Anne Frank

Author:  Josephine Poole, 2005, Random House
Illustrator:  Angela Barrett

Anne Frank has become a name synonymous with Nazi persecution of Jews.  She posthumously became famous as a result of her diary being published, and the world saw how her Jewish family hid from the Nazis until they were caught.  I have read excerpts from her diary, as well as from other biographies about her, so I had a fair amount of background knowledge as I began reading this particular story.  I suppose it would be improper to say how much I enjoyed the story, given the horror and trauma Anne's family faced.  However, I can say that I learned more about her, the Nazis, and Nazi Germany from Josephine Poole's Anne Frank. 

I really enjoy studing World War II, and I noticed how accurate the facts were in this book.  The author does a fantastic job giving background information about Adolf Hitler, the Fuhrer of Germany.  She describes how Germany went from being one of the greatest nations in the world to the most embarrassed nation following World War I.  Hitler rose to power and began persecuting the Jews with the final goal of exterminating them from the world.  As a result, many Jews went into hiding for months and even years.  Anne Frank's family did so until they were discovered and removed.  Her diary was recovered and became a primary source of the horror she experienced.

This book had beautiful illustrations and enough information to teach the reader more about this time period.  I enjoyed reading the timeline in the back of the book to get a broader understanding of the other world events.  I would recommend this book to any teacher without the slightest reservation.  In fact, I believe this book should be in every library around the country.  It is appropriate for all age groups, and it teaches world history in an informative and interesting way.  

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Authors:  George Beard and Harold Hutchins, 2010, Scholastic

Until I heard that I had to read a graphic novel for my children's literature class, I did not know what one was.  I never read comics as a child, so the idea of putting comics in a story format (such as a book) was hard for me to understand.  I must say, though, that I loved The Adventures of Ook and Gluk.  From a teacher's standpoint, I recognized its terrible grammar, punctuation, and word conjugation.  From a reader's standpoint, however, I though it was hilarious.  The two characters and their baby dinosaur set out to destroy Mr. Goppernopper, the leader of Caveland.  On the way, they get transported to the year 2222 A.D., where they stay and learn Kung-Fu for seven years.  The knowledge they gain under Mr. Wong, the Kung-Fu teacher, propels them to outwit Mr. Goppernopper and take back Caveland.  And, in the end, Ook marries Mr. Wong's daughter and takes her back in time.

The spelling and grammar is a nightmare for any teacher.  Just the idea that students read material like this makes me cringe.  It is almost written in a child-like format.  The illustrations are all done in pencil, retained in black and white, and reflect an elementary artistic pattern.  (Disclaimer:  I am not one to judge art because of my lack of artistic ability, but it is evident that this book is meant for young children.)  Nevertheless, as an educator, I see the value in reading for pleasure without needing to think critically, something I often refer to as "mindless reading."  This book certainly fits that bill.  I finished the book in just over an hour, and it made me laugh more than once while never managing to tax my mind. 

I would not suggest this book to be read aloud to a classroom because I think one might send the wrong idea to children, especially in a time when "text" language is already so prevalent.  However, this is a way to get your students who don't particularly care for heavy reading to enjoy books.  I especially think  boys will like this, and it is a great way to get them interested in reading.

Weedflower

Author:  Cynthia Kadohata, 2006, Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Cynthia Kadohata takes her readers on a trip of sadness and heartbreak in the book Weedflower.  Twelve-year-old Sumiko and her six-year-old brother Tak-Tak live with their aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandfather on their flower farm in California.  Sumiko and Tak-Tak came into their relatives' care when their parents perished in a car accident.  Their family unit is very strong, and their main struggle is to fit in with the rest of the world.  That is not a big issue, however, until December 7, 1941 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.  Suddenly, Japanese-Americans become the target of hostility, racism, and segregation.  Sumiko's uncle and grandfather are moved to a work camp in North Dakota, and the rest of her family, including Sumiko, are shipped to Poston, Ariz. where there is a permanent relocation site for Japanese.  As far as the reader knows, Sumiko never returns to her home in California; rather, she spends many days in Poston, then moves near Chicago.  During her time in Poston, Sumiko makes many friends, and it is sad when she has to leave them behind.  This was a time of great sorrow for Japanese-Americans as they were treated like baggage instead of human beings.

I loved this book from cover to cover.  When I started reading, I did not realize that the setting was December, 1941, so I had no idea what was ahead.  Sumiko struggles to fit in with her peers, but she finds steadfast love and friendship in Poston.  I was amazed by how caring Sumiko was to Tak-Tak.  Tak-Tak seemed innocent and trusting, and he followed his sister everywhere.  Through the heartbreak of losing their parents to being relocated in a concentration camp, Sumiko and her brother never seemed to lose hope in the future.  Honestly, I do not know if I would have been as calm as Sumiko had I been in the same situation.  Looking back, some of the greatest injustices in history were done to some of the most innocent people, and Weedflower documents a story of strength, trust, and determination through a time of injustice.  For that reason, I will always remember this book.    

Bill and Pete

Author:  Tomie de Paola, 1978, G. P. Putnam's Sons

I know what you are thinking:  Why on earth would Mr. Leeper choose a picture book from 1978 when there are so many new ones to choose from?  You have a very valid point, but I did this for a reason.  You see, this was another one of my favorites when I was a child.  The copy I have is actually my mother's (most likely from 1978!), and it is still in great condition.  The way I see it, no matter what the publication date is, if it is good literature, keep a copy on your bookshelf.  That is exactly what I have done with this story by Tomie de Paola.

William Everett is a crocodile who is getting ready to start school.  His mom takes him to the store to pick out a toothbrush, which is actually a living bird named Pete.  When William Everett starts school, he learns many things, including how to write his name.  Since his name is so long, he shortens it to"Bill" after Pete convinces him it is much simpler to write.  Bill and Pete become steadfast friends, and when an evil man steals Bill from the River Nile to make a suitcase out of him, Pete comes to the rescue, picks the lock of the cage, and lets Bill out.  Bill, wanting to make sure the man can never make suitcases out of a crocodile again, scares him while he is taking a bath.  And guess what?  The man didn't stop running until he got to Cairo.

In today's politically correct culture, teachers may not want to expose children to the reality of making suitcases out of crocodiles.  That is their call.  However, I challenge them to look past the evilness of that act and see the story rooted in friendship and love.  The pictures reflect de Paola's typical style, as seen in such books as Strega Nona.  I think this is a wonderful story and a reflection of a simpler time.  And, it showcases two friends and a loving mom, which will always remain very important parts of life.        

The Cats in Krasinski Square

Author:       Karen Hesse, 2004, Scholastic
Illustrator:  Wendy Watson
Genre Study--Historical Fiction

I must be honest:  I know very little about the non-American portions of World War II.  For someone who loves history, I need to study that period more closely.  Recently while doing so, I came across a fantastic piece of historical fiction called The Cats in Krasinski Square.  If the book included a time stamp, it would be set in Poland in the late-1930's and early-1940's.  A little girl who has escaped from a Jewish ghetto blends with the people of Warsaw.  She and her sister plan to sneak food into the ghetto but hear rumblings that the Gestapo (German State Police) will be at the train station with dogs to sniff for food.  The little girl cannot be outwitted, however, and she uses cats she feeds in Krasinski Square to lure the dogs away from the train station, thereby allowing the sisters to take food to their Jewish friends.

A book like this takes me back to a different time.  I assume a different mindset; one that allows me to empathize with people such as this little girl.  This was a horrible period in world history, and children who read this book will gain a tiny bit of insight into the life of a refugee.  In addition, there is a historical note included in the back of the book that gives information about Jews living in Poland.  I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a piece of historical fiction for middle and upper-elementary students.

Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War

Author:       Pat Hughes, 2007, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Illustrator:  Ken Stark
Genre Study--Historical Fiction

Seeing the Elephant is a moving story of heroism, determination, and patriotism.  Israel, a young boy of ten, waves goodbye to his older brothers who have gone into the Civil War to fight on behalf of the North.  While the brothers are gone, Israel writes numerous letters to them, and when one of them comes home with typhoid, he hopes to rekindle their brotherly affection.  Instead, their relationship has changed, most likely on account of the war, and Israel is sad.  But no sadness can describe how he feels when an acquaintance named Graff dies in the hospital.  Graff, a Rebel fighter from South Carolina, makes an unlikely friend with Israel, and when Graff dies, Israel realizes the true cost of the war. 

This somewhat-true account of a staunch Union family meeting a Confederate army man is captivating.  What surprised me the most is the maturity of this particular 10-year-old.  The book reflects the belief that "war makes boys into men," and even though Israel was too young to fight, he realized the gravity of the situation.  I would definitely recommend this book to older elementary children as a piece of historical fiction.  It is truly a window into a different era; an era that would change the face of America for decades.

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Author:      Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, 2009, Carolrhoda Books
Illustrator:  R. Gregory Christie
Coretta Scott King Award

If you were a settler on the western frontier in the late-1800s, you might have feared outlaws coming into your territory.  There was plenty of open space, and one could ride for miles without pause.  However, if Bass Reeves was in town, you would have nothing to fear.  This story is one about the true character of a black United States marshal who always caught the outlaws he chased.  Bass Reeves may be a man few people have heard of, but he was one of the greatest deputy marshals that ever patrolled the frontier.  This Coretta Scott King award-winning book is one to treasure, and every student will be enthralled with visions of the rough-and-tumble life of the early American west.

Not only is this an intriguing piece of non-fiction; the pictures are equally amazing.  They look almost child-like, and I assume that is what the illustrator was hoping to achieve.  The illustrations lack precise detail, and consequently, the reader must use his imagination to fill in the gaps.  Nonetheless, the entire book, including the historical timeline at the back, is a wonderful piece of American literature; one that shines a light on a black American who, during a time of racial inequality, did a fine job of bringing criminals to justice.  Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, is certainly a notable figure of American history.

Woods Runner

Author:  Gary Paulsen, 2010, Random House
Rebecca Caudill Award Winner - Illinois (2012)