Language & Literature
-- Curriculum Connections, 10/1/2008
BURNETT, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden. illus. by Inga Moore. 279p. CIP. Candlewick. 2008. RTE $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3161-1. LC 2006051838.
Gr 3-6–Burnett’s tale of friendship, first published in 1911, is presented in a handsome, oversize edition. Moore’s detailed ink-and-watercolor paintings portray the English countryside and breathe life into the young protagonists, depicting the wondrous transformations that take place both in nature and in a child’s heart. B
CLEARY, Brian P. The Laugh Stand: Adventures in Humor. illus. by J. P. Sandy. 48p. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. 2008. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8225-7849-9. LC 2007021889.
Gr 4-6–Cleary shares his enthusiasm for the English language with 13 brief chapters that encourage kids to play with words through anagrams, pangrams, daffynitions, and more. Goofy cartoons match the text’s light tone, and the mixture of explanations and examples provides a ready-made starting point for pun-filled lesson plans. B
FLEISCHMAN, Sid. The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West. 224p. photos. reprods. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2008. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-134431-2; PLB $19.89. ISBN 978-0-06-134432-9. LC 2007037891.
Gr 5-9–Writing with wry humor and precise language, Fleischman, a word wizard himself, provides insight into the life of this “Missouri mischief maker,” from Samuel Clemens’s misadventure-filled youth to his rebirth as Mark Twain at age 30 and his emergence as America’s “resident wit.” An array of photographs and reproductions add dimension to the entertaining text. B
Good Conversations! A Talk with Gordon Korman. video or DVD. 21 min. Tim Podell Prods. (goodconversations.com). 2007. ISBN 1-58543-084-6. $59.98.
Gr 4-8–Tim Podell’s interview with the prolific author offers insight into the humorous and touching stories that have made him so popular with young adult readers. Korman talks about the amazing circumstances that led to the publication of This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (Scholastic, 1978) and its impact on his life. He describes a typical work day, answers a few questions, and reads from Schooled (Hyperion, 2007). V D
Good Conversations! A Talk with Russell Freedman. video or DVD. 21 min. Tim Podell Prods. (goodconversations.com). 2007. ISBN 1-58543-043-8. $59.98.
Gr 5 Up–In an interview with Tim Podell, Freedman talks about Lincoln: A Photobiography (1987), the book that won the Newbery Medal in 1988, as well as The Voice That Changed a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights (2004) and Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (1993, all Clarion). Podell’s final question to Freedman should prompt discussion among students: If you could invite any five historic figures to dinner, who would they be? VD
Literature for Students (Series). 5 DVDs. 23 min. ea. with tchr’s. guides. Prod. by Schlessinger Media. Dist. by Library Video Co. (libraryvideo.com). 2007. ISBN 978-1-4171-0861-9. $199.75 ser., $39.95 ea. Includes: Literature for Students: Analyzing & Appreciating Poetry (ISBN 978-1-4171-0862-6); Literature for Students: Analyzing Fiction (ISBN 978-1-4171-0863-3); Literature for Students: Analyzing Nonfiction (ISBN 978-1-4171-0864-0); Literature for Students: Elements of Fiction (ISBN 978-1-4171-0865-7); Literature for Students: Genres of Fiction (ISBN 978-1-4171-0866-4).
Gr 5-9–Employing a TV-show format, three hosts take turns leading students through the landscape of literary terms with examples and excerpts drawn from classic and contemporary young adult literature. The narrators reflect on some of their favorite titles, while clips of book recommendations from middle school students are interspersed. D
Word Zap: Exploring Parts of Speech. video or DVD. 55 min. (closed captioned). with tchr’s. guide, worksheets. Human Relations Media (hrmvideo.com). 2007. ISBN 978-1-55548-608-2. $199.95.
Gr 3-6–Xylo, a little green alien, crashes to Earth and meets a wise cat who teaches him about parts of speech in this animated film. Segments cover nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Each part of speech is clearly explained, its uses are demonstrated, and spelling rules are examined through multiple examples. There’s a review at the end of each section. VD
Writing Strategies. DVD. approx. 70 min. Rock ’N Learn (rocknlearn.com). 2007. ISBN 978-1-934312-02-5. $19.99.
Gr 4-6–Marko the Pencil and his airplane visit a girl trying to write a story in this animated production. Marko offers encouragement and provides tools to help her sharpen her writing skills, giving examples of how they work delivered in rap with musical accompaniment. Brainstorming, identifying your audience, finding a hook, and organizing ideas are explored. The animation is colorful, creative, and engaging. D
