But I'll Be Back Again: An Album
By Cynthia Rylant
Since we have studied Rylant’s picture books, realistic fiction, historical fiction, and poetry prose throughout the semester, I have grown to appreciate and respect her craft of words. Because we have studied her books in depth this semester, I was pleased that her autobiography was saved until last. I think this made my “meeting” with Cythnia Rylant more meaningful. Did anyone else feel as they read But I’ll Be Back Again, that they were sitting face to face with Rylant as she spilled her childhood secrets, her mischievous demeanor, her first kiss? Rylant was so REAL with her stories! It felt like she was exposing us to her childhood diary – what a neat feeling to share with an author after having studied her work!
“Some children who have suffered a loss too great for words grow up into writers who are always trying to find those words, trying to find a meaning for the way they have lived. Painters do that. And composers.“ (pg 5) Having read her stories about love and family, I was surprised that her childhood was immersed in hardships. But, as I read on, I realized that Rylant used writing as a means of coping with her childhood. For writing stories gives Rylant “the power to change things I could not change as a child.” (pg 10). I think this is a valuable lesson to share with children – a lesson for the children who enter our classrooms who are less fortunate and come from tough backgrounds, to those children who come from supportive families and who are having a minor drama issue with friends, hearing that a writer, a painter, a composer can be empowered by their work is inspirational. I think another valuable lesson to share with students is the fact that Rylant immersed herself in comic books as a child, and romance novels as a teenager to escape her “embarrassing” life. Isn’t that what we want for our students, to become so engaged with reading that they are swept off their feet and taken new places and new adventures with the books they read?
My favorite part of the book included the connections I was able to make from her life to her novels. On several occasions, as she introduced characters, Rylant would explicitly state that a chapter or a book was dedicated to a person in her life. For example, Robert Rufus became Rufus in her novel A Fine White Dust, Rylant’s Uncle Joe was honored as a soldier and a hero in a chapter in her novel Blue-Eyed Daisy. Reading how Rylant was inspired to honor these important people in her life as characters in her books motivates me to want to read more of her novels!!
In the last sentence of her book, Rylant says her hope for every child is “a hero, and music, and at least one kiss he will never forget.” I thought this closing line was very touching; it definitely made me think about what my hope is for children. Although I am still deciding, I think my hope for every child is a hero, an imagination, and at least one true friend.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Long Night Moon
Long Night Moon
By Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Mark Siegel
Long Night Moon captures the power of a picture book! I found Rylant’s lyrical phrases descriptive and inspiring, but powerful when coupled with Siegel’s illustrations. At the end of the book, Sigel retells his challenge in choosing a medium for his artwork. Over a several month time period, Siegel walked at night noting the details of the moonlight. During his moonlight walks, he decided on charcoal as his medium, and concluded that the moon provided a “velvety mysterious light that softens everything, bathing nature in a dreamy luminosity.” Don’t you just love that phrase? I feel as if Siegel created each of his illustrations, with the previously described admiration for the moon. Whether the full moon is hiding behind the clouds, providing bright light in a low sky, or shining high in the sky, the full bleed pictures invite you to gaze upon the moon with a sense of awe. (The book also credits Siegel’s pictures with pencil, pastel on Arches paper and digital color. I am not familiar with Arches paper, but I am guessing that the paper provided the evenly dotted texture to the pictures?)
I notice that Siegel chooses to begin the story at dusk with a mother dressed in her winter coat and scarf, holding her baby, who is bundled for the chilly air. The mother is standing in a gazebo on her farm, gazing at the January’s Stormy Moon. On the next page, as dusk turns to dark, the mother walks the short distance to the warm and cozy farm home. We do not see the mother and child again until the end of the story, when we are introduced to December’s Long Night Moon. Instead, the months between January to December, and the corresponding pictures focus on the plants, and animals on the farm. I think the mood of the story is better achieved by focusing on nature, for the journey Rylant and Siegel takes us on during each month helps the audience’s appreciation of nature’s moon grow as well. Even though her text poetically describes the plants and animals of each month, I wonder if Rylant intended for most of her picture book to exclude humans, or was this an interpretation Siegel created himself… doesn’t Rylant usually focus on the home, family, and love in her books?
I enjoyed Rylant’s connection to the Native Americans in the first stanza in the text. It begins, “Long ago Americans gave names to the full moons they watched throughout the year. Each month had a moon. And each moon had its name…” To me, it sets the tone for the book, while also giving meaningful purpose for the naming of each full moon. When I think of the characteristics of Native American stories, I think of their utmost respect and appreciation of nature. Even though Rylant’s text looks simple and minimal, her concise wording and line breaks successfully describing the magical events of nature in each month. My favorite month is December’s Long Night Moon. Naming it a faithful moon, Rylant captures the essence of the long winter night.
This book is yet another stellar picture book by Rylant. I continue to be amazed by her craft, and have placed this book, along with many of her others, on my list to read and share with students.
By Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Mark Siegel
Long Night Moon captures the power of a picture book! I found Rylant’s lyrical phrases descriptive and inspiring, but powerful when coupled with Siegel’s illustrations. At the end of the book, Sigel retells his challenge in choosing a medium for his artwork. Over a several month time period, Siegel walked at night noting the details of the moonlight. During his moonlight walks, he decided on charcoal as his medium, and concluded that the moon provided a “velvety mysterious light that softens everything, bathing nature in a dreamy luminosity.” Don’t you just love that phrase? I feel as if Siegel created each of his illustrations, with the previously described admiration for the moon. Whether the full moon is hiding behind the clouds, providing bright light in a low sky, or shining high in the sky, the full bleed pictures invite you to gaze upon the moon with a sense of awe. (The book also credits Siegel’s pictures with pencil, pastel on Arches paper and digital color. I am not familiar with Arches paper, but I am guessing that the paper provided the evenly dotted texture to the pictures?)
I notice that Siegel chooses to begin the story at dusk with a mother dressed in her winter coat and scarf, holding her baby, who is bundled for the chilly air. The mother is standing in a gazebo on her farm, gazing at the January’s Stormy Moon. On the next page, as dusk turns to dark, the mother walks the short distance to the warm and cozy farm home. We do not see the mother and child again until the end of the story, when we are introduced to December’s Long Night Moon. Instead, the months between January to December, and the corresponding pictures focus on the plants, and animals on the farm. I think the mood of the story is better achieved by focusing on nature, for the journey Rylant and Siegel takes us on during each month helps the audience’s appreciation of nature’s moon grow as well. Even though her text poetically describes the plants and animals of each month, I wonder if Rylant intended for most of her picture book to exclude humans, or was this an interpretation Siegel created himself… doesn’t Rylant usually focus on the home, family, and love in her books?
I enjoyed Rylant’s connection to the Native Americans in the first stanza in the text. It begins, “Long ago Americans gave names to the full moons they watched throughout the year. Each month had a moon. And each moon had its name…” To me, it sets the tone for the book, while also giving meaningful purpose for the naming of each full moon. When I think of the characteristics of Native American stories, I think of their utmost respect and appreciation of nature. Even though Rylant’s text looks simple and minimal, her concise wording and line breaks successfully describing the magical events of nature in each month. My favorite month is December’s Long Night Moon. Naming it a faithful moon, Rylant captures the essence of the long winter night.
This book is yet another stellar picture book by Rylant. I continue to be amazed by her craft, and have placed this book, along with many of her others, on my list to read and share with students.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
I Had Seen Castles
I Had Seen Castles
By: Cynthia Rylant
I appreciated Cynthia Rylant’s historical fiction novel I Had Seen Castles. I thought it captured the many different faces of World War II - the over anxious green soldier, the sacrificing father, the supportive yet terribly worried mother, as well as the outspoken anti-war character of Ginny. I know many authors accomplish the task of bringing the perspectives of history through the life of characters, but I thought Rylant’s historical fiction text was superb! I am not a history buff, nor is historical fiction my favorite genre, but Rylant impressed and inspired me to give historical fiction another look as I browse book genres.
I have to admit, when I first picked up the book, I was surprised to learn that Rylant chose to write a historical fiction story on WWII. In our experiences with Rylant this semester, I had the feeling that her stories revolved around the family, home, as well as her Appalachian background. But, as I read the book, I realized her themes are still present… each character of the family supported the war in a different manner, exhibiting the patriotism in WWII. Furthermore, in Rylant’s interview at the end book, I read that Rylant based her story I Had Seen Castles from a WWII veteran interview she herself had read in a newspaper – an interview she was moved by and thought should be told. I commend Rylant’s motivation to tell such a story, and in my opinion to step a outside of the picture book work I am familiar with, to tell a story that captured the faces and emotions of war.
I took John’s character to heart throughout the text. My heart ached with him as he longed to turn 18, to enlist in the army, and honorably serve our country. Of course, my personal life helped me to connect to the feelings and emotions wrapped around John’s character. Aaron (my boyfriend) just returned home from a 6 month deployment in Iraq. In August, I remember trying to say goodbye, and just crying. I couldn’t fathom the affects warfare would have on him, and feared what road lie ahead for him in the desert. I remember not knowing what to say as I hugged him goodbye, and just crying even when I promised myself and him I was strong. It is for this reason I can only imagine how comforting and inspiring Ginny’s words were “you (John) will be an old man.” We all know what it feels like to have someone believe in us, can you imagine how profound this phrase was for a young man heading to war? “I (John) would regard them as sacred prophecy, and later, later, when my own weak heart could not gather enough will to live, when I felt at times I would surely die and even wished to die, I would remember that Ginny had said I would one day be an old man. And I lived for her” (pg 52). WOW! That is too sweet! As an outsider, I was so relived to know that even though Ginny did not support the war, her powerful words influenced him, giving him the courage and strength to persevere during war. In the same regard, however, I had a difficult time understanding why John did not go to Smithfield to find Ginny after he returned from war. On page 94, John proclaims that he wanted to proclaim his gratitude to her, how their experiences graciously pulled him through the war… but yet he never wanted to find her??? In the text, it reports that John was too weak and didn’t have enough resolve. Even if Ginny and John did not work out as couple, I still wished he would have found her in Smithfield and thanked her for the love and support she provided him. I wonder if anyone else wishes John would have gone to Smithfield to find her, or I am just a hopeless romantic?
Nonetheless, I am pleased I broadened my genre horizon and read Cynthia Rylant’s historical fiction, for her work continues to be nothing less than impressive!
By: Cynthia Rylant
I appreciated Cynthia Rylant’s historical fiction novel I Had Seen Castles. I thought it captured the many different faces of World War II - the over anxious green soldier, the sacrificing father, the supportive yet terribly worried mother, as well as the outspoken anti-war character of Ginny. I know many authors accomplish the task of bringing the perspectives of history through the life of characters, but I thought Rylant’s historical fiction text was superb! I am not a history buff, nor is historical fiction my favorite genre, but Rylant impressed and inspired me to give historical fiction another look as I browse book genres.
I have to admit, when I first picked up the book, I was surprised to learn that Rylant chose to write a historical fiction story on WWII. In our experiences with Rylant this semester, I had the feeling that her stories revolved around the family, home, as well as her Appalachian background. But, as I read the book, I realized her themes are still present… each character of the family supported the war in a different manner, exhibiting the patriotism in WWII. Furthermore, in Rylant’s interview at the end book, I read that Rylant based her story I Had Seen Castles from a WWII veteran interview she herself had read in a newspaper – an interview she was moved by and thought should be told. I commend Rylant’s motivation to tell such a story, and in my opinion to step a outside of the picture book work I am familiar with, to tell a story that captured the faces and emotions of war.
I took John’s character to heart throughout the text. My heart ached with him as he longed to turn 18, to enlist in the army, and honorably serve our country. Of course, my personal life helped me to connect to the feelings and emotions wrapped around John’s character. Aaron (my boyfriend) just returned home from a 6 month deployment in Iraq. In August, I remember trying to say goodbye, and just crying. I couldn’t fathom the affects warfare would have on him, and feared what road lie ahead for him in the desert. I remember not knowing what to say as I hugged him goodbye, and just crying even when I promised myself and him I was strong. It is for this reason I can only imagine how comforting and inspiring Ginny’s words were “you (John) will be an old man.” We all know what it feels like to have someone believe in us, can you imagine how profound this phrase was for a young man heading to war? “I (John) would regard them as sacred prophecy, and later, later, when my own weak heart could not gather enough will to live, when I felt at times I would surely die and even wished to die, I would remember that Ginny had said I would one day be an old man. And I lived for her” (pg 52). WOW! That is too sweet! As an outsider, I was so relived to know that even though Ginny did not support the war, her powerful words influenced him, giving him the courage and strength to persevere during war. In the same regard, however, I had a difficult time understanding why John did not go to Smithfield to find Ginny after he returned from war. On page 94, John proclaims that he wanted to proclaim his gratitude to her, how their experiences graciously pulled him through the war… but yet he never wanted to find her??? In the text, it reports that John was too weak and didn’t have enough resolve. Even if Ginny and John did not work out as couple, I still wished he would have found her in Smithfield and thanked her for the love and support she provided him. I wonder if anyone else wishes John would have gone to Smithfield to find her, or I am just a hopeless romantic?
Nonetheless, I am pleased I broadened my genre horizon and read Cynthia Rylant’s historical fiction, for her work continues to be nothing less than impressive!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Missing May
Missing May
By: Cynthia Rylant
1993 Newberry Medal Award
WOW! I see why Rylant’s book was awarded the Newberry Medal. I was most impressed by Rylant’s craft in developing her characters; simply outstanding! As I read, I felt like I formed a relationship with each of them, internalizing the character’s feelings – pain, hope, loneliness. Foremost, I found myself feeling empathy toward Ob. My heart, too, felt empty as he desperately searched for communication with his one true love, May, who had passed on two seasons ago. Furthermore, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in which I actually feel in love with a character who had already passed on. While reading Rylant’s description, my opinion of May was that of a heroine, believing just as Ob and Summer had that “May was the best person… she was a big barrel of nothing but love… she has faith in every single person she met.” Connecting with May really helped to hook me into the storyline, thus I began to miss May’s presence in the trailer and in the lives of Ob and Summer.
I also found myself siding with Summer…perhaps it had something to do with her being passed on as a “homework assignment” from relative to relative after her biological mother passed away, or fear of losing everything, or her sensitivity and continual concern for Ob. Cletus, my favorite character, entertained me throughout the book. His suitcase collection was quite a hoot! In addition, I appreciate his mature wisdom, “Life just ain’t that heavy.” “Ob’s got visions, Summer. Just like you, except you’re always fighting yours off.” I bet I would have been friends with Cletus, but then again, young or old, who couldn’t love his wit?! I can only imagine what honest advice he would pass along to me.
Because of her strong character development, I was able to make meaningful text to self connections throughout Rylant’s story. When I was in the 8th grade, my maternal my maternal Grandmother passed away. It was the first time I had ever faced death. When my family traveled to Pennsylvania for the funeral, I found my Grandfather grieving for his Anna. It broke my hear to see my Grandfather, a strong and wise old man, hurt so badly. I remember hugging my Grandfather and hearing him sob on my shoulder , wondering out loud why she left him. After the funeral, we returned home to Kentucky and Grandpa demanded he stay in his own house – a house he and his own wife built with their own hands. Isn’t that s the sweetest things?! Shortly after the funeral, I went back to visit my Grandfather, by myself. I distinctly remember sitting on “Grandma’s” lounge chair in the living room, watching a movie with Grandpa. I glanced up and saw a white figure move through the dining room, and instantly knew it was Grandma. I continued to feel her presence in the house – especially in the kitchen and dining room. I never told Grandpa, but I knew that he could feel her presence, too. Feeling Grandma’s spirit wasn’t an eerie feeling, but a positive feeling, telling me that she was okay, that she still loved me, that she thanked me for visiting her lonely husband. Would telling him helped him, or made him feel more lonely because he couldn’t talk or be with Grandma? Like Summer, I didn’t know how to deal with a grieving widower, but did not know that angels existed. Because of my personal connection, I was broken hearted and cried when Ob’s chance of communicating with his wife through the Bat Lady wasn’t successful. I also cried when Summer felt the memories of May rush over her when she saw the owl fly after their trip to the capital. However, I cheered when I visualized Ob turning his vehicle around to visit the WV capital, and cheered even louder when the whirligigs in May’s garden. Even though the ending felt abrupt, I was satisfied knowing Ob was in a better place.
I loved the book and highly recommend it for audiences 4th grade and above. Even if readers do not share a similar experience with Ob, Rylant’s craft is still enjoyable. Her words pull at your heartstrings with her lovable characters as it loudly portrays a theme of appreciation for a loved one who has passed on.
By: Cynthia Rylant
1993 Newberry Medal Award
WOW! I see why Rylant’s book was awarded the Newberry Medal. I was most impressed by Rylant’s craft in developing her characters; simply outstanding! As I read, I felt like I formed a relationship with each of them, internalizing the character’s feelings – pain, hope, loneliness. Foremost, I found myself feeling empathy toward Ob. My heart, too, felt empty as he desperately searched for communication with his one true love, May, who had passed on two seasons ago. Furthermore, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in which I actually feel in love with a character who had already passed on. While reading Rylant’s description, my opinion of May was that of a heroine, believing just as Ob and Summer had that “May was the best person… she was a big barrel of nothing but love… she has faith in every single person she met.” Connecting with May really helped to hook me into the storyline, thus I began to miss May’s presence in the trailer and in the lives of Ob and Summer.
I also found myself siding with Summer…perhaps it had something to do with her being passed on as a “homework assignment” from relative to relative after her biological mother passed away, or fear of losing everything, or her sensitivity and continual concern for Ob. Cletus, my favorite character, entertained me throughout the book. His suitcase collection was quite a hoot! In addition, I appreciate his mature wisdom, “Life just ain’t that heavy.” “Ob’s got visions, Summer. Just like you, except you’re always fighting yours off.” I bet I would have been friends with Cletus, but then again, young or old, who couldn’t love his wit?! I can only imagine what honest advice he would pass along to me.
Because of her strong character development, I was able to make meaningful text to self connections throughout Rylant’s story. When I was in the 8th grade, my maternal my maternal Grandmother passed away. It was the first time I had ever faced death. When my family traveled to Pennsylvania for the funeral, I found my Grandfather grieving for his Anna. It broke my hear to see my Grandfather, a strong and wise old man, hurt so badly. I remember hugging my Grandfather and hearing him sob on my shoulder , wondering out loud why she left him. After the funeral, we returned home to Kentucky and Grandpa demanded he stay in his own house – a house he and his own wife built with their own hands. Isn’t that s the sweetest things?! Shortly after the funeral, I went back to visit my Grandfather, by myself. I distinctly remember sitting on “Grandma’s” lounge chair in the living room, watching a movie with Grandpa. I glanced up and saw a white figure move through the dining room, and instantly knew it was Grandma. I continued to feel her presence in the house – especially in the kitchen and dining room. I never told Grandpa, but I knew that he could feel her presence, too. Feeling Grandma’s spirit wasn’t an eerie feeling, but a positive feeling, telling me that she was okay, that she still loved me, that she thanked me for visiting her lonely husband. Would telling him helped him, or made him feel more lonely because he couldn’t talk or be with Grandma? Like Summer, I didn’t know how to deal with a grieving widower, but did not know that angels existed. Because of my personal connection, I was broken hearted and cried when Ob’s chance of communicating with his wife through the Bat Lady wasn’t successful. I also cried when Summer felt the memories of May rush over her when she saw the owl fly after their trip to the capital. However, I cheered when I visualized Ob turning his vehicle around to visit the WV capital, and cheered even louder when the whirligigs in May’s garden. Even though the ending felt abrupt, I was satisfied knowing Ob was in a better place.
I loved the book and highly recommend it for audiences 4th grade and above. Even if readers do not share a similar experience with Ob, Rylant’s craft is still enjoyable. Her words pull at your heartstrings with her lovable characters as it loudly portrays a theme of appreciation for a loved one who has passed on.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
The Van Gogh Cafe
The Van Gogh Cafe
By: Cynthia Rylant
I gasped, I laughed out loud, and I smiled when I read Cynthia Rylant's Van Gogh Cafe. Even though I am not a typical fan of the fantasy/science fiction novels (I have never read the Harry Potter book series...I've tried reading the first book, but I just can't get into the series), I found myself completely enjoying this book.
"And then the real magic happens. The magic Clara is waiting for." Each time I read this line, I continued to think... the real magic, isn't what has already happened in the book so far, "real" magic. For example, when I read about Marc's poetry that predicted the future, and the suddenly appearing lemon meringue pies, I continued to think, this is magic, what else could be in store for me?! But, as I read on, the events continued to grow in excitement and wonder. "No way," I kept saying to myself. Of course, Rylant's foreshadowing at the end of each chapter also kept me at the edge of my seat, quickly turning pages, "Perhaps when lightening strikes," or "the door opens and in walks the writer."
I can't decide which magical event was my favorite - the multiplying muffins, or the love between Emerald and the gull. I especially liked the way the multilying muffins saved the day for the children in the blizzard. Furthermore, I couldn't help but laugh at the collected winter apperal that was shared between the neighborhood cat and the gull, and pages later, reading how their love had attracted the 20 bags of mail. Then, I was just thrilled to read that the bags of mail were consummed by 50 gulls who were heading to California on top of moving truck!
I particularly enjoyed that the magic of the story was wrapped around a former theatre, now presently a cafe run by a father and daughter. It felt as if each character in the story found an inner peace at the cafe, but yet were inspired by it's magic. Thinking of An Angel for Solomen Singer, and how the man's dreams were "granted," and his life was changed by the cafe, I realized that many lives were touched by magical Van Gogh cafe, run by Marc and Clara.
Since the beginning of our class, I have started bringing in my chapter books to share with my students. I update them on the books I am reading, how far along I am, what I think of the characters, and my recommendations. Although I would like to read aloud Bridge, Desperaux, and now Van Gogh Cafe, I can't seem to squeeze in the minutes during the day... so until can steal the time to read from my chapter books, I've instead sharing titles and events from the books. My students' interest were peeked as they anxiously listened as I shared the first events of magic from the Van Gogh Cafe. On day, I would like to share this book with my students so they, too, can enjoy the surprises of "real" magic!
By: Cynthia Rylant
I gasped, I laughed out loud, and I smiled when I read Cynthia Rylant's Van Gogh Cafe. Even though I am not a typical fan of the fantasy/science fiction novels (I have never read the Harry Potter book series...I've tried reading the first book, but I just can't get into the series), I found myself completely enjoying this book.
"And then the real magic happens. The magic Clara is waiting for." Each time I read this line, I continued to think... the real magic, isn't what has already happened in the book so far, "real" magic. For example, when I read about Marc's poetry that predicted the future, and the suddenly appearing lemon meringue pies, I continued to think, this is magic, what else could be in store for me?! But, as I read on, the events continued to grow in excitement and wonder. "No way," I kept saying to myself. Of course, Rylant's foreshadowing at the end of each chapter also kept me at the edge of my seat, quickly turning pages, "Perhaps when lightening strikes," or "the door opens and in walks the writer."
I can't decide which magical event was my favorite - the multiplying muffins, or the love between Emerald and the gull. I especially liked the way the multilying muffins saved the day for the children in the blizzard. Furthermore, I couldn't help but laugh at the collected winter apperal that was shared between the neighborhood cat and the gull, and pages later, reading how their love had attracted the 20 bags of mail. Then, I was just thrilled to read that the bags of mail were consummed by 50 gulls who were heading to California on top of moving truck!
I particularly enjoyed that the magic of the story was wrapped around a former theatre, now presently a cafe run by a father and daughter. It felt as if each character in the story found an inner peace at the cafe, but yet were inspired by it's magic. Thinking of An Angel for Solomen Singer, and how the man's dreams were "granted," and his life was changed by the cafe, I realized that many lives were touched by magical Van Gogh cafe, run by Marc and Clara.
Since the beginning of our class, I have started bringing in my chapter books to share with my students. I update them on the books I am reading, how far along I am, what I think of the characters, and my recommendations. Although I would like to read aloud Bridge, Desperaux, and now Van Gogh Cafe, I can't seem to squeeze in the minutes during the day... so until can steal the time to read from my chapter books, I've instead sharing titles and events from the books. My students' interest were peeked as they anxiously listened as I shared the first events of magic from the Van Gogh Cafe. On day, I would like to share this book with my students so they, too, can enjoy the surprises of "real" magic!
Friday, March 2, 2007
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux
By Kate DiCamillo
Newberry Medal Award
As soon as I picked up the book, I was immediately intrigued. Perhaps it was DiCamillo’s unlikely hero dedication to Luke, her son’s best friend, or the feel of the paper mache edges of the book that peeked my interest, or the prestige of the Newberry Award… whatever it was, I was instantly attached to the text! Throughout my reading, I found the story itself an inspiring love tale, and insightful into the dungeon life of a castle. (How many times do we actually think about the dungeon life of rats, and how rats differ from mice?) However, my favorite aspect of the entire book was the manner in which DiCamillo addressed the reader. I loved that she directly spoke to her reader! As a teacher, I strive to make my students question, determine importance, look up definitions of unfamiliar words, but coaching these strategies to use these strategies is a task! I think DiCamillo beautifully modeled appropriate times in which the reader should practice these comprehension skills. I think this text would be an excellent choice to read aloud to model how the reader actively interacts in the text. In class on Monday, Dr. Johnson said The Tale of Despereaux would be an excellent read aloud choice because of the cliff hanger chapter endings. I enjoyed the story, and I definitely agree – it would be a perfect read aloud for both reasons.
Starting in Book One, I found Despereaux’s character heroic, but his family very much bothered me. I was upset that the mouse with big ears was “such a disappointment” to his parents and brother just because he was didn’t follow the expectations of mice. However, I was very impressed with Despereaux’s dreamy spirit. Regardless of obstacles he faced throughout the story, Despereax remained determined to live with a fairy tale ending. My heart ached for him as he was shunned from his family, held in the hand of Gregory, attempted to skid past the chef in the kitchen, and when he bravely confronted Roscurro. “Love is a powerful, wonderful, ridiculous thing, capable of moving mountains” repeated DiCamillo’s text, justifying Despereaux’s heroic actions. I cheered, I cringed, and I smiled as Despereaux diligently pursued his dreams of the princess.
I also liked the surprise ending in the final chapter. DiCamillo’s challenge to the reader to think of the entire story as a tale of a mouse in escape of darkness was extremely clever. It was a twist that altered my perspective of book. What if the tale was created to save someone from the darkness? I wonder if DiCamillo placed the chapter as a forward, would it have changed my perspective of the text as I read the book… would I have focused on the escape of darkness as I read the book. Was I supposed to understand as I read the book that the characters were all trying to save themselves from their own “darkness” without her stating so in the last chapter? I wonder if she even considered placing the final chapter as a forward. Regardless, I absolutely loved the book, and believe it would be an entertaining text for all ages of readers!
By Kate DiCamillo
Newberry Medal Award
As soon as I picked up the book, I was immediately intrigued. Perhaps it was DiCamillo’s unlikely hero dedication to Luke, her son’s best friend, or the feel of the paper mache edges of the book that peeked my interest, or the prestige of the Newberry Award… whatever it was, I was instantly attached to the text! Throughout my reading, I found the story itself an inspiring love tale, and insightful into the dungeon life of a castle. (How many times do we actually think about the dungeon life of rats, and how rats differ from mice?) However, my favorite aspect of the entire book was the manner in which DiCamillo addressed the reader. I loved that she directly spoke to her reader! As a teacher, I strive to make my students question, determine importance, look up definitions of unfamiliar words, but coaching these strategies to use these strategies is a task! I think DiCamillo beautifully modeled appropriate times in which the reader should practice these comprehension skills. I think this text would be an excellent choice to read aloud to model how the reader actively interacts in the text. In class on Monday, Dr. Johnson said The Tale of Despereaux would be an excellent read aloud choice because of the cliff hanger chapter endings. I enjoyed the story, and I definitely agree – it would be a perfect read aloud for both reasons.
Starting in Book One, I found Despereaux’s character heroic, but his family very much bothered me. I was upset that the mouse with big ears was “such a disappointment” to his parents and brother just because he was didn’t follow the expectations of mice. However, I was very impressed with Despereaux’s dreamy spirit. Regardless of obstacles he faced throughout the story, Despereax remained determined to live with a fairy tale ending. My heart ached for him as he was shunned from his family, held in the hand of Gregory, attempted to skid past the chef in the kitchen, and when he bravely confronted Roscurro. “Love is a powerful, wonderful, ridiculous thing, capable of moving mountains” repeated DiCamillo’s text, justifying Despereaux’s heroic actions. I cheered, I cringed, and I smiled as Despereaux diligently pursued his dreams of the princess.
I also liked the surprise ending in the final chapter. DiCamillo’s challenge to the reader to think of the entire story as a tale of a mouse in escape of darkness was extremely clever. It was a twist that altered my perspective of book. What if the tale was created to save someone from the darkness? I wonder if DiCamillo placed the chapter as a forward, would it have changed my perspective of the text as I read the book… would I have focused on the escape of darkness as I read the book. Was I supposed to understand as I read the book that the characters were all trying to save themselves from their own “darkness” without her stating so in the last chapter? I wonder if she even considered placing the final chapter as a forward. Regardless, I absolutely loved the book, and believe it would be an entertaining text for all ages of readers!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Movie Response - Bridge to Terabithia
I LOVE seeing movies after I've read the book. As I watch the movie, it feels like I have the inside scoop into the movie producer's mind. I feel as though I know the significance of the events, and the thoughts and feelings of the characters before they are actually revealed on the screen. I feel like I am solving a puzzle as the movie plays. For example, in the first scene of Bridge the camera shows a pickup truck and the farmhouse. Before the camera showed any characters, or events, I smiled thinking to myself, "That is Jess' father's pickup truck, the truck that Dad starts so early in the morning to go to work. Just like in the book, I wonder if the truck will wake up Jess this morning." I also like watching movies from books I've read because I feel like I have the right to judge the producers on their screenplay. As the movie continues, I immediately compare the movie events, and the characters to those in the book. A few weeks ago, I read Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks, then watched the movie. The last events in the movie were completely different than those in the book, and I remember pouting on the couch, "They can't change that. Those events didn't really happen in the book. What were they thinking- the events they changed create a completely different ending?!" In comparing the book Bridge to Terabithia to the movie, (and even judging the producers), I had many surprises in the theatre, but was pleased with the movie.
Foremost, I was surprised by the character choices of Jess and Leslie. Even though the Bridge book I purchased has a modern cover that shows the actor and actress who play Jess and Leslie, I myself did not picture these characters in the same way. I pictured Jess to be a smaller framed boy, shorter, and with dirty blonde hair. Likewise, I envisioned Leslie as a taller girl with light brown hair, dressed in less retro-style clothing. However, I grew to like the character choices throughout the movie, and thought the actor and actress fit their respective parts well.
I was also surprised by Jess Dad's character as well. As a reader, I don't remember he and Jess having a significant relationship in the book, but I found the camera focused on the father as a key cast member. From the book, I had the feeling that Jess' father was a working man, who devoted his time to his job, and running the farm on the weekends. Out of jealously, Jess always wondered why his father didn't give him the same attention as his sisters, even though he worked so hard completing his chores. However, in the movie, it seemed as though Dad was around the house more often. Of course May Belle was the apple of Dad's eye, and it was apparent that he treated Jess differently than the girls. However, throughout the movie, it was obvious that Dad's feelings towards Jess really affected Jess' actions. For example, Jess chose not to go to Terabithia one day because his father told him "get your head out of the clouds." I thought the development of the relationship was a nice touch for the screenplay, for I was able to relate to the relationship. My own father is a hard working man, and takes great pride in supporting his family. Growing up with four siblings, Dad's focus was studying, and sports. He hated when I chatted on the phone as a teenager, thinking it was a waste of time. In addition, I don't think he was ever a fan of me hanging out with my friends, either. The best way to get my father's attention and praise was to earn a perfect report card, or have an outstanding basketball game. Likewise, my father's priorities were very focused, and he thought my priorities should be just the same.
I was also surprised with Janice Avery's presence in the movie. Of course, I visualized a mental picture much like the bully she was depicted in the movie. I expected to see her rule the back seat of the bus, appear as the tall, tough, mean face, eighth grader that she was. (My personal favorite scene of the movie was "Free the Pee!" chant lead by May Belle and Leslie.) I expected to see her crying in the bathroom stall, and knew for sure that she would be stood up by Willard Hughes in the movie. However, I was surprised that her face was the face of the giant troll in Terabithia. I think this was a creative twist to the movie that added a powerful dimension about bullies. For children watching the movie, I think seeing the development of Janice as a bully, then Janice as a child with problems of her own, Leslie and Janice bond, then seeing Janice serve as a friendly giant troll would send a message to children about dealing with bullies.
I wasn't expecting to see the whimsical imagination of Terabithia as it was shown in the movie. In the first scene with the tree troll, I remember thinking the imagination was way over the top. Then, I began to realize the producers had to show the forest creatures in order to portray to the audience the imaginative word created by Jess and Leslie. In my mind, I wrestled with the imagination shown in the movie.... was it all necessary? Maybe I am just not a fan of flying creatures in movies, and overboard scenes of science fiction type cabable powers (fighting animals, flying children), and I just wanted Terabithia to be a happy and peaceful escape without fighting forest warriors. Perhaps I'm just a fan of fairytale imagination because I wished the imagination in the movie would have mimicked the last scene in the movie... when Jess and May Belle were greeted by the Terabithians when crossing the bridge. I loved that May Belle's crown turned to gold, as well as the bridge, and that all the creatures were there to greet her as the new princess. I thought the final scene of the movie was just perfect! I left the movie theater smiling knowing that May Belle would help Jess keep Terabithia alive.
Foremost, I was surprised by the character choices of Jess and Leslie. Even though the Bridge book I purchased has a modern cover that shows the actor and actress who play Jess and Leslie, I myself did not picture these characters in the same way. I pictured Jess to be a smaller framed boy, shorter, and with dirty blonde hair. Likewise, I envisioned Leslie as a taller girl with light brown hair, dressed in less retro-style clothing. However, I grew to like the character choices throughout the movie, and thought the actor and actress fit their respective parts well.
I was also surprised by Jess Dad's character as well. As a reader, I don't remember he and Jess having a significant relationship in the book, but I found the camera focused on the father as a key cast member. From the book, I had the feeling that Jess' father was a working man, who devoted his time to his job, and running the farm on the weekends. Out of jealously, Jess always wondered why his father didn't give him the same attention as his sisters, even though he worked so hard completing his chores. However, in the movie, it seemed as though Dad was around the house more often. Of course May Belle was the apple of Dad's eye, and it was apparent that he treated Jess differently than the girls. However, throughout the movie, it was obvious that Dad's feelings towards Jess really affected Jess' actions. For example, Jess chose not to go to Terabithia one day because his father told him "get your head out of the clouds." I thought the development of the relationship was a nice touch for the screenplay, for I was able to relate to the relationship. My own father is a hard working man, and takes great pride in supporting his family. Growing up with four siblings, Dad's focus was studying, and sports. He hated when I chatted on the phone as a teenager, thinking it was a waste of time. In addition, I don't think he was ever a fan of me hanging out with my friends, either. The best way to get my father's attention and praise was to earn a perfect report card, or have an outstanding basketball game. Likewise, my father's priorities were very focused, and he thought my priorities should be just the same.
I was also surprised with Janice Avery's presence in the movie. Of course, I visualized a mental picture much like the bully she was depicted in the movie. I expected to see her rule the back seat of the bus, appear as the tall, tough, mean face, eighth grader that she was. (My personal favorite scene of the movie was "Free the Pee!" chant lead by May Belle and Leslie.) I expected to see her crying in the bathroom stall, and knew for sure that she would be stood up by Willard Hughes in the movie. However, I was surprised that her face was the face of the giant troll in Terabithia. I think this was a creative twist to the movie that added a powerful dimension about bullies. For children watching the movie, I think seeing the development of Janice as a bully, then Janice as a child with problems of her own, Leslie and Janice bond, then seeing Janice serve as a friendly giant troll would send a message to children about dealing with bullies.
I wasn't expecting to see the whimsical imagination of Terabithia as it was shown in the movie. In the first scene with the tree troll, I remember thinking the imagination was way over the top. Then, I began to realize the producers had to show the forest creatures in order to portray to the audience the imaginative word created by Jess and Leslie. In my mind, I wrestled with the imagination shown in the movie.... was it all necessary? Maybe I am just not a fan of flying creatures in movies, and overboard scenes of science fiction type cabable powers (fighting animals, flying children), and I just wanted Terabithia to be a happy and peaceful escape without fighting forest warriors. Perhaps I'm just a fan of fairytale imagination because I wished the imagination in the movie would have mimicked the last scene in the movie... when Jess and May Belle were greeted by the Terabithians when crossing the bridge. I loved that May Belle's crown turned to gold, as well as the bridge, and that all the creatures were there to greet her as the new princess. I thought the final scene of the movie was just perfect! I left the movie theater smiling knowing that May Belle would help Jess keep Terabithia alive.
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