The Tale of Three Trees- a traditional folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt Illustrations by Tim Jonke

"The Tale of Three Trees" tells stories of Christ Jesus through the ultimate uses of three simple trees in the forest. From the early life of the trees each tree wishes to be used and made into something grand and glorious. As the trees grow to maturity the dreams are squelched as woodcutters cut down the trees, but the description of how the wood is used from each tree points to parts of the story of Jesus. One of the trees was made into a manger, another tree made into a simple boat to carry Jesus and his friends, and another tree was cut into planks to form the cross on which Jesus died. In the end the reader realizes the trees were used for a greater good that that for which each had originally wished. The folktale had numerous underlying messages for the reader to discover about serving others and finding joyful meaning in life. The illustrations in this book revealed clear clues to the meaning of the text, and without them the reader would need to know the story of the life of Jesus to make the connections with the text. This folktale creatively tells a timeless story that can enrich a reader's understanding of serving others.

The People Could Fly - American Black Folktales told by Virginia Hamilton Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

This rich collection of folk tales originated with African Americans telling stories about their environment and the curious creatures around them during times of slavery before the end of the Civil War. This collection includes twenty-four folk tales categorized by animal tales; tales of real, fancy, and fanciful; tales of the supernatural; and tales of freedom. I chose to read three of the animal tales in this collection. The tales are rich with dialect reflecting the type of storytelling done by African Americans long ago. "He Lion, Bruh Bear, and Bruh Rabbit" is a tale that implies a lesson about boasting and selfishness as He Lion's neighbors tactfully try to encourage He Lion to change his ways, so they could all live peacefully among themselves. In the end, boastful and confident He Lion dares to face Man. After getting shot and hurt by Man He lion learned new respect for a being other than himself. Another folktale, "Doc Rabbit, Bruh Fox, and Tar Baby" was similar to another version of this same folktale found in "The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit" from stories collected by Joel Chanler Harris retold by David Borgenicht. In "The People Could Fly" collection version of the tale the tar baby was shaped like a rabbit. The fox had set up a trap to catch Bruh Rabbit, and it worked well. Bruh rabbit grew frustrated at the tar rabbit not responding to him, and Bruh Rabbit wound up getting stuck to the tar baby everytime he touched it. It would seem that the Rabbit was victim to the trickery, but in the last sentence Bruh Fox let Rabbit go free. The fox is ultimately foiled. The similarity between this tale and the Bref Rabbit Tales is that Brer Rabbit tricked the fox into releasing him from the tar by feining fear about the fox throwing him into the briar patch. Bruh Rabbit knew that the briars would help release him from the holds of the tar, and he used his cunning to craft an effective escape. A third folk tale in "The People Could Fly" collection relates a story of how a turtle got it's shell markings. After an eagle had dropped Tapppin the Turtle into the water after an unsuccessful flying lesson Tappin tries to find food for his children by seeking the counsel of the King of the underworld under water. After the king's temporary fix of the dipper filled with food failed Tappin, the turtle again consulted the King only to be given a cowhide that magically and unpleasantly beat him causing his markings. The tale seemed to connect to the life of the slaves trying to sustain life and trying to endure the beatings from the master.

Thirteen Moons of Turtle's Back - A Native American Year of Moons by Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London Illustrated by Thomas Locker

This collection of narrative poems for each of 13 moons of a year begins with a grandfather explaining to his grandson the stories behind each of the 13 scales on a turtle's back. Some of the most vivid descriptions with figurative language seemed evident in four or five of the poems. The winter Moon of Popping Tree describes a Frost Giant that cracks his club against the cottonwood trees warning animals to stay inside until the Coyote's sing to signal safety to venture out again. Another poem about a winter moon, Baby Bear Moon seems to warn against disturbing bears as they sleep, because long ago a young child was taken in and protected by the bears. Disturbing the sleeping group is discouraged. An unusual poem that seems to tell of coming spring is the Frog Moon relating competing ideas among the moose, the beaver, and the frog concerning the decision of how many moons of snow there are. Finally all agreed with frog that there are as many moons of snow as are toes on his foot. The illustrations show the reader how the connections between our traditional seasons of the year fit in with the thirteen moons. This collection of poems bespeaks the respect for the interactions of living things and the balance and order of how life and its phases work together for a greater good. The text appears on the left side of the left facing page, and the text appears on a simulated rough paper surface similar to a sheet of birch bark. This three-inch text border is rough edged as if to portray torn paper. The illustrations covering the rest of the left page and the entire right page is done in pastels showing rich shades and softly outlined shapes. The illustrations enhance the text on each page and aid in helping the reader imagine the workings of the different phases of nature creating the thirteen moons.

The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit from Stories Collected by Joel C. Harris Retold by David Borgenicht Illustrated by Don Daily

The detailed facial expressions and clothes on the animal characters on the cover drew me to open this book and read it. This collection of folk tales included seven folk tales that each seemed to try compete in the way that they related stories about Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and other characters including turtles, wolves, and opossums. In each folk tale the animal characters tried to outwit each other in playing tricks on one another. Brer Rabbit seemed to be the most mischievious in six of the tales and the most clever. He managed to trick Brer Bear into hanging in his trap for him, fooled the fox into dropping into a well, foiled Brer Wolf's plot to lure him into Brer Fox's trap, proved himself the fool in his race with Brer Turtle, stole the Fox's chickens, and tricked the Fox into releasing him from the Tar-Baby. Several of the full-bleed illustrations invited the reader to be part of the scene and to feel like one of the characters in the story. For example, the illustration showing Brer Rabbit and Brer Turtle getting ready to race at the starting line positioned the perspective of the reader standing next to Brer Crow by the fence looking on with the other animals. Each folk tale started off with a richly colored and wooden alphabet letter starting the text on the page. This technique complimented the wooden fences and signs pictured throughout the story. The dialogue among the animal characters was generally congenial and polite which added to the charm of the narrative. For example: '"Howdy, Brer Rabbit," said Brer Bear, tilting his head to look Brer Rabbit in the face. "How are you doing this fine morning?" "Very fine, Brer Ber, very fine..."' Each of the folk tales described in cunning ways how the animals politely fooled each other into situations the others would not have expected. Brer Fox was one character who always seemed to get "the short end of the stick." Brer Rabbit tricked his way out several predicaments with Brer Fox. This collection of folk tales would be very effective in generating "what if.." conversations among students in small groups in the classroom. The tales seem to invite an in depth study of characterization.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This thought-provoking Newbery Award Winner of 1994 opened doors of curiosity in my mind as I wondered about such a civilization as that of young Jonas. I remember about ten years ago trying to read this book, and putting it down in disgust when reading the part about the Stirrings followed soon after with the mention of the "meticulously ordered community" in which it is expected for everyone to fit in. At the time I wanted to gag and roll my eyes and move on at the thought of entertaining such a way of life. Now after giving the book another chance and reading it to the end I chastise myself for the missed instructional opportunities this book could have provided in my years past teaching language arts. Alas, when the sacred rules revealed that Jonas could lie I realized tantalizing possibilities in the now quickening plot. I hung on...this time on the edge of my seat. The characterization of the other characters was minimal yet just enough to imply pointing the focus on sending me spiraling into the thick of the plot and the intertwined characterization of Jonas and the Giver. Strange that Jonas's new title of "Receiver" was not sufficiently promulgated throughout the community to even give his new position judgment. Just accepted as all things are in Jonas's community. I expected conflict with the issue of status, and perhaps I was looking for somewhat of a caste system. But again, none. Instead the author divulged the inner thoughts and shared wisdom of the Giver privy only to Jonas. This contrast only drove me to want to know them, to be in the training room with them, to make connections with them. Eloquently and with impelling craft the author wrapped the reader in Jonas's developing training from the Giver. It seemed that Jonas learned his new job quickly and with ease, and he grew even wiser as he began questioning the ways of his community. When he realized that indeed his own father was the antagonist of the book his actions took some intrepid turns. He was emboldened to the point of risking leaving for Elsewhere. I was disappointed when towards the end Jonas left without the Giver, yet the Giver made the reader fully appreciate his purpose for staying to impart wisdom and expected protection upon the remaining members of the community. Leaving with Gabriel was a risky choice, but I could just imagine the search helicoptors trying to reclaim the young misfit. It seemed that Jonas left us at the end fully trained and ready for Giving to others in the true sense of the word - selflessly and with the wisdom of having experienced the cold, sterile civilation of life without true feelings, memories, and vital emotions. If there was a sequel to this book I would be anxious to read about Gabriel and how Jonas was able to bridge civilizations and forge on equipped to carry the torch as a wise man in the land of Elsewhere.

True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

This historical fiction novel set in 1832 is a murder mystery that is a master epic for teaching examples of complex yet exciting plot development and intriguing characterization. Charlotte, a dainty young lady from an upstanding and distinguished family changes into a sly and daring, bold sailor who can wield her way around a boat and cavort easily among her shipmates. And to top all this she is charged with murder! The story twists and turns and rocks on the waves across the Atlantic Ocean as Charlotte travels from England where she has been going to school to Rhode Island with the rough and crass crew of the Seahawk. Captain Jaggery is implicated as having quite a questionable reputation from the start when even a porter would not approach the ship with Charlotte's luggage. Although Captain Jaggery is a gentleman and a kind friend to Charlotte at the beginning of the journey he becomes the mighty antagonist as the story progresses. Zachariah, an old mate Charlotte met in the cargo hold was among the roughest of the crew. He gave Charlotte a dirk (knife) soon after meeting her, and as the reader wonders what she would ever do with it the story finds its use several times at the end of the story. The plot reaches climax when Charlotte tries to get into the captain's quarters to get a key only to be found by the captain. There is almost a mutiny on board as crew members work together to try to release Charlotte from the brig. When Charlotte finally reaches Rhode Island, her destination and her home she is punished for the contents of the journal she had kept and for the things about which she wrote concerning her adventures on the ship. Her father burned the journal. As the novel ended Charlotte left her home and ran away back to the ship to join the crew once again. A sailor is a sailor forever onward. Avi ends the chapters with words of suspense and intrigue that make this book difficult to put down after starting it.

Nothing But the Truth by Avi

This realistic fiction documentary novel is formatted in the form of a play with several different conversations between characters. This format presents as a unique reading experience for the reader, and it invites reader's theater opportunities within the classroom. An adolescent named Philip Malloy is charged with showing disrespectful singing through the National Anthem played during morning announcements at school. As the plot thickens the blame against Philip for breaking a school rule escalates to opposing views about a huge allegation involving a student charged for showing patriotism in school that is circulated nation-wide with the media. Philip's grades decline, and his chances to participate in track are in jeopardy along with his relationships with his parents and friends. Philip has been chastised by his father, his track coach, his teacher Miss Narwin, and the school administrators; and he has even been suspended from school for declining the choice to apologize to Miss Narwin. Even through this Philip appears cool, calm, and collected except for his woe about missing track and not impressing a girl friend. The irony of the book seems to be his nonchalance amid the hubbub of media attention and heated arguments and rifts among parents, teachers, school administrators, school board members, and radio, TV and newspaper reporters concerning who is to blame about Philip getting in trouble for singing to the National Anthem in school. The novel is a viable springboard for teaching persuasion both in written and debate form in middle school. The book reads easily and invites reluctant readers to give it a try. The topic and content relates well to current issues in school, and middle schoolers can quickly relate and connect the contents of the novel to their own experiences. This book is a must-read for every middle school English teacher.

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

This realistic fiction book was pleasant breakfast-reading for the past week, and such a light, refreshing time of escape from the daily grind! I once had a dog like Winn Dixie. Her name was Sophie, and she was an absolute riot when she pulled back her lips, showed her teeth and smiled. Combined with wiggling all over while she madly wagged her tail her smile usually also resulted in a huge sneeze. Then she would tap dance with delight awaiting her patting on the head. What a fond memory! Winn Dixie certainly did create a community and become the social leader of Naomi, Florida. He really was instrumental in helping Opal adapt to her new home. The friends Opal and Winn Dixie met from all walks of life colored the story with captivating character elements that piqued the reader's interest. Gloria Dump turned out to play the role of wise grandmother to Opal, and the unique relationship that Opal described of her father the preacher made the reader wonder about the closness of Opal's relationship with her father. Opal was making connections and dealing with her sad memories of missing her mother throughout the book. The new friendships forged with Amanda and Gloria Dump seemed to enable Opal to connect with them in a healing way. Gloria was helpful in teaching Opal to accept her foes and to include them in the neighborhood party. Even Otis's prior jail time and desired seclusion from people made Opal feel needed to "pull him out of his shell" and to make him feel accepted in the community. The highlight of the book was finding Winn Dixie after the storm and after the fear of having lost him. Truly the book was titled correctly, because all the wonderful events and friendships started in the book were "Because of Winn Dixie."

Sidewalk Circus by Paul Fleischman and Kevin Hawkes

The cover of the book shows the shadow of a sign worker man appearing as a ringleader of a circus. This wordless picture book invites the reader to eagerly turn pages from the cover to the endpages through the front matter through the illustrated story through to the back cover where the illustrator's use of circus figure shadows for normal people and characters on a city street. Fleischman and Hakes utilize light on the illustrations to highlight the shadowing effects and to portry the people on the streets of daily city life as circus performers. The onlookers are either city people shadowed off to the side or the little girl on the bench illustrated in bright colors among the people in the shadows. The story portrays a construction worker as a tight rope walker, a delivery man as a Goliath, the strongman, two boys skateboarding as clowns, a cook flipping pancakes is a juggler, etc. Most pages are full-bleeds with a few framed pictures of the girl sitting on a bench watching the "show." Towards the end of the book the girl boards a bus and a young boy walking toward the bench takes her place as onlooker at the circus-like action of the city. This book invites a "read-aloud" opportunity for an adult to make up a story with the pictures and encouraging a child to create parts to the story. What a wonderful follow-up to a trip to the circus, and what an opportunity to teach a child how to make connections!

Weslandia by Paul Fleischman

This book is a victorious tribute to overcoming bullying and celebrating a child's capacity for unique creativity at developing leadership skills. The cover of the book certainly draws in the reader. The illustrator employs the use of perspective, because the cover seems to put the reader on the ground looking up at Wesley standing on his huge flower stalks as though they are stilts lifting him above his own ground. After reading the book the reader can sense the symbolism in Wesley rising above his problem of being labeled "the different one."
Imagine the pressure on a young boy feeling ostracized by his own parents as well as his peers just because he does not conform to his peers. The bullying is evident with the full-bleed illustration of half-bald bullies chasing Wesley while he wards off projectiles such as rotton tomatoes and bananas with his make-shift shield of his backpack shored up with plywood. This illustration effectively extends the text on those pages about Wesley's skill at evading his tormentors. The illustrator's use of diagonal arrangement of lines and pictures creates the action and energy of that scene. The colors are vivid and bright throughout the book, and the full-bleed illustrations creatively apply perspective in the placement of graphics on the pages. The illustration of Wesley suddenly realizing how he can use his gardening skills to start his own civilization portrays Wesley head-on with his glasses lit up with sparks and yellow and read concentric lines that bespeak a "Wow" of an idea. This clearly shows a turning point in the story line, and the reader begins to zoom into the pages of the forthcoming adventure. The diagonal spiral breeze from the newly planted garden up to the wafting curtains into Wesley's sleepless night in his bedroom ignites an anticipatory page-turn to a different perspective that invites the reader to inspect Wesley's newly sprouting plants with him. On these full-bleed pages the reader is a worm or possibly a new plant looking up at Wesley. Several of the full-bleeds invite a page-turn. For example, The horizontal placement of picture elements of the bullies peeking over the fence and from behind one of Wesley's weavings to stare at his odd home-made outfit and his busy work in his garden makes the reader want to turn the page to see what Wesley will show his onlookers next. The following page surprises the reader who sees he mosquito-ridden bullies helping Wesley with his work and paying him for his mosquito repellant. Most of the rest of the illustrations put the reader at the perspective of looking up at the characters and actions in the story. This illustrative element blends well with the text and enlightens the text with added meaning. A few of the illustrations give the perspective of looking down on the picture such as the view of Wesley's sundial and the view of all of Weslandia as it turned out. Wesley's new civilization was comprised of more comfortable clothing, new vegetables, fruits, and food, a new language, and new games. The product of his creativity invited curious peers and earned him new respect from them. At the end he surfaced a leader with plenty of followers who had adopted his ways. No need for bullying now!