Rules

Bibliography

Lord, Cynthia. 2006. RULES. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439443821

Plot Summary

Catherine is a twelve-year-old girl - the oldest child in her family and the older sister of her autistic brother, David.  All Catherine really wants is to have a normal life, a life where she doesn't have to constantly babysit her brother and worry every time he's around about what he might say or how he might behave in public.  Throughout her life, she has worked hard to teach David the "rules" of life that most people take for granted.  Catherine spends most of her summer helping her mother with David, visiting the clinic where David receives occupational therapy, and hoping that her new neighbor Kristi will not be scared off by David's differences.  During the time she spends at David's clinic, Catherine meets a surprising new friend - a paraplegic boy named Jason who "talks" to others through a communication book he keeps with him at all times.  When Catherine begins to create illustrated word cards for Jason's communication book, the process of choosing which words and pictures to include becomes a way for her to look at her own life and express her thoughts and feelings.  Living with the stress of David's disability leads to feelings of embarrassment and frustration for Catherine - so much so that she begins to feel as though her needs are nonexistent to her family due to the fact that their life revolves around David's needs.  In the end, Catherine learns that caring about what others think simply isn't that important after all. 

Critical Analysis

In this realistic work of fiction, Catherine is the perfect blend of a twelve-year-old girl who loves her autistic brother and wants to protect him, but also just wants to be able to live her own life.  Aside from her important role as David's sister, Catherine is also an artist, a daughter, and a friend.  Rules is told from Catherine's perspective, and readers will discover that she is trying to find a place in a family that seems to be centered around coping with David's needs for comfort and development.  The characters are complex, each one coping as well as they can with the challenges of raising a child with special needs (while making mistakes along the way).  Young readers will relate to Catherine, especially after reading that she has written a set of "rules" for her brother to follow in order to help him keep his anxiety under control.  The light-hearted style of Cynthia Lord's writing helps in creating a touching story that conveys the complexities of family relationships, the search for acceptance, and the social pressures that kids struggle with as they grow up.  This is an excellent read that will appeal to anyone who has ever interacted with someone who is just a little bit different than everyone else.

Awards

• Newbery Honor Book
• Schneider Family Book Award
• An ALA Notable Children's Book
• Mitten Award (Michigan Library Association)
• Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan)
• Maine Student Book Award
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award (Vermont)
• Kentucky Bluegrass Award
• Great Stone Face Award (New Hampshire)
• Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio)
• New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
• Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)
• Book of the Week, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
• KidPost Book of the Week, Washington Post

Review Excerpts

"A heartwarming first novel."

               – Booklist

“The appealing, credible narrator at the heart of Lord's debut novel will draw in readers, as she struggles to find order and balance in her life...A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view."

               – Publishers Weekly

"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak...this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance.  A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."

               – School Library Journal

"Catherine is an appealing and believable character, acutely self-conscious and torn between her love for her brother and her resentment of his special needs.  Middle-grade readers will recognize her longing for acceptance and be intrigued by this exploration of dealing with differences."

               – Kirkus Book Reviews

“This is a story that depicts the impact of a needy child on an entire family very realistically."

               – Children's Literature


"The first-person narrative is very engaging, and readers will identify with Catherine's struggles and cheer for her at the end.  This is a great book to help students gain some understanding about autism, while also providing a good read.  The author is the mother of an autistic child.  Recommended."
               – Library Media Connection


"An honest and frequently funny portrayal of what it's like to have a sibling with autism at an age when being accepted is so important."
               – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Connections

Teachers and librarians can find an excellent Discussion Guide on Cynthia Lord's website that will activate children's background knowledge before reading, in addition to facilitating discussion during reading and upon finishing the book.  Along with providing thought-provoking questions, this discussion guide provides a list of novels that can be compared and contrasted with Rules, as well as a variety of informative websites and links.  Teachers can even find lesson plans for how to teach children about disabilities and develop a deeper understanding of children with special needs.


Catherine develops her own extensive list of rules for David, with the hope that she can try to make him appear more "normal" to everyone around him.  After reading this novel, children may be interested in compiling their own lists of rules for daily living.  What are some important rules they think are missing from Catherine's list?  Teachers can have children create their own lists, or each child can come up with one rule so that the entire group can publish a list of rules together (for example, Rules for Ms. Garich's Class).

A Step from Heaven

Bibliography

Na, An. 2001.  A STEP FROM HEAVEN.  Asheville: Front Street.  ISBN 9780142500279

Plot Summary

When Young Ju is four years old, she learns that her family is leaving their small fishing village in Korea behind and moving to California in search of a better life.  From everything Young Ju has heard about their new home, she becomes convinced that America is a paradise that is as close to heaven as you can find here on Earth.  However, once Young Ju and her family arrive in their new home, she quickly discovers that this new world feels nothing like heaven as her family struggles to adjust to an unfamiliar language, cultural differences, and the harsh reality of poverty.  As it becomes harder to make ends meet, Young Ju's disillusioned father turns to liquor, and his alcoholic tendencies eventually leads him to emotionally and physically abuse his wife and children.  Although her family gradually appears to be disintegrating in front of her eyes, she excels in her studies at school and easily makes friends.  It seems that just as Young Ju and her brother have found a balance between discovering American culture without losing their Korean identity, their parents fear that they have forgotten their past.  A Step from Heaven follows Young Ju's life as she transforms from a hopeful young girl into a reflective young adult who has watched her family's struggle to survive her entire life and worked hard to create a different future for herself.

Critical Analysis

Told from the point of view of Young Ju, this award-winning young adult novel follows the progression of her voice and experiences from childhood to adulthood.  Since her mother and father dream of providing their children the opportunity to live a better life, they decide to immigrate to America.  As Young Ju grows older, her thoughts and feelings reflect her growing maturity as she gradually learns the English language and begins to understand the events happening around her.  The language used throughout the story is strikingly authentic as Young Ju's translation of English is intermixed with Korean - providing credibility to the story's multicultural characters.  Although her family encounters language difficulties and feelings of isolation after immigrating to America, nearly everyone learns how to adapt to their new home - with the exception of her father, Apa.  As Young Ju grows older, he begins to resent her acquisition of the English language and her successful assimilation into American culture, which ultimately leads him to become abusive with his family.  The fact that Young Ju doesn't feel as though she is part of her own family is a feeling that young adult readers might be able to identify with, and her search for her own unique identity will undoubtedly appeal to young adult readers everywhere.

Awards

• 2002 Michael L. Printz Award
• 2001 National Book Award Finalist
• 2002 Children's Book Award in YA Fiction - International Reading Association
• 2005 Asian American Booklist, Grades 9 and Up - National Education Association
• 2001-2003 Asian Pacific American Award for Literature - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
• 2002 Notable Books for a Global Society - International Reading Association
• 2002 Notable Children's Book - American Library Association
• 2002 Best Book for Young Adults - American Library Association
• 2002 Children's Books of Distinction Award - Riverbank Review
• 2002 Fanfare Book - The Horn Book Honor List
• 2002 Notable Books for the Language Arts - NCTE
• 2001 Editor's Choice - Booklist
• 2001 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
• 2001 Best Books - School Library Journal
• 2001 Best Children's Books - Publishers Weekly
• 2001 Top 10 Youth First Novels - Booklist

Review Excerpts

“The journey Na chronicles in Young's graceful and resonant voice is an acculturation process that is at times wrenching, at times triumphant and consistently absorbing...By its conclusion, readers can see a strong, admirable young woman with a future full of hope.  Equally bright are the prospects of this author; readers will eagerly await her next step."

               – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"As in the best writing, the particulars make the story, a first novel, universal."

               – Booklist

"A beautifully written affecting work."

               – School Library Journal

"This is a coming-of-age novel as well as a coming-into-the-country novel.  It allows young people to step outside themselves for a moment and walk in the shoes of a hesitant, troubled peer who is not sure she likes being here.  Poignant and powerful, the book is written with lyrical inventiveness that startles and delights and makes us see all things about us with new eyes."

               – Multicultural Review

“This book enriches readers' understanding of Korean culture and of the immigrant experience shared by many."

               – Children's Literature


"This beautifully written book, a tale of both tragedy and eventual triumph, is likely to bring tears to the eyes of any reader.  Its author must be considered an important new voice in Asian American children's literature."
               – Voice of Youth Advocates


"An Na's first novel, A Step from Heaven, is the engaging tale of a young girl's childhood in the shadow of an abusive father, and of how she gains the courage to choose freedom for herself and her family...The book is endowed with a haunting grace by the exquisite voice of a new young writer."
               – New York Times Book Review

Connections
This novel presents a wonderful opportunity for children to learn more about the history of immigration in the United States.  Children can discuss what would cause an individual, family, or group of people to leave their native home and establish a new life in another country.  Have children imagine what immigration would feel like, and brainstorm a list of problems that immigrants like Young Ju's family often encountered in their new country (language/communication barriers, cultural/religious differences, racial intolerance).  After multiple discussions on the topic, children can compose a letter that is written from an immigrant's point of view to a relative who stayed behind.  In the letter, children can write about what they think of their new home and how they are dealing with the problems listed above.


In addition to learning about immigration, children may also be interested in learning more about Korean culture.  Depending on the age of the children, they can research the Gateway to Korea website to discover information about the cultural and lifestyle differences between Korea and America.


A Step from Heaven was partially autobiographical.  Children can learn more about author An Na by reading the in-depth interview that is posted on the Cynthia Leitich Smith Children's Literature Resources website.  What are the parallels between the lives of An Na and Young Ju?  After researching the author's life, children can report on the similarities and differences they discovered between the lives of An Na and Young Ju.

Calamity Jack

Bibliography

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2010. CALAMITY JACK. Ill. by Nathan Hale.  New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. ISBN 9781599900766

Plot Summary

In this graphic novel interpretation of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, Jack is a shrewd and cunning young man who always seems to have some sort of mischief planned.  Most of his schemes involve stealing money or goods, but rather than viewing himself as a thief, Jack truly believes he has the best of intentions since he is trying to make life easier for his hard-working mother.  After nearly being caught when he grows the beanstalk, steals a Giant's magical goose, and inadvertently kills one of the Giants as he chops the beanstalk down, Jack decides to leave his hometown and head out west.  While he's there, he meets Rapunzel and together they return to the city where Jack grew up.  Once he arrives, Jack is stunned to find the city in ruins and living in fear of being attacked by Ant People.  When he begins a quest to discover what has happened, he enlists the help of Prudence (his favorite partner in crime) and Freddie (a man who loves strange inventions and seeks the truth).  Before long, Jack learns that his mother has been captured by the Giants and enslaved as their cook, and he embarks on an adventure to end the oppressive rule of the Giants and the destruction caused by the mysterious Ant People.

Critical Analysis

In this sequel to the popular Rapunzel's Revenge, Shannon and Dean Hale combine unique characters, humorous dialogue, and lots of action and adventure to create a memorable graphic novel that will leave readers begging for more from these authors.  Along with an intricate plot that includes more than a few shocking twists, the detailed and stimulating graphics created by Nathan Hale make the characters and fantastical creatures come to life.  The action-packed text and energetic illustrations work well together, and readers will soon become swept into the city of Shyport where a fantastic world of diminutive pixies, giants, and invading alien insects live amid crumbling buildings, floating palaces, and old-fashioned locomotives.  Jack is far from perfect, and over the course of the novel he transforms from a mischievous young boy into a hero that would make his mother proud.  Young readers will relate to Jack's occasional feelings of self-doubt and frustration when absolutely nothing seems to be going his way.   The plot moves quickly and leaves the reader fully engaged from beginning to end as Jack overcomes huge obstacles in the form of the menacing cruelty of Blunderboar, and his success in accomplishing this seemingly impossible task could mean the difference between life and death for his mother.  As Jack struggles and ultimately defeats Blunderboar, the reader feels the sense that good has prevailed over evil, even when it seemed that all hope was lost for the city of Shyport and the residents who lived there.

Awards

• Junior Library Guild Selection
• 2011 YALSA Great Graphic Novel
• Texas Maverick Graphic Novel
• Nominated for a Cybils Award
• School Library Journal Comic for Kids 2011

Review Excerpts

"The swashbuckling plot shines in the graphic-novel format...Easily as strong as the first entry, this steampunk-flavored fairy tale will appeal to boy-, girl-, reluctant-, and eager readers alike."

               – Booklist

“...a charming update of Jack and Beanstalk...The dynamic artwork fits well with Jack and Rapunzel's quick tongues, as they flirt their way through numerous hair-raising situations."

               – Publishers Weekly

"Nathan Hale's artwork again places the action in a fairy-tale version of the American West, now with the city as backdrop.  His character sketches are delightfully expressive, and the book has the same rich palette as the previous story.  It should satisfy readers who enjoy adventure, fairy tales, and anyone who loves a rogue."

               – School Library Journal

"This fantastic yarn has something for everyone...Readers will relish this gleeful mix of fairy tale, adventure, and romance."

               – Kirkus Book Reviews


“Once again authors (and spouses) Shannon and Dean Hale have concocted a story that will have readers on the edge of their seats.  The beautifully drawn illustrations by Nathan Hale (no relation) add verve, detail, and humor to the story."

               – The Washington Post


Connections
After reading Calamity Jack, children will enjoy reading the original Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale and looking for similarities and differences between the main characters in each story.  Children can record the similarities and differences they find in a Venn diagram.  A public library located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas has a terrific website where children can read the original fairy tale while enjoying artwork from a mural that was painted to depict the events from the well-known story.


Reading a graphic novel such as this one might prompt children to read additional graphic novels and look for the defining characteristics of this format of children's book publishing.  Encourage children to discover features that all graphic novels have (intricate and stimulating graphics, nonlinear format, perfect pairing of text and illustrations - among others).  Once children have read a variety of graphic novels, they can work in teams to create their own short graphic novel by writing a story that contains an obvious problem/solution and strong characters that will fight against evil.


On author Shannon Hale's official website, teachers can find a detailed teacher's guide that will assist them in incorporating this graphic novel into their curriculum and teaching objectives.