SIT-IN: HOW FOUR FRIENDS STOOD UP BY SITTING DOWN written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. Ill. by Brian Pinkney. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN 0316070165

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book tells the true story of four African American college students in Greensboro, North Carolina who sat down at a Woolworth’s lunch counter for whites only. They simply wanted “A doughnut and coffee, with cream on the side.” Although they faced difficulty, this was a key moment in the effort for racial equality that led to more sit-ins, and eventually the integration they had hoped for.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story portrays how David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell are bravely inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to peacefully protest for equality by sitting in at an all-white lunch counter. Intermixed with Dr. King’s quotes, poetic language, and metaphors that follow a cooking theme, the message given in this story is powerful, yet historically factual. This type of story helps bring the reality of the Civil Rights Movement to life by also making it easier to understand, especially for younger learners. The story of these young men also display how to stand up for what is right, although they stand up by sitting down in this case. This book has the potential to inspire others to have the courage to face challenges in order to make a positive difference, even at a young age. The ten steps given as the recipe for integration is especially impactful.

The illustrations and words go hand-in-hand to make this story even more compelling. An example of a metaphor that is enhanced through illustrations is shown in the description of the four men: “…they were treated like the hole in a donut: invisible.” The use of bright, colorful watercolor imagery and double page spreads successfully displays each of the scenes in purposeful ways. In particular, the vast scene of twists and turns of what the sit-in at the lunch counter became over time shows how their efforts to be treated fairly were far from simple. Everything about this book, including the expressive illustrations, can bring about great discussions. Since this story is woven into a broader context of events during this time, it could also be paired with other books and resources on the Civil Rights Movement.

The pages following the story provide helpful resources for readers. First, a "Civil Rights Timeline" is provided to show readers the many events taking place during this time of change in addition to sit-ins.  “A Final Helping” gives more information on the struggles of sit-ins. For further enjoyment, the author includes a list of books and websites for readers to explore in connection with the Civil Rights Movement.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Jane Addams Honor Book

From Booklist: “Even young children will grasp the powerful, elemental, and historic story of those who stood up to oppressive authority and changed the world.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Andrea Davis Pinkney books to read such as:

Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound. ISBN 1596439734

Bird in a Box. ISBN 0316074020

Gather other Jane Addams Honor Books to read such as:

Hopkinson, Deborah. Shutting Out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York, 1880-1924. ISBN 0439375908

Grifalconi, Ann and Nelson, Kadir. The Village That Vanished. ISBN 0803726236

Possible activities:

Make a recipe for peace in today’s world inspired by Dr. King’s quotes.

Using the timeline provided, research other specific events that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

NELSON MANDELA by Nelson Kadir

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nelson, Kadir. Nelson Mandela. New York, HarperCollins, 2013. ISBN 0061783749

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book biography tells about a global icon, Nelson Mandela. When he was a young boy, he was sent away to go to school and saw Africans who were in need of help. He became eager to change South Africa and protect the people. The government began separating people by the color of their skin, and Mandela spoke out for equality for everyone. Despite the struggles along the way, he did his part in making his country a place of freedom and equality.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

At first glance, readers immediately know that Nelson Mandela was a strong man. The front of the book is completely covered by a portrait of Nelson Mandela, bold and intelligent. The title is found on the back of the book. Each stage of Mandela’s life is told in a way that is brief and understandable. All accurately depicted, key events include his tribal childhood, experience as a young lawyer, leadership in the fight for freedom, time in prison, and appointment as first Black president of South Africa. The last lines of the story say it all as a celebration of Mandela’s life, “The ancestors, The people, The world, Celebrated. Amandla! Ngawethu!” This book is a great way to introduce Nelson Mandela and share all that he did to help make the world a better place for all.

Kadir Nelson’s impressive illustrations combined with the well-written story will grasp the reader’s attention. Although the artwork consists of paintings, it has a realistic look. The images are big and powerful, complementing Mandela’s achievements. The two beach scenes convey the changes brought to South Africa. In the first beach scene, there are only Europeans at the beach due to apartheid. In the final beach scene, everyone is at the beach together. Towards the end of the story, Nelson speaks “to a colorful sea of people” in which the illustrations are a true reflection. At the end of the book, readers will find more biographical information written by the author and a page designated for the bibliography.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

From Publishers Weekly: “An extremely powerful picture-book biography of South Africa’s first black president. It’s a solid biography in its own right, but thanks to Nelson’s characteristically stunning paintings, it soars.” 

From School Library Journal: “This picture-book biography matches Mandela’s outsize achievements with large, powerful images, resulting in a presentation that will seize and hold readers’ attention.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Kadir Nelson books to read such as:

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. ISBN 0061730793

We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. ISBN 0786808322

Gather other Coretta Scott King Honor Books to read such as:

Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. Ill. by Nadir Nelson. ISBN 043977733X

Possible activities:

Read additional books and explore online resources about Nelson Mandela for further learning.

Have a class discussion about apartheid to ensure students' understandings. 

BROWN GIRL DREAMING by Jacqueline Woodson

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. ISBN 0399252517

PLOT SUMMARY

In this memoir, Jacqueline Woodson tells her childhood story through many vivid poems. She shares her experiences in both South Carolina and New York, telling about her life as an African American girl growing up shortly after the Civil Rights Movement. Between being teased in the South for the way they talked, and being misunderstood in Brooklyn for being Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jacqueline and her family had to rely on each other. Beginning with storytelling, she describes how she ends up finding her place in the world as a writer.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

There is much more to this novel than telling a childhood story. It also provides historical information about the given time in history and background into how Jacqueline became a writer. Multiple connections are made to African American history including segregation and marches. Influential people such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are also mentioned. Interactions described with other characters also give the reader insight. Her grandfather, for example, gives his wisdom about nonviolent protests saying, “You can’t just put your fist up. You have to insist on something gently.” The differing language use between the North and South is also a notable component that the Woodson children were forced to adjust to. Jacqueline’s passion for storytelling also becomes evident throughout the story, and she shares how this helped to shape her into a successful writer.

The writing in this story consists of mesmerizing poetry in which Jacqueline’s feelings are honest and transparent. Through imagery, her writing allows the reader to go through her journey along with her. This novel has a lot to offer to readers. It provides learners with an engaging way to explore a time in history. It encourages all readers to reach for their dreams just as Jacqueline did, and stay hopeful no matter what the situation may be. Emphasis is also placed on the loyalty among family, which is an important theme in African American children's literature. Overall, this novel written in verse is filled with well-crafted, beautiful writing that is sure to captivate young readers everywhere.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A New York Times Bestseller

National Book Award Winner

A National Book Award Winner
A Newbery Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Award Winner

From Kirkus Reviews: “Woodson cherishes her memories and shares them with a graceful lyricism; her lovingly wrought vignettes of country and city streets will linger long after the page is turned. For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share.”

From Publishers Weekly: “The writer’s passion for stories and storytelling permeates the memoir, explicitly addressed in her early attempts to write books and implicitly conveyed through her sharp images and poignant observations seen through the eyes of a child. Woodson’s ability to listen and glean meaning from what she hears lead to an astute understanding of her surroundings, friends, and family.”

From Booklist: “[Woodson’s] memoir in verse is a marvel, as it turns deeply felt remembrances of Woodson’s preadolescent life into art. Her mother cautions her not to write about her family but, happily, many years later, she has and the result is both elegant and eloquent, a haunting book about memory that is itself altogether memorable.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Jacqueline Woodson books to read such as:

Another Brooklyn. ISBN 0062359983

Feathers. ISBN 0142415502

Gather other Coretta Scott King award winning books to read such as:

Alexander, Kwame. The Crossover. ISBN 0544107713

Possible activities:

Allow students to write a poem or a story about their own name.

Encourage students to make a display of their own family tree.

MY FATHER’S ARMS ARE A BOAT written by Stein Erik Lunde, illustrated by Øyvind Torseter, and translated by Kari Dickson

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lunde, Stein Erik. My Father’s Arms are a Boat. Ill. by Øyvind Torseter. New York: Echanted Lion Books, 2012. ISBN 1592701248

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book tells the story of a young boy who is unable to sleep and needs his father’s comfort as they deal with the loss of the boy’s mom. Throughout the night, they have conversations about the red birds, the spruce tree, the hunting fox, the stars, and about his mom. Although grieving himself, the father calms the boy by providing answers and telling him that everything will be alright.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book tells a thought-provoking Norwegian story in which a father’s arms are like a boat, carrying the boy through as they face grief together. This is indeed a sad story for readers, however, the bond between the boy and the father offers a glimpse of hope. Inside the house, it is quiet and lonely for them. Nature appears to be their outlet as they talk beneath the stars during the wintry night. Perhaps they feel the need to be surrounded by nature because it is full of life. Overall, the story is calm and tender, but with jolts of the unexpected. For instance, the boy states, “Granny says the red birds are dead people.” Even with moments like these, the story amazingly captures the reality of this difficult time in a simple way that anyone could potentially relate to.

The illustrations in this story consist of drawings and cut-outs. These illustrations are essential to the story and complement the words for deeper meaning. For instance, the lack of color throughout most of the book could signify the silent sadness and the open space could symbolize the emptiness they feel in their hearts. Oddly, the only evidence of vibrant color is shown on the fox, the swing, and the brick wall at the end of the story. Maybe the color in this story symbolizes warmth and comfort. The illustration of the father holding the boy by the fire is exceptionally beautiful, followed by the red birds eating the bread. This profound story definitely lends itself to pondering life and loss. It undoubtedly invites readers to reflect, analyze, and respond.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

USBBY’s 2014 Outstanding International Books list

A 2014 Mildred L Batchelder Honor Book

From The Horn Book: "The quiet, intimate text and enigmatic paper-collage and ink illustrations make a world of their own that commends interest beyond the therapeutic."

From School Library Journal: "This distinctive look at life, death, and grief is beautiful and thought-provoking."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Books to read such as:

Suzhen, Fang. Grandma Lives in a Perfume Village. Ill. by Sonja Danowski. ISBN 0735842167

Liniers. Written and Drawn by Henrietta. ISBN 193517990X

Possible activities:

Teach students about the meaning of a metaphor beginning with an example from the book.

Make and discuss inferences throughout the story, such as what they might have wished for.

KOALA LOU written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Pamela Lofts

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fox, Mem. Koala Lou. Ill. By Pamela Lofts. Boston: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1988. ISBN 0152000763

PLOT SUMMARY

A firstborn Koala named Koala Lou likes when her mother tells her that she loves her all the time. However, when Koala Lou’s mother gets busy with the new little brothers and sisters, she forgets to tell her how much she loves her as often. Since this made Koala Lou sad, she decided to enter the Bush Olympics in hopes to hear her mother say, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book celebrates a mother’s unconditional love. It is easy to sympathize with Koala Lou for the lack of loving attention. The moment when Koala Lou is about to compete in the gum tree climbing event engages the reader with some suspense. Despite the outcome, the comforting words at the end will give readers a warm, fuzzy feeling. Even though this story is about koalas in Australia, it has the potential to bring meaning to anyone, anywhere. In particular, this book is great for a firstborn child who is going to have a new sibling. Through this story, readers are given the message that a mother’s love is endless and unchanging.

Lofts' colorful illustrations in this story are simple and sweet. Her colored-pencil artwork captures the Australian wildlife and landscape wonderfully. The illustrations are particularly helpful in conveying the mother’s struggles to share her attention amongst all of her children. Full of excited animals with fun party hats, the illustrations of the Bush Olympics are also quite engaging. Words such as “splendid” and phrases such as “How’re ya goin’, blossom?” depict the writing of Mem Fox as an Australian author. Aside from a few subtle words and phrases, most of the writing throughout the book is similar to what is written in America.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From The Horn Book: “A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Mem Fox books such as:

Good Night, Sleep Tight. Ill. by Judy Horacek. ISBN 0545533708

Hello, Baby. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. ISBN 1442434325

Possible activities:

Practice sequencing events in the story using a graphic organizer.

Use journal writing to make connections with the story.

THE LILY POND written by Annika Thor and translated by Linda Schenck

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thor, Annika. The Lily Pond. New York: Yearling, 2011. ISBN 0385740409

PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a sequel to A Faraway Island. Two Jewish sisters, Stephie and Nellie, live on a Swedish island as refugees during World War II. Their foster parents offer thirteen-year-old Stephie the opportunity to enroll in school in Goteberg, on the mainland of Sweden. She stays with a doctor and his wife, who were previous lodgers of her foster parents’ cottage. A charming boy named Sven, who is five years older than her, stays in the room next door. Stephie must deal with her love for him, her concern for her parents in Vienna, and her struggles at school. She ends up developing a special friendship with one of her classmates, who is there for her through it all.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This emotional historical fiction novel takes place early on during World War II, as Jews were beginning to see effects of the actions of the Nazi government in Germany. The main character, Stephie, interacts with characters who have varying opinions and cultural backgrounds throughout the story. Key interactions include the letters from her parents, the family she stays with, her foster parents, teachers at her school, and others in the city. These gives the reader some authentic indications of what this historical time was like from many different angles. Cultural details such as languages, attire, traditions, values, and beliefs are all richly described for readers to capture Sweden during this time. Even within the town of Goteberg, there is evidence of diversity.

Stephie is a seemingly strong, intelligent protagonist. She copes with many changes, including a new school, a new place to stay, and making new friends. These types of changes are universal, and can be challenging experiences for any teenager, even in today’s world. On top of the many adjustments, Stephie is in isolation from her own family and her cultural roots. As a result, she frequently contemplates her living situation and how unfair it is that her parents are lacking so much. Toward the end of the story, she is also burdened with worry for her parents, especially her mother’s health. Those who has been separated from their parents at a young age could relate this story of Stephie. As an ideal book for discussions, this book is eye-opening and astounding.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book

ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

From Booklist: "A compelling look at World War II–era Sweden, this distinguished Holocaust story will resonate."

From The Horn Book: "Stephie’s story of adjustment to a new school and of a first crush is both specific and universal."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Books to read such as:

Appelfeld, Aharon. Adam and Thomas. ISBN 1609806344

Gather other Annika Thor books to read such as:

Deep Sea. ISBN 0385743858

A Faraway Island. ISBN 9780375844959

Possible Activities:

Research World War II and the Holocaust to gain further understanding of themes within the story.

Have a class discussion about Stephie’s reaction to the cheating incident, and the possible reasons for her not telling on the girl who was responsible.