Autumn schaffer reading_log_2

Autumn Schaffer Reading Log 2

Reading Log 2: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

I. Contemporary Realistic Fiction:

**Title: The Snowy DayPublisher/Date of Publication The Viking Press (1962)Author Ezra Jack KeatsIllustrator Ezra Jack KeatsGenre Realistic FictionFormat Picture BookAward Caldecott Medal (1963)

Reflection: a. Evaluation Criteria for Contemporary Realistic Fiction Literature (pg. 365 of Norton

Textbook)

The story is a simple one based upon the adventures of a young boy in the snow. The content is presented honestly, clearly, and purely in a way that young students can understand and relate to. The overall plot is based upon what a little boy does when he finds snow outside. These activities are very similar to what you would expect a young child to do when they also discovered snow outside in real life. These activities are common; they are not sensationalized into anything other than what a young boy of that age would be capable of. The social and cultural values of modern America also come through within this simple story. The concept of family and friends is evident as the little boy plays with his friends outside, is too young to play with another group of individuals, and is taken care of by his mother after he returns from the snow. These are all values that American holds for a modern family. Of course, however, these values are not so simplistic now than they probably were in the 1960s. For this reason is it nice to look back in retrospect to the simplicity of this story and the associated simplicity of the time period.

The book in itself is simple, but allows the students to relate to the material. The words are simple as well, but allow the student’s imagination to extend beyond the simplicity of the book. Even older readers, however can enjoy the book based upon its authenticity and pure intentions. The book does allow for an older or developing audience as other more sophisticated values, including not being able to play with a certain group of children, are evident within the story. These are social values that would not be evident at the target audience’s understanding, but does allow for growth and an extended age range within the text.

The plot in itself is peaceful and for the most part conflict-free. The plot is honest in its intentions and does not provide a false perception of the world. The language that the characters use is legitimate for their location and appropriate for the targeted audience. While the gender of the characters is not a focus of the book, it also does not seem to be an overwhelming issue either. The main character, Peter, portrays the role of a common child, there is not bias towards being a male. This simple story hopefully


provides insight to the simplicity of the world. While the reader surely has conflict issues within their lives, this text provides an escape to allow the students to simply read and enjoy a common adventure of a young boy on an exciting day.

b. Evaluation Criteria for Illustrations (pg. 119 of Norton Textbook)

The illustrations within this text appear to be based upon abstract art, with various colors. The illustrations are not so abstract; however, that one cannot determine what the scene is portraying. The lines within the story are mainly horizontal and curvy in nature. This represents the snowy falling on the landscape, which is a central element to the story plot. The colors within the book are not bright, yet not pastel. They are representative of the 1960s typical color formats, based upon a pale oranges and browns. The design of the illustrations remains constant through out the text. Detail is not a strong factor within the theme of the illustrations. Instead the vast color and proportion of the huge snowy landscape to the small boy is an overarching theme depicting the value and powerful nature of the snow.

One is able to gain perspective about the characters within the text based upon how they are depicted in the illustrations. The young boy is full of excitement, wonder, and amazement in the snow. The mother is depicted as nurturing as the illustrations show her removing the boy’s wet socks after he has returned from the snow. The boy’s wonder is continued as he reflects on the adventures within the bathtub. The other children in the text are realistically depicted as playful, carefree, and enjoying the moment within their childhood. While this book was published within the 1960s, it is timeless in nature. For the most part, the family values and connections among friends has remained the same and are continuously evident within today’s culture. If it is not evident, it is certainly read and looked upon in retrospect of how peaceful and simple childhood can be.

**Title: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayPublisher/Date of Publication McClelland & Stewart Ltd. (1972)Author Judith ViorstIllustrator Ray CruzGenre Realistic FictionFormat Picture BookAward ALA Notable Children’s Books, George S.

Stone Center Recognition of Merit, Georgia Children’s Book Award


Textbook)

The story plot within this book is pure in it form of portraying a typical bad day. The material is presented honestly, and is certainly something that could occur with any person, even a child. The events of the story are typical things that children and adults experience, just usually not in such a compact nature. This, however, is what is appealing


about the book seeing as it combines all the misfortunes into one book for somewhat of a comical retelling. Personal and social values within the story are present, and appear to be ones that have lasted through out generations. For example, the concept that individuals have “bad days” is something that is overall acceptable and understandable. Some of the situations within the text are also true to everyday, modern society, including arguments with friends, sibling rivalries, and disagreements with parents. The overarching theme that everyone has misfortunes or “bad days” is a teachable concept that is also present in all societies and cultures. The fact that individuals are sometimes disagreeable, but that situations do improve, is also a generalized accepted theme within American culture.

The text of the book is somewhat comical, especially based upon the author’s choice of exaggeration and sarcasm. This would certainly be something that may need to be explained to some students and expanded upon to make sure it is understood. Some of the details within the story may be taken literally by the students, when in fact they were not designed to be. Older elementary students, however, should be able to pick up on such sarcasm and find the boy’s perceptions of the detailing events rather comical. This also entails an understanding of growth towards adult sophistication as the author attempts to expand the knowledge of the students and help them to understand the events of the story in a context that is not so literal.

The language of the text is designed and based upon the typical thoughts of a child. The main character seems to perceive everything as being either amazing or terrible, which is a typical thought process for many students. He also seems to be upset when situations do not fall in his favor, which is a fact that most students struggle with but eventually have to learn to accept.

For the most part, the text is actually written in a negative, pessimistic tone as the child focuses on the negative aspects. This, however, is the theme of the book designed so that students will release that not all events within their daily lives will be pleasing. The story ends on a positive note, however, as the main character realizes that some days are just “horrible,” but that situations change and improve. While the text contains more male characters than female characters, neither is shown in a biased atmosphere. The mother is nurturing and tends to the children during the afternoon as the father works. The teacher is also a female. These may seem like stereotypical versions of the genders, yet it is not portrayed or necessarily perceived that way when reading the text.

One of the most strong points of this story is the readability and life-lesson designed within the frameworks. This story is focused upon detailing to the students that events occur in a manner that is not always appealing or perceptive as beneficial to one individual. Everyone ultimately has “bad days.” Situations change, however, and improve for the better. This is a strong theme and statement that should be evident within children as well as adult’s lives.



While this illustrations within this story lack color, they are full of detail and careful consideration. The lines within the story are thin and many are used to compose each scene. The lines are dark and are in a range from straight to curvy. Instead of color, the illustrator uses shading to add depth of these images. This correlate to the text seeing as the character portrays a negative, pessimistic outlook during most of the plot.

The details within the illustration also focus on the expression and outlook of the characters within the story. Especially within the facial expressions, one can certain tell how the character feels within the scene. Even without the text, many individuals would be able to picture read what is unfolding in each scene simply by look at the images, how they are relating to one another, the obvious action occurring within each illustration, and how the individual is responding to what is going on in each scene.

**Title: A Chair for My MotherPublisher/Date of Publication Greenwillow Books (1982)Author Vera B. WilliamsIllustrator Vera B. WilliamsGenre Realistic FictionFormat Picture BookAward Caldecott Honor Book

Reading Rainbow Book ALA Notable Children’s Book Reading Rainbow Book Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Horn Book Fanfare Parents' Choice Gold Award


Textbook)

This story, above all is, is one of real value for real people. While it contains noble actions and thoughts, the individuals and the situation are simple and realistic. There isn’t any novelty or exaggeration of the characters that would make them unreliable or stereotypical. Each character, including the little girl, her mother, and her grandmother are real and are symbolic of the roles each of those individuals play within modern society. The social values of the America culture do come across within the text of the story. The child is true in her concern for her family as well as her love for her grandmother and mother. She is able to recognize that her mother is weary of their financial situation as well as how important it is to pull together as a family. The mother and grandmother also play the nurturing roles that one would expect within a modern family. The mother works at her average job to help the family and is usually extremely tired when she gets home. As a good mother, however, she makes the time for her child and the other household chores to keep the family running. The grandmother represents a voice of reason and of peace as she cares for the child while the mother is away. Her


presence within the story allows for a unity among family members and peacefulness within all of the family’s concern.

In respect to the reader’s intelligence, there is much that is not included within the text of the story, and therefore has to be applied and inferred by the reader. For example, the ethnicity of the characters is not specifically stated, but they do appear to be of Hispanic origin. The family situation is also up to interpretation, seeing as the family lives alone with a mother, grandmother, and child. The interactions with the father are not obvious, but one can determine that they are a single parent family. The location and time period of the book is not indicated, but one can agree that this is a modern tale with modern issues. Also, images within the story makes one believe that the family lives within the city, seeing as they ride a bus to work and live in apartments. While it never specifically says so, one can also infer that the family is one of low income as the mother struggles to pay for the expenses and has to be careful about their purchases. The theme of saving money and working together, however, becomes the root of the story.

Among all else, the book remains peaceful and hopeful, especially for those of low income families. It provides evidence that a family does not have to be stereotypical to be happy, nor do they have to be blessed with extensive amounts of monetary items. The language used within the story is simple and can easily be interpreted by any reader. The tone is certainly hopeful as it depicts a family with stressed circumstances, but is able to pull together to form a bond that is cherished under any circumstances. This is also a life-lesson to the readers who should be able to determine that happiness occurs when individuals care for one another, even under circumstances that are not ideal. b. Evaluation Criteria for Illustrations (pg. 119 of Norton Textbook)

The illustrations within the book are somewhat fuzzy and abstract, but certain depict the scenes within the text effectively. The illustrations are complete with watercolors and appear to be painted. While the paintings are depicted in somewhat of an abstract manner, they are detailed with particular designs. Around the border of the text is also illustrated with watercolor. This is different for every page and adds an overall aesthetic viewpoint to the entire page.

The reader can also predict what is occurring within the text based upon the images within the story. Usually, the images are depicted on a whole page on the left side of the book. The text is followed on the right side. It is obvious who the characters are within the story and a reader can easily pick them out within the illustrations. The illustrations also show movement in a particularly pleasing way. While they are abstract and somewhat “fuzzy” in nature, the illustrator has used the perception of depth to show where the characters are moving towards. A particular lean and slant within their bodies also indicates movement among the still characters.

While the time period within the text is not specifically evident, the illustrations enhance it by using modern details that many readers could identify with. The clothing of the individuals, the outside scenery, and the details within the apartment are all depicted


in a way that one could identity with now, ten years ago, or ten years in the future. This is helpful in the sense that many generations can identify with the story plot as well as what is occurring within the scenes despite that actual date or time of their reading.

**Title: HeatPublisher/Date of Publication Puffin Books (2007)Author Mike LupicaIllustrator Mike LupicaGenre Realistic FictionFormat ChapterAward Georgia Children’s Book Award Nominee

2008-2009


Textbook)

Filled with diversity as well as diverse perspectives, this story is certainly realistic of what could occur in many lives. It is more specific however for a Hispanic population, seeing as that is the ethnicity of the individuals and the surrounding conflict. The root of the problem within the story is that the young boy is not a legal American, and came from Cuba with his family illegally. Since then, however, his father has died and he and his seventeen-year-old brother are living alone. The boy, Michael, finds peace in the game of baseball, as he is a star pitcher within his little league team. As the story progresses however, a rival team accuses Michael of being older than the age limit. This precedes investigations about Michael birth, legal documents, and family. Afraid that someone will find out his actual living expenses, Michael depends on the help of his friends to make sure that his family stays together. While the context of the situation is specific in nature, the overarching themes are certainly ones that all can identify with. The passion of baseball, a hobby of Michael’s, is something all readers can understand, especially if it is something used to ease the other anxieties of one’s particular life situation. One can also identify with the loss of a family member and how difficult that must be for a child. Thirdly, one can understand the quest to keep one’s family together and depend on other individuals with beyond their power to help them through their situation.

If anything, this text strengthens the context and diverse understanding of the world. The plot of the story is not necessarily something that one would understand or find within their daily lives, but it is something that could and does happen to individuals within the world. The plot is formatted so that the individual is exposed to different layers of the events that led to the full exposure of the story. Many of these insights could be considered plot twists, and certainly are not expected when reading the text. This allows the reader to gain insight as the plot thickens and leads to unexpected twists.

While much of the plot is grim, seeing as the main character’s father has died, he is struggling financially with his brother, and he is at risk of losing the privilege of playing football by being discovered by the police, the story actually remains hopeful.


The boy never loses hope or his passion for baseball. He also remains adamant to overcome his challenges, keep his family together, and continue to play baseball.

While the basic theme within this story may not be something that is applicable to all people, some of the overarching themes can certainly be applied to everyone’s life, however. For example, everyone can understand family misfortunate and difficult finances. Most can also understand situations in which one has to depend on their families and friends to help them cope with the situations. b. Evaluation Criteria for Illustrations (pg. 119 of Norton Textbook)

Since this is a chapter book, images are not abundant within the text. The front cover provides the only insight to the illustration that the reader should visual when reading the text. The cover depicts an image of a boy pitching a baseball, which appears to be flying out towards the reader. The image almost appears to be photographed, but is probably painted. In the center of the image is a baseball stadium with a packed crowd. One can see the details of the mount and dirt. Around the center, however, is a fog or cloud which overshadows the misfortune and difficulty the little boy is forced to endure during the plot. In large letters, the title, Heat, is located in large text at the top of the page in red letters. This symbolized the intensity of the game and the intensity of the child’s situation through out the book. The image seems to be modern and historically accurate. The stadium appears to be within a city, perhaps New York, which of course is slightly worn. It is obvious that the plot of the story and the images within the story has taken place within the past decade at least.

**Title: The Hundred Dresses

Publisher/Date of Publication Harcourt Author Eleanor EstesIllustrator Eleanor EstesGenre Realistic FictionFormat ChapterAward Newberry Honor (1945)


Textbook)

The story, in itself, is tragic and heartbreaking, yet also remains hopeful. The basic theme of children displaying judgmental characteristics among their friends and actively negativity towards those who have less materialistic items is something that is not uncommon within the modern world. The text is simplistic in the fact that this is exactly what is depicted within the story plot. It is not modified to be exhilarated or exaggerated for the effect of the story. Instead, it is just as true and basic as what could actually occur in real life. The social and cultural values of the time period, which is also somewhat still true in today’s society, is also evident within the text. The plot is based upon how a group of individuals with more monetary value being judgmental towards


those who do not have such. In this sense, one is depicting a prejudice towards humiliating those who are less fortunate. This takes the form of two girls using their social status and financial benefits to humiliate another girl, of another ethnicity, because she does not have such financial means and nice clothing. The young girl explains to them, however, that she has 100 dresses at home, which leads to enhanced social torment. After the girl has moved, however, the girls feel bad and decided to visit the less fortunate girl’s house. It is here that they discover the 100 dresses that she has drawn on paper and decorated. These actions are something that is still evident today, especially around young girls. The comparison and value-based hierarchy of one’s social system is unfortunately something that is still occurring within the modern culture.

Despite the tragic events within the story, the overall plot is certainly hopeful. The young girl is not sadden or completely traumatized by the events of the girl’s actions. Instead, she remains honest, pure, and kind, even to the girls. She even draws a dress for the two girls who treated her so negatively. This is somewhat of a bittersweet ending as one learns to understand that overcoming such negative social interactions are difficult, but not impossible. It also shows that those who may seem less fortunate by society’s means may also contain internal understanding that surpasses the cultural values of modern society. Since the readers are probably on a continuum between the characters, most can understand how devastating being “picked up” feels and how difficult it is to not succumb to similar activities and remain true and kind. b. Evaluation Criteria for Illustrations (pg. 119 of Norton Textbook)

Since this is a chapter book, the images are limited within the story. The images that are depicted, however, are in sketch form, lacking detail. The cover image is the main insight provided as to what the author would like the readers to visualize when reading about the hundred dresses. The cover is completed with watercolors in somewhat of an abstract manner. Around the boarders of the cover are images of the dresses that were drawn within the text. In the center of these dresses is an image of a young girl standing behind a brick wall staring out into a playground, perhaps watching what the other girls are doing. The young girl is also depicted in an abstract manner; one can barely make out that the image is even a female. The most evident part of the image is her blue skirt and black boots. The blue of the sky is also evident within the image. This image is a combination of the climax of the story and the main theme. The main theme, of course, is the constant torment that is reoccurring among the young girls within the school. The hundred dresses is the climax of the book showing the images that serve as the purpose of the tale and depict what is occurring as the basis within the plot. Just like the text, the images on the cover also despite a historical perspective that represents several time periods. This is because the issue of young girls being judgmental has been reflected over several decades and is still a continuous problem. The images within the story also reflect the timelessness of this work, seeing as it has been present in the past, is present now, and may be present within the future.

II. Historical Fiction


**Title: Wagon WheelsPublisher/Date of Publication Harper & Row (1978)Author Barbara BrennerIllustrator Don BologneseGenre Historical FictionFormat Chapter BookAward Georgia Children’s Book Award Nominee

(1982-1983)Reading Rainbow Selection

Reflection: a. Evaluation Criteria for Historical Fiction Literature (pg. 417) of Norton Textbook)

The book is based upon the post-Civil War time period, which also includes the frontier era. It targets the time when former black slaves were freed and were allowed to look for their own land. Many traveled west due to the free land available to those who claimed it. The story includes the struggle many of those individuals faced as they make the journey from across the rugged frontier. Issues with Indians, wild animals, and scarcity of supplies were all touched upon within this story. The also required sense of bravery, determination, and unity was also a major theme within this story.

Since this is an “I can Read History” book, it is based upon easily decodable words. This chapter book is designed so that first and second graders can easily read it and comprehend it. For this reason, it does not contain many colorful wording, just the basic sight words that they would have experienced. The language, however, is still true to the time period, seeing as people also spoken with simple and a blunt nature. The context and the event of the story are easy to understand based upon the words and conversations within the text.

The setting within the story is completely authentic to the time period and situations occurring within the text. The main characters wear authentic clothing and use a covered wagon to travel in. The individuals face cold nights and dangers on the rugged prairie. Indians attack, wild animals are present, and the family struggles with having enough food and water. The father even leaves the boys in a dugout so that he can locate and being building a house. The children take care of themselves and then make the long journey, alone, to meet their father at their new house. While this is a frightening thought, it was not uncommon within this time period. While these themes are obvious within the text, it is not overwhelming so that the reader cannot follow the basic story plot. The characters obviously pull together to face the setting, which of course is the unforgiving wilderness. This struggle to survive and to work together to find happiness is the overarching theme of the story. It is relevant to the readers because these are themes that are still important within modern times, even if the readers are not facing such struggles.



Since this is a chapter book, the images are limited. The ones that are present are sketched but have great detail. They depict images of the main characters on their quest for a new home. One can certainly tell the determination within their faces. The individuals are dressed for the time period. The covered wagons are also depicted within the images. The lines are thin and sketched but still correlate the overall theme of the text. Within the images the characters are presenting a sense of unity and determination within their relation to one another. The young boys are shown taking care of one another, especially the youngest one, and completing the daily chores to survive on the prairie. The father is also shown as the figure-head, with determination in his eyes and caring consideration of his family.

While the images are not as common as they would be within a picture book, they help the readers to visualize what is occurring over several scenes. One cannot make accurate predictions based upon this because these images are so limited. They can enhance the visual images of what the students have already determined and formed within their own mindsets. These illustrations are also historically correct and seem to be based upon what would actually be occurring within this time period. For example, the dress and tools used by the individuals within the story seem to be true to what individuals living the post-Civil War era would have access to.

**Title: Leah’s PonyPublisher/Date of Publication Boyds Mill Press (1996)Author Elizabeth FriedrichIllustrator Michael GarlandGenre Historical FictionFormat Picture BookAward Georgia Book Award Nominee (1997-

1998)


This story takes placed during the 1930’s, which was known for the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in the prairie areas. This text incorporates both of these time periods within an appropriate framework. It is based upon the story of a young girl, Leah, whose family is at risk for losing their farm due to debts. The father had borrowed money from the bank to buy materials to plant corn, but due to the Dust Bowl all of the seeds had blown away. Crops did not grow and so he could not pay the bank back. The farm was set to be auctioned. Leah felt she had to do something, so she sold her beloved pony to help with the expenses. When she offers a low bid within the auction to save her father’s tractor, the other attendants were touched. They also offered low bids and gave the materials back to the family members so that the debts were settled and the family was able to keep their farm. A note within the back of the book is something that was explained as “penny auction” and actually occurred within this time period. The surrounding farmers would meet at an auction, buy the materials for nothing more than pennies, and return them to the family.


The actions, beliefs, and values of those within the story are true to the bravery that one would have to have during such hard times. The individuals portray a sense of understanding, tolerance, humility, and of course a sense of unity within the family members. This was essential for this time period in order to survive within such harsh times. This was not only true for the small family unit, but for the larger outlook of the entire farming community, which pulled together to make sure everyone was able to keep their essential materials and continue to live in their homes.

Even though this story is based upon a certain time period, it is not overwhelming so that the modern readers cannot relate to it. The themes of working together as a family and taking care of loved ones is something that all can identify with. The idea of “hard times” is also something that many can relate to and understand, even if they are not farmers. The style of the text is simple and does not contain overly colorful words that the targeted readers would not understand. The simplicity of the text is appropriate for the simplicity of such a time period.


The images within this story are highly detailed and appear to be painted. They are so carefully created, however, it almost appear to be three-dimensional. The lines are various, based upon what the images are depicted. The images do, however, appear smooth and in unity with one another to complete a whole picture that forms a vivid representation of what is occurring in every scene. Especially within the images of the characters, one can understand what is occurring and what each is thinking within each scene. This certainly reinforces what is occurring within the plot of the story, and transfers in a way that one can predict and understand.

One can easily predict what is occurring within the images, which are usually in one-to-one correspondence with the text. The images are detailed in a way that conveys the entire scene and action within the certain section to the plot. This also helps the reader to anticipate what is occurring in each scene. This also appears to be based upon a historical context and true to the nature of this time period. The clothing the characters wear the environment and house that the individuals have, as well as the overall outlook of the flow of the images also correlate to what is occurring within the text, which is also true to the historical context of the time period.

**Title: The Babe and I Publisher/Date of Publication Gulliver Book (1999)Author David A. AdlerIllustrator Terry WidenerGenre Historical FictionFormat Picture BookAward Georgia Book Award Nominee

Reflection:


a. Evaluation Criteria for Historical Fiction Literature (pg. 417) of Norton Textbook)

The setting of this story takes place within New York during the Great Depression. The theme, of course, is based upon the financial struggles all Americans were forced to endure during such times. The focus of this story is particularly about the struggles of a particular family. The father has lost his business job, but is ashamed to tell the rest of the family. Instead, he pretends he still has the job, but actually sales apples on the corner to provide the family with whatever he can make. The young boy, having discovered this, wants to aid the family. Introduced to the idea by his friend, the boy begins to sale newspapers. Coached by his friend, he uses the success of Babe Ruth as a selling point for his newspapers. He even stands outside Yankee Stadium to do so. This aids in selling the newspapers; he uses the money to attribute to the family expenses. One day, however, he actually sales a newspaper to Babe Ruth himself for $5.00! He then uses some of the money to buy a game to the baseball game.

This story is true to the historical time period, which is based upon the struggle families to cover expenses when so many were losing jobs. It also depicts the unity that students formed in order to take care of one another and make the best of such harsh times. Even the children contributed willingly to help the family. The overall sense of this story, however, is based upon hope and having a good attitude. The individuals within the story do not seem helpless or depressed based upon such harsh times. Instead, they remain hopeful and determined to continue on with their lives. For example, the young boy does not let his passion for baseball or his interest in Babe Ruth suffer do to such harsh times within the economy.

The time period, which is representative of such struggles, is not overwhelming within the story plot. Instead, the plot is more focused on the boy’s joy in distributing newspapers and meeting Babe Ruth. This adds a lighter element to the plot while still introducing the concept of what is stereotypical of this time period. This theme is certainly worthwhile by incorporating hopeful and peacefulness in a time of such difficulty and struggle. This makes the theme also relevant to what is occurring within modern times. As the economy struggles now, such elements within the story, including bonding together and doing the best that one can, are certainly elements that ones can use and apply to lives today.


The images within the story are painted, but are so carefully designed they almost appear to be based upon clay-mation or three dimensional objects. The lines are thin, but the colors are bold and blending. The images are complete with curvy lines as well as some straight horizontal ones. The texture appears to be smooth and flowing together to form one overall scene. The images are highly detailed and focus on the interaction among the characters. The facial expressions of the individuals allow for prediction of what is occurring within the story. The smiling faces and overall happy nature of the students, however, help to convey the message of a peaceful and helpful theme, which is central to the message of the story.


The text and choice of words within this text are overall light and easy to read. They also produce a positive outlook, which is also accompanied by the positive illustrations. For every typed page there is also a correlating image. This helps with predicting what is occurring within each scene. This helps the readers anticipate what is occurring within each scene as well as what will occur in the future of the scenes. The illustrations portray the obviousness of the relationship among the individuals and their caring nature.

The historical context of this story is also present. The individuals are dressed in a humble manner that the reader would expect during the Great Depression. The images of the buildings, which are portrayed as a bit tattered are also true to the nature of the time period. The images of struggling individuals as well as overcrowded cities are also elements located within most of the images within the story. This correlates what is expected of such a time period as well as the overarching theme, which includes the hopefulness and caring nature of the characters within the story.

**Title: The Christmas CobwebsPublisher/Date of Publication Gulliver Books (2001)Author Odds BodkinIllustrator Terry WidenerGenre Historical FictionFormat Picture BookAward Junior Library Guild List (2001)


This story takes place during the time of great immigration into the United States. This is also similar to the time of the Great Depression. The story is based upon a family that immigrated to the United States from Germany. In a quest to provide for the family, the shoemaker works hard in his shop. One night the shop, which also served as the home of the family, burned down. The family lost everything, except their beloved ornaments brought from their home country of Germany. They moved into an abandoned farm shed, complete with spider cobwebs. The father does not allow the family to take the cobwebs away from the spiders, seeing as that is their home. Financial situations worsen, however, and the family is forced to sell their precious ornaments. This, however, does not stop the hope of the family. Eventually the family is able to buy their own Christmas tree, and even though they are not able to put their ornaments on their Christmas tree, the spiders aid in adding an extra sense of unity to the family as they create new ornaments with their silk.

The experiences and conflicts within the story are true to what occurred during the Great Depression, especially during the time of immigration. The family struggled and had little possessions. Many brought what they could from their home countries and usually kept some of the most precious items to remind them of where they have come from. Tragedies, including fires, were also common within this time period due to the


lack of proper machinery. Also, it was true that families were thrown in the street and did not have alterative houses when their lost what little shelter they had.

The values and expressions of the family is also true to what actually occurred during this time period. The families were forced to work together and find happiness among the tragedies within their lives. They could not focus on their misfortunes or materialistic items. Instead they had to focus on their satisfaction in the simple items and their bond and unity among each other. Among all of this, however, this story is still unique in the sense that it is focused on an authentic story of a family’s ornaments and how their new house residents, the spiders, help to make it even more homely. While the stereotypical elements of the time period are present, they are not overwhelming in the sense that one cannot understand the uniqueness of the story. The theme of course is worthwhile, based upon how families pull together to form a unity that even disasters and materialistic items cannot alter. They instead form a stronger bond to find a home in whatever area they are, as long as they have each other.


The images within this story are based upon thin lines, which are usually curvy in nature. The illustrations are thick and encompass the entire section of the image. The colors are full and rich. The images appear to be painted, but almost have a three-dimensional effect. The most notable, however, are the expressions of the individuals’ facial expressions, which are complete with noteworthy hope and appreciation for one another. The images are also smooth in nature and are almost portray-like.

The images help the story flow and certainly help the readers predict what is occurring within the plot based upon the large images located on the accompanying side of the text. These images are not overwhelming of the theme, however, and are in stand alone appreciation within their own context. Even though one can easily predict the time frame based upon the clothing and setting depicted within the story, one cannot easily predict the misfortune of the family within the story. This is because they all appear hopeful and loving, despite what is occurring within their living situation. This makes the story worthwhile in its own since, just from the illustrations within the text. These images help to increase the value of the text as well as the historical understandings making sure that they are true to the time period but authentic in the sense of portraying the message of the story.

**Title: The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to FreedomPublisher/Date of Publication Candlewick Press (2005)Author Bettye StroudIllustrator Erin Susanne BennettGenre Historical FictionFormat Picture BookAward 2009 Georgia Book Award Nominee

Reflection:


a. Evaluation Criteria for Historical Fiction Literature (pg. 417) of Norton Textbook)

This story is based upon the time of slavery within the United States. It also incorporates the historical components of the Underground Railroad, and the escape of such slaves. The story, in particular, is based upon a young slave and her family. Her mother has passed away, but not before showing here how to make quilts. She uses a special quilt made by the family to escape from slavery. The special sections of the quilt have special meanings. She uses these images to locate certain symbols on her journey to find the safe house within the Underground Railroad. At one point the young girl is separated by her father, and she is forced to continue on the journey by herself until she can meet up with him again. She uses her memory of the quilt to help her continue on her journey and find the safe house.

The values and beliefs of the time period are true to what would have actually occurred. The slave families had to band together to survive the harsh times and prejudice they were facing. They also have to have a sense of mystery and secretiveness to their lives, seeing as they were forced to make sure that the slave masters did not discover their ideas. A sense of bravery is also a huge element within the story based upon what is expected to occur. The young girl escapes from all that she has ever known in attempts to find freedom. The journey was long and there was limited assurance that what is expected would actually occur. The family, just as the real families living during this period, had to make the journey having faith that what was expected would indeed occur. If not, they had to accept their faith that they could possibly be lost and unsure of where they are going and what they should do next.

While the setting is true in the details it provides, it is also sheltering of what is occurring within the text. Much of the hostility and violence that occurred during this time period is absent from this text. Instead, it is only hinted at by the context of the girl’s understanding. Perhaps this is because the story is told from the view point of the young girl, who may have not been exposed or truly understand the harshness of the situation.

The theme is certainly worthwhile and important within the context of history. It portrays a true sense of what actually occurred during this time period as well as what was possible and common at this time. The themes of bravery and unity, however, were also true and legitimate within the story. Of course not all can relate to the text seeing as the situation is no longer an issue. It is a reminder, however, of the situation of many individuals during that time as well as how they coped with their situations.


The images within the story are painted and are almost shape-like. The colors are vivid and blended in a way to display the illustrator’s style. The images are outlined in either a yellow, tan, or brownish color so that the reader can determine the differences among the objects within the story. The illustrations are smooth and unified to complete an overall calm and pleasing image. Most of these images are located on an adjacent page next to the text. This allows for easy prediction of what is occurring within the text.


Especially those individuals who have an idea of what might occur within such a text should be able to predict what is occurring, or what is likely to occur, within the text.

The images certainly develop the characters as they show the progression of the main character from a scared little girl into a brave individual fighting for her freedom. Her expressions are certainly correlated with what is occurring within the story and are easily portrayed within the images. This is certainly one of the most notable portions of the images seeing as one can tell what the young girl is feeling based upon her obvious expressions. One can also easily identify with the feelings by sympathizing with what they know about the time period and what is evident within that particular culture of that particular time.

Autumn schaffer reading_log_2

Documents

Transcript of Autumn schaffer reading_log_2