Monthly Archives: June 2001

Jun23

The White Horse by Cynthia D. Grant 

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The White Horse by Cynthia D. Grant 

Grant, Cynthia D. The White Horse. Simon Pulse, 1998. ISBN 978-0689832635 160 pp. $

The analogy is excellent: heroin is a little white horse that starts out as a pet and turns into a monster. Raina knows that first-hand; her alcoholic drug addict mother taught her a lesson that lead Raina into drug abuse and teen pregnancy. Raina tells all through “stories” written for her English teacher-turned-therapist and first-person narrative; the teacher interjects chapters with her concerns over her student. Through the stories, Raina works through what her mother did to her younger brother (a mystery that will keep readers hooked to the end) and begins to make a better life for herself.

Poetically and poignantly written, this novel is heartbreakingly realistic. Better than Beauty Queen (Glovach), but not as good–or hopeful–as Smack (Burgess).

Jun23

Michelangelo by Diane Stanley

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Michelangelo by Diane Stanley

Stanley, Diane. Michelangelo. Harper Collins, 2003. ISBN 978-0060521134 48 pp. $8.99

*****

Award-winning author Stanley presents a stunning picture book biography of true Renaissance man Michelangelo Buonarroti, who came to master the arts of sculpting, painting and architecture in fifteenth and sixteenth century Italy. Stanley blends information about Michelangelo and his life as an artist with historical detail to set the scene, and then introduces a fascinating cast of personalities that include his first master Domenico Ghirlandodaio, the Warrior Pope he offended, and his contemporary Leonardo Da Vinci, who was Michelangelo’s envy and rival.

Stanley reproduces and discusses Michelangelo’s greatest works (David, the Sistine Chapel, the Pieta) then adds details such as fresco painting techniques and the gruesome necessity of dissecting cadavers to study anatomy. Quotes from Michelangelo’s own letters enrich the text; it is a tragedy that he destroyed many of his personal papers before his death.
A full-page illustration to exemplify the narrative compliments each page of text; the text pages are decorated with period coins, coats of arms, stone-cutting tools, portraits, sketches and reproductions. The illustrations are an unusual mix of paintings which feature scanned images of Michelangelo’s works of art, including drawings and sketches, sculpture and paintings.

Stanley’s paintings (which show the housing, dress and goods of the poverty stricken as well as the palace-dwellers) seem flat when paired with Michelangelo’s dimensional artwork, and the contrast is a bit awkward. Her paintings imitate the style of the times in color, layout and subject, while still following the narrative.

A richly-hued historical map of Italy explains the government of the time as well as the layout of the country, while the author’s note opposite gives a defines the Renaissance. Bibliography & permissions are provided; the absence of a timeline and glossary may disappoint teachers.

Jun23

Starfish by Edith Thatcher Hurd

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Starfish by Edith Thatcher Hurd

Hurd, Edith Thatcher. Starfish (Let’s-Read-and-Find Out Science). Harper Collins, 2000 (reprint). ISBN 978-0064451987 40 pp. $5.99

**

Many first readers are repetitive, and this title from the Let’s-Read-and-Find Out Science series is no exception. The text is insulting: the endnote that says “Starfish are not really fish – they are sea stars” could most certainly have been included, but the book is dumbed down by the text talks down to the reader (or read to). An attempt at poetic prose comes out stilted and forced, and there are some difficult words for a stage one reader, such as tangle, oysters, and different.

The book shows great diversity, but makes no attempt to connect this microcosm to the larger picture. The book compares the different varieties without going into detail about any one. This is not a book that can be used for school reports.

The appendix is titled “Find out more about starfish” but instead of listing things like specific habitat, lifespan, number of young, how much sea stars eat per day, etc. the note about sea stars is offered. Further activities include copying and coloring starfish and making a collage, or going down to the ocean to observe them.

This is not a satisfying book, and since this is a topic of great interest to children, it is a shame that such a poor job was done. The only redeeming qualities of the book are the gorgeous watercolor collages by Robin Bricklaw. The muted wash backgrounds make the animals stand out in color and depth. Other (better) books on the topic are recommended.

Jun23

The Names Upon The Harp: Irish Myths And Legends by Marie Heaney

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The Names Upon The Harp: Irish Myths And Legends by Marie Heaney

Heaney, Marie. The Names Upon The Harp: Irish Myths And Legends. Arthur A. Levine, 2000. ISBN 978-0590680523 96 pp. $

**

This volume of nine tales has superb design and layout; unfortunately, the content falls a bit flat. Celtic designs decorate the endpapers and the text has an illuminated character at the start of each story, giving an ancient flavor to the book. This design should have been carried over to frame the illustrations. The paintings themselves range from muted to vibrant, and some seem similar to a Magic playing card.

Heaney gives the reader tales from each of the three cycles of early Irish literature. The stories progress very fluidly, in three sets of three, but in spite of their romance and adventure, they come off as one dimensional, perhaps because Heaney lacks a true storyteller’s voice, and her words fail to engage the reader. Names are difficult, and all pronunciations are at the end of the text. Sources are cited, and Heaney’s source notes indicate she did her research carefully, but in spite of careful execution, something is disappointingly lacking. The cover may draw readers in, although the title is hard to read, and teachers needing such materials may find the volume useful. Purchase where there is a need, or to beef up your Irish folklore collection.

Jun23

Joy to the World: A Family Christmas Treasury by Ann Keay Beneduce, illus. by Gennady Spirin

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Joy to the World: A Family Christmas Treasury by Ann Keay Beneduce, illus. by Gennady Spirin

Beneduce, Ann Keay illus. by Gennady Spirin. Joy to the World: A Family Christmas Treasury. Atheneum, 2000. ISBN 978-0689821134. pp. $

***

This newest collection of Christmas favorites has a spiritual slant, encouraging present day celebrators to remember the reverence and origins of the season. The editor has divided the book into sections that focus on symbols and traditions of Christmas, headed Star, Manger, the Gift Givers, the Tree and Christmas Everywhere. Selections include biblical verses and hymns, as well as stories, plays, poems, carols, and essays. Famous pieces include Yes, Virginia (there is a Santa Claus) by Francis Church, and Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas. Rich details include the history of Christmas pagents, the original St. Nicholas, and the scientific explanation for the bright star the Wise Men saw in the sky.

Unfortunately, the editor has chosen to offer abridgements of The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, The Littlest Fir Tree by Hans Christen Andersen, and several other pieces that certainly would have been appropriate and welcome in their entirety. An editor’s note explains that though the pieces are abridged, all the words are the original authors, but the volume could easily have been extended to a still manageable 200 pages to include complete short stories and full-length chapters.

The collection has a multicultural slant, and not only in the Christmas Everywhere chapter, which explains traditions around the world. Within each chapter are stories and songs from England, Scotland and Germany, by Eskimos, African Americans, and Italians. More depth could have been achieved by including verses in other languages of songs such as O Christmas Tree and Silent Night.

The illustrations, gorgeous soft watercolors by Russian artist Spirin, are fascinating combinations of Italian Renaissance and old fashioned 1800s style. Subjects range from angels to Santas, children celebrating and shepherds watching their flocks. Full page spreads are few and far between, but all pages are decorated with intricate borders and designs. The jacket highlights the themes of the book in a lavish Christmas wreath with a large bow. The artist chooses to work with dark green and olive, maroon and dull gold, soft pale blue and pink, and creamy off white rather than vibrant colors, giving the book a nostalgic and solemn feel, rather than joyful. This is fitting, considering the emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas.

Those interested solely in the secular tales of Christmas may find the spiritual side too heavy-handed; pagans will be disappointed that barely a nod is given to the true roots of the Christian holiday, although the editor does mention that part of the importance of candles comes from the Hanukkah legend.

Two indexes, one for authors, one for titles, sorted by genre, are appended, and a full page of credits doesn’t include the sources for the facts presented in the introductions and preluding each piece.

Jun23

Speaking of Journals by Paula W. Graham

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Speaking of Journals by Paula W. Graham

Paula W. Graham. Speaking of Journals. Boyd’s Mill Press, 1999. ISBN 978-1563977411 32 pp. $

**

The concept-and content of this book is superb! Interviews with children’s authors about their personal writing and how it relates to their lives and life’s work. Unfortunately, bad editing and art design turns this excellent book into a poor one.
Each interview is preceded by a biographical sketch written by Graham. Nearly half of the information is gleaned directly from the following interview, so each entry becomes redundant. The interviews themselves are summarized in a static first person point of view format, instead of simply transcribed into a more dynamic question-and-answer format. This is a shame, because it is evident from the answers/summaries that Graham asked interesting questions about choice of tools, styles and habits of journal-keeping, how often to write (and re-read!) and tips for beginning diarists.

Graham captured excellent inspiring quotes from the authors that would have made lovely chapter headers and looked classy next to the author’s photos. Instead, shorter, less interesting quotes are paired with the pictures. The photos themselves are inconsistent–ranging from toddler to adult portraits, head shots to full body shots.

The cover of the book is unappealing brown, meant to resemble a leather-bound journal perhaps? No less than five different fonts compose the title, author, and teaser list of included authors.

The original journal entries and sketches by such greats as Jacqueline Woodson, Jean Craighead George, Richard Ammon, Jack Gantos, and more are the single redeeming quality. Children who are interesting in emulating their favorite authors would do better to turn to a singular, rather than collective, biography.

Jun23

Chronicle Of America: Colonial Times, 1600-1700 by Joy Masoff

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Chronicle Of America: Colonial Times, 1600-1700 by Joy Masoff

Masoff, Joy. Chronicle Of America: Colonial Times, 1600-1700. Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 978-0439051071 48 pp. $

***

Rich in little known facts, Colonial Times offers a taste of each part of life in the New World from the journey there to the fight to keep it. Details on the necessities of food, shelter and clothing are provided, along with the basics of medicine, worship, education, work, war, and play. A lot of information is jam-packed into the book, and the layout feels spacious in spite of all the columns, boxes and graphics. The writing is often overenthusiastic, and the use of exclamation points excessive. Occasionally the tone dips to condescending, and the whole “imagine you were there” premise is a bit forced. The author is sometimes redundant, i.e., maggoty food is mentioned on at least three separate pages.

The book redeems itself with primary sources that lend authenticity, it’s stress on America as a melting pot, and its sections on slavery, religion, and the Native Americans that reveal the truth behind many misconceptions and offer a view that is not just Eurocentric.

The red, white, and lettering sprinkled with stars is all American. The book is illustrated solely with bright clear photographs, and the living history museums where photos were obviously taken are highlighted at the end as places one can experience simulations of life in the colonial period. Only four sources are cited. Granted it is, as the author points out, “impossible to fit one hundred years into the pages of one book,” but a few more sources would have been appropriate, especially given that there are an equal number of websites recommended. Index included.

Jun23

A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales by Ellen Datlow & Terry Windling

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A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales by Ellen Datlow & Terry Windling

Datlow, Ellen. A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales. Aladdin, 2001. ISBN 978-0689821394 166 pp. $

***

Datlow and Windling (authors of several books in a fairy tale retellings series that includes Briar Rose by Jane Yolen) present a balanced blend of familiar and more obscure tales and well-known and first-time authors along with recommendations for resources about fairy tales and good collections of stories. Although their introduction is a perfect lead-in to Neil Gaiman’s poem “Instructions” (a set of directions for how-to survive in fairyland with lessons gleaned from favorite tales), his gem of a poem is relegated to the middle of the book. Jane Yolen’s “Cinder Elephant” isn’t petite but she is the one the prince falls for in a sharp and witty tale that blasts Walt Disney. Gregory MacGuire presents the seven unique voices of seven determined dwarves in a mission to get their Snow White back. Other highlights include a version of Jack and the Beanstalk from the point of view of the giant’s wife, and Patricia McKillip’s lovely retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”

A nice addition is the brief author bio at the end of each story, along with a explanation or some remarks about fairy tales. The collection itself is a bit uneven. One author unsuccessfully weaves two unfamiliar tales together, and the ugly duckling story is a bit of a stretch and has a pat ending. And why were Robin McKinley and Gail Carson Levine, two popular fairy tale retellers, omitted?

The cover, with neon green lettering and a haunting wolf, will leap into reader’s hands, but may disappoint horror fans who grab it and aren’t expecting fairy tales. Teens will enjoy these stories where the heroes use the Internet, read Avi books and Sandman comics, wear Doc Martens, drink Coke, and are lured by Playstation game consoles.

Jun23

Opening Moves: The Making Of A Young Chess Champion by Barry Berg illus. by David Hautzig

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Opening Moves: The Making Of A Young Chess Champion by Barry Berg illus. by David Hautzig

Berg, Barry illus. by David Hautzig. Opening Moves: The Making Of A Young Chess Champion. Little, Brown 2000. ISBN 978-0316913393 48 pp. $

Six-year-old Michael Thaler became the National Kindergarten Chess Champion in 1999. The book follows his brief career to date and imparts the life lessons Michael has learned through chess: prepare, focus, win some, lose some, have patience, etc. These are difficult to learn lessons for most adults, let alone children. Still, the author very clearly demonstrates Michael’s passion and talent for the game.

The book takes a turn for the worse when the narrative details three games Michael has lost and learned from – and rehashes them in complex chess code without any explanation save an unexplained diagram! Who is this book for? Not for the novice chess player, and not for your average 8 year old. A brief chapter on basic moves, or even a glossary (what is an opening? An endgame? The Scandinavian defense?) is decidedly lacking.

The art design of the book is a little disturbing – the designer opted for contrasting colors instead of chess-themed black and white. The cool tones on the cover are nice, but inside, nothing seems to fit together. A checkerboard motif is repeated throughout, and the border wittily changes from pawns to kings as Michael progresses. Lots of white space makes the book easy to look at, but the readability of the text is very uneven. David Hautzig’s photos are evocative, but it is disappointing that the same picture was used at the beginning of each new chapter.

A thoughtful afterword by Michael’s dad encourages parents to introduce their children to chess, and mentions its benefits. Suggestions for starting a local club or finding a teacher or evening contacting the National Organization could have made a useful appendix.

Hardly a necessary purchase, briefly consider it for chess fans. Best to save your money until–or if–Michael reaches master status.

Jun23

Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World by Steve Zeitlin

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Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World by Steve Zeitlin

Zeitlin, Steve illus. by Chris Raschka. Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World. Henry Holt, 2000. ISBN 978-0805048162 144 pp. $

**

Zeitlin fulfills his mission to compare the creation myths from many times and peoples, but he doesn’t do it in an exciting or engaging manner. While each story builds on the next, the retellings themselves are a bit bland, and could have used a more drama. In spite of an impressive list of acknowledgements and sources (including Joseph Bruchac and E.C. Krupp, Edith Hamilton and Carl Sagan, and a nod to Joseph Campbell), Zeitlin is not as accomplished a storyteller.

Chapter layout is consistent. Each chapter begins with “Imagine …” inviting the reader to slip into the culture and beliefs of the origins of the tale. A one-sentence abstract further sets the stage, and Zeitlin puts each tale into context before going on to relate the story. Each myth is given thoughtful consideration as to how it fits in with the others.

The illustrations by Chris Raschka are a bit disappointing. He made an effort to research each period and culture to render appropriate patterns and drawings, but like the text, the illustrations fall flat. Rectangles in shades of gray cover and confuse instead of illuminating. The graphics, many of which incorporate traditional patterns, might have made lovely borders instead of single-page pictures. Color might have made the illustrations less static.

Too scholarly for children, and of little appeal to teens, it is unclear for whom this book is intended. Zeitlin presents big ideas, big words, and some adult themes, but usually it is either younger children or college students who explore such folk tales and myths. The author is to be commended for promoting open-mindedness, and for his ability to portray many different belief systems with respect. Perhaps this will fit into curriculum frameworks, be a jumping off point for teachers, or be useful to storytellers.