Too Many Tamales

Review of Too Many Tamales

A book written by Gary Soto

A. Book Information

Soto, Gary. Illus. by Martinez, Ed. 1993. New York, NY: G.P. Putnum’s Sons. ISBN 0-399-22146-8

B. Plot Summary

It is Christmas-time, and in preparation Maria and her mother are making a large batch of tamales for the family that is coming to visit. Maria admires her mother and feels grown-up wearing her apron, perfume, and lipstick. When Maria’s mother sets down her sparkly diamond ring, the temptation is too much for Maria. She slips it on and continues to work, making the tamales as her mother comes back into the room. When Maria’s family comes, she and her cousins head to her room to play and dream of presents. It is then that she remembers her mother’s ring. With frantic desperation Maria orders her cousins to eat the tamales and let her know if they bite into something hard. After all 24 tamales are eaten and distended bellies have resulted, Maria is tearful and shamefully admits to her mother what she has done. It turns out that Maria’s mother has had the ring all along!

C. Critical ANal

The nice thing about this book is the actualization that there are Mexican-American families that are not poor, who are not migrant workers, and are in fact, living the American dream with a nice house and good family celebrations. Aside from the title, Too Many Tamales, and the inclusion of about three Spanish words (masa, nina, tamale), the fact that this takes place in a Mexican-American household is secondary to the story of a young girl who faces the dilemma of finding her mother’s ring that she presumably misplaced in one of the 24 tamales!

Despite the lack of overt, cliché Mexican symbolism this book authentically depicts a Mexican-American family enjoying a simple holiday tradition, the making of a traditional meal and conversation among family.

The illustrations show a lighter-skinned Mexican family, dressed nicely for a holiday like most American families--which may be a little disappointing. Why can’t dark-skinned Mexicans be depicted in such a normal family setting?

This book is easily shared with children of all races because of its universality. The tamales could easily be replaced by sugar cookies or any number of foods and the theme of familial love remains.

D. Review Excerpts

Amazon.com
Maria is feeling so grown-up, wearing her mother's apron and helping to knead the masa for the Christmas corn tamales. Her mother even let Maria wear some perfume and lipstick for the big family celebration that evening. When her mother takes off her diamond ring so it won't become coated with the messy masa, Maria decides that life would be perfect if she could wear the ring, too. Trouble begins when she sneakily slips the sparkly ring on her thumb and resumes her kneading. Uh oh. It is not until later that night, after all the tamales have been cooked and after all her cousins and relatives have arrived, that Maria suddenly realizes what must have happened to the precious ring. Ed Martinez's warm oil paintings celebrate the riches of South American Christmas colors--adobe reds, dusty gold, lacey whites, and rain-forest greens. Martinez also has a gift for capturing children's animated expressions, especially when Maria begs her cousins to help her find the missing ring by secretly eating the enormous stack of steaming tamales! Gary Soto's delightful Christmas-spirit closure will relieve young readers who empathize with the negligent Maria. Grown-ups, too, will appreciate this playful reminder about the virtues of forgiveness and family togetherness. (Ages 4 and older) --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
Snow is falling, preparations for a family feast are underway and the air is thick with excitement. Maria is making tamales, kneading the masa and feeling grown-up. All she wants is a chance to wear her mother's diamond ring, which sparkles temptingly on the kitchen counter. When her mother steps away, Maria seizes her opportunity and dons the ring, then carries on with her work. Only later, when the tamales are cooled and a circle of cousins gathered, does Maria remember the diamond. She and the cousins search every tamale--with their teeth. Of course the ring turns out to be safely on Mom's finger. Soto, noted for such fiction as Baseball in April , confers some pleasing touches--a tear on Maria's finger resembles a diamond; he allows the celebrants a Hispanic identity without making it the main focus of the text--but overall the plot is too sentimental (and owes a major debt to an I Love Lucy episode). Martinez's sensuous oil paintings in deep earth tones conjure up a sense of family unity and the warmth of holidays. The children's expressions are deftly rendered--especially when they are faced with a second batch of tamales. Ages 4-8.

Reviews accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Too-Many-Tamales-Gary-Soto/dp/0698114124/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-4975783-8457705?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183247705&sr=8-2E. Connections

E. Connections

Other books for young people by Gary Soto:

· Baseball in April and Other Stories. ISBN 0152025677

· Chato and the Party Animals. ISBN 0142400327

· Chato Goes Cruisin'. ISBN 0142408107

· The Old Man and His Door. ISBN 0698116542

Tomas and the Library Lady

Review of Tomàs and The Library Lady

A book written by Pat Mora

A. Book Information

Mora, Pat. Illus. by Colon, Raul. 1997. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. ISBN 0-679-80401-3.

B. Plot Summary

Tomàs is a young, presumably Mexican American boy who is the son of a family of migrant workers who travel from Texas to Iowa each year to work on farms. Tomàs works beside his family in the fields performing such chores as bringing water to the thirsty workers. In his spare time, Tomàs loves to play games with the makeshift ball his mother crafted from an old teddy bear, and listen to his Papà Grande tell stories. One day, Tomàs’ grandfather encourages him to find more stories in the library. The very next day, Tomàs heads up the intimidating steps of the library and is soon greeted by a cheerful librarian who helps him to find books that he loves and becomes engrossed in.

This story seems saccharin sweet until the last page when the reader discovers that this is the true story of Tomàs Riviera, who began his life as a migrant worker and later became a writer, professor, and a University Chancellor at University of California Riverside, and was indeed encouraged to read by a nice library lady.

C. Critical Analysis

If first reading this book without background knowledge of the story, one may think that this is, unfortunately one of the stereotypical books that depicts the poor, brown latino boy being saved by the nice, white (library) lady who shows the migrant farm boy the world of books. However, as it turns out, this book is based on the true story of Tomàs Riviera, who did indeed happen upon a nice library lady in Iowa who encouraged him to read. Mr. Riviera later became very successful and now has a library named after him.

This book is culturally authentic on all accounts, thanks to the true story it is based on, and the insider views of the author and illustrator who have done a wonderful job interpreting the story for all to enjoy.

The Spanish language is interwoven through out the story in a way that is unobtrusive to the flow of the story. For example, as Tomàs is climbing up the steps to the library, “He counted them to himself in Spanish. Uno, dos, tres, cuatro… His mouth felt full of cotton.” This is a nice inclusion of the main character’s primary language, and has a natural feel.

The family unit is very important in this story, with Mamà, Papà, Papà Grande, and little brother Enrique all working, laughing, and living together. The family likes to tell stories and enjoy time together, which seems to be important in the Mexican American family, and is well-depicted by Pat Mora.

Raul Colon has made the character of Tomàs Riviera accessible to all children with his beautiful illustrations. Tomàs is shown with a skin tone of olive-tan, with a sparkle in his eyes and smile that children of all backgrounds can love and relate to. The grandfather looks more traditional Mexican, with his full white mustache, and humble expressions. A delightful aspect of this book is the illustrations which show Tomàs transported into his imaginary world via books, with dinosaurs and a “tigre tan grande!”

Tomàs and The Library Lady is a book that all children should have the pleasure of experiencing. Children who are Mexican American may especially enjoy it, but it is a book for everyone with a story we can all relate to.

D. Review Excerpts

Amazon.com
Sometimes you read a story and it almost seems too nice. This book may seem to be one of those at first, but the difference is that this story is true! Tomás and the Library Lady is the wonderfully illustrated tale of Tomás Rivera and the kind librarian who helped him learn to love books. Tomás started his life as a migrant worker and, when he died, was a university chancellor. (The UC Riverside library now bears his name.) This tribute to Tomás and his mentor reminds us of the power of stories and those dedicated librarians who have changed the lives of so many people. (Recommended for ages 4-8; it's great for new English readers and is also available in Spanish.)

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?Tomas Rivera, who at his death in 1984 was the Chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, grew up in a migrant family. Here, Mora tells the fictionalized story of one summer in his childhood during which his love of books and reading is fostered by a librarian in Iowa, who takes him under her wing while his family works the harvest. She introduces him to stories about dinosaurs, horses, and American Indians and allows him to take books home where he shares them with his parents, grandfather, and brother. When it is time for the family to return to Texas, she gives Tomas the greatest gift of all?a book of his own to keep. Colon's earthy, sun-warmed colors, textured with swirling lines, add life to this biographical fragment and help portray Tomas's reading adventures in appealing ways. Stack this up with Sarah Stewart and David Small's The Library (Farrar, 1995) and Suzanne Williams and Steven Kellogg's Library Lil (Dial, 1997) to demonstrate the impact librarians can have on youngsters.?Barbara Elleman, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Reviews accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tomas-Library-Lady-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0375803491/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-2505980-4044920?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183242083&sr=8-1

E. Connections

Other books for young people by Pat Mora.

· Pablo’s Tree. ISBN 0027674010

· Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart. ISBN 0375823379

· Listen to the Desert/Oye Al Desierto. ISBN 0618111441

· A Birthday Basket For Tia. ISBN 0689813287

A Book by an African American Author, Sharon Draper

Review of The Battle of Jericho

A Young Adult Book by an African American Author

A. Book Information

Draper, Sharon. 2003. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-84232-5.

B. Plot Summary

Looking for acceptance and popularity, Jericho and other friends become pledges joining the Warriors of Distinction, the most exclusive club in school with a rich and respected fifty-year history in the community, the principal of the high school was a member himself. At the first meeting the pledge master, Madison declares, “We ask for—no, we demand—your dedication, your absolute obedience, your very life, if necessary…” The pledges were in it for the parties, but none of them could have guessed that the fun and games would turn out to be life or death.

C. Critical Analysis

This book won the Coretta Scott King award. It is a fast-paced book with likeable characters, but the book offers an overabundance of foreshadowing and dulls with predictability. Like on page 27 when the principal speaks of the club, “It wasn’t easy, and I had to learn to make difficult decisions.” Or when Pledge Master Madison demands….” your dedication, your absolute obedience, your very life, if necessary.” Or as the wheelchair bound character, Eric tells about the peer-pressured leap that broke his back and took his mobility. Then Mr. Boston, a concerned teacher warns the main character, Jericho about hazing and recounts a story of being hazed on the football team. It wasn’t simply enough to include these blazing orange flags, but the author used commas and hyphens, indicating pregnant pauses.

The language in this book represents a middle to upper-middle class group of African Americans who use urban black vernacular sparingly. Some cultural markers are seen as the boys sometimes address each other with, “Wassuup.” But the characters could have just as easily been from any other background.

There is not much in this book that distinguishes the characters as African American, the focus is more on the characters’ development and the action of the story. The aforementioned club even, “accepts all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.”

Despite the predictability of this book, it has a good message for young people who often find themselves in situations that may have serious repercussions as they try to find “their place.”

D. Review Excerpts

From School Library Journal

In an intense climax, pledging goes tragically wrong and the repercussions are felt throughout the community. Draper has captured the essence of teens caught up in peer pressure who must ultimately live with the results of their actions. Her characters are deeply human and the strong plot mirrors the difficult choices that young people must make as they try to reconcile their need for acceptance with their inner values. Mostly, though, this title is a compelling read that drives home important lessons about making choices.
Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Jericho-Coretta-Scott-Author/dp/0689842325

E. Connections

Other books for young people written by Sharon Draper.

· COPPER SUN. ISBN 0689821816

· ROMIETTE AND JULIO. ISBN 0689842090

· DOUBLE DUTCH. ISBN 0689842317

· TEARS OF A TIGER. ISBN 0689806981

A book by Jacqueline Woodson (African American culture)

Review of Miracle’s Boys

A. Book Information

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2000. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam. ISBN 0-399-23113-7.

B. Plot Summary

“Brother to brother to brother,” that is how Ty’ree, Charlie, and Lafayette vow to get through their challenges and struggles now that they are on their own. Years after a courageous rescue leaves their father dead, their mother dies suddenly of a diabetic complication. Each brother deals with the grief of having lost both of their parents in their own way. Ty’ree becomes the guardian, giving up plans of going to MIT to work and support the family. Charlie slips into a life of anger and alienation, and Lafayette, the youngest, blames himself and avoids friends and family. Only when these brothers come together, B to B to B, do things start looking up.

C. Critical Analysis

Jacqueline Woodson won the Coretta Scott King award for this remarkable book. This book is set in New York City and the characters are half African American and half Puerto Rican, although they seem to identify more with their African American heritage. Only Charlie, the middle brother tried to learn Spanish from their mother, Milagro, which means “miracle” in English.

We are introduced to Charlie and Lafayette as Charlie and a friend, Aaron are having a discussion about “who is the baddest.” Charlie states in the first line of the book, “Brothers is the baddest. Then comes Dominicans. Dominicans don’t mess around.” Cultural markers abound through out this book, including Charlie’s new found adolescent black “tough speak.” The brothers in this story often address each other by saying, “W’s up.”

The food in this book can also be seen as a cultural marker, fried chicken. Saying that black people like fried chicken and watermelon can be considered stereotypical or racist, but both are mentioned repeatedly in this book.

Woodson does a nice job in this book giving physical descriptions of the boys she gives positive affirmation to African American features. For example Aunt Cecile complemented young Lafayette and he checked himself in the mirror: “Ty’ree always said I looked like our daddy. He was dark and curly-headed with brown eyes. My eyes are more black than brown, and my hair’s more kinky than curly….Still, maybe Aunt Cecile was right. Maybe I was beautiful underneath it all.”

The characters of the story are African American, yet universal. The reader can identify with the young boys, as they find themselves and strength from each other.

D. Review Excerpts

From Publishers Weekly Seventh-grader Lafayette fears that he will become separated from his two brothers after the death of their mother. "Viewing household tensions through Lafayette's eyes, readers will come to realize each character's internal conflicts and recognize their desperate need to cling together as a family," said PW.

From Amazon.com Jacqueline Woodson writes with a sure hand and true understanding of the complexity and depth of young people's lives. Winner of many awards for her novels, including two Coretta Scott King Honors (for From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun and I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This), she tells a captivating, honest story. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Review accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Miracles-Boys-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0698119169

E. Connections

Other books for young people written by Cornelia Funke.

· IF YOU COME SOFTLY. ISBN 0142406015

· LENA. ISBN 0142406163

· THE HOUSE YOU PASS ON THE WAY. ISBN 0142501913

· FROM THE NOTEBOOKS OF MELANIN SUN. ISBN 0590458817

Review of John Henry

A book illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

A. Book Information

Lester, Julius. Illus. by Pinkney, Jerry. 1994. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN 0-8037-1607-9.

B. Plot Summary

The story of John Henry begins with his birth, which all the animals from the forest come to witness. Immediately, Henry grows to a size too large to be accommodated by the family’s home in West Virginia. The tale continues with John Henry growing increasingly bigger and stronger until his achievement and death, resulting from a competition between him with his hammers and his railroad boss with his steam drill burrowing through a mountain. In the end, Henry dies, and the lesson that’s conveyed is “Dying ain’t important. Everybody does that. What matters is how well you do your living.”

C. Critical Analysis

The folk tale of John Henry embodies the unbreakable human spirit of the African American, courageous and resilient.

The language is a southern black dialect, strong yet flowing like a brook. The use of the dialectical English resounds through the story, making it feel as if you are in a cozy kitchen listening to animated storytelling as the warm smell of grits and ham dance around your nose. While the suggestion of a black dialect can bring harsh criticism and controversy, one only has to visit the south to understand that there is something beautiful about the cultural authenticity of the southern black dialect. In order for this book to be accurate to its time period, a dialect must be used, as this is an interpretation of an African-American folk ballad.

Jerry Pinkney, in this Caldecott Honor book, has made the character of John Henry come to life in this beautifully illustrated book. Jerry Pinkney used his pencil, colored pencils, and watercolors to make the African American folk character John Henry come alive on the pages. Everything from the clothing on the characters to the shading of the characters is culturally accurate. The shading is ethereal, and included among many of the pictures is a rainbow, almost as if it is there to remind us that the story of John Henry has a broader meaning than just a strong, hard-working man, that he represents something much bigger.

D. Review Excerpts

From Publishers Weekly
A great American hero comes fully to life in this epic retelling filled with glorious, detailed watercolors. From his momentous birth, when all the animals come to see him and the sun won't go to bed, John Henry works wonders. As a child he helps his father by adding "a wing onto the house with an indoor swimming pool and one of them jacutzis"-and that's just before lunch. Other episodes trace the growth of his generous spirit. His greatest feat is, of course, in his battle against the steam drill, as he races the machine to cut through "a mountain as big as hurt feelings." He dies ("he had hammered so hard and so fast and so long that his big heart had burst"), but the onlookers understand that "dying ain't important.... What matters is how well you do your living." This carefully crafted updating begs to be read aloud for its rich, rhythmic storytelling flow, and the suitably oversize illustrations amplify the text. As only one example, the animal witnesses of his birth reappear throughout, most notably to watch John Henry's funeral train pass by. This may not supplant more traditional retellings, such as Terry Small's The Legend of John Henry, but it is a triumph of collaboration from the creators of the noted Uncle Remus retellings. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5-Another winning collaboration from the master storyteller and gifted artist of Tales of Uncle Remus (Dial, 1987) fame. Based on several well-known versions of an African American folk ballad, Lester's tale is true to the essence of the steel-driving man; yet, it allows room for touches of whimsy and even includes some contemporary references that tie the hero to our own times. Told with just a trace of dialect, the story moves along briskly toward the climax. Its moral message of the importance of a well-lived life is clearly stated, and the ending is uplifting. Pinkney's marvelous watercolors, abundantly rich in detail, convey both the superior strength and the warm sense of humanity that make John Henry perhaps a more down-to-earth character than some other tall-tale figures. The paintings' muted earth tones add a realistic touch to the text, bringing this John Henry alive. When viewed from a distance, however, figures and details sometimes blend together, making the book better suited to independent reading that group sharing. It will appeal to an older audience than Ezra Jack Keats's John Henry (Knopf, 1987) and is a fine addition to any folklore collection.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, Wheeler School, Providence, RI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reviews accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/John-Henry-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/0803716060

E. Connections

Other books for young people by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney include the following:

· THE TALES OF UNCLE REMUS: THE ADVENTURES OF BRER RABBIT. ISBN 0141303476 5

· MORE TALES OF UNCLE REMUS: FURTHER ADVENTURES OF BRER RABBIT, HIS FRIENDS, ENEMIES, AND OTHERS. ISBN 0803704194

· UNCLE REMUS: THE COMPLETE TALES WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION. ISBN 0803724519

The Thief Lord, A Batchelder award-winning book

Review of The Thief Lord

A Batchelder Award-Winning Book

A. Book Information

Funke, Cornelia. 2002. Broadway, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0-439-40437-1.

B. Plot Summary

Running away from an aunt and uncle who wish to separate two orphaned brothers, Prosper and Bo encounter a number of fascinating people and adventures. In the book, a young group of orphans find support through a fellow adolescent, “The Thief Lord.” In him, they find leadership, comfort, security, and direction. He supposedly steals for a living and even finds shelter for them in an abandoned movie theatre. As the story progresses, a secret about the Thief Lord is revealed, and the group can no longer remain the same. Banded together by their misfortunes and hopes, the group’s dynamics change, yet their basic needs of love and survival are always binding.

C. Critical Analysis

Cultural markers can be found through out the story, including the language, characters, and setting. The book was originally published in German, and has been translated into English by Oliver Latsch.

The language in the story offers cultural markers tied to the Italian culture and language. Many names are Italian (such as Scipio, Masco, and Riccio) and many terms are represented in a glossary. The terms themselves can most often be determined through the use of context clues. Terms such as Carabiniere, vaporetto, and lire are all used and can be found in the glossary.

The characters of the story are Italian, yet universal. The reader can identify with the young orphans, as they find adventure and true friendships. The strong universal theme of friendship makes this book identifiable with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The magical and mysterious city of Venice serves as the book’s backdrop for adventure. There is a map of Venice at the beginning of the book, allowing the reader to follow the paths of the characters as they wind through canals and passages.

In The Thief Lord, Funke has created a magical book with adventure and mystery, yet one that we can all relate to.

D. Review Excerpts

Kirkus Reviews had this to say about the book: “A bestselling author in Germany, who has reached the US for the first time, Funke delights readers in the feelings of childhood, what it feels like to be innocent, afraid, curious, and safe; need friends and love; and want independence yet also to be cared for. Although the core of this tale is heartwarming, the merry-go-round, like Ray Bradbury's carousel in Something Wicked This Way Comes, hints at darkness, leaving its riders and the novel's readers changed forever.”

Publishers Weekly says, “Wacky characters bring energy to this translation of an entertaining German novel about thieving children, a disguise-obsessed detective and a magical merry-go-round. The Venetian setting is ripe for mystery and the city's alleys and canals ratchet up the suspense in the chase scenes.”

Review accessed at:

http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm?book_number=1078

E. Connections

Other books for young people written by Cornelia Funke.

· INKHEART. ISBN 0439709105

· INKSPELL. ISBN 0439554012

· DRAGONRIDER. ISBN 190444248X

IGRAINE THE BRAVE. ISBN 0439903793

Review of Koala Lou, a Mem Fox book

Review of Koala Lou

A. Book Information

Fox, Mem. 1988. Harcourt Brace Jovanavich. Printed in Singapore. ISBN 0-15-200502-1.

B. Plot Summary

This is the timeless story of Koala Lou, who longs for her mother’s attention again after new additions to her family. Koala Lou, in an effort to hear the words again, “Koala Lou, I do love you,” decides to compete in the Bush Olympics to win her mother’s affection.

C. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)

This is a charming picture book sure to be adored by many generations to come because of its classic, timeless message. The book is by an international author, Mem Fox, who is from Australia. Her knowledge of Australia makes this book culturally authentic. The language is a noticeable cultural marker, especially when Koala Lou’s mother says, “How’re ya goin’ blossom?”

The setting gives additional cultural markers, including the trees that are native to Australia, including the gum tree.

The characters and illustrations also add an element of culture because many are native to Australia, including the koala. Many of the characters in the pictures are never identified by name, but it can be deducted that they are of Australian origin.

This book shows that no matter where we are from, we all need our mother’s love.

D. Review Excerpts

“Koala Lou” tells a warm story of mother love that doesn’t depend on performance. Koala Lou knows her mother loves her. Still, with all Koala Lou’s brothers and sisters, her mother doesn’t always have time to tell her so. Koala Lou gets a bright idea. She’ll compete in the Bush Olympics. Surely if she wins, her mother will give her a great big hug and tell her how she loves her.
When the Bush Olympics start, things don’t quite go according to Koala Lou’s plans, but one thing she can be sure of is that her mother loves her anyway.
This is a sweet book, with bright and warm pictures. The repeated line “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” is one that parents will be quick to adapt for their own children.

Reviewer: Sondy, Sembach Library Review accessed at:

http://www.usafelibraries.org/kids/reviews.php

Here is what some first graders had to say about the book!

“I liked the book because Koala Lou came in second place.”-- Patrick

“This book is great because Koala Lou is a good climber.” --Elizabeth

Accessed at: http://www.internationalauthorstudies.ecsd.net/po%20Mem%20Fox%20author%20study.htm

E. Connections

Other books for young people by Mem Fox.

· HUNWICK’S EGG. ISBN 0152163182

· WOMBAT DIVINE. ISBN 0152020969

· POSSUM MAGIC. ISBN 0152632247

· WILFRID GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE. ISBN 091629126X

· BOO TO A GOOSE. ISBN 0140567666

· TIME FOR BED. ISBN 0152010149

· HATTIE AND THE FOX. ISBN 1416903089

SHOES FROM GRANDPA. ISBN 053107031X

Run, Boy, Run- Book with an International Author

Review of Run. Boy, Run

A. Book Information

Orlev, Uri. Translated by Halkin, Hillel. 2003. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-618-16465-0.

B. Plot Summary

This is the true story of an eight-year old boy’s struggle for survival at the height of the Holocaust. Separated from his family, Srulik Frydman, who later calls himself Jurek Staniak, must forage the Polish countryside seeking shelter, food, and safety. Along the way he meets sympathizers who offer refuge, but also meets anti-Semitism.

C. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)

This true story told by Uri Orlev, himself a Holocaust survivor, is authentic on all levels. What makes Run, Boy, Run such a poignant experience for the reader is seeing the experience through the eyes of an eight-year old boy who loses his innocence and naivety somewhere in the Polish countryside as he escapes prejudice and the horrors of the Holocaust. The accurate depiction of the Holocaust is told as only survivors could, purely honest and unabated, with no sensationalism.

Cultural markers can be found through out the story, including the language, characters, and setting. The book was originally published in Hebrew, and has been translated into English by Hillel Halkin.

The language in the story offers cultural markers tied to the Jewish culture and also to the time period of the Holocaust. The names are authentic, because they are the names of real people. Terms such as ration tickets, Gestapo, marks and pfennigs, and partisans are all part of the experience of young Jurek, and are woven into the text with out the need of foot-notes or a glossary.

The characters of the story are real and universal. The reader can at once identify with young Jurek, as his struggle is relived with every turn of the page. At one time in the story, Jurek acquires a dog that becomes his only trusted friend. Only later the dog protects Jurek from a rabid dog in the forest and has to be shot by a group of foresters. The universality of animal companionship makes Jurek all the more real and identifiable.

The setting of the story begins in the Warsaw ghetto and weaves itself through out the Polish countryside. The story takes us across rivers and deep into the woods. The setting is authentic, as depicted through the eyes of someone who has crawled on his belly through the forest floors, slept in the protection of tall trees, and etched enough food from berry bushes and birds killed by slingshot, all to escape capture.

Orlev masterfully retells Jurek Staniank’s amazing story, and allows the reader insight into the world of the Holocaust from a young child’s perspective.

D. Review Excerpts

Horn Book had this to say about the book, “Part of the strength of Orlev's writing rests with its spareness...in this novel of heartbreaking resilience."

Bulletin of the Center for Children says, "This is one of the better examples of Holocaust fiction in depicting the vagaries of human nature as villainous and heroic acts emerge unexpectedly, even casually, from a shifting wartime population threatened with catastrophe."

Publishers Weekly : "Orlev...devotes this memorable novel to the extraordinary true story of an orphaned Jewish boy's experiences in Poland during the war."

Review accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Mildred-Batchelder-Honor-Book-Awards/dp/0618164650

E. Connections

Other books for young people about The Holocaust.

· Bitton-Jackson, Livia. I HAVE LIVED A THOUSAND YEARS: GROWING UP IN THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0689823959

· Bergman, Terar. ALONG THE TRACKS. ISBN 0395745136

· Kornreich, Rena. RENA’S PROMISE. ISBN 0807070718

· Radin, Ruth. ESCAPE TO THE FOREST: BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0060285206

· Watts, Irene. FINDING SOPHIE. ISBN 0887766137

Introduction

Hello!

I will be reviewing multicultural literature for a class that I am taking at Texas Womans University. I hope that you will find this blog useful and will consider sharing the literature reviewed with the children in your life.

Cheers!
Amy