(image obtained by barnesandnoble.com)
1. Bibliography:
Nelson, Khadir. 2011. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer and Bray An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishing. ISBN 978-0-06-173074-0
2. Plot Summary:
A story of African Americans and their struggle, hope, and courage in the face of adversity. This
non-fiction reveals details of the African Americans' role in American history.
3. Critical analysis:
Khadir Nelson expertly uses the narration of a single story teller to tell the whole of the African American history in America. He makes it an intimate narrative as he informs us of the Africans who came to America in 1565 as laborers with the Spanish. The African American Revolutionary War Soldiers, who fought on the side of the British because they were promised their freedom from slavery. The African children who were kidnapped from their villages and shipped to America as slaves even after it was illegal to capture and import slaves to America. Abolitionist like Frederick Douglas and others who spoke up against slavery. The Lincoln administration and the American civil war that divided the nation but freed a people. Martin Luther King, the preacher, who believed in the idea of a peaceful protest. Nelson's use of the informal voice of a hundred year old African American female narrator is clever and makes the information interesting and relative to young readers. The narrator tells an engaging story of courage and resilience of the African American people from the early formation of this nation to the election of the first African American president. She also tells of black inventions such as the dustpan, the almanac, the traffic light, the ice-cream scooper and more. We not only learn of the plight of the average African American but also of African American musicians, athletes and soldiers. So, the narrator also offers insight into the creativity, talent, intellect, and determination of the African American. Nelson's illustrations are stunning, vivid and breathtaking as he uses forty four full page oil paintings to visually depict the experience this extraordinary group of people. The" Heart and Soul" time line, a bibliography and index complete this award winning informative picture book.
4. Review excerpts and awards:
School Library Journal:
"Nelson’s done a remarkable job of selecting choice elements, and using a voice and specific family memories to enliven the telling of the history from a distinct point of view."
"Our fabulous librarian just handed me Khadir Nelson’s, Heart and Soul The Story of America and African Americans (Harper Collins, 2011). At first, the weight of the book struck me, as did the heartening illustrations on every page of the book. That’s how deep and heavy the pictures are."
Kirkus reviews:
"This intimate narrative makes the stories accessible to young readers and powerfully conveys how personal this history feels for many African-Americans. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
Goodreads:
"The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton.."
Awards:
The recipient of the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and the recipient of five starred reviews.
5. Connections:
Khadir Nelson is also the author and illustrator of another informative picture book called
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Nelson uses the voice of a narrator in this book also and dramatic full page size oil painting illustrations. This book tells the story of the Negro League. It is a look into the lives of gifted black athletes, racial discrimination, the owners and international sportsmanship. He tells the story of African American players who had to overcome segregation, hatred and difficult situations. Both books uses an informal narrative voice that captures the resilience, determination and strength of the African American people.
Activities:
Activity #1:
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans can be used in the study of different periods in American history. We can use it as a supplement in the study of the life of president Lincoln. The students can use it as a reference in the investigation of president Lincoln's accomplishments. Have the students work in pairs and research details of at least two major historical contributions of president Lincoln.
Activity #2:
Divide the history of the African Americans in two major sections. The historical events before the 1900's and events from 1900 to the present. Using the book, create a list of major historical events during both time periods. For example: the Revolutionary war, the Civil war, Slavery, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, etc. Put the students in groups of four and have each group choose one major event that occurred before the 1900's or one that occurred after the 1900's to investigate. Create a rubric and guidelines with clear expectations. Establish the number of sources that must be cited(at least 3) and key information each report should contain. Allow the students to be creative in presenting their findings.
Children's Response:
The pictures were used with the younger children to explain certain events in the book. I paraphrased the information and the pictures were very effective in conveying the basic information. The picture of "paps" as a child slave made an impression on the little ones. They noted that he looked poor, with no clothes. They were sad that he was taken away from his mom and dad.
My 13 year old enjoyed the book. He did not complete the book due to lack of time but he liked how the book was organized, the illustrations and the engaging narrative.
References:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.kirkusreviews.com
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
(image obtained by barnesandnobles.com)
1. Bibliography:
Jenkins, Steve and Page, Robin. 2006. Move. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN-13: 978061864637-1
2. Plot Summary:
Animal movement and why they move the way they do. A look at how animals move around in the animal kingdom.
3. Critical Analysis:
Animals swinging through the jungle trees or walking on their two back legs. Animals swimming, floating, diving, slithering, jumping, dancing, and running. All provide insight of movement in the animal kingdom. Jenkins present unique animals like the jacana bird that can not only float on a lily pad but is also able to dive under water to catch a fish. The huge blue whale that not only swims under the ocean waves but also dives to great depths. The roadrunner that can not only fly, even though "not too far", but also runs fast to catch its prey. Jenkins tells of the playful movement of the Arctic rabbit as it dances and tumbles with its mate. Move is engaging, and filled with action verbs that allows young readers to explore the unusual ways in which animals move. Robin Page uses texture through colorful cut-paper collages on a white background that brings the animals to life and provide a visual effect that give the young reader an opportunity to further discover the uniqueness of motion in the animal world. Jenkins offers intriguing facts such as a jumping spider that dances to impress then uses the silky thread from its web to float through the air. A huge polar bear that can float in icy water and is also an expert diver. The two page spreads, in this beautiful non-fiction picture book, show actions that connect two different animals. Move introduces the young reader to movement in a unique and engaging way.
4. Review excerpts and awards:
School Library Journal:
"Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page, then learn why these animals move the way they do, from the jumping spider who dances to impress and then floats away on a thread of silk, to the roadrunner who flies, but not too far, and would rather run to catch its prey."
Kirkus Reviews:
"Handsome textured cut-paper collages on white paper show animals of the same species that are vastly different in size."
Goodreads:
"Illustrated in eye-popping cut- and torn-paper collages by Caldecott Honor artist Steve Jenkins, Move! is a playful introduction to motion in the animal kingdom that invites young readers to guess some of the unusual ways that animals get around."
Awards:
Caldecott Honor artist
5. Connections:
Steve Jenkins has written many animal books. Actual size is an informative picture book about unique animals of different sizes such as a moth that's so big that it's mistaken for a bird and the dwarf Goby which is the smallest fish(1/3 of an inch long). The Goliath frog is thirty six inches long and can weigh up to seven pounds. The Alaskan brown bear is thirteen feet tall ,weighs seventeen hundred pounds and it's the largest meat eating animal. Both books offer interesting information about animals with life like illustrations. In both cut- and torn-paper collage artwork is used which has a dramatic effect. The books are very engaging and allow young readers to explore the animal kingdom. The book What do you do with a tail like this? provides information on the unique way animals use their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tails and feet. The hippopotamus closes its ears before going under water. The alligator breaths through its nose while hiding under water and the hyena uses its nose to find food. Steve Jenkins makes natural science interesting for young readers as he presents animal facts in a playful and extraordinary way.
Activities:
Activity #1:
After reading the text, invite the children to act out the movements that are described in the book and to come up with additional animal movements. Model by first giving an example of an additional animal and acting out the movement such as that of a monkey or an eagle.
Activity # 2:
The children can play animal charades. Model first by acting out an animal movement and then have the children guess what animal it is. Invite the children to choose an animal then take turns performing the movement and actions of the animal while the other children guess the identity of the animal.
Children's Response:
I read this book to my pre-k students and they loved it. We acted out the movements of all the animals and the children had lots of fun while learning about the different animals. The children were able to retell many of the facts about the animals because they were all so engaged in the text.
References:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.hmhbooks.com
http://www.amazon.com
(image obtained from barnesandnoble.com)
1. Bibliography:
Freedman, Russell. 2004. The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-618-15976-2
2. Plot Summary:
The life of Marian Anderson, an account of her struggles and accomplishments while pursuing her art.
3. Critical Analysis:
The Lincoln Memorial was jammed with thousands of people who had come to hear one of the greatest voices of our times. It was an Easter Sunday in 1939 and the people were determined to show their support for racial justice. Marian Anderson stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave a free concert as she was denied the right to sing at the Constitution Hall because of her race. The daughters of the American Revolution(DAR) owned the Hall, one of Washington's largest and finest auditoriums, and they had bared black artist from performing at the Hall a few years earlier. Marian Anderson changed the course of history that day as she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Marian Anderson was instrumental in breaking racial barriers. Freedman shows readers how Marian Anderson pursued her art despite segregation in the arts and other social and political barriers. Freedman also noted the support of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, a member in good standing with DAR., and her stance against injustice by resigning from that organization. He recorded the discrimination Anderson faced when she first went to enroll in music school and was told "We don't take colors". When Anderson was invited to sing at a gala at Georgia State Industrial College in Savannah Georgia, she experienced the "Jim Crow" laws that enforced racial segregation in the South. She was traveling from Philadelphia to Georgia and had to transfer to the coach reserved for blacks. She recalled how dirty and stuffy the car was. The Savannah Morning News reported "[Marian ] Anderson has one of the most remarkable voices ever heard." Anderson also struggled because she lost her dad at age twelve. She and her sisters delivered bundles of laundry her mother had done and scrubbed steps. Marian Anderson performed before President and Mrs. Roosevelt, dignitaries and soldiers. She sang to a national and international audience. She received a honorary doctorate of music from Howard University in 1938. In 1935 in Austria, the celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini declared after attending one of Marian Anderson's recital that hers was " A voice...heard in a hundred years." Freedman's use of black and white photographs in this biography is a visual testimony of the life and legacy of Marian Anderson. " Chapter Notes", "Selected Bibliography", and "Selected Discography: Some Recent Marian Anderson Release" completes this biography.
4. Review Excerpts and Reviews:
School Library Journal:
"Freedman's comprehensive account of Anderson's burgeoning career shows the singer's intensive study of and dedication to the..."
Kirkus Review:
"She had played the major cities in Europe, appeared before filled-to-capacity halls throughout the US, and been welcomed at the White House, but famous contralto Marian Anderson was turned down by Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The Daughters of the American Revolution, headquartered there, stood by their "white artists only" policy and wouldn't let her perform."
Goodreads:
"In the 1930s, black singer Marian Anderson was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall. But with help from Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson staged an amazing concert at the Lincoln Memorial and became an activist for civil rights."
Awards:
John Newberry Medal and Sibert Medal.
Nominations: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award
5. Connections:
Freedman is the author of several biographies. He wrote Eleanor Roosevelt: A life of Discovery. The biography also dealt with the life and struggles of the former first lady. As with the biography of Marian Anderson, he traced Eleanor Roosevelt's life from early childhood to adulthood. He also reported the difficulties Eleanor Roosevelt faced during her years in the White House. Both biographies are stories of courage and resilience.
Activities:
Activity #1:
After reading the biography of Marian Anderson and that of Eleanor Roosevelt. Discuss differences and similarities between the two whole group. Divide the students in groups of three or four and have the groups us Graphic Organizers to compare and contrast both books and present the results to the class.
Activity #2:
After reading and discussing the biography of Marian Anderson have the students write a reflective piece of at least one paragraph of one life lesson they could learn from Anderson's biography.
Children's Response:
My 13 year old son found her life very interesting. He had never heard of Marian Anderson and was under the impression that racial barriers mainly existed in the South.
References:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
1. Bibliography:
Jenkins, Steve and Page, Robin. 2006. Move. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN-13: 978061864637-1
2. Plot Summary:
Animal movement and why they move the way they do. A look at how animals move around in the animal kingdom.
3. Critical Analysis:
Animals swinging through the jungle trees or walking on their two back legs. Animals swimming, floating, diving, slithering, jumping, dancing, and running. All provide insight of movement in the animal kingdom. Jenkins present unique animals like the jacana bird that can not only float on a lily pad but is also able to dive under water to catch a fish. The huge blue whale that not only swims under the ocean waves but also dives to great depths. The roadrunner that can not only fly, even though "not too far", but also runs fast to catch its prey. Jenkins tells of the playful movement of the Arctic rabbit as it dances and tumbles with its mate. Move is engaging, and filled with action verbs that allows young readers to explore the unusual ways in which animals move. Robin Page uses texture through colorful cut-paper collages on a white background that brings the animals to life and provide a visual effect that give the young reader an opportunity to further discover the uniqueness of motion in the animal world. Jenkins offers intriguing facts such as a jumping spider that dances to impress then uses the silky thread from its web to float through the air. A huge polar bear that can float in icy water and is also an expert diver. The two page spreads, in this beautiful non-fiction picture book, show actions that connect two different animals. Move introduces the young reader to movement in a unique and engaging way.
4. Review excerpts and awards:
School Library Journal:
"Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page, then learn why these animals move the way they do, from the jumping spider who dances to impress and then floats away on a thread of silk, to the roadrunner who flies, but not too far, and would rather run to catch its prey."
Kirkus Reviews:
"Handsome textured cut-paper collages on white paper show animals of the same species that are vastly different in size."
Goodreads:
"Illustrated in eye-popping cut- and torn-paper collages by Caldecott Honor artist Steve Jenkins, Move! is a playful introduction to motion in the animal kingdom that invites young readers to guess some of the unusual ways that animals get around."
Awards:
Caldecott Honor artist
5. Connections:
Steve Jenkins has written many animal books. Actual size is an informative picture book about unique animals of different sizes such as a moth that's so big that it's mistaken for a bird and the dwarf Goby which is the smallest fish(1/3 of an inch long). The Goliath frog is thirty six inches long and can weigh up to seven pounds. The Alaskan brown bear is thirteen feet tall ,weighs seventeen hundred pounds and it's the largest meat eating animal. Both books offer interesting information about animals with life like illustrations. In both cut- and torn-paper collage artwork is used which has a dramatic effect. The books are very engaging and allow young readers to explore the animal kingdom. The book What do you do with a tail like this? provides information on the unique way animals use their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tails and feet. The hippopotamus closes its ears before going under water. The alligator breaths through its nose while hiding under water and the hyena uses its nose to find food. Steve Jenkins makes natural science interesting for young readers as he presents animal facts in a playful and extraordinary way.
Activities:
Activity #1:
After reading the text, invite the children to act out the movements that are described in the book and to come up with additional animal movements. Model by first giving an example of an additional animal and acting out the movement such as that of a monkey or an eagle.
Activity # 2:
The children can play animal charades. Model first by acting out an animal movement and then have the children guess what animal it is. Invite the children to choose an animal then take turns performing the movement and actions of the animal while the other children guess the identity of the animal.
Children's Response:
I read this book to my pre-k students and they loved it. We acted out the movements of all the animals and the children had lots of fun while learning about the different animals. The children were able to retell many of the facts about the animals because they were all so engaged in the text.
References:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.kirkusreviews.com
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.comhttp://www.amazon.com
1. Bibliography:
Freedman, Russell. 2004. The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-618-15976-2
2. Plot Summary:
The life of Marian Anderson, an account of her struggles and accomplishments while pursuing her art.
3. Critical Analysis:
The Lincoln Memorial was jammed with thousands of people who had come to hear one of the greatest voices of our times. It was an Easter Sunday in 1939 and the people were determined to show their support for racial justice. Marian Anderson stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave a free concert as she was denied the right to sing at the Constitution Hall because of her race. The daughters of the American Revolution(DAR) owned the Hall, one of Washington's largest and finest auditoriums, and they had bared black artist from performing at the Hall a few years earlier. Marian Anderson changed the course of history that day as she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Marian Anderson was instrumental in breaking racial barriers. Freedman shows readers how Marian Anderson pursued her art despite segregation in the arts and other social and political barriers. Freedman also noted the support of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, a member in good standing with DAR., and her stance against injustice by resigning from that organization. He recorded the discrimination Anderson faced when she first went to enroll in music school and was told "We don't take colors". When Anderson was invited to sing at a gala at Georgia State Industrial College in Savannah Georgia, she experienced the "Jim Crow" laws that enforced racial segregation in the South. She was traveling from Philadelphia to Georgia and had to transfer to the coach reserved for blacks. She recalled how dirty and stuffy the car was. The Savannah Morning News reported "[Marian ] Anderson has one of the most remarkable voices ever heard." Anderson also struggled because she lost her dad at age twelve. She and her sisters delivered bundles of laundry her mother had done and scrubbed steps. Marian Anderson performed before President and Mrs. Roosevelt, dignitaries and soldiers. She sang to a national and international audience. She received a honorary doctorate of music from Howard University in 1938. In 1935 in Austria, the celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini declared after attending one of Marian Anderson's recital that hers was " A voice...heard in a hundred years." Freedman's use of black and white photographs in this biography is a visual testimony of the life and legacy of Marian Anderson. " Chapter Notes", "Selected Bibliography", and "Selected Discography: Some Recent Marian Anderson Release" completes this biography.
4. Review Excerpts and Reviews:
School Library Journal:
"Freedman's comprehensive account of Anderson's burgeoning career shows the singer's intensive study of and dedication to the..."
Kirkus Review:
"She had played the major cities in Europe, appeared before filled-to-capacity halls throughout the US, and been welcomed at the White House, but famous contralto Marian Anderson was turned down by Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The Daughters of the American Revolution, headquartered there, stood by their "white artists only" policy and wouldn't let her perform."
Goodreads:
"In the 1930s, black singer Marian Anderson was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall. But with help from Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson staged an amazing concert at the Lincoln Memorial and became an activist for civil rights."
Awards:
John Newberry Medal and Sibert Medal.
Nominations: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award
5. Connections:
Freedman is the author of several biographies. He wrote Eleanor Roosevelt: A life of Discovery. The biography also dealt with the life and struggles of the former first lady. As with the biography of Marian Anderson, he traced Eleanor Roosevelt's life from early childhood to adulthood. He also reported the difficulties Eleanor Roosevelt faced during her years in the White House. Both biographies are stories of courage and resilience.
Activities:
Activity #1:
After reading the biography of Marian Anderson and that of Eleanor Roosevelt. Discuss differences and similarities between the two whole group. Divide the students in groups of three or four and have the groups us Graphic Organizers to compare and contrast both books and present the results to the class.
Activity #2:
After reading and discussing the biography of Marian Anderson have the students write a reflective piece of at least one paragraph of one life lesson they could learn from Anderson's biography.
Children's Response:
My 13 year old son found her life very interesting. He had never heard of Marian Anderson and was under the impression that racial barriers mainly existed in the South.
References:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.kirkusreviews.com
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
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