Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Literary Fiction: The Chocolate War
The Chocolate War: Fiction-Literary Fiction by Robert Cormier, c1974, cr2002, 253pp.
$21.95 Teenage issues, role models ISBN:0-394-82805-4
In 1974, After rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made it’s
Break. “An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became
a best selling and proactive-classic for young adults”. Teens@Random
Jerry Renault an athlete, decides not to sell chocolate bars at the private Trinity Catholic High School. The candy bar sale lasts ten days, which is how long his ordeal lasts. He
is not able to explain to his friend Goober why he will not sell the chocolate bars, he just
won’t.
Brother Leon is the Assistant Headmaster, substituting for the Headmaster. He announces “the quota is doubled this year because we have more at stake than ever before”. He felt it was his duty to impress the Headmaster was he was out ill. Now, each boy must sell fifty boxes of candy bars.
Coincidently, we are just finishing up the “World’s Finest Chocolate” candy bar sales at the school I am teaching with. Students are recommended to sell one box each- so fifty
boxes sounds unreachable as a goal.
Brother Leon becomes angry when he hears Jerry is the cause of poor sales. He enlists Archie and his Vigils to take the challenge of selling fifty boxes. Archie never does his own work and decides to have five guys sell ten boxes each. Archie sits back at the rally and is “gratified by the heights his sense of fairness and compassion could reach”. Archie has taken the Christian attitude to a whole new level. It is despicable to Jerry and
Goober.
Jerry will not sell chocolate bars and becomes a target. He gets anonymous phone calls,
his locker broken into, his art assignment stolen and beaten up by Emile Janza and friends. He plans to get back by doing a boxing match on the athletic field. He is badly beaten and wants to tell his friend Goober to go along with the rules. “Try not to disturb
the Universe”, but, he is beat up so bad, he can not speak.
This book forces the reader to “face reality” especially if it is evil. The story shows how to confront it in a graphic way and may be disturbing for some young adults. While one
review mentioned age thirteen, I think the powerful message would not be understood
until the age of fifteen and up to age 18. Due to some of the fowl language and violence, the young adult reader may need some advisement on what is the right choice to make.
Robert Cormier received the 1999 Margaret A. Edwards Award. This award honored his lifetime contribution to writing for Teens. The book is now considered a classic in Language Arts classes and can be associated with the classic “The Outsiders” by S.E.
Hinton in which outsiders deal with gangs and teenage issues.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Journal Article Review
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales. Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales. Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Book review of the Adventurous Deed of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
ALAN Review, Winter 2009 by Mary Schutz
The opening sentence described a difficult situation for cowboys of black ethnicity. The
Western theme and description of what is happening at that time is brief. It would be helpful to the reader to have an example of how things are different. “just because blacks are free in these post-Civil War times doesn’t mean blacks should have things those whites, like the Dills, have”.
The review is brief, but I have noticed many reviews by ALAN, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literature, and some of the School Library Journal are short. This may be due
to the amount of space or to keep the young adults interest when looking for a book.
The review did not mention other books or links of information. A young adult reader
would have that savvy thought to click and check other areas.
I came across this book review in an odd way. I was looking for a different genre to read.
After reading chapter 3 in our textbook (new technologies and new literacies) I noted
The genre of Western. I thought to myself “are there very many young adults out there who like western, hmmm…” I came from the John Wayne error and having four brothers only drove a heavier liking to the “Wild West”. While reading book reviews, I
spotted this book title Adventurous Deed of Deadwood and I was sucked in. Just the title grabbed me. The description of the lead character Prometheus Jones good fortune
had me interested in reading the book.
I think young adults ages 13-16 would enjoy this book . The review does not mention an age. Probably more boys than girls would enjoy this book, but it would be a very good
connection for post Civil War, African Americans, biases and tall tales.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Book Review #5 What the Moon Saw
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Novel: What the Moon Saw
What the Moon Saw: A novel by Laura Resay,2006,258pp.
$15.95 Mexico, Rural Life, History ISBN:978-0-385-73343-4
Clear moon, that is the English translation for Clara Luna. Clara is fourteen and knows very little about her father’s past, except that he sneaked over the border from Mexico as
a teenager. Her father has not seen his parents or homeland in over 20 years.
Clara lives in Maryland. She receives an invitation to spend the summer in Oaxaca, Mexico with Grandparents she has never met, in a place she has never been. While she gets along well with her father and she feels a kindred spirit with him as he calls her
Mi’ja (slang for mi hija- my daughter) she really does not know anything about his child-
hood.
When she decides to accept an invitation to accept stay with her Grandparents, she thinks it will be a fun change of scenery and she may listen to her Ipod, play DVD”s, watch T.V. and make phone calls to her friends. She thinks “that won’t be bad”. Besides, she has been in a fog lately and this trip will give her clarity. “who am I without all these things in my life? Clarity like her name Clear Moon. Maybe she can find out in another
Country.
Upon arrival to the airport, her grandparents met her and said she had to call her parents from the airport to let them know of her arrival to Mexico. They informed her that they did not have a phone at their house. !Hijole! !No telefono! Good grief-no telephone!
Then she had to take four bus rides to Oaxaca and several miles to walk to the small town Yucuyoo, the Hill of the Moon.
For Clara, it could have been the Moon, as there was not a single house with electricity or
running water. !Que suerte! What luck! As she feels displaced she finds out her grandmother has spiritual powers. She can see the future and heal others like a medicine
man. Clara has read through out history about spiritual powers in different countries. Could it possibly be true in her own family. Clara wonders if she has inherited the magic in her soul.
This story is a coming -of-age and an awakening of a young girl. The book Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa (Micol Ostow) is another book on coming –of- age. Readers who enjoy What the Moon Saw will appreciate the family history. Laura Resau is able to draw a picture of the scenery, village, people and keep emotions vivid. It is a story difficult to put down for the reader. The literature is for the young adult reader, high school level and would be a nice edition to the Spanish curriculum. The culture will entice the reader and many Spanish phrases are used in the book.
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Novel: What the Moon Saw
What the Moon Saw: A novel by Laura Resay,2006,258pp.
$15.95 Mexico, Rural Life, History ISBN:978-0-385-73343-4
Clear moon, that is the English translation for Clara Luna. Clara is fourteen and knows very little about her father’s past, except that he sneaked over the border from Mexico as
a teenager. Her father has not seen his parents or homeland in over 20 years.
Clara lives in Maryland. She receives an invitation to spend the summer in Oaxaca, Mexico with Grandparents she has never met, in a place she has never been. While she gets along well with her father and she feels a kindred spirit with him as he calls her
Mi’ja (slang for mi hija- my daughter) she really does not know anything about his child-
hood.
When she decides to accept an invitation to accept stay with her Grandparents, she thinks it will be a fun change of scenery and she may listen to her Ipod, play DVD”s, watch T.V. and make phone calls to her friends. She thinks “that won’t be bad”. Besides, she has been in a fog lately and this trip will give her clarity. “who am I without all these things in my life? Clarity like her name Clear Moon. Maybe she can find out in another
Country.
Upon arrival to the airport, her grandparents met her and said she had to call her parents from the airport to let them know of her arrival to Mexico. They informed her that they did not have a phone at their house. !Hijole! !No telefono! Good grief-no telephone!
Then she had to take four bus rides to Oaxaca and several miles to walk to the small town Yucuyoo, the Hill of the Moon.
For Clara, it could have been the Moon, as there was not a single house with electricity or
running water. !Que suerte! What luck! As she feels displaced she finds out her grandmother has spiritual powers. She can see the future and heal others like a medicine
man. Clara has read through out history about spiritual powers in different countries. Could it possibly be true in her own family. Clara wonders if she has inherited the magic in her soul.
This story is a coming -of-age and an awakening of a young girl. The book Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa (Micol Ostow) is another book on coming –of- age. Readers who enjoy What the Moon Saw will appreciate the family history. Laura Resau is able to draw a picture of the scenery, village, people and keep emotions vivid. It is a story difficult to put down for the reader. The literature is for the young adult reader, high school level and would be a nice edition to the Spanish curriculum. The culture will entice the reader and many Spanish phrases are used in the book.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Book review #3 The Hunger Games
Catherine Schaaf
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Fastasy:The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games: A Fantasy by Suzanne Collins,2009,374pp.
$17.99 Fantasy/FictionISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1
Trespassing in the woods is illegal, but for 16 year old Katniss Everdeen; she must hunt for meat to support her sister and mother. She takes the risk with a knife and a bow to keep them from dying of hunger. It is just enough to sneak and hunt to help her family to survive, but for Katniss, her future is to fight for her life.
At one time it was called North America, but now it is known as the nation Panem. Panem has a council surrounded by 12 Districts. Each District is poor and hungry, but must contribute their areas natural resource to the Capitol.
Katniss and her family live in District 12. Their district mines for coal. They are regarded as the lowest district. Each year in Panem there is game- the Hunger games brought by treaty of treason, due to a Thirteenth District which rebelled. The Hunger
Games are a way of the Capitol reminding all of the districts they are at the Councils control. Due to the uprising, a reminder is made each year by performing the games. Each of the twelve districts must provide one girl and one boy to participate. They are from the ages of 12 to 18. They are called Tributes. Katniss’ sister Prim is pulled from thousands of entries. Katniss does not want her younger sister to be a tribute, so she steps forward in her place.
The baker’s son, Peeta Mellark is selected as the boy tribute. Peeta is a strong, large boy. He is quiet and does not have the hunting skills Katniss has. Katniss is torn between supporting Peeta in the games or fighting alone for herself. There can only be one winner. Peeta has a crush on Katniss which embarasses her and makes her question his intentions in the game.
The Hunger Games are a game of twenty four children fighting for their lives. The fights are televised for all to see. It is a fight to the death. Only one child may be declared as a winner. As in the Daylight Runner by Oisin McGann another story with its own city. An Ice Age transformed , has industrial leaders that wield enormous power and great risk is taken to survive.
The Hunger Games Totalitarian Government which oppresses the people is an example to relate for high school students taking History and Government. It may also be used in a discussion in Psychology classes concerning morals and ethics. It is a book of ethics gone bad and makes for deep discussions for YA readers. The book is appropriate in content for Juniors and Seniors in high school. This level of students will understand the nature of horror and hope according to the rules of survival.
cschaaf@st.philip-neri.org
Fastasy:The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games: A Fantasy by Suzanne Collins,2009,374pp.
$17.99 Fantasy/FictionISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1
Trespassing in the woods is illegal, but for 16 year old Katniss Everdeen; she must hunt for meat to support her sister and mother. She takes the risk with a knife and a bow to keep them from dying of hunger. It is just enough to sneak and hunt to help her family to survive, but for Katniss, her future is to fight for her life.
At one time it was called North America, but now it is known as the nation Panem. Panem has a council surrounded by 12 Districts. Each District is poor and hungry, but must contribute their areas natural resource to the Capitol.
Katniss and her family live in District 12. Their district mines for coal. They are regarded as the lowest district. Each year in Panem there is game- the Hunger games brought by treaty of treason, due to a Thirteenth District which rebelled. The Hunger
Games are a way of the Capitol reminding all of the districts they are at the Councils control. Due to the uprising, a reminder is made each year by performing the games. Each of the twelve districts must provide one girl and one boy to participate. They are from the ages of 12 to 18. They are called Tributes. Katniss’ sister Prim is pulled from thousands of entries. Katniss does not want her younger sister to be a tribute, so she steps forward in her place.
The baker’s son, Peeta Mellark is selected as the boy tribute. Peeta is a strong, large boy. He is quiet and does not have the hunting skills Katniss has. Katniss is torn between supporting Peeta in the games or fighting alone for herself. There can only be one winner. Peeta has a crush on Katniss which embarasses her and makes her question his intentions in the game.
The Hunger Games are a game of twenty four children fighting for their lives. The fights are televised for all to see. It is a fight to the death. Only one child may be declared as a winner. As in the Daylight Runner by Oisin McGann another story with its own city. An Ice Age transformed , has industrial leaders that wield enormous power and great risk is taken to survive.
The Hunger Games Totalitarian Government which oppresses the people is an example to relate for high school students taking History and Government. It may also be used in a discussion in Psychology classes concerning morals and ethics. It is a book of ethics gone bad and makes for deep discussions for YA readers. The book is appropriate in content for Juniors and Seniors in high school. This level of students will understand the nature of horror and hope according to the rules of survival.
Book review #5 Emily Goldberg
Women's History
Emily Goldberg learns to Dance: A novel by Micol Ostow,2006,200pp.
$16.99 Puerto Ricans, Jews, Family, History ISBN:978-1-595-14081-4
Emily is forced to stay with her mother in
Emily thought her mother chose to distance herself from her large Puerto Rican family. But after her grandmother's death she learns the truth. Emily must loose her summer plans and stay with her mother in
She is not prepared for the cultural differences and turns to her mother for help. Some of the cultural differences can be understood through the reading of What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau. Clara is spending the summer in
Emily's quick, witted thoughts and humorous narrative describes the countries food, music, clothing and social graces. It is through the dance of Salsa that opens Emily's heart and mind to new experiences. While reading this story it is nice to have background music of Sergio Mendes-Oceano: a blend of different dance styles and musical instruments, or Los Mocosos - American us: musical styles of rock, Latin, funk and Jamaican ska mixed in a melting pot of guitars, horns and Latin rock rhythms. One can't help but fall into the story. Later when hearing a piece of Sergio Mendes' work on the radio, I fell back into the story of Emily and her new culture.
When Emily's cousin Lucy becomes pregnant, only Emily and her mother can help Lucy with their
This story is a fast paced, humorous piece of literature for YA girls. "It opens up issues of tradition, Feminism, friendship and loyalty-Hazel Rochman copyright 2006 Booklist. This book would make a great discussion session for girls and help answer questions they may be afraid to talk over with their parents.
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