RAIN REIGN by Ann M. Martin

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Martin, Ann M. Rain Reign. New York: Feiwel & Friends, 2014. ISBN 0312643004

PLOT SUMMARY

This novel is about a twelve-year-old girl named Rose who faces the daily challenges of high-functioning autism. Her interests include homonyms, prime numbers, following rules, and spending time with her dog named Rain. She lives with her single father, and her Uncle Weldon helps out often. During a hurricane one night, Rain goes missing. Rose and her uncle search for Rain and eventually find her at a shelter where they discover that Rain actually belongs to another family. Rose makes a difficult, but brave decision to find Rain’s owners.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Told from Rose’s point of view, it is almost immediately clear that she often struggles with the breaking of rules and changing of routines. Although she is a child with Asberger’s syndrome, this is not central to the story. Instead, it zooms in on a pivotal piece of her life and all that is going on around her.  Important components are her bond with her dog, her life at home living without her mom, the quality time spent with her Uncle Weldon, and her experiences at school. All readers are likely to connect in some way or another with Rose’s story. Her perspective also gives readers a glimpse into her mind, portraying a unique way of viewing the world. Reading books like Rain Reign allow children to better understand one another. Likewise, meaningful discussions can take place from reading this book.

The story accurately captures Rose’s personality, and other characters in this story are well-developed. Rose’s interactions with other characters are balanced and give added insight. Others’ responses to Rose’s obsessions, for instance, particularly convey their attempts to understand her. Readers are likely to become a fan of Uncle Weldon, who may be the person who understands her best. Throughout the story, he always seems to reach out to her when she is in the midst of challenging situations, especially when Rain is gone. The hurricane seems to symbolize a time of change for Rose. Showing great character, she makes a tough choice because it was the right thing to do. The end of the story is bittersweet, but definitely shows just how amazing of a child Rose really is.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A New York Times Bestseller

From The Horn Book: “Rose is a character we root for every step of the way. She is resilient, honest, and, in her own odd way, very perceptive; a most reliable narrator.” 

From Kirkus Reviews: “Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Ann M. Martin books to read such as:

A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray. ISBN 0439717000

A Corner of the Universe. ISBN 0439388813

Gather other inclusive chapter books to read such as:

Hunt, Lynda M. Fish in a Tree. ISBN 0399162593

Possible activities:

Discuss character traits of several characters and how they are relevant to the story.

Have students write a connection they made with the story in their journals.

THIS DAY IN JUNE written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pitman, Gayle E. This Day in June. Ill. by Kristyna Litten. Washington, DC: Magination Press, 2014. ISBN 1433816598

PLOT SUMMARY

Written in rhyming couplets, this book acknowledges the pride parades that took place in June of 1969 and the parades that have taken place since then. Information about LGBT history and culture is included at the end.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book reflects the LGBT community in a lively, celebratory way. The rhyming text is kept simple, yet engaging. It serves as a means of helping all readers understand how to accept others for who they are, also allowing children to ask questions as part of meaningful conversations. Although the contents of this book may not align with the values of all families, parents and educators are able to choose the appropriate direction and extent to which they take these discussions. This gives students the important opportunity to understand differences among people, as with other multicultural books. The Reading Guide is filled with facts about the LGBT culture, and each piece of information is categorized by the couplets throughout the book. The Note to Parents and Caregivers suggests how to approach topics such as sexual orientation and gender variance in a suitable way for different age groups.

With few words on each page, readers are instantly engulfed in the many details on the page. The illustrations are essential to the message of this book, accurately portraying a pride parade. The vivid artwork is richly colorful and highlights diversity. The parade seems to include everyone, and shows each person expressing their individuality. People of all sorts of looks are a part of this event including the young, old, parents, and kids. Regardless, everyone is presented in such a positive, non-stereotypical way placing value on diversity. Books like This Day in June steer away from negativity that may result in intolerance or bullying. A particularly great aspect of this book is that it seems to focus on all people, rather than a particular group, offering a sense of unity.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2015 ALA Stonewall Book Award
A Top Ten Title, 2015 Rainbow List
Winner, 2015 Notable Books for a Global Society Awards

From Publisher’s Weekly: “Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but it’s Litten’s artwork that creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display.”

From School Library Journal: “This beautifully illustrated book is a great addition to a school or personal library to add diversity in a responsible manner without contributing to stereotypes about LGBT people.” 

CONNECTIONS

Gather other inclusive picture books to read such as:

Badacchino, Christine. Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Ill. by Isabelle Malenfant. ISBN 1554983479

Herthel, Jessica & Jennings, Jazz. I Am Jazz. Ill. by Shelagh McNicholas. ISBN 0803741073

Possible activities:

Find additional resources with information about particular events, such as the Stonewall riots, that led to the gay liberation movement.

Using the information in the Reading Guide, create a timeline of LGBT history and events from the 1960’s to the present.

Utilize the Note to Parents and Caregivers to facilitate purposeful conversations in connection with this book.

ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Marina Budhos

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Budhos, Marina. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007. ISBN 1416949208

PLOT SUMMARY

Ask Me No Questions is about a teenaged girl named Nadira and her family who came to America from Bangladesh. Their visas have expired, and they were in the process of becoming legal citizens living in New York City. After 9/11, changes happen in which Muslims are viewed as suspected terrorists. The family flees to Canada, but Nadira’s father is arrested and detained at the Canadian border. Nadira and her older sister, Aisha, return to Queens to continue school. Living with uncertainty about what will happen to her family, Nadira is determined to find a way to help.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in first person from Nadira’s point of view, the writing accurately reflects the voice of a teenager. Nadira’s strong emotions expressed from her angle add value to the story, capturing their situation in a way that is true-to-life. Although often overlooked or made fun of, Nadira becomes the glue that holds her family together by being brave. Emphasis is placed on the importance of family, regardless of how difficult the situation is. As evidenced by the story, Nadira’s family expresses their hopes of becoming U.S. citizens and their longing to call America home. Through the experiences in this book, including Aisha’s choices, this compelling story conveys how acceptance impacts a person’s life and future.

This realistic fiction novel gives readers a glimpse into what life was like for this family during a time of drastic change causing a shift in perceptions and actions. This book is more than just a contemporary story of one family, but is somewhat representative of the many families facing deportation. Books like Ask Me No Questions allow readers to put themselves in the shoes of others in which they otherwise would not be aware. The book also includes educational aspects, such as insight into the Muslim culture. It also discusses the important topic of illegal immigration. The endnote contains background information about the effect on illegal immigrants after the 9/11 attack. It also mentions events that led to the writing of this book.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal: “…this is an important facet of the American immigrant experience, worthy of wider attention.”

From Booklist: “Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other books by Marina Budhos to read such as:

Watched. ISBN 0553534181

Tell Us We’re Home. ISBN 1442421282

Possible activities:

Compare and contrast Nadira’s character traits with Aisha’s.

Discuss themes found in the story such as immigration.

THE HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD IN CHINA by Ed Young

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Young, Ed. The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2011. ISBN 0316076287

PLOT SUMMARY

This memoir tells the story of Ed Young’s childhood in the 1930’s when he lived in the house that his father built. Memories made in the house are shared throughout the story, although the war was taking place outside. Memories include spending time at the swimming pool, playing make-believe, skating on the roof, and listening to stories. The house built by Baba became a safe home for four families.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book opens the door to Ed Young’s childhood home for the reader and captures a multidimensional perception of what life was like as a child during World War II in China. Young highlights his father’s architectural skills and portrays his parents’ overall dedication to the safety of others. The story also opens a window into many of Young’s fondest memories of all the children getting creative ideas and bonding with one another. Importantly, it also builds awareness of the challenges that were faced by families in China during this time. Despite the fact that the war was taking place, the house itself was filled with love and joyful memories. This book has an inviting feel to it and is highly educational, especially for older children.

The value of this oversized picture book goes way beyond the words. The illustrations are also quite captivating including a combination of photos, drawings, and collages. Ed Young’s illustrations showing the kids' imaginations come to life throughout the book are especially phenomenal. The use of foldout pages is also an engaging feature, particularly at the end when they celebrate the end of the war. The Chinese culture is exemplified through foods, dances, attire, and more. Additional insightful components at the end of the book includes a letter from Baba to his children, afterword information, a time line, a diagram of the house, an author’s note, and acknowledgements. Overall, this is nothing short of a really neat book filled with authenticity!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal: “Young's father builds a house for his growing family and for others who join them. Against the background of World War II, the author shares childhood memories of changing seasons, raising silkworms, and picnicking by the pool. This oversize book with foldout pages is illustrated with photos, drawings, and collage. Includes a time line and a diagram of the house.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Ed Young books to read such as:

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China. ISBN 0698113829

Seven Blind Mice. ISBN 0698118952

Possible Activities:

Discuss possible connections between the students’ childhood experiences and Ed Young’s memories.

Allow students to draw a picture of the inside of their home.

Encourage students to research World War II in China.

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009. ISBN 0316038636

PLOT SUMMARY

This fantasy novel is about a young girl named Minli who lives with her parents in a poor village. In hopes to change her family’s fortune, she buys a magical goldfish, then goes on a journey with a flightless dragon to find the Old Man of the Moon. Along the way, they run into many characters and creatures that influence her decisions. Minli eventually gets the chance to find the answers she’s been longing for.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in a graceful way, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon allows the readers’ imaginations to soar. The stories that derive from Chinese folklore seem to set the stage, and wind together with the plot in a marvelous combination. This enchanting tale is packed with adventure, full of twists and turns. To top it off, everything seems to come together flawlessly toward the end. A particularly impactful turning point for MInli says it all, in which the line is drawn between greed and gratefulness. “For the line was only made of one word, written over and over again, and that word was Thankfulness.” The best part of reading this book is that it goes beyond a great fantasy story by delivering a meaningful message. A clear moral that is developed through the entire story is to be thankful for what you have.

Rich with similes and metaphors, the author’s writing is elegant and captivating from start to finish. Many colored illustrations can be found throughout the book, particularly at the start of the chapters. Insight into the Chinese culture is also evident, particularly through the storytelling, in an authentic way. Moral values are apparent, like the importance Minli places on her friendship with the dragon as shown through her loyalty. In many ways, this engaging tale encourages creative thinking and self-reflection. At the end, the Author’s Note provides background information along with how the tale unfolded over time to become the magical story that it is. Additional books are also listed that inspired Grace Lin to write this timeless novel.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2010 Newbery Honor Book

A Today Show Al Roker Kids Book Club Pick

A Booklist Top 10 Science Fiction/Fantasy Book for Youth

From School Library Journal: “The author's writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning.”

From Booklist: “Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Grace Lin books to read such as:

Starry River of the Sky. ISBN 0316125970

When the Sea Turned to Silver. ISBN 031612592X

Gather other Newbery Honor books to read such as:

Lai, Thanhha. Inside Out and Back Again. ISBN 0061962791

Possible activities:

Discuss the relevance of the many stories told within the book.

Connect to a lesson on similes and metaphors by noting examples throughout the book.

TEA WITH MILK by Allen Say

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. Tea with Milk. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books, 2009. ISBN 0547237472

PLOT SUMMARY

This book tells the story of a young Japanese girl named Masako, also called May. May grows up in San Francisco, then moves back to Japan with her parents. In Japan, she doesn’t feel quite at home. She ventures out on her own to a big city called Osaka, where she begins working and meets a young man named Joseph, who she has a lot in common with.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This thought-provoking picture book gives the reader insight into what it’s like to feel strung between two cultures. The setting begins in America, yet most of the story takes place in Japan. Filled with perseverance, May journeys independently to find happiness amongst facing cultural changes. Upon meeting Joseph, he puts this into perspective saying, “May, home isn’t a place or a building that’s ready-made and waiting for you, in America or anywhere else.”  As their relationship builds from a friendship, May eventually decides to build a life in Japan with Joseph without letting go of her American ways. Discovering that Tea with Milk is written by Allen Say as a tribute to his parents at the end brings the story to life even more. Anyone striving for belonging in a new place can relate.

The illustrations in this story consist of watercolor paintings, including authentic portraits of the characters. The pairing of illustrations with the text enhances the story. For instance, the illustrations portray May’s feelings throughout the book. The artwork also shows cultural aspects such as architecture, style of clothing, and an overall depiction of the Japanese way of life at the time. Many cultural variations are evident between America and Japan. These include the food, customs, and the role of women. The comparison of how each country drinks their tea also signifies a difference among cultures. The Japanese word gaijin, meaning “foreigner” is presented, indicating that May was called a foreigner in Japan adding to the struggle of feeling alienated. Overall, as the female protagonist, May sets a great example of how to approach difficulties with courage.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Riverbank Review Book of Distinction
Bulletin Blue Ribbon
SLJ Best Book
ALA Notable Book

From The Horn Book: "Continuing to explore place and home, Say tells the story of his mother, first introduced to readers in TREE OF CRANES. Born in California to Japanese immigrants, Masako is miserable when she moves to Japan with her parents after high school. The illustrations capture Masako's unhappiness and also her eventual contentment as she learns to combine two cultures." 

From Publishers Weekly: “Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Allen Say books to read such as:

Grandfather’s Journey. ISBN 0547076800

Drawing From Memory. ISBN 0545176867

Gather other Japanese-American children’s books to read such as:

Mochizuki, Ken. Baseball Saved Us. Ill. by Dom Lee. ISBN 1880000199

Kadohata, Cynthia. Kira-Kira. ISBN 0689856407

Possible Activities:

Use a Venn Diagram to record ways the two countries are alike and different.

Read Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say and make connections between the two books.