FICTION, FANTASY, & YA - Criss, Cross

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Perkins, Lynne Rae. 2005. CRISS CROSS. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060092726

PLOT SUMMARY
Set in the aptly named small town of Seldem, this Newbery winning novel follows the coming of age of several of the town’s teenagers. In particular, the lives of Debbie, Hector, and Lenny are recounted in small snippets of stories interwoven and criss-crossing, as the title suggests. Debbie is in the throes of wistful, longing teenage angst where she wishes “. . . .something different would happen. Something good.” Hector (“I’m a hunk in my soul.”), whose character has a wry and insightful sense of humor, is searching for the one thing that will help him feel unique and understood. Lenny is on a path that is all about pushing the envelope of conformity and is, frankly, unexpected given his book-wormish childhood. As the story bounces from character to character and place to place, the reader gains a sense of how the lives, thoughts, and beliefs of the characters are interconnected. An underlying story in the book is the journey of Debbie’s lost necklace, which makes its way, full circle, back to her. Much like the necklace, each character has a journey to make that brings them, ultimately, back to themselves. Criss Cross is a creative reflection of the events and personal revelations that make the journey worthwhile.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Perkins does a superb job of capturing the mentality of the teenage mind and the events that define their interactions. For example, Perkins describes the “caveman greeting ritual” of teenage boys who do nothing more than nod and grunt out their salutations to one another. In another instance, Perkins captures the intensity of the teenage crush by describing the town through the eyes of love struck Debbie: “Seldem felt like someone had plugged it in. Like someone you’ve always known who has suddenly revealed hidden depths.”

Imagery abounds in this young adult novel. The pictures that Perkins paints with words are compelling. A shift in consciousness is described by saying, “Life was rearranging itself; bulging in places, fraying in spots. Sometimes leaving holes big enough to see through, or even step through, to somewhere else.”

In addition to her striking written descriptions, Perkins illuminates her novel with sometimes funny, sometimes mocking, and oft-times thought-provoking pen and ink sketches and photographs. In particular, her renderings of “the perfect pants” with there ¼ inch margin of error are wryly amusing and indicative of the fashion conscientious teen. The full page spread devoted to “Debbie’s Theory” is the pictorial embodiment of the novel’s title with its maze-like, criss-crossing paths. Perkins uses other creative devices in her novel, as well. For example, she writes the majority of one chapter in haiku only. In another instance, she experiments with coinciding thoughts and actions when she includes a chapter that details a side by side account of Debbie’s afternoon versus Lenny’s afternoon. All of these creative tools merge to form a visually stimulating and varied product.

Timelessness is another characteristic that distinguishes Perkins’ Criss Cross. Minute cultural clues hint at a setting somewhere in the late 60s or early 70s, but the telling is so subtle, that the book could easily be set in any time. In any case, the teenager portrayed in this novel is universal.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Winner of the 2006 Newbery Medal
* Booklist Starred Review - 2005
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 2006
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 2005
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “There is a great deal of humor in this gentle story about a group of childhood friends facing the crossroads of life and how they wish to live it. Young teens will certainly relate to the self-consciousnesses and uncertainty of all of the characters, each of whom is straining toward clarity and awareness. The book is profusely illustrated with Perkins's amusing drawings and some photographs.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “As the title and caption imply, this story reads like a series of intersecting vignettes--all focused on 14-year-old Debbie and her friends as they leave childhood behind. Perkins writes with subtle, wry humor about perceptive moments that will speak directly to readers. Best of all are the understated moments, often private and piercing in their authenticity, that capture intelligent, likable teens searching for signs of who they are, and who they'll become.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “Through narrative that has the flavor of stream-of-consciousness writing but is more controlled and poetic, Perkins captures the wistful romantic yearnings of three friends on the brink of adolescence. Part love story, part coming-of-age tale, this book artfully expresses universal emotions of adolescence.”

CONNECTIONS
* The book includes examples of both thoughtful and humorous haiku. Write your own haikus. Experiment with different types of mood and themes.
* Debbie makes a wish for “something good to happen”. If this were your wish, what might it be? Discuss why people make wishes and what happens when their wishes are either granted or don’t come true.
* Reenact Peter & Debbie’s “bus hopping” adventure, either literally in the form of a field trip, or on a smaller scale. Challenge students to see their surroundings with new eyes and discover those things that are unique and interesting. Write, draw, or tell about this experience.
* Discuss the meaning of symbolism. Talk about why the title of the book, “Criss Cross”, is symbolic. Identify symbols in the book that represent the concept of criss-crossing. Come up with symbols of your own that signify this idea.
*Other Newbery Medal & Newbery Honor Winning Contemporary Realistic Fiction:
1) Sachar, Louis. HOLES. ISBN 0440414806
2) Hiassen, Carl. HOOT. ISBN 0375829164
3) Henkes, Kevin. OLIVE’S OCEAN. ISBN 0060535431
4) Konigsburg, E.L. THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY. ISBN 0689817215
5) Bauer, Joan. HOPE WAS HERE. ISBN 0698119517

FICTION, FANTASY, & YA - The Golden Compass

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pullman, Philip. 1995. THE GOLDEN COMPASS. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440418321

PLOT SUMMARY
In the first installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy, Pullman pits good against evil in this fantasy novel that recounts a thrilling race against time. At the heart of this adventure is young Lyra Belacqua, a supposed orphan raised by the scholars of Jordan College at Oxford University. Lyra is accompanied on her adventures by her daemon, Pantalaimon. The story is set into motion when Lyra learns about a sinister plot to kill her “uncle”, Lord Asriel, who wants funding to explore the far reaches of the North in search of a mysterious material called “Dust”. Asriel survives the poisoning plot only to be later captured and imprisoned by the armored bears. In the meantime, Lyra sets off on a quest to find her best friend, Roger, who has been stolen by the Gobblers, a band of mysterious kidnappers. Lyra faces her journey with The Golden Compass, given to her by the Headmaster. At first Lyra does not know how to use the compass, but she learns from Fader (a wise, old Gyptian), that is a powerful tool that allows her to see into the past, present, and future. What follows is a recounting of Lyra’s adventures as she comes into contact with unique and sometimes dangerous characters such as Mrs. Coulter, John Faa, Dr. Lanselius, Iorek Byrnison, Lee Scoresby, Serafina Pekkala, and Iofur Raknison. Folded intricately throughout the story are a myriad of secrets that are hidden and revealed in twists of plot sure to keep readers on edge, including the identity of Lyra’s parents.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Golden Compass won the Carnegie Medal for outstanding children’s literature, and it is no surprise why. The book is an elaborately woven and riveting example of fantasy at its finest. In reality, the novel could be classified as high fantasy, as it includes all of the six identified motifs of fantasy: magic (as is seen in such elements as Dust and the Golden Compass), other worlds (the universe that is established AND the bridge created to the “new world”), good versus evil (the heart of this story), heroism (Lyra’s quest and coming of age), special character types (as evidenced by daemons, which are the physical embodiment of a person’s soul), and fantastic objects (the Golden Compass, itself).

Aside from Pullman’s creation of a fantastical world, he is also adept at crafting fully developed characters. The character that emerges in Lyra is astounding in its complexity. Here we have a young protagonist who is willful, rebellious, cheeky, and adventurous while at the same time maintaining her innocence and invoking loyalty and love from all who know her. Mrs. Coulter is a full-blown embodiment of evil, but in stark contrast, she has a fondness for Lyra that drives her actions. Lord Asriel is portrayed as a more complicated character who is arrogant, disliked, and devilish, but who also possesses a type of heroic majesty. It is Pullman’s character complexity that makes this novel so intriguing.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Winner of the 1995 Carnegie Medal (for the original version published as Northern Lights)
* Horn Book Starred Review – 1996
* Booklist Starred Review – 1996
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 1997
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 1996
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “This is a captivating fantasy, filled with excitement, suspense, and unusual characters. There is some fine descriptive writing, filled with the kind of details that encourage suspension of disbelief.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “In the first of a planned trilogy, Pullman has created a wholly developed universe, which is, as he states, much like our own, but different in many ways. A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “As always, Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. This glittering gem will leave readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lyra's adventures.”

CONNECTIONS
* Examine the various daemons in the book. Talk about why they change when a person is a child, but take a singular form when adulthood is reached. Discuss why each character’s daemon takes on certain unique forms.
* Have each student create a daemon for themselves. Draw or illustrate the daemon in some way. Write about the daemon, perhaps in the form of a concrete poem in the shape of a daemon.
* Compare and contrast the alternate universe in The Golden Compass with other alternate universes or worlds in books such as A Wrinkle In Time, the Harry Potter Series, and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
* Chose a character from the novel and complete a character sketch or bio-poem on that character. Discuss what makes the character unique.
* Continue the journey with Lyra Belacqua and her companions:
1) Pullman, Philip. THE SUBTLE KNIFE. ISBN 0679879250
2) Pullman, Philip. THE AMBER SPYGLASS. ISBN 0440418569
3) Pullman, Philip. LYRA’S OXFORD. ISBN 0385606990

FICTION, FANTASY, & YA - The First Part Last

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 0689849222

PLOT SUMMARY
Angela Johnson’s award-winning novel does justice to the harsh realities of teenage pregnancy and parenting, but it also does so with compassion and insight. Winner of both the Michael L. Printz Award and the Coretta Scott King Award, The First Part Last is a story that young adults will relate to, regardless of their own situations. At sixteen years old, Bobby finds himself a father to an infant. The story begins when Feather, Bobby’s newborn daughter, is eleven days old. In a series of alternating “now” and “then” chapters, the story traces how Bobby came to be a parent. Various aspects of Bobby’s life are revealed through his relationships with Nia (his girlfriend), his divorced parents, his siblings, his long time friends, and Nia’s parents. Infused in each relationship are the thoughts, beliefs, and values that shape Bobby’s decisions about his fatherhood and his ability to succeed in that realm. Juggling school, parenthood, relationships, and even a run-in with the police, Bobby is pushed to the limits and comes face to face with the reality of his life. The novel is a poignant telling of a young protagonist who struggles to make the right choices for himself and his family. The book’s ending reveals a harsh blow that brings full clarity to the situation, and makes Bobby’s character even more dynamic and endearing.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The beauty of Johnson’s novel is that she does not romanticize the idea of teen parenthood. The sordid details are all here, whether it be 3 a.m. emergency room visits, finding a babysitter, facing a school day in a sleep-deprived state, or losing your last clean jacket to a spitting up infant. While it’s true that many teens understand parenting is not a walk in the park, this novel provides the kinds of details about the experience that make its difficulty fully understood. For example, Bobby’s frustrations about parenting are revealed when he says, “This must be it. The place where you really feel it’s all on you, and you got a kid. Feather spent last night in the hospital, with me sitting next to her bed all night long. I’ve had about twenty minutes’ sleep in the last three days.”

The flip-side of Bobby’s life as a parent is also dealt with. Frustrations aside, Johnson paints a beautiful picture of the connection between father and daughter. “Soon Feather is home with me sleeping on my stomach. I’m supposed to be her daddy and stay up all night if I have to. I’m supposed to suck it up and do all the right things if I can, even if I screw it up and have to do it over.” Bobby’s infallibility is part of what makes him such a believable character. When he blows off school one day to tag a wall with a spray painted mural, he pays the price when he’s caught by a police officer and must spend time in jail. He admits to his own fears and frustrations: “I don’t know any of the parent rules, but crying like a baby when you just decided to keep a baby probably shouldn’t happen.” Johnson’s treatment of Bobby’s character shows the raw edges and the flaws. The juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength are what make this character and this novel so appealing to young adult readers.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award
* Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award – 2004
* Booklist Starred Review – 2003
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 2003
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant. Bobby, 16, is a sensitive and intelligent narrator.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “There's no romanticizing. Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again..”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “Beginning his story when his daughter, Feather, is just 11 days old, 16-year-old Bobby tells his story in chapters that alternate between the present and the bittersweet past that has brought him to the point of single parenthood. Each nuanced chapter feels like a poem in its economy and imagery.”

CONNECTIONS
* Have students select two time periods in their life and tell about a significant event from the same “now” and “then” perspective presented in the book.
* Incorporate this book into a Health or Life Skills lesson related to teen pregnancy and the realities of the situation.
* Bobby “tags” a brick wall with a mural of his life from a young boy to a teenager. Using long strips of butcher paper, allow students to tell their life story by painting a mural of sorts on the paper.
* Other Young Adult Books Dealing with Teenage Pregnancy & Parenthood:
1) Euwer Wolff, Virginia. MAKE LEMONADE. ISBN 0805080708
2) Bechard, Margaret. HANGING ON TO MAX. ISBN 0689862687
3) Dessen, Sarah. SOMEONE LIKE YOU. ISBN 0142401773
4) Frost, Helen. KEESHA’S HOUSE. ISBN 0374340641
5) Zeises, Lara. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. ISBN 0385730470

HISTORICAL FICTION - A Year Down Yonder

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2000. A YEAR DOWN YONDER. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803725183

PLOT SUMMARY
Peck’s work on this Newbery winning novel of historical fiction packs a wallop. The time is 1937 during the Roosevelt recession. The place is a rural, close-knit Illinois town where, “Everybody. . . .[knows] everything about you, even things that haven’t happened yet.” The people. . . . .well, suffice it to say that a flat character won’t be found in the bunch! There’s Mary Alice, a somewhat solemn teenager sent to live with her grandmother for a year while her parents work to recover from the effects of the Great Depression. Then, there’s Grandma Dowdel who is an imposing and feisty mix of cantankerous outward demeanor and wise, empathetic soul. Other characters such as Augie Fluke, Ina-Rae Gage, Old Man Nyquist, and Royce McNabb won’t disappoint either. The book chronicles a year in the Illinois “hick-town” following Mary Alice and Grandma’s adventures together. From Grandma’s outwitting of the town pranksters to Mary Alice’s classic teenage romance, the book covers the gamut of humor, subtle sentiment, and evolving characters. The flow of the novel reads more like a series of short stories, and the tales make for a rollicking and slapstick good time. What Mary Alice learns during her year down yonder is enough to last her a lifetime.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
As a piece of historical fiction, A Year Down Yonder is a superb example of a work that remains accurate while the bits of history mesh seamlessly with the rest of the story, never overwhelming the reader with too many details. However, the details that are provided are genuine descriptions of life during the Great Depression era. Peck’s treatment of the historical aspects is broad in its scope, covering both political and social life. The reader is exposed to accurate and hard-hitting facts about the times such as job loss, recessionary pressures, New Deal programs (Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration), and the beginnings of World War II. Peck also manages to work in other signs of the times like Amelia Earhart’s disappearance and Kate Smith’s singing talents. The history is impeccable, but simply serves as a backdrop for the greater story of what Mary Alice comes to know about life over the course of the year.

The story is both funny and poignant. Grandma Dowdel’s gut-busting one-liners lend a sense of playfulness to the story: “That’s the skinniest girl I ever saw. She could rest in the shade of a clothesline.” At the same time, however, Grandma doles out bits of wisdom infused with her humor: “I can’t fight all your battles for you, but I can give you a level start.” The first-person narrative delivered by Mary Alice is an effective tool, tracing the growth she experiences over the course of the year. The little gem this story hands the reader is subtle, yet powerful: things aren’t always as they appear. Mary Alice discovers that for all of her grandma’s cockles and burrs, she has a deep, abiding love for her family that Mary Alice grows to respect. Grandma becomes a heroine of sorts for Mary Alice, and this change in attitude is really the heart of the story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Winner of the 2001 Newbery Medal
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 2001
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 2000
* Booklist Starred Review – 2000
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “Peck has created a delightful, insightful tale that resounds with a storyteller's wit, humor, and vivid description. Mary Alice's memories capture the atmosphere, attitudes, and lifestyle of the times while shedding light on human strengths and weaknesses.”
* HORN BOOK REVIEW: “Peck again presents memorable characters, and his subdued humor is much in evidence. Those looking to be entertained by Grandma Dowdel will enjoy this visit.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “In this hilarious and poignant sequel to A Long Way to Chicago, Peck once again shows that country life is anything but boring. Each season brings new adventures to 15-year-old Mary Alice as she becomes Grandma's partner in crime, helping to carry out madcap schemes to benefit friends and avenge enemies.”

CONNECTIONS
* Grandma Dowdel is full of pranks and surprises. Think of a prank you’ve played or one that has been pulled on you. Write about the experience or create an oral narrative to share with your peers.
* Read one selection from A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO and one selection from A YEAR DOWN YONDER. Compare and contrast Joey Dowdel with his sister Mary Alice Dowdel. Do you notice any similarities between the stories? Any differences? Which story is your favorite? Why?
* As a history tie-in, learn about the Great Depression and the New Deal. Research some of the New Deal programs that are a part of the book such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration. Go on a treasure hunt to see how many meanings of acronyms from the New Deal you can find (CCC, WPA, TVA, NYA, CWA, FDIC, PWA, SEC, REA, FERA, etc.).
*Other Children’s Books Featuring Feisty Grandparents:
1) Peck, Richard. A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO. ISBN 0142401102
2) Grimes, Nikki. STEPPING OUT WITH GRANDMA MAC. ISBN 0531303209
3) Schwartz, David. SUPER GRANDPA. ISBN 1889910333
4) Spinell, Jerry. CRASH. ISBN 0679885501
5) Konigsburg, E.L. A VIEW FROM SATURDAY. ISBN 0689817215

HISTORICAL FICTION - Bud, Not Buddy

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1999. BUD, NOT BUDDY. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf. ISBN 0553494104

PLOT SUMMARY
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Depression-era Michigan, this story follows ten-year-old Bud Caldwell’s pursuit to find the man he believes to be his father. Since Bud’s mother died when he was six, he has been on his own with nothing but a suitcase full of his “special things”. During this time, he has endured the cruelties of both orphanages and foster homes. One night, after a Ticonderoga pencil up the nose and a harrowing experience locked in a shed, Bud decides he’s had enough. Rather than return to the orphanage, he strikes out on his own with his suitcase and his self-authored Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. Because his mother never told Bud who his father was, he has nothing to go on but a stack of old flyers for a jazz band called Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. Bud believes that Herman must be his father, so he sets off an adventure to find the man. After sleeping under trees, eating at the soup kitchen, hooking up with a fellow runaway, sleeping in a transient camp, and trying to hop a train, Bud eventually finds himself traveling by foot from Flint to Grand Rapids. Along the way, he is picked up by a kind old man named Lefty Lewis and deposited at the doorstep of Herman E. Calloway’s jazz club. What follows is a funny and poignant account of Bud’s impact on Calloway and the band along with the answers to long held questions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Newbery Medal winner’s content is as sound historically as it is engaging and entertaining. Curtis’ work of historical fiction takes great pains to provide the reader with an accurate account of the era. Examples include full and vivid descriptions of the box car runs and the transient camps known as “Hoovervilles” which dotted the country during the Great Depression. The term “Hooverville” is historically sound and was used to describe the areas once populated by unemployed and homeless Depression victims. When Bud asks why the place is called “Hooverville”, a tongue-in-cheek explanation is given by a resident: “That’s right, Mr. Hoover worked so hard at making sure every city has got one that it seems criminal to call them anything else.” Aside from reflecting the effects of the Depression era, Curtis also does a remarkable job of correctly portraying the conditions faced by African Americans during this time period. From having suspicion brought upon them by law enforcement officials to the inability to own property of their own, the various predicaments faced by blacks are explored. This aspect of the book garnered it a Coretta Scott Kind award in 2000.

Because the story is told in the first person narrative by the ten-year-old Bud, it contains one of the classic hallmarks of quality historical fiction for children: revealing history through the eyes of a young protagonist. While the historical details add depth and dimension to the story, they never threaten to overwhelm the telling. Bud’s character is instantly memorable and likable. For example, his description of losing a tooth engages and amuses the reader from the beginning: “. . . .it shakes you up a whole lot more than grown folks think it does when perfectly good parts of your body commence to loosening up and falling off of ya.” Bud’s self-proclaimed rules for living a fun life ring true and tickle the funny bone. Some of Curtis’ characters are loosely based on his own grandfathers, so a sense of authenticity pervades the book. The story flows smoothly from start to finish, and the plausibility makes the book a refreshing and thoughtful read. You can kiss my wrist if this story isn’t a winner!

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Winner of the 2000 Newbery Medal
* Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award – 2000
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 2000
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 1999
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “The lively humor contrasts with the grim details of the Depression-era setting and the particular difficulties faced by African Americans at that time. Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “Set in Michigan during the Great Depression, this is an Oliver Twist kind of foundling story, but it's told with affectionate comedy. Told in a boy's naive, desperate voice, with lots of examples of survival tactics ("Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar out of Yourself"), this will make a great read-aloud.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “Curtis draws on a remarkable and disarming mix of comedy and pathos, this time to describe the travails and adventures of a 10-year-old African-American orphan in Depression-era Michigan. Bud's journey, punctuated by Dickensian twists in plot and enlivened by a host of memorable personalities, will keep readers engrossed from first page to last.”

CONNECTIONS
* Find and listen to classical jazz music to learn what Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression sounded like.
* Have students create their own container full of “special things.” Combine this activity with a writing exercise to explain the importance of each item.
* What are some rules you live by?! Add to Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.
* Research and talk about various aspects of the Great Depression such as bank runs, crop failures, unemployment, homelessness, soup kitchens, Hoovervilles, etc. Tie this lesson in with present day vagrancy and brainstorm solutions to the problem.
* Other Children’s Books Dealing with the Great Depression:
1) Stanley, Jerry. CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE SCHOOL AT WEEDPATCH CAMP. ISBN 0517880946
2) Lied, Kate. POTATO: A TALE FROM THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 0792269462
3) Freedman, Russell. CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 0618446303
4) Harper, Jo. FINDING DADDY: A STORY OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 1890515310
5) Hesse, Karen. OUT OF THE DUST. ISBN 0590371258

HISTORICAL FICTION - Catherine, Called Birdy

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York: Harper Trophy. ISBN 0060739428

PLOT SUMMARY
Medieval England in the 13th century and a sassy daughter of a country knight are the two elements that define the Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy. Upon the request of her older, educated brother, Birdy commences to keep a journal of sorts recounting the events that make up her days. This journal marks a year in the life of the headstrong and willful Birdy as she engages in the “womanly” duties prescribed as per her social station. Vivid explanations of sewing, cooking, remedy making, and the like pepper the account. The conflict in the story arises when Birdy’s father begins arrangements to have her betrothed now that she has reached the ripe old marrying age of fourteen. The seemingly indomitable Birdy uses her wit and clever antics to drive off a string of suitors she deems unacceptable. She manages to succeed at these rebukes until Shaggy Beard arrives on the scene. Shaggy Beard is old, ugly, and repulsive, but his wealth appeals to the greedy side of Birdy’s father. Birdy is informed in no uncertain terms that she will marry this suitor whether she likes it or not. The novel plays out as Birdy first fights this decision, then mourns for herself, and finally comes to grips with the news. A surprise twist in the end leaves the reader with a sense of justice well served.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This work of historical fiction embodies the traits of genre quality. History is portrayed in all of its flea-bitten, unbathed glory in this remarkably accurate account of life in the Middle Ages. There is no sugar-coating here! From farts to belches to grumbling guts, Cushman spares no pleasantries. With accounts of a hanging, childbirth, butchering and other unsavory occurrences, the book is certainly not for the delicate constitution. But the magic of these disgusting descriptions is that they hook the young reader and draw them right into the book, giving a first hand account of the day to day routines of a person living seven centuries ago. As an example of the historic validity, one need only turn to the image created by the author of a feast day meal: “We sat down at to dinner at an hour before noon and stayed at the table until after dark. We ate glazed eggs, apple tarts, whole pigeons and snipes, peacock in raisin sauce, red and white jellies, pig stomach stuffed with eggs and spices, and potted beef with nutmeg.” Cushman also lends authenticity to her work by using some words common to the era (Corpus Bones!, Deus!, privy, vex), but not so many that the language becomes inaccessible to the reader. The plight of the young female protagonist is also something readers will identify with. Birdy is often grounded, sent to her room, and made to go without supper showing that despite all of the differences, there are still some things that are universal, even across time. Cushman provides author’s notes at the end of the book to give a basic, philosophical description of life in England during the Medieval time period.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Newbery Honor Book Winner – 1995
* ALA Best Books & Notable Book – 1995
* School Library Journal Starred Review – 1994
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “The 14-year-old daughter of a rustic knight records the events of her days in the year 1290, writing perceptive, scathing, and often raucously funny observations about her family, friends, and would-be suitors. A delightful, rebellious heroine, determined not to marry the man of her father's choice.”
* BOOKLIST REVIEW: “This is a story of life in the last decade of the twelfth century as seen through the eyes of a young teenage girl. Birdy's is the only real voice. Fortunately, it's a sprightly voice, complete with its own brand of cursing ("God's thumbs!"), that moves the action.”
* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: “This fictive diary of a medieval young woman's coming-of-age and struggle for self-determination. . . . . first wells up in the reluctant and aggressive prose of hated homework, and then eases into the lighthearted flow of descriptive adventures and true confessions; the narrative device reveals Birdy's passage from rebellious child to responsible adult.”

CONNECTIONS
* Create a Venn diagram of life in modern times and life in Medieval England.
* Compose a list of things in the book that seem unusual and discuss them in more detail, comparing and contrasting to life today.
* Write a journal in the style of Birdy’s, chronicling day to day happenings, personal thoughts, and feelings for a specified period of time.
* Study the dress, habits, games, music, and foods of Medieval England. Dress in costume, prepare foods of the time period, and have a feast with games, songs, and dancing.
* Further Explore Medieval Europe with Karen Cushman and Avi:
1) Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X
2) Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0440418224
3) Avi. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. ISBN 0786816589
4) Avi. CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. ISBN 078685152X