but in the fact that Engle is telling her grandmother's story. Finally the inclusion of poetry within a novel written in verse highlights the cultural importance of poetry to the Cuban community. In her author's note Engle says, "it was a time when poetry was a treasured aspect of daily life" (Englie 2014). By referencing other Latinx poets, including a poetry contest in the story, and using prose to tell Fefa's story, Engle has embraced and celebrated Cuba's love of poetry.

Review Excerpts & Awards: 
 

HORN BOOK GUIDE (Spring 2013) "Engle relates, with some fictionalization, her grandmother Fefa's childhood in dangerous early-twentieth-century Cuba. Fefa suffers from "word-blindness" (dyslexia), but she slowly learns to read and write as a blank book from Mama becomes her "garden" in which "words sprout / like seedlings." Spare, dreamlike verse pairs perfectly with a first-person narrator whose understanding of written language is unique."

 

KIRKUS REVIEWS (February 1, 2012) "he author gives readers a portrait of a tumultuous period in Cuban history and skillfully integrates island flora, fauna and mythology into Fefa's first-person tale. This canvas heightens Fefa's determination to rise above the expectations of her siblings, peers and society. A beautiful tale of perseverance."

 Curricular Connections:

• Listen to Margarita Engle share the backstory of the book here. Discuss how Engle uses her family's history to inspire the story and connect to students writing their own stories.
  
• Create a garden of words art project. Encourage students to use a variety of colors and shapes in their concrete poetry to make the gardens look wild and overgrown. Use this art project to turn the metaphor into a reality. 
• Pair with poems by Rubén Darío for extended reading.

International Literature: Soldier Bear

Soldier Bear

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Tak, Bibi Dumon. 2013. Soldier Bear. Illustrated by Philip Hopman. Translated by Laura Watkinson. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0802854360

 

Plot Summary:

In the midst of World War II, a very unexpected friendship develops. The story begins when a group of Polish soldiers discover a young boy with a Syrian brown bear cub in his bag. Concerned that he will end up in a circus or worse, the soldiers trade a penknife for the cub. They load him in the truck and return to camp with their new friend. The bear, named Voytek, quickly wins over the Commander and is allowed to stay with the unit. For the next five years, Voytek travels with the unit through multiple countries winning the hearts of all those he meets. He becomes a friend, a mascot, and a fellow soldier to the entire unit. He joins them on missions and even carries ammunition. His silly antics and lovable personality keep up the morale of the entire unit and help the soldiers cope with the harsh realities of war. This is not a story about war, but rather a story of friendship between some soldiers and a remarkable bear.

Critical Analysis:

Originally published in the Netherlands, Soldier Bear tells the story of one bear who brought joy to many during a dark and difficult time. Tak blends historical fact with relatable storytelling flawlessly to craft a compelling tale for younger audiences. The first few chapters offer the background of how this unlikely group of friends came together including Voytek (the bear) and Peter, Stanislav, Janusz, Pavel, and Lolek (the Polish soldiers). Each subsequent chapter tells Voytek's story highlighting his escapades around camp, his ongoing feud with Kaska (a monkey), and his loyalty to his friends. Tak's writing is clear and relatable, perfect for younger audiences. By centering Voytek in the story, Tak tells a unique piece of history without the need for extensive background knowledge of World War II or the Polish Armed Forces. He is able to share difficult truths about war in age appropriate ways through the soldiers experiences and memories mixed with Voytek's silliness. Voytek keeps the story light. His antics bring joy and laughter to his unit and the reader alike.

Hopman's soft pencil illustrations compliment the text throughout the novel. From the small bear sketches in the corners of pages to full page drawings of important events, Hopman's subtle style of art brings the story to life. Maps showing the movement of characters throughout the story are also included. Both the illustrations and maps support young readers with their understanding of the story in subtle yet effective ways.

 

Tak and Hopman are both from the Netherlands, but the main characters in this story are Polish.  All the characters, Voytek included, are portrayed as genuine people and friends. They do not always get along and tease each other frequently, but they also demonstrate loyalty to each other and their beloved bear. Although the setting of the story is mostly Pakistan and Italy, the Polish culture surrounds these characters. Polish names are used throughout the story and although the soldiers are part of a British army unit, they give their bear cub a Polish name - Voytek, meaning smiling warrior. Poland is also world famous for their vodka and it serves as an important Polish cultural marker within the story. As a cub, Voytek drinks his milk out of vodka bottle regularly. He is also given a large amount of vodka before he meets the C.O. of the first camp so he will appear docile and cute. He ends up drunk and acting quite silly, but still wins over the C.O. and is allowed to stay. Tak maintains the Polish identify of the soldiers is throughout the story. 

 

The book did not include a list for further reading or a list of references used to write the story. As a narrative based on historical events, copious amounts of research must have been done to write the story with authenticity. I was disappointed that none of these resources were included.

Review Excerpts & Awards: 

 

BOOKLIST (October 15, 2011) "Tak offers an engaging story of grown-up protagonists and situations, focusing on Voytek's exploits and his interactions with a menageries of other animals. Hopman's expressive grease-pencil illustrations add to the story's accessibility, grounding the proceedings with charm."

KIRKUS REVIEWS (August 15, 2011) "Funny, fresh and heartwarming, it doesn't ignore the horrors of war but concentrates on the joy of having an animal friend, albeit a difficult one. Readers of any age do no to know anything about the complicated history of the Polish free forces or even World War II to enjoy this tale of 'a friend and a mascot who made the war easier to bear.'"

• Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner, 2012
  
• USBBY Selection, 2012
• ALA Notable Children's Book, 2012

Curricular Connections: 

• Create a poster advertisement for Voytek at the Edinburgh Zoo. Encourage students to include Voytek's special skills, background, and history on the poster. 
• Voytek was never forgotten because his image was added to his unit's logo. Design a new logo for the Polish unit that includes Voytek and other elements from the story.
  
• Pair with an informational text on Syrian brown bears. Have students work in groups to learn more about Syrian brown bears including their physical characteristics, habitat, and status as an endangered animal. 
• Voytek was friends with a variety of other animals including a monkey and a dalmatian. Pair with other texts, like Owen & Mzee, to read about other unexpected animal friendships. 
  

Lily's Crossing

Lily's Crossing

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. Lily's Crossing. New York: Random House Inc. 0440414539

Plot Summary:

Lily always spends her summers in Rockaway Beach, New York with her grandmother and father, Poppy. That is until the summer of 1944. Her best friend, Margaret, moved to Detroit with her family, and her father was called overseas. While the war continues in Europe, Lily finds herself with only her grandmother for company on summer vacation and without her beloved father and best friend. With her life turned upside down, Lily is not expecting to make a new friend- least of all, a Hungarian refugee named Albert.  However, through a series of unexpected adventures Lily and Albert begin to trust and open up to each other realizing they have more in common than they thought. Despite their differences, they help and support each other through a difficult summer and forge a friendship neither one will ever forget.

Analysis:

Giff's knack for storytelling brings this WWII story of unlikely friendship to life from the beginning. Lily's character is perfectly flawed making her even more likable.  Her dynamic first-person narration gives the reader the sense they are listening to a dear friend and privy to their deepest secrets and truths. Lily's voice is honest and refreshing, her true feelings coming across on every page. The reader feels Lily's anxiety and guilt right along with her. When Lily meets Albert and they begin to bond over swimming lessons and a stray cat, the two find themselves in the most unlikely friendship that ends up being a lifeline for the both of them. Both dealing with unresolved guilt and loneliness, the two find that a true friendship can transcend even the worst circumstances.

Giff does an impeccable job of recreating life during WWII for her readers. Every detail is woven directly into the story from the price of cookies to the movies being shown at the theater. Posters with slogans like "Loose Lips Sink Ships" and partially blacked-out headlights give authenticity to the story and show Giff's dedicated research on the time period. Each nuance of detail creates a window into Lily's world and the high anxiety and emotions that were a part of that world. Giff has crafted a story that transports back in history while showing us the timeless truth of the power of friendship.

Awards & Reviews:

• Newbery Honor Book 1998
• ALA Notable Children's Book 1998
• A Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book

From Booklist: "With wry comedy and intense feeling…Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II…The friendship story is beautifully drawn."

From Publisher's Weekly: "Exceptional characterizations and a robust story line turn this WWII homefront novel into far more than a period piece."

From Horned Book Magazine: "Details…are woven with great effect into a realistic story."

Connections:
More Historical Fiction by Patricia Reilly Giff:

• Nory Ryan's Song. 0440418291
• Willow Run. 0440238013
• Water Street. 0440419212
•  Maggie's Door. 0440415810
• Gingersnap. 0440421780

More Historical Fictional Books during WWII

• Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. 0147510481
• Lowery, Lois. Number the Stars. 0547577095
• McSwigan, Marie and Mary Reardon. Snow Treasure. 0142402249
• Morpurgo, Michael. An Elephant in the Garden. 1250034140
• Park, Linda Sue. When My Name was Keoko. 0547722397
• Reiss, Johanna. The Upstairs Room. 006440370X
• Spinelli, Jerry. Milkweed. 0375861475

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Take a virtual tour of Rockaway Beach, New York using Google Earth.
• Compare life in the 1940s to modern times. What similarities and differences do you notice? 
• Listen to some popular songs from WWII. Compare those songs to songs of today. 
• Write thank you letters to those currently serving in our armed forces. 
• Create your own WWII poster with a catchy slogan like the many posters Lily saw throughout town.

Chickadee

Chickadee

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Erdrich, Louise. 2012. Chickadee. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 0060577924

Plot Summary:

Set in 1866, Chickadee is the fourth book in the Birchbark House series.  The story continues the adventures of an Ojibwe family, only now the focus is on the next generation. Chickadee and Mokoons are twins with an irreplaceable bond. Although small for their age, they are crafty and resourceful. When an unpopular tribe member mocks Chickadee's size, Mokoons makes a plan to trick old Zhigaag and embarrass him. However, the trick has a horrible consequence. Chickadee is stolen in the middle of the night by Zhigaag's unruly, enormous sons as revenge.  Chickadee is tossed in a mail sack and hauled off to become the servant of the loud and disgusting brothers. As Chickadee finds himself further and further from home, he must rely on his Ojibwe survival skills and the guidance of his namesake, the chickadee to survive. Encountering many challenges along the way, Chickadee finds the strength and courage to continue his journey and make his way back to his family.

Analysis:

Erdich's eloquent story flows effortlessly from beginning to end. Using her own family history as inspiration, she captures the Ojibwe way of life throughout the novel through detailed descriptions of scenery and character actions. Erdich's characters each have a unique, strong personality that plays an important role in guiding the family towards its resolution. Yet, at the center of each character is the importance of family, tradition, and love. The story flips back and forth between Chickadee's adventure and his family's adventures, telling two stories in one as they both seek to be reunited. Each family member faces many of the harsh realities of living on the plains during the 1860s including encounters with white settlers, relentless clouds of mosquitoes, and fording rivers with supply wagons. The stories overlap beautifully, weaving the cultural skills of the Ojibwe tribe and highlighting the blending of cultures on the plains as more white settlers moved west.

Erdich's pencil renderings throughout the novel add to the story's authenticity and readability.  Each illustration offers the reader a clearer sense of the character's tools, clothing, and way of life. The illustrations break up the text at just the right intervals enhancing the writing with clear and detailed visuals. The chickadee bird print at the beginning of each chapter adds continuity throughout the novel, highlighting the small yet powerful bird and boy alike. Chickadee's story is one that will stay with readers.  An exquisitely crafted story of an indigenous American family that offers a valuable perspective of evolving life on the plains in the 1860s while reminding every reader of the importance of family and love.

Awards & Reviews:

• Scott O'Dell Award

From Kirkus Reviews: "A beautifully evolving story of an indigenous American family." 

From Publisher's Weekly: "Readers will want to follow this family for many seasons to come."

From School Library Journal: "Erdrich’s storytelling is masterful. Readers will be more than happy to welcome little Chickadee into their hearts."

Connections:
More Books in the Birchbark House series:

• The Birchbark House. 0786814543
• The Game of Silence. 0064410293
• The Porcupine Year. 0064410307
• Makoons. 0060577932

More Scott O'Dell Award Winners:

• Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. 1416905863
• Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 1250010233
• Garcia, Rita Williams. One Crazy Summer. 0060760907
• Holm, Jennifer. Full of Beans. 055351038X
• Larson, Kirby. Dash. 0545416361
• Phelan, Matt. The Storm in the Barn. 0763652903
• Wolk, Lauren. Beyond the Bright Sea. 1101994851

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Using the skills of the Ojibwe, create a pouch or patch using beads.
• Research and learn more about the Ojibwe way of life and traditions. 
• Participate in oral storytelling of both traditional Native American myths and legends as well as family stories that have been passed down. 
• Use a large map to mark the migration of the Ojibwe from the Atlantic coast to the Great Lakes over time. 
• Write a song like the one given to Chickadee that inspires hope and strength when sung. 
• Create your own family tree.

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Breaking Stalin's Nose

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Yelchin, Eugene. 2011. Breaking Stalin's Nose. New York: Henry Hold and Company. 1250034108

Plot Summary:

How many days can it take to change your view on everything you hold dear in this world?

Two days. It takes Sasha Zaichik two days.

Breaking Stalin's Nose follows 10-year-old Sasha Zaichik, during the two days that change his world forever. A loyal communist and son of a revered Communist hero, all Sasha wants is to be a part of the Young Pioneers. He is loyal to the communist party, Comrade Stalin, and communism. So when his father is taken away in the middle of the night by men in state security uniforms, Sasha believes it must be some kind of mistake. Now alone on the street, he still goes to school the next day eager to participate in the Young Pioneers assembly. However, when a series of events occur at school, including the nose being broken off a Stalin statue, his classmates are forced to turn on one another accusing each other of suspicious behavior. Teachers and students alike accuse and name people out of fear and retaliation. Government officials and school administration believe what they want to believe. Sasha begins to question everything he has ever known or been told and soon realizes he does not want to be a Young Pioneer anymore.

Analysis:

Yelchin's story of a young boy living in Russia during the height of Stalin's reign is a gripping read from page one. Sasha's character is developed at every turn giving the reader important insight and understanding into the young boy's world and beliefs. The first-person narrative brings Sasha's journey to life through every emotional twist and turn, allowing the reader to feel his anxiety, fear, and disbelief every step of the way. The plot moves forward at a rapid pace, brilliantly weaving nuances of the time period through setting description, characterization, and dialogue. The authenticity captured not only in words, but through the illustrations as well. Each chapter reads effortlessly, as Yelchin simply and eloquently conveys the fear and true realities of living under Stalin's regime. The novel's emotional ending leaves the reader confident in Sasha's decision to refrain from joining the Young Pioneers and hopeful to know what comes next.

Yelchin's black and white illustrations add depth and beauty to each page. The vivid facial expressions and detailed sketches offer the reader a view of both the beauty and harsh realities of living in communist Russia. The illustrations capture the emotion and truth of the time, directly aligning with the complexity of Sasha's feelings throughout the novel.

Yelchin brilliantly uses Sasha's story as a conduit to show the fear that Stalin's regime instigated within his people - a fear that lasted for generations.  In the author's note he writes, "This book is my attempt to expose and confront that fear."  Yelchin's personal and family background growing up in Russia served as his inspiration for this story.  It's a book about power, fear, and the choices we make.

Yelchin's masterful storytelling and honest approach is balanced and well done. A necessary read for us all. 

Awards & Reviews:

• Newbery Honor Winner 2012
• Junior Library Guild Selection 2012
• ALA Notable Children's Book 2012
• The Best Children's Books of 2011 by Horn Book Magazine
• The Best Children's Books of 2011 by Washington Post
• 2012 Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth by Booklist
• 2012 Michigan Library Association Mitten Award

From The Horn Book: "Although the story takes place over just two days, it is well paced, peeling off the layers of Sasha's naivete to show him - and young readers - the cynicism of the system he trusted."

From Publisher's Weekly: "Picture book author/illustrator Yelchin makes an impressive middle-grade debut with this compact novel about a devoted young Communist in Stalin-era Russia, illustrated with dramatically lit spot art."

From School Library Journal: "Yelchin skillfully combines narrative with dramatic black-and-white illustrations to tell the story of life in the Soviet Union under Stalin."

Connections:
More Books by Eugune Yelchin:

• The Haunting of Falcon House. 1250115086
• Arcady's Goal. B019TMIH7C

More Historical Fiction Newbery Award Winners/Honors:

• Avi. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. 0786816589
• Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. 0440413281
• Larson, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. 0385735952
• Lowery, Lois. Number the Stars. 0547577095
• Park, Linda Sue. A Single Shard. 0547534264
• Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind. 0307977889

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Compare and contrast different types of governments including democracies, monarchies, and dictatorships. 
• Explore the book's website: breakingstalinsnose.com to learn more about Sasha's story and the historical time period in which it takes place. 
• Share an interview with author Eugene Yelchin. Brainstorm a list of questions to ask the author about the novel and/or his own experience growing up.