Mid-Childhood - Early Adolescent Literature

Here are some of my favorite books geared to older kids.


The English Roses
Book Summary:
The English Roses (Madonna, 2003) is a wonderful story about the English roses a group of girl named Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace. They are four friends that do everything together. Together they have picnics, dance parties, play sports, and most importantly dislike a girl named Binah. The four girls are jealous of her because she is beautiful, smart, and well liked by everyone. However despite knowing that Binah was sad and lonely they could not get themselves to invite her over because they could not get past the jealousy. One day while at Nicole’s for a sleep over Nicole’s mother asks why they never invite Binah and ask the girls to think about how unfair they are being. The girls feel guilty and fall asleep thinking about what Nicole’s mother has said. When they fall asleep they all have the same dream and see that Binah lives alone with her father and has to do all the chores and cook dinner alone. The girls learned that Binah’s mother had die many years ago and that she did not have everything the way the girls thought. When the four friends woke up they talked and decided that they needed to become friends with Binah. The girls slowly began to invite Binah to be with them and slowly all became inseparable. .
Critique:
This book can be used to foster friendships among students. The story shows that you should not make unfair judgments about people you do not know. Although the girls thought they knew about Binah’s life they were unaware of the hardships she was faced with. I loved the illustrations in this book and the fact that the background of the pages were in London. The illustrations are very colorful and the pages are completely covered.



The Bracelet
Book Summary:
The Bracelet (Uchida, 1976) is a story about a Japanese-American girl who is forced to leave her home along with her family during World War 2. Emi and her family had to move to an internment camps as a result of the war between the United States and Japan. Emi and her family are very sad to have to leave there house, their neighbors, and their friends. Right before her family was going to leave Emi gets a visit from her best friend Laurie. Laurie gives Emi a bracelet so Emi would remember her. Emi promises to always wear the bracelet to never forget her best friend. As the family departs to the internment camp Emi uses the bracelet to find strength and to conquer her fears. When they finally settle in to their room Emi realizes that she no longer has the bracelet on. Emi is heartbroken and begins to think of her friend. Emi realizes that she does not need the bracelet to remember her best friend but instead has the memories within forever.
Critique:
I feel this is a great book to teach how friendships can give you strength during hard times. This book would also be good to use when teaching about the war and injustices. The book has great illustrations and the content of the story shows what it must have been like for thousands of Japanese-American. I feel that this is a subject often hidden from our history. One thing I didn’t like about the story is that the readers do not get to hear what happen to the character Emi.

The Hundred Dresses
Book Summary:
The Hundred Dresses (Estes, 1973) is a wonderful story of two girls who feel guilt for teasing a girl. Peggy and Maddie along with many other girls tease a poor polish girl named Wanda. Peggy who is somewhat of the ring leader questions Wanda asking her “How many dresses do you have?” Wanda always answers with the same response “I Have one hundred dresses?” Although Maddie knows the teasing is not nice she stands by allowing the teasing to continue. One day the girls arrive at school eager to find out who has won a classroom drawing contest. When they arrive they enter the classroom filled with one hundred drawings of beautiful dresses drawn by Wanda. The teacher announces that Wanda has won the contest immediately following this announcement the teacher reads a letter to the class written by Wanda’s father. The letter states that Wanda will not return to school because they are moving. Maddie and Peggy both feel awful after learning the girl who had to endure the teasing has moved away. The girls feel remorseful and are very saddened to find out they will never be able to apologize. Critique:
This book is a great book to use to teach that peoples’ lives are not always as they see. This book briefly touches on prejudice of people who are different. I really liked the chalk drawings from this book but feel that other illustrations could have enhanced the setting for the book. The feelings of the characters are displayed through the writing in a great way. I could completely understand the way Maddie was feeling.

Charlotte's Web
Book Summary:
Charlotte’s Web (White, 1952) is about a little girl named Fern who discovers her father is going to kill a runt pig. She begs her father to let her keep the pig and raise him. Fern names the pig Wilber and spends all her time with her new friend. Once Wilber is too large to live in the house he is sent to her Uncles farm. Wilber is sad at the farm and wants a friend desperately. During one long night he is greeted by a tiny voice that says she will be his friend. The following morning Wilber is introduced to a friendly spider names Charlotte. It becomes apparent to Fern, Wilber, Charlotte and the other animals that Mr. Zuckerman plans to slaughter Wilber during the winter. Charlotte assures Wilber that she will do everything she can to make sure Wilber stays safe. Charlotte spins amazing words to show the farmer that Wilber is some pig. Charlotte works very hard on a series of words to ensure Wilber he will not be killed. One day while at the fair Charlotte tells Wilber that she will soon die and that he must take her egg sack back to the farm. Charlotte works all night despite her weakness to complete one last word. This final act of kindness from Charlotte finally ensures Wilber will not be killed.
Critique:
This book can be used to show the risk friends will take to help those who are special to them. It displays more than one friendship. The character interaction shows special relationships. Although this is a sad story it also heartfelt the way it shows the special relationships. This story describes the animal interaction and the farm and deals with everyday life in the country. The great illustrations help the reader to visualize the setting.


Because of Winn-Dixie
Book Summary:
Because of Winn-Dixie (Camillo, 2000) is a book about 10 year old India Opal Buloni who moves to Florida with her father. Opal has already had sadness in her life because her mother left her and her father. Opals father a preacher is always preoccupied and often leaves Opal alone. Opal finds herself living in a new town alone and without any friends. While at the grocery store she comes across a dog who has wondered into the local Winn-Dixie grocery store. To save the curious dog from being sent to the pound Opal decides to keep the dog that she names Winn- Dixie for obvious reasons. Winn- Dixie and Opal quickly become inseparable and find many adventures around town. With the help of her dog Opal begins to become friends with people in the town who are curious about her dog. Opal become friend with Otis from the pet store, Miss Franny Block the local librarian, an old woman who everyone is scared of Gloria Dump, The Dewberry brothers, and a shy girl named Amanda. By the end of this heartfelt story Opal unites all her friends together to celebrate their friendship. During this celebration a storm causes them indoors. When they are all inside away from the storm they realize that Winn- Dixie is not around. This event brings Opal and her distant father together. After a heart to heart between father and daughter the two return to their friends only to find Winn- Dixie there.
Critique:
This is a good book to help students realize how easy it is to find friends and build relationships when you explore. This book is also a good book to show not to judge from the outside but instead give people a chance. I like the details of the story and how the dog brings everyone together. Because of Winn-Dixie (Camillo, 2000) has been given many honors and awards including 2001 Newberry Honors. This book was later adapted into a motion picture.