Book Buzz--Let's Talk About Books with Mrs. Citrin
This blog is intended to be a forum to discuss books of interest to children, parents and the greater Day School community. I hope to write regularly about what I am reading and would like to hear responses from students, parents and other teachers. Please write about what you are reading, too! Note that recommended grade levels for any book are just that -- recommended and not carved in stone. Many books can go up or down depending upon the individual child's reading and developmental levels.
Historical fiction is a powerful medium for conveying the content and texture of times past. Prolific novelist Margaret Peterson Haddix transports her readers back in time to New York City in 1911 to a landscape of tenements, grueling working conditions, and the burgeoning labor movement. Three protagonists -- Yetta, a Jewish immigrant from Russia; Bella an Italian immigrant; and Jane, the daughter of privilege -- converge to tell the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This tragic fire was a watershed in American labor history, the suffrage movement, and the catalyst for new and safer building codes. UPRISING is a captivating read. I recommend it for all middle school readers.
As gentle as a feather brushing across your cheek, Jacqueline Woodson's newest novel for young people, entitled Feathers, is all about seeing. The main character, Frannie, is 11 years old and in sixth grade in 1971 at an all African American school. When a new white student nicknamed "Jesus Boy" enters the class, she sees all the things she took for granted in a new way: her brother's deafness, the class bully's anger, her mother's fears and her best friend's faith. This is an exquisite, poignant book that will spark thoughtful discussions. Recommended for Middle School readers.
Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all
--Emily Dickinson
Everyone needs girls like Ivy and Bean in their lives. They're two irrepressible seven year olds who live on the same block. initially, each thought the other was too boring to become a friend. Through a series of zany circumstances, they become not only friends but "kindred spirits." They create their own adventures, have loads of fun, and annoy Bean's older sister using their magic wand, face paint and a bucket of worms. Luckily, the fun doesn't end with this volume, the authors have written three more Ivy + Bean adventures. Recommended for those reading first chapter books.
Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan is the latest addition to the collection of literature for young people that deals with very difficult topics. In this case -- organ donation. Sounds like this might be a little too much for young readers--but it's not. Patricia Maclachlan, author of Newbery Medal winner, Sarah, Plain and Tall, uses her gentle touch once again to draw a captivating portrait of a family, love and baseball. Recommended for 4-6th grades.
