Ella EnchantedAuthor: Levine, Gail Carson
Title: Ella Enchanted Illustrator: N/A Publisher and Publication Date: Harper Trophy, 1997 Genre: Fantasy Recommended Audience:: Grades 3 and up (9 years and up) Plot Summary: At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed with obedience. In order to rid herself of the curse, she sets out to find the fairy that gave her the gift. Personal Reaction/Evaluation: This book is funny and filled with adventure. Similar to Cinderella, there is a prince who falls in love with Ella. I love this book and recommend it to everyone. Memorable Literary Element: A memorable literary element is the conflict in the story. Ella must obey every direct command she is given, regardless of whether or not she wants to. Illustrations: N/A Review: Review from Goodreads: “Feminists often denounce traditional fairy tales because they perpetuate the ideals of a patriarchal society by encouraging girls to behave like proper princesses and wait for charming princes to take charge and save the day. In response to these traditional fairy tales, many authors have tried to reclaim the realm of fairy tales for girls. These retellings feature active protagonists who are not scared of taking charge and do not need princes to save them. One example of this new fairy tale genre is the 1998 children’s novel "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine, which takes an untraditional approach to retelling the story of Cinderella. The novel addresses several specific feminist issues, specifically negotiating and fighting the burden of obedience, the importance of female friendships and, of course, learning to save yourself.” Promotion Idea: This book would be good to read and identify the elements of a fairy tale. Students can also compare and contrast it to the traditional Cinderella story |
The Westing GameAuthor: Raskin, Ellen
Title: The Westing Game Illustrator: N/A Publisher and Publication Date: Dutton, 1978 Genre: Mystery Recommended Audience: Grade level 4-8 (Age 10 and up) Plot Summary: When sixteen people are called together for the reading of wealthy Sam Westing's will, they are surprised to learn that the will is actually a contest in which they are all to participate. Working with partners, the potential heirs take their clues to try to find the elusive answer to the Westing game and thus take their shares of the two-hundred-million-dollar prize. Personal Reaction/Evaluation: . This book reminded me of the board game Clue. It was a really good read, keeping the reader interested. At the end, there was a twist nobody saw coming! Memorable Literary Element:Symbolism: There are several characters in the book that can play chess really well. The game is symbolic because Sam Westing is a master chess player and is also using the other characters as pawns in his game. Illustrations: N/A Review: Common Sense Media: “Compelling and convoluted from the start, this gripping mystery never takes its foot off the gas pedal. Every scene contains confounding clues, the reveal at the end is satisfying, and the writing is excellent throughout. The characters are familiar but nuanced enough to seem authentic, and their often-uneasy interactions are a testament to the clash of cultures that occurs when people are thrown into unexpected intimacy with strangers. Readers won't want to put down this page-turner until they find the tantalizing answer to the 200-million-dollar question: Who killed Sam Westing?” Promotion Idea: This book can be used to teach the following: drawing conclusions, plot, aspects of a mystery, and predicting. |
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.Author: Avi
Title: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Illustrator: N/A Publisher and Publication Date: Avon Books, 1990 Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Audience: Grades 7-8 Plot Summary: Charlotte Doyle is a thirteen-year-old girl who sails from England to America. During that voyage, the unimaginable happens. She is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. Personal Reaction/Evaluation: This book is very captivating. From the start, it makes the reader wonder what is about to happen next!. Memorable Literary Element: A major theme in the book is the conflict that arises when Charlotte acts outside the expected gender conventions of the time. A compare and contrast study of the social expectations of young people today with those of the early 1800’s focusing on expected roles as they relate to gender would be an appropriate activity for upper elementary to middle school students studying this book. Some prior instruction in the societal structure of the time and in nautical history and conventions would be necessary to help students grasp the magnitude of Charlotte’s decision. This could be a 5th grade social studies lesson Illustrations: N/A Review: Goodreads: “Set in England in the 1830’s, this high suspense historical fiction story takes place on a ship carrying thirteen year-old Charlotte Doyle, a young lady of proper upbringing, home to her family in Providence, Rhode Island. There is high suspense as the tale unfolds and Charlotte is accused of murder. Charlotte learns a valuable lesson about not judging people based on first impressions or positions of authority. The book has won many awards including the Boston Globe – Horn Book Award, Newberry Honor Award, and ALA Notable Children’s Book Award.” Promotion Idea: This book would be a good one to include in a display with other books involving ships. The title can be “Sail Away with a Good Book” or “Go on a High Seas Adventure.” |
Princess Academy |