Chanticleer and the Fox adapted from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales
Chanticleer, as one may recall, was a figure in the Nun's Priest's Tale in The Canterbury Tales. Clearly, the word cocky is derived from this very rooster. He can sing so beautifully to bring on the day, and all the animals on the farm love him. He has seven hens for wives, but one, Partlet, is his favorite. One night, he has a nightmare of a fox grabbing him about the neck as he is singing to bring in the day. Partlet tries to ease his fears, but it does no good. Could this dream foretell what is to occur, mayhaps?
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #27
Drummer Hoff adapted by Barbara Emberley
This is a book that starts off simply, but builds up. We learn that Drummer Hoff fires it off. Admittedly, without the rest of the story, the reader doesn't know what Drummer Hoff fires off. As the reader progresses through the story, they learn that Drummer Hoff fires a cannon, but each part of the process is carried out by different people of different ranks. As a new piece is added, so too is the person, and as people are added, the story starts from the beginning.
This is a book that starts off simply, but builds up. We learn that Drummer Hoff fires it off. Admittedly, without the rest of the story, the reader doesn't know what Drummer Hoff fires off. As the reader progresses through the story, they learn that Drummer Hoff fires a cannon, but each part of the process is carried out by different people of different ranks. As a new piece is added, so too is the person, and as people are added, the story starts from the beginning.
Annotated Bibliography #26
Tuesday by David Wiesner
There are less than twenty words in this entire book, so the reader has to rely on the illustrations to tell the story. Luckily, the illustrations are beautifully drawn and detailed, so that they story is fairly easy to follow. The story starts on Tuesday evening, in a mostly empty swamp. Over the next couple of hours, frogs and toads on flying lily pads appear, terrorizing the blackbirds, and making noises outside. For the rest of the night, they wreak havoc wherever they go. Come morning, they head back to the swamp, and let people deal with the destruction.
There are less than twenty words in this entire book, so the reader has to rely on the illustrations to tell the story. Luckily, the illustrations are beautifully drawn and detailed, so that they story is fairly easy to follow. The story starts on Tuesday evening, in a mostly empty swamp. Over the next couple of hours, frogs and toads on flying lily pads appear, terrorizing the blackbirds, and making noises outside. For the rest of the night, they wreak havoc wherever they go. Come morning, they head back to the swamp, and let people deal with the destruction.
Annotated Bibliography #25
What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis
If you are in any way familiar with the song that was popular in the fall of 2013, you have some idea as to what this book is about. This book is simply the words to the song, including the crazy noises of the chorus, with eye catching artwork. As to this artwork....it is done in brilliant colors. Many of the pages have artwork that seems to be inspired by Native American and Egyptian art. Between the words and the pictures, this is a fun book to read.
If you are in any way familiar with the song that was popular in the fall of 2013, you have some idea as to what this book is about. This book is simply the words to the song, including the crazy noises of the chorus, with eye catching artwork. As to this artwork....it is done in brilliant colors. Many of the pages have artwork that seems to be inspired by Native American and Egyptian art. Between the words and the pictures, this is a fun book to read.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #24
Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky
This volume includes over one hundred of Prelutsky's most beloved poems of the last four decades, as well as fifteen never before seen/read poems written just for this book. As is typical of Prelutsky, the poems in this book combine humor and simple rhyme scheme to engage children of all ages and backgrounds. Unlike most of Prelutsky's previous books, this one is more centered around topics or ideas. Food poems are together, animals are together, make believe are together. What a joy to read!
This volume includes over one hundred of Prelutsky's most beloved poems of the last four decades, as well as fifteen never before seen/read poems written just for this book. As is typical of Prelutsky, the poems in this book combine humor and simple rhyme scheme to engage children of all ages and backgrounds. Unlike most of Prelutsky's previous books, this one is more centered around topics or ideas. Food poems are together, animals are together, make believe are together. What a joy to read!
Annotated Bibliography #23
A Pizza the Size of the Sun: Poems by Jack Prelutsky
Another gem by famed children's poet Jack Prelutsky. He has again teamed up with illustrator James Stevenson to produce a book of poetry that hits home with many younger readers. This volume has poems of soup shoppes, stingy brothers, seals, computers, emus and bugs. There's a little something for everyone in this book. Whether the reader wants to laugh, cry, or think, Prelutsky is the poet for them, and this is the book for them too.
Another gem by famed children's poet Jack Prelutsky. He has again teamed up with illustrator James Stevenson to produce a book of poetry that hits home with many younger readers. This volume has poems of soup shoppes, stingy brothers, seals, computers, emus and bugs. There's a little something for everyone in this book. Whether the reader wants to laugh, cry, or think, Prelutsky is the poet for them, and this is the book for them too.
Annotated Bibliography #22
The New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky
Much like the works of Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky gets to the heart of what concerns children. In this volume of more than one hundred poems illustrated by James Stevenson, the reader learns about the neighborhood bully, an ode to homework, and the crazy flavors of Bleezer's Ice Cream Store. Fun to read aloud, fun to listen to, The New Kid on the Block is enjoyable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Much like the works of Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky gets to the heart of what concerns children. In this volume of more than one hundred poems illustrated by James Stevenson, the reader learns about the neighborhood bully, an ode to homework, and the crazy flavors of Bleezer's Ice Cream Store. Fun to read aloud, fun to listen to, The New Kid on the Block is enjoyable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Annotated Bibliography #21
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
One of the three books of poetry written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein prior to his death in 1999, this volume address many of the concerns that children face in their lives. Because of this, teachers named this book to be one of their top 100 books to teach. In one poem, the reader finds out why Captain Hook should never pick his nose. In another the reader discovers what happens when a little girl doesn't take the garbage out.
One of the three books of poetry written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein prior to his death in 1999, this volume address many of the concerns that children face in their lives. Because of this, teachers named this book to be one of their top 100 books to teach. In one poem, the reader finds out why Captain Hook should never pick his nose. In another the reader discovers what happens when a little girl doesn't take the garbage out.
Annotated Bibliography #20
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Containing one hundred thirty-one poems and illustrations by the author, A Light in the Attic, is a lighthearted book of poetry for the younger set. The title poem is likely the most famous one from this volume, however others in this book have caused the book itself to come under fire. Some attempts to ban the book have been made in relation to this book because some believe that the poem "How Not to Dry the Dishes" encourages disobedience in children, and Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony" describe the death of parents after refusing to buy their child a pony.
Containing one hundred thirty-one poems and illustrations by the author, A Light in the Attic, is a lighthearted book of poetry for the younger set. The title poem is likely the most famous one from this volume, however others in this book have caused the book itself to come under fire. Some attempts to ban the book have been made in relation to this book because some believe that the poem "How Not to Dry the Dishes" encourages disobedience in children, and Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony" describe the death of parents after refusing to buy their child a pony.
Annotated Bibliography #19
Falling Up by Shel Silverstein
Dedicated to his son Matthew, the one hundred forty-four poems in this volume are illustrated by the author himself. This is Silverstein's third poetry collection written and published in his lifetime. As is typical of Silverstein's poetry, these poems are lighthearted and whimsical with the type of humor that is easily understandable for children. Where would the world be without such poems as "The Nose Garden," " Hard to Please," and "Forgetful Paul Revere"?
Dedicated to his son Matthew, the one hundred forty-four poems in this volume are illustrated by the author himself. This is Silverstein's third poetry collection written and published in his lifetime. As is typical of Silverstein's poetry, these poems are lighthearted and whimsical with the type of humor that is easily understandable for children. Where would the world be without such poems as "The Nose Garden," " Hard to Please," and "Forgetful Paul Revere"?
Annotated Bibliography #18
The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems
The ninth installment of the Pigeon series, sees a very filthy Pigeon in need of a bath. As per the norm with Pigeon, he wants to do the opposite of what is asked. He has some, in his mind, valid arguments for not taking a bath, but ultimately gives in. Guess what? He likes it. Following the format of the previous books in the series, children will be involved in Pigeon's actions, and this book is fun to read aloud.
The ninth installment of the Pigeon series, sees a very filthy Pigeon in need of a bath. As per the norm with Pigeon, he wants to do the opposite of what is asked. He has some, in his mind, valid arguments for not taking a bath, but ultimately gives in. Guess what? He likes it. Following the format of the previous books in the series, children will be involved in Pigeon's actions, and this book is fun to read aloud.
Annotated Bibliography #17
Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
This book contains fourteen poems written to be read aloud by two different people. Sometimes the readers of the poems are intended to read simultaneously, and others, the readers take turns. This makes it seem as though the listener can hear the insect in any given poem. The subject of each poem is a different insect, and each poem has a beautiful black and white illustration of the insect the poem is about.
This book contains fourteen poems written to be read aloud by two different people. Sometimes the readers of the poems are intended to read simultaneously, and others, the readers take turns. This makes it seem as though the listener can hear the insect in any given poem. The subject of each poem is a different insect, and each poem has a beautiful black and white illustration of the insect the poem is about.
Annotated Bibliography #16
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Who knew that dragons like to eat tacos? Not the kid in the book, that's for sure. As it turns out, dragons like tacos, whether they are chicken or beef, hard or soft. What they don't like, however, is spicy salsa. Apparently, it causes their ears to smoke, and gives them an upset tummy. Luckily, there are still ways for dragons to enjoy their tacos without the salsa. Dragons also like parties, but their favorite, of course, is a taco party.
Who knew that dragons like to eat tacos? Not the kid in the book, that's for sure. As it turns out, dragons like tacos, whether they are chicken or beef, hard or soft. What they don't like, however, is spicy salsa. Apparently, it causes their ears to smoke, and gives them an upset tummy. Luckily, there are still ways for dragons to enjoy their tacos without the salsa. Dragons also like parties, but their favorite, of course, is a taco party.
Annotated Bibliography #15
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrated in black and white, yet so detailed it looks like a photograph, this book is about two children, Judy and Peter, who are bored. While out looking for something to do, they find a game. This particular game, though it looks like all the others they've ever played, is unlike any game they have ever played. Lions, monkeys, and rain seemingly appear out of nowhere, and the only way for these to go away is to finish the game.
Illustrated in black and white, yet so detailed it looks like a photograph, this book is about two children, Judy and Peter, who are bored. While out looking for something to do, they find a game. This particular game, though it looks like all the others they've ever played, is unlike any game they have ever played. Lions, monkeys, and rain seemingly appear out of nowhere, and the only way for these to go away is to finish the game.
Annotated Bibliography #14
The Day the Crqyons Quit by Drew DeWalt
Written as a series of letters to a child named Duncan, each crayon has grievances that they are placing with the child. Red complains of overuse, Purple of going out of the lines. Beige doesn't like coming in second to Brown. All the crayons have a problem with Duncan, but he finds a way to make them all happy. The illustrations go perfectly with the book, as they are done in crayon, and look like a child drew them.
Written as a series of letters to a child named Duncan, each crayon has grievances that they are placing with the child. Red complains of overuse, Purple of going out of the lines. Beige doesn't like coming in second to Brown. All the crayons have a problem with Duncan, but he finds a way to make them all happy. The illustrations go perfectly with the book, as they are done in crayon, and look like a child drew them.
Annotated Bibliography #13
How to Babysit Grandpa by Jean Reagan
Told from a child's view, this story is how a child sees being babysat by their grandpa, although the child thinks they are the one doing the babysitting. Illustrated by Lee Wildish, any child would love to read this book, if only to look at the pictures. All of the pictures coincide with the text on the page, so that the reader can see exactly what is going on in the story.
Told from a child's view, this story is how a child sees being babysat by their grandpa, although the child thinks they are the one doing the babysitting. Illustrated by Lee Wildish, any child would love to read this book, if only to look at the pictures. All of the pictures coincide with the text on the page, so that the reader can see exactly what is going on in the story.
Annotated Bibliography #12
A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Originally published in 1885, this version is a reprint published in 1981, with illustrations by Tasha Tudor. Each page is covered in beautiful illustrations that incorporate the images evoked by the poems themselves. Sixty-four poems in all, plus a forward to the author's own mother, Alison Cunningham, that discuss everything from “Auntie’s Skirts,” “The Moon,” “The Land of Nod,” and everything in between. This book is a must for every child’s library.
Originally published in 1885, this version is a reprint published in 1981, with illustrations by Tasha Tudor. Each page is covered in beautiful illustrations that incorporate the images evoked by the poems themselves. Sixty-four poems in all, plus a forward to the author's own mother, Alison Cunningham, that discuss everything from “Auntie’s Skirts,” “The Moon,” “The Land of Nod,” and everything in between. This book is a must for every child’s library.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #11
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Told in verse, this is the story of Lupita, a young Mexican girl who moved to Texas when she was little. Lupita is the eldest of eight children, and it is often necessary for her to step up and help her parents with her younger siblings, as well as the chores around the house. On top of everything, Lupita's mother has cancer, and things don't look too good for her, or the family as a result of the cancer. Lupita does all she can to make sure everything runs smoothly at home while her parents seek cancer treatment. Lupita has to grow up a bit faster than those around her, but finds time for her own interests as well.
Told in verse, this is the story of Lupita, a young Mexican girl who moved to Texas when she was little. Lupita is the eldest of eight children, and it is often necessary for her to step up and help her parents with her younger siblings, as well as the chores around the house. On top of everything, Lupita's mother has cancer, and things don't look too good for her, or the family as a result of the cancer. Lupita does all she can to make sure everything runs smoothly at home while her parents seek cancer treatment. Lupita has to grow up a bit faster than those around her, but finds time for her own interests as well.
Annotated Bibliography #10
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
It is the summer of 1987 in El Paso, Texas, and Aristotle Mendoza is looking to another boring summer. Living with the dreams that haunt his father, and the memories of his older brother that no one talks about, Ari is used to a lonely existence. Then one day, he meets Dante Quintana. He's not sure what to make of Dante at first, but his witty sarcasm draws Ari in, cementing their easy friendship. Through tragedy and triumph, Ari, with the help of Dante, finds his place in the world, and love that he didn't know he was looking for.
It is the summer of 1987 in El Paso, Texas, and Aristotle Mendoza is looking to another boring summer. Living with the dreams that haunt his father, and the memories of his older brother that no one talks about, Ari is used to a lonely existence. Then one day, he meets Dante Quintana. He's not sure what to make of Dante at first, but his witty sarcasm draws Ari in, cementing their easy friendship. Through tragedy and triumph, Ari, with the help of Dante, finds his place in the world, and love that he didn't know he was looking for.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #9
Song of the Trees by Mildred Taylor
This is the fourth book in the Logan series, and is narrated by young Cassie Logan. The land that belongs to the Logan family is covered in trees, and Cassie finds comfort in their presence. Those trees are worth a lot of money, which would be of some help to Cassie's family, since they, the children, are often unsure of where their next meal is coming from. A man in town tries to convince Cassie's grandmother to sell the trees. Even though selling the trees would be an enormous help to the Logan's, Cassie feels it would be wrong to fell the trees for sale.
This is the fourth book in the Logan series, and is narrated by young Cassie Logan. The land that belongs to the Logan family is covered in trees, and Cassie finds comfort in their presence. Those trees are worth a lot of money, which would be of some help to Cassie's family, since they, the children, are often unsure of where their next meal is coming from. A man in town tries to convince Cassie's grandmother to sell the trees. Even though selling the trees would be an enormous help to the Logan's, Cassie feels it would be wrong to fell the trees for sale.
Annotated Bibliography #8
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richard Perry is from Harlem, New York. Even though he is a smart guy, he cannot afford to go to college. Instead, he joins the United States Army, and is deployed to Vietnam. This novel, though fiction, depicts life as it was for our servicemen during the Vietnam conflict. Myers uses graphic imagery to paint the picture of war for the reader who may not be familiar with the horrors of war. Myers also uses explicit language because he isn't trying to whitewash the reality of what these soldiers experienced.
Richard Perry is from Harlem, New York. Even though he is a smart guy, he cannot afford to go to college. Instead, he joins the United States Army, and is deployed to Vietnam. This novel, though fiction, depicts life as it was for our servicemen during the Vietnam conflict. Myers uses graphic imagery to paint the picture of war for the reader who may not be familiar with the horrors of war. Myers also uses explicit language because he isn't trying to whitewash the reality of what these soldiers experienced.
Annotated Bibliography #7
The Road to Memphis by Mildred Taylor
The eighth and final book, so far, in the Logan series. Like a majority of the books in this series, this book is narrated by Cassie Logan, now seventeen years old. Cassie is home with her family, but the time is nearing for her to head back to her high school in Jackson. As per the norm, Cassie and her friends and family are humiliated in some way, merely for the color of their skin. When Cassie and her brothers get back to Jackson, they find a friend of theirs, Moe, is not there. He has done something, and will likely be convicted for it. It is decided he would be better off in Memphis, so they take him there. On the way they deal with many obstacles, many of which stem from the "separate but equal" way things are done.
The eighth and final book, so far, in the Logan series. Like a majority of the books in this series, this book is narrated by Cassie Logan, now seventeen years old. Cassie is home with her family, but the time is nearing for her to head back to her high school in Jackson. As per the norm, Cassie and her friends and family are humiliated in some way, merely for the color of their skin. When Cassie and her brothers get back to Jackson, they find a friend of theirs, Moe, is not there. He has done something, and will likely be convicted for it. It is decided he would be better off in Memphis, so they take him there. On the way they deal with many obstacles, many of which stem from the "separate but equal" way things are done.
Annotated Bibliography #6
Let the Circle be Unbroken by Mildred Taylor
This, the seventh book in the Logan series, picks up where Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry leaves off. Stacey's friend, TJ, is awaiting trial for murdering a white man. Typical of the time, TJ was tried by an all white jury, which means the worst possible outcome for the misguided young man. Stacey himself, meanwhile, leaves home for the cane fields of Louisiana in hopes to earn some more money for the family so that they won't lose their land. Unfortunately, while there, Stacey is accused of theft, and winds up in jail. Hardships abound for the Logans, but, as always, they rise above.
This, the seventh book in the Logan series, picks up where Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry leaves off. Stacey's friend, TJ, is awaiting trial for murdering a white man. Typical of the time, TJ was tried by an all white jury, which means the worst possible outcome for the misguided young man. Stacey himself, meanwhile, leaves home for the cane fields of Louisiana in hopes to earn some more money for the family so that they won't lose their land. Unfortunately, while there, Stacey is accused of theft, and winds up in jail. Hardships abound for the Logans, but, as always, they rise above.
Annotated Bibliography #5
The Land by Mildred Taylor
The first book in the Logan series, The Land chronicles the life of Paul Edward Logan. Paul Edward was born a slave toward the end of the Civil War. His mother was a black house slave, and his father was her white "master." As if being of mixed blood wasn't enough, Paul Edward looked more white than most. Having been raised equally alongside his white brothers, Paul Edward's adjustment to life off of his father's land was more difficult than that of his peers. However, with all that Paul Edward must overcome, he manages to achieve what he wants most.
The first book in the Logan series, The Land chronicles the life of Paul Edward Logan. Paul Edward was born a slave toward the end of the Civil War. His mother was a black house slave, and his father was her white "master." As if being of mixed blood wasn't enough, Paul Edward looked more white than most. Having been raised equally alongside his white brothers, Paul Edward's adjustment to life off of his father's land was more difficult than that of his peers. However, with all that Paul Edward must overcome, he manages to achieve what he wants most.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #4
Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper
The first book in the Hazelwood High Trilogy, this novel deals with a lot of tragedy. A popular basketball player is killed in an alcohol related car accident. His best friend, who was also the driver on that ill fated night, is having a hard time dealing with the repercussions. He covers his depression up, or tries to, for a long time, until he is finally overcome by it. Told in the form of conversations, letters, poems, and diary entries, this novel explores the feelings of those left behind by tragedy.
The first book in the Hazelwood High Trilogy, this novel deals with a lot of tragedy. A popular basketball player is killed in an alcohol related car accident. His best friend, who was also the driver on that ill fated night, is having a hard time dealing with the repercussions. He covers his depression up, or tries to, for a long time, until he is finally overcome by it. Told in the form of conversations, letters, poems, and diary entries, this novel explores the feelings of those left behind by tragedy.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Annotated Bibliography #3
The Friendship by Mildred Taylor
This is book five in the Logan series, and it is one of the shorter novels in the series. While on an errand for a neighbor lady, the Logan children go to the forbidden Wallace Store. While there, they run into Jeremy Simms, a poor white boy who wants very much to be friends with the Logan children, and Mr. Tom Bee, an older man and a Negro in their community. Mr. Tom Bee, against societal norms of the time, calls the owner of the Wallace Store by his first name. He has sound reasoning for doing so--he saved Mr. Wallace's life multiple times, and they were friends--but it causes problems in the community. The Logans witness the friendship between Mr. Tom Bee and Mr. Wallace crumble.
This is book five in the Logan series, and it is one of the shorter novels in the series. While on an errand for a neighbor lady, the Logan children go to the forbidden Wallace Store. While there, they run into Jeremy Simms, a poor white boy who wants very much to be friends with the Logan children, and Mr. Tom Bee, an older man and a Negro in their community. Mr. Tom Bee, against societal norms of the time, calls the owner of the Wallace Store by his first name. He has sound reasoning for doing so--he saved Mr. Wallace's life multiple times, and they were friends--but it causes problems in the community. The Logans witness the friendship between Mr. Tom Bee and Mr. Wallace crumble.
Annotated Bibliography List #2
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred Taylor
Winner of the Newberry Medal, this is the sixth book in a series that tells the story of the Logan family in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. Told through Cassie's eyes, the reader sees the disparity between people of color and their white counterparts. The reader is also exposed to the harsh realities of being a person of color in the South--night riders, lynchings, tarring and feathering. Despite the harshness, the reader follows the Logan family as they become an even more close knit than they were previously.
Winner of the Newberry Medal, this is the sixth book in a series that tells the story of the Logan family in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. Told through Cassie's eyes, the reader sees the disparity between people of color and their white counterparts. The reader is also exposed to the harsh realities of being a person of color in the South--night riders, lynchings, tarring and feathering. Despite the harshness, the reader follows the Logan family as they become an even more close knit than they were previously.
Annotated Bibliography List #1
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Eighteen sophomores in a high school English class in the Bronx. All different colors, from different backgrounds, with different histories, and different future plans. What brought them together? Poetry. Once a month, Mr. Ward hosts an Open Mike Friday for his students to share their poetry. It becomes so popular with the kids, that he makes it a weekly event. Some of the students find that the students who they think have it made, don't. Most just want to be seen for who they are, rather than what everyone sees on the outside.
Eighteen sophomores in a high school English class in the Bronx. All different colors, from different backgrounds, with different histories, and different future plans. What brought them together? Poetry. Once a month, Mr. Ward hosts an Open Mike Friday for his students to share their poetry. It becomes so popular with the kids, that he makes it a weekly event. Some of the students find that the students who they think have it made, don't. Most just want to be seen for who they are, rather than what everyone sees on the outside.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Reading List #27
The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by CP Curtis
For most of this book, I found the story was not what I was expecting. Based on the title, I was expecting a book about the Civil Rights Movement, perhaps told by a child, but that was not the case, for the most part.
Kenny, his parents, his older brother, Byron, and younger sister, Joetta (Joey), live in Flint, Michigan. Byron is a thug in the making, but the stories Kenny tells about him are too funny--getting his lips stuck to a frozen car mirror, and messing up his hair trying to straighten it. It is Byron's thuggishness that sends the family on a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama. Byron is to spend the summer, and possibly the year, with his grandma to get his act together. While in Alabama, Kenny nearly drowns, and Joey barely escapes a church bombing. The family is changed forever, but come out of it closer.
For most of this book, I found the story was not what I was expecting. Based on the title, I was expecting a book about the Civil Rights Movement, perhaps told by a child, but that was not the case, for the most part.
Kenny, his parents, his older brother, Byron, and younger sister, Joetta (Joey), live in Flint, Michigan. Byron is a thug in the making, but the stories Kenny tells about him are too funny--getting his lips stuck to a frozen car mirror, and messing up his hair trying to straighten it. It is Byron's thuggishness that sends the family on a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama. Byron is to spend the summer, and possibly the year, with his grandma to get his act together. While in Alabama, Kenny nearly drowns, and Joey barely escapes a church bombing. The family is changed forever, but come out of it closer.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
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