Tap Dancing on the Roof

© Linda Sue Park

Module 14: Tap Dancing on the Roof by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Istvan Banyai

Summary

Tap Dancing on the Roof is a collection of poetry by Korean author Linda Sue Park. It consists of sijos, a type of poem similar to the Japanese haiku. Unlike the haiku, the sijo can be about anything, as opposed to just being related to nature. Typically the sijo is split into three parts: the first line introduces the topic, the second line develops the topic, and the third line contains a twist – sometimes humorous or witty.

Impression

This book was a lovely example of poetry. Perfect for children, the poems are short and silly. Typically they cater to the minds of young adolescents, with the final lines inducing giggles. Park’s inclusion of the historical background in the author’s note is helpful. She also includes a list of tips for writing your own sijos in the back of the book that is great for teachers or librarians. Banyai’s illustrations add whimsy to the already fun poems.

Reviews

“This book is an excellent introduction of sijo to a new generation. Notes in the book explain the form and include a sijo from the 1600s. The artwork is a bizarre mix of fantasy and realism, and tells its own story, particularly the endsheets.”

– Daniel Beach

“Park demonstrates with twenty-seven sijo on the topics of seasons and routines of home and school. Perhaps the best example she includes is in her author’s note and is the work of Kim Kwang-uk, who lived from 1580-1656; nevertheless, her own poems have that twist that goes beyond the limits of culture and personal sensibility and strikes at common human experience.”

– Deirdre Baker

Library Use

This book is a great example of poetry from another country. It would definitely be a good suggestion for kids looking to explore poetry. It would also be a great reference for teachers who are doing a workshop on poetry.

References

Baker, D. (2007). Review of Tap Dancing on the Roof. The Horn Book Magazine 83(5), 595, 604. Retrieved from http://www.hbook.com/horn-book-magazine-2/.

Beach, D. (2007). Review of Tap Dancing on the Roof. Library Media Connection 26(3), 88. Retrieved from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com

Park, L. S., and Banyai, I (Illustrator). (2007). Tap Dancing on the Roof. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Tap Dancing on the Roof [image]. (2008). Retrieved from https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/books/view.dT/9780618234837.

Phineas Gage

© John Fleischman

Module 12: Phineas Gage by John Fleischman

Summary

It was 1848, Phineas Gage was 25 years old when a 13 inch iron rod blew through the front part of his head, and brain – he survived. This is the story not necessarily of Phineas Gage, but of the miracle of his survival and what implications they had on the medical world thereafter. Despite little knowledge of the brain in the mid 19th century Gage managed to survive 11 years after his accident though his personality had fundamentally changed. His case is to this day one of the most important cases in what we know about the brain and the frontal lobe.

Impression

I had heard of this book for years and after taking osteology during my time as an undergrad I absolutely had to read this for class. Fleischman does a fantastic job explaining the important parts of the brain and the implications of where the rod went through Gage’s brain. He explains the story very factually while still emphasizing the importance of his survival. He includes some of the more extraordinary details of Gage’s experience, such as him sitting up and explaining to the doctor what had just happened to him immediately after the accident. Fleischman does a fantastic job fleshing out an already interesting story.

Reviews

“The book’s present-tense narrative is inviting and intimate, and the text is crisp and lucid, combining the personal and the theoretical to dramatic effect and avoiding condescension both to readers and to the unfortunate Gage.”

– Deborah Stevenson

“This event is the takeoff point for a basic introduction to the human brain and its functionings. A side foray into phrenology is useful in illuminating the history of beliefs about the brain and will help students understand pseudosciences.”

– Edna Boardman

Library Use

This would be a great book to recommend to any kids with an interest in medicine, bones, or psychology. It would also be a good book to recommend to kids who like “gross” stories.

Referenes

Boardman, E. (2002). Review of Phineas Gage. Book Report 21(3), 66. Retrieved from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/

Fleischman, J. (2004). Phineas Gage. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Stevenson, D. (2002). Review of Phineas Gage. Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 55(9), 321-322. Retrieved from http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/.

The Wednesday Wars

© Gary Schmidt

Module 10: The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

“If Romeo had never met Juliet, maybe they both would have still been alive, but what they would have been alive for is the question Shakespeare wants us to answer.”

Summary

Holling Hoodhood is starting 7th grade. Usually teachers love him but not Mrs. Baker. Wednesday afternoons all of the Jewish kids go to synagogue and all of the Catholics go to a cathedral but Holling is Presbyterian so he’s stuck spending Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker. Both Mrs. Baker and Holling feel awkward at their one on one “class” time but after reading Shakespeare together, begin to form a bond. Blanketed across the backdrop of the late 60s, Holling’s story tells of coming to love Shakespeare, the incredible perseverance of teachers, the love/hate relationship between a family, and how war effects everyone.

Impression

I was really impressed with Schmidt’s writing. The Wednesday Wars are technically historical fiction but Schmidt’s writing blends so easily with what’s going on around Holling and his family that it feels seamless. Holling, though very juvenile at times, is a lovable character reminiscent of most 7th grade boys. One of his most endearing qualities is that he insists on learning the curses that Shakespeare makes Caliban say in The Tempest – “A southwest blow on ye and blister you all o’er!”

Reviews

“Ultimately, Mrs. Baker steps out from behind her desk as a multilayered individual who helps Holling (often through their discussions of Shakespeare’s plays) to dare to choose his own ending rather than follow the dictates of others. Schmidt rises above the novel’s conventions to create memorable and believable characters.”

– Betty Carter

“This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a heart-warming read. I also recommend it to teachers looking for a way to show students how Shakespeare can teach life lessons to meet a variety of situations.”

– Jean Boreen

Library Use

This book would be a great book to coincide with teaching children Shakespeare or at least introducing children to his stories without them seeming drab. It would also work well for a display about modern historical fiction – something other than a medieval type story.

References

Boreen, J. (2007). Review of The Wednesday Wars. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 51(1), 77-78.

Carter, B. (2007). Review of The Wednesday Wars. The Horn Book Magazine 83(4), 403. Retrieved from http://www.hbook.com/horn-book-magazine-2/.

Schmidt, G. D. (2009). The Wednesday Wars. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.