Module 8: The Face on the Milk Carton

Summary

This mystery is about a 15-year old girl named Janie Johnson who notices a picture on a milk carton of a missing girl wearing the same dress she vaguely remembers wearing. Janie cannot imagine how she would have been kidnapped from a New Jersey mall when her parents are the kindest, most loving ever. Janie investigates the mystery and finds the dress pictured on the milk carton hidden in her attic. She finds out who she really is—Jennie Spring—the girl stolen from a New Jersey mall. Janie has flashbacks she calls “daymares” and can’t move forward with her life. Her parents finally tell her she is their granddaughter—the daughter of their estranged daughter who ran away to join a cult. Her parents said they had to take a new identity so their daughter could not contact them. They wanted to give Janie a normal life without interference from the cult. Janie gets her next-door neighbor and new boyfriend to drive her to New Jersey where they find the house of the family from the milk carton. She sees that the kids and mother all have red curly hair like she does and realizes this is her biological family. Janie writes her biological family a letter to help her cope but does not intend to send. She loses the letter and ends up telling her parents the letter may have been mailed. The book ends as a cliffhanger as the biological family is called.

Reference

Cooney, C. B. (1990). The face on the milk carton. New York, NY: Random House.

My Impressions

This mystery’s plot held my interest and I could not put it down. It fits all the characteristics of a mystery—there is a crime that has been committed against the main character, there is a puzzle for her to solve, there are suspects, and there are clues presented as the plot develops. This book did not meet the characteristic of having a resolution because it is the first in a series of five books and the reader is left hanging. Some order is about to be restored, although it remains to be seen if justice is served. The reader is definitely immersed in the plot as the story unfolds. This book is not a typical mystery because Janie is her own investigator into her own life’s past. This book is unusual in that the truth of the mystery is not apparent at the end. This sometimes occurs in other genres but is unusual in a mystery.  The reader does learn that Janie was kidnapped. The reader needs to figure out for sure why and by whom by continuing to read the books in the series.

Professional Review

In a novel that never quite lives up to its gripping premise, a high-school student discovers that her much-loved parents may in fact be her kidnappers. After Jane Johnson sees what seems to be her own face as a three-year-old displayed on a school lunch carton, she is plunged into a series of flashbacks: memories of long-forgotten childhood experiences that reinforce her sudden suspicion that she may have been kidnapped. As the underpinnings of her secure world slip, she clings to Reeve, the boy next door, with whom she is falling in love. Her parents' explanation (they are her grandparents; her mother abandoned Jane to return to a cult) proves unsatisfactory, pushing Jane toward emotional collapse until--with the help of Reeve and his sister--she finds a way to face the situation rationally. Cooney's original plot and satisfying resolution are marred by Jane's interminably overwrought analysis of her condition, and by a love interest that is more tacked on than intrinsic. Nevertheless, a real page-turner.

The face on the milk carton [Review of the book The face on the milk carton]. (2012, June 13). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/caroline-b-cooney/face-on-milk-carton/

Library Uses

This book (with the four subsequent books in the Janie Johnson series by Caroline Cooney) could be used in a library display with quotes printed and glued on the side of empty milk cartons that have been rinsed out and displayed in the library during a Mystery Week—possibly in October.

Module 7: On A Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

Summary

This juvenile picture book biography about Albert Einstein highlights his life as an inquisitive, thoughtful child. His imagination helps him make some of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time, such as the nature of atoms and the properties of light through his observation of the movement of everything in life. Einstein looked at time and space as nobody had ever looked at them before. He watched and noticed things happen in life and started to figure out the reason behind sugar dissolving in tea and smoke swirling into air. As he aged, people finally recognized the genius in Albert Einstein, despite his eccentricities.

Reference

Berne, J. (2013). On a beam of light: A story of Albert Einstein. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

My Impressions

The author has created a fictionalized biography with this book. The relaxed tone makes it easy for young readers to understand and stay engaged. The textured neutral color of the pages adds warmth and depth to the drawing style which is very expressive and stylistic. This unique approach is appealing. The final two pages of Author’s Notes and background information provide more information and a greater depth about the book’s content and facts. One paragraph explains Einstein’s involvement with the atomic bomb. This picture book biography’s text takes confusing scientific concepts and makes them easier to understand for readers who do not know a lot about Albert Einstein and his theories. The quirky but beautiful illustrations add to the text and are representative of Albert Einstein’s quirky but brilliant personality. The main positive quality that stands out as being most beneficial to Einstein is his imagination. This book attributes his imagination for changing the way we think about the world. Einstein’s ideas about light are what make today’s solar panels work. This idea also won Einstein the Nobel Prize in 1922.

Professional Review

A boy who asked too many questions becomes iconic physicist Albert Einstein, whose questions changed the world.

The author of Manfish (illustrated by Eric Puybaret, 2008) presents another dreamer, a man who “asked questions never asked before. / Found answers never found before. / And dreamed up ideas never dreamt before.” Story and perfectly matched illustrations begin with the small boy who talked late, watched and thought, and imagined traveling through space on a light beam. Readers see the curious child growing into the man who constantly read and learned and wondered. With gouache, pen and ink, Radunsky’s humorous, childlike drawings convey Einstein’s personality as well as the important ideas in the text (which are set out in red letters). The narrative text includes several of Einstein’s big ideas about time and space; one illustration and the back endpapers include the famous formula. The mottled, textured paper of each page reinforces the concept that everything is made of atoms. A nice touch at the end shows children who might also wonder, think and imagine dressed in the professor’s plaid suit. An author’s note adds a little more about the person and the scientist.

For today’s curious children, this intriguing and accessible blend of words and pictures will provide a splendid introduction to a man who never stopped questioning. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

On a beam of light [Review of the book On a beam of light: A story of Albert Einstein]. (2013, March 13). Kirkus Reviews Issue. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-berne/beam-light/

Library Uses

This book could be part of a “Read Around the Library” non-fiction activity where students pick one book to read from each of the Dewey Decimal classes. For example, this book would be found in Class 900 (history & geography), specifically 921 for biographies about famous people.

Module 6: Goin' Someplace Special

Summary

‘Tricia Ann is anxious to go to the place she calls “someplace special” all by herself in this 1950s southern town because she knows exactly how to get there. Her mother helps her dress in her most beautiful dress and she catches the bus going downtown where she must sit behind the Jim Crow sign in the back. Each time she encounters a segregation sign, there is somebody there to remind ‘Tricia Ann that she is not alone. When she starts crying and wants to go home early, ‘Tricia Ann meets up with a Blooming Mary, a kind woman who helps her remember her grandmother’s words. “You are somebody, a human being—no better, no worse than anybody else in this world. Getting’ someplace special is not an easy route. But don’t study on quittin’, just keep walking straight ahead—and you’ll make it.” The book culminates as the main character feels joy and acceptance as she reaches the place she has been journeying toward.

Reference

McKissack, P. C. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

My Impressions

This historical fiction picture book illustrates how people would have felt in the 1950s when segregation was enforced in the south from the main character, ‘Tricia Ann’s point of view. This personalizes the book and helps the reader see what life was like for people who were black while the Jim Crow laws were still in effect. The book’s beautiful, realistic watercolor illustrations add to the story by showing ‘Tricia Ann’s home, family, friends, and the environment in which she lived. It is a believable story that highlights a sad time in our nation’s history and brings it to life for readers of today who may not be aware of the inhumane way people were treated at that time.

Professional Review

McKissack draws from her childhood in Nashville for this instructive picture book. "I don't know if I'm ready to turn you loose in the world," Mama Frances tells her granddaughter when she asks if she can go by herself to "Someplace Special" (the destination remains unidentified until the end of the story). 'Tricia Ann does obtain permission, and begins a bittersweet journey downtown, her pride battered by the indignities of Jim Crow laws. She's ejected from a hotel lobby and snubbed as she walks by a movie theater ("Colored people can't come in the front door," she hears a girl explaining to her brother. "They got to go 'round back and sit up in the Buzzard's Roost"). She almost gives up, but, buoyed by the encouragement of adult acquaintances ("Carry yo'self proud," one of her grandmother's friends tells her from the Colored section on the bus), she finally arrives at Someplace Special—a place Mama Frances calls "a doorway to freedom"—the public library. An afterword explains McKissack's connection to the tale, and by putting such a personal face on segregation she makes its injustices painfully real for her audience. Pinkney's (previously paired with McKissack for Mirandy and Brother Wind) luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end. Ages 4-8.

Goin' Someplace Special [Review of the book Goin' Someplace Special]. (201, August 6). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-689-81885-1

Library Uses

This would be a great book to read or display as part of February’s Black History month or April’s National Library Week. When using this book for National Library Week, hold the book up on the first day of the week and have the students guess where they think “someplace special” is. Have them write down their responses. Then read the book out loud. Every day a different book about libraries could be read during the week.

Module 5: Among the Hidden

Summary

This is a young adult science fiction book—the first of seven in a series about a twelve-year-old boy named Luke. Luke needs to stay hidden and is one of the “shadow children” because he is the third child in his family. The government limits families to two children. He has two older brothers. Luke is not able to play outside in the woods behind his house when a new housing development is built on property his family had to sell. He must stay hidden inside all the time. His father is a farmer but the government controls the crops and prices. His father buys supplies to grow food inside but the government finds out and sends him a letter that he must return everything he bought. His mother goes to work to help make ends meet. One day while Luke is looking out a window, he sees a shadow in the house next door when he knows the family of four has left for the day. He watches and determines there is another shadow child living next door. He risks getting caught by the Population Police by sneakily going to her house and getting inside to meet this person. It's a 13-year-old girl named Jen, who opens his eyes to many things going on in the real world outside. Her family has money and influence because her dad is a baron who works for the government. Jen spends much of her day on the internet with other shadow children and organizes a rally at the government offices to stand up for their rights. Read the book to find out what happens . . .

Reference

Haddix, M. (1998). Among the hidden. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

My Impressions

This dystopian story is well-written, but somewhat heavy-handed in its portrayal of an over-reaching government. The story describes what could happen if the government is allowed control over everything. The government places limitations on how people live and the government uses surveillance tactics and propaganda to ensure compliance. The fear and paranoia caused by the totalitarian government is what makes this book effective. Many reasons are illustrated in this book why a totalitarian government is something to avoid. The characterizations of Luke, Jen, and their families are believable considering the circumstances. They are relatable because of their hopes, dreams, and frustrations described in the book. The reader feels sympathetic toward them and their difficult situation.

Professional Review

In a chilling and intelligent novel, Haddix (Leaving Fishers, 1997, etc.) envisions a near future where a totalitarian US limits families to only two children. Luke, 12, the third boy in his farming family, has been hidden since birth, mostly in the attic, safe for the time being from the Population Police, who eradicate such “shadow children.” Although he is protected, Luke is unhappy in his radical isolation, rereading a few books for entertainment and eating in a stairwell so he won’t be seen through the windows. When Luke spies a child’s face in the window of a newly constructed home, he realizes that he’s found a comrade. Risking discovery, Luke sneaks over to the house and meets Jen, a spirited girl devoted to bringing the shadow children’s plight center-stage, through a march on the White House. Luke is afraid to join her and later learns from Jen’s father, a mole within the Population Police, that Jen and her compatriots were shot and killed, and that their murder was covered up. Jen’s father also gets a fake identity card and a new life for Luke, who finally believes himself capable of acting to change the world. Haddix offers much for discussion here, by presenting a world not too different from America right now. The seizing of farmlands, untenable food regulations, and other scenarios that have come to fruition in these pages will give readers a new appreciation for their own world after a visit to Luke’s. (Fiction. 9-13)

Among the hidden [Review of the book Among the hidden]. (1998, September 1). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/margaret-peterson-haddix/among-the-hidden/

Module 4: Clementine

Summary

Clementine is a third-grade girl living in a high-rise apartment building in Boston. This book chronicles a week in her life and the challenges she faces after she has cut off all her best friend’s hair. Clementine cuts her own hair off to try to make her friend feel better. This doesn’t make everything better and her friend’s mom is furious with Clementine. The book details Clementine’s thoughts which are always good-intentioned, but impulsive in a readable, humorous way. Clementine and her dad fight “The Great Pigeon War,” where they spray the pigeon flocks roosting on the front of their apartment building. Her dad is the building manager, and he endlessly tries to clean the pigeon poop off the sidewalk and steps of their building. Clementine solves the mystery of why the pigeons roost on the building’s front and gets them to move to the side of the building. She saves the day and is celebrated by her family at the end. The friends make up with each other and Margaret’s mother finally forgives Clementine.

Reference

Pennypacker, S. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Disney-Hyperion.

My Impressions

Every time I read this book I am entertained and feel happy because of Clementine’s humorous outlook on the world. This is an appealing book to many ages because the illustrations by Marla Frazee that complement the text so well are fun and whimsical. This is an especially good book for parents who have children. Parents can see that Clementine does impulsive, annoying things without considering the consequences. With time and patience, Clementine learns and grows with experience, which is something all parents can benefit from knowing. Clementine’s parents don’t yell at their daughter’s impetuous misdeeds, but choose to nurture and compliment her as she struggles to make a bad situation better. Her mother hugs and laughs with her after her daughter feels bothered that her mother doesn’t have a regular job where she goes to work every day wearing a dress. Clementine’s parents believe in her and encourage her positive qualities that are sprinkled in between the impetuous, difficult situations their daughter continually creates for herself. Young readers who struggle with paying attention or making bad choices can also take this message to heart, which is the theme of Clementine.

Professional Review

“I have had not so good of a week,” begins the irrepressible narrator of this winning caper. Pennypacker (Stuart's Cape ) then takes readers straight through that week, making clear that Clementine has an unfailing nose for trouble and a comical way with words. The eight-year-old proclaims herself lucky because "spectacularful ideas are always sproinging up in my brain." One of these ideas concerns her fourth-grade friend and neighbor Margaret getting glue in her hair, and Clementine's attempt to help; together they cut off nearly all of Margaret's long locks. Further strategies involve the use of permanent markers and Clementine undergoing a sympathy coif. Frazee's black-and-white illustrations of the close-cropped gals captures the mixed emotions of their shared fate. Her portraits of the heroine's three-year-old brother, "who didn't get stuck with a fruit name," and whom Clementine calls by various vegetable names, including "Spinach," "Lima Bean" and "Pea Pod," may remind readers of the charming star of Frazee's Walk On! Along with the humorous bits, Pennypacker seamlessly weaves into the narrative common third-grade themes, such as Clementine comparing Margaret's neatly dressed banker mother with her own overalls-clad artist mother, and envying Margaret her kitten from the litter of Clementine's own lately deceased cat, Polka Dottie. Luckily, Clementine ends her week on an up note. Fans of Judy Moody will welcome this portrait of another funny, independent third-grader. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)

Clementine [Review of the book Clementine]. (2006, August 7). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-3882-0

Library Uses

In the book, Clementine says she has “had not so good of a week,” and the book illustrates this phrase. Discuss with the students what happened during their worst week. If time permits, have them write about their worst week—complete with illustrations.