B bookcards

Babbitt, Natalie. Tuck Everlasting. New York, New York. Scholastic INC. 1975.

Summary:
The Tuck Family is either blessed with or doomed to eternal life from unknowingly drinking from a magical spring. They thought that their secret was safe until Winnie Foster stumbles upon their secret. This is a story about what it feels like to know you can live forever.

Appropriate level: 6

Teach it:
This is a great story that I think most students would enjoy. This author used a lot of great word choice and would be great for a lesson on the writing trait.

Questions:
What would you do if you knew you could live forever? Why?
How do you think the Tuck family felt about living forever? How do you know this?
Have you ever had to keep an important secret like Winnie had to? Was it easy or hard to keep that secret? Why or why not?

Other Reading:
Bridge to Terabithia
Island of the Blue Dolphin
A Wrinkle in Time

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Bainbridge, Beryl. The Birthday Boys.

Summary: This novel narrates, from the imaginary perspective of Scott and four of his crew members, the experiences leading up to the demise of the ill-fated Scott South Pole expedition. It begins in Cardiff, Wales, and follows them across the Atlantic to
Antarctica, where all members of the crew perished.

Appropriate: 9th ^V 12th grade

Teach or Circulate? I would probably circulate this book because it might not have a wide appeal but, for the right student, would be a great novel to explore.

Dense Questions: What motivates people to be the first to accomplish something? What are the dangers that come with blind allegiance to a leader or idea?

Thematically Related Literature: Endurance,
Shackleton^Rs amazing survival tale; Will Steger,
Antarctica;

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Barker, Clive. Abarat: Book One. HarperCollins Publishing: New York. 2002.

Summary: Candy Quackenbush of Chickentown, MN is not like other kids her age. She comes from a household with an alcoholic father and a despondent mother, but that is just the tip of the iceburg. Candy has strange dreams of the sea that even interrupt her waking life. She knows that there is something more. One day after a grand adventure she is whisked away to the fantastical world of Abarat, where twenty-five islands are locked into permanent hours of the day. She arrives in Abarat as they are on the brink of war with Christopher Carrion, king of the Isle of Midnight. He wants to plunge the world into eternal Midnight and it is up to Candy and her new and unusual friends to stop Christopher and his quest for domination.

For Whom Appropriate: 8th-10th grade students

Teach it or Circulate it?: Due to the fantastical elements of this book I would circulate it. The book contains many good messages about friendship, perseverance and loyalty, it also has a pretty advanced vocabulary. I would recommend this book to any student who seems to like an edge to their fantasy books.

Shaded or Dense Questions: Would you give up everything you knew to have an adventure you waited your life to take? If you were thrust into a world where your morals and ideals only meant something to you would you hold onto them no matter what or abandon them to fit in? Why or why not?

Thematically Related Literature: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Eragon by Christopher Paolini. T

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Barker, Clive. Abarat, Book Two: Days of Magic, Nights of War. HarperCollins Publishing:

New York. 2004.

Summary: The continuing saga of Candy Quackenbush and her adventures in Abarat. She is being pursued by Christopher Carrion and his henchmen, who are afraid that she will ruin their plans to dominate Abarat.

For Whom Appropriate: 8th-10th grade students

Shaded or Dense Questions: What would you be willing to do to save a friend?

Thematically Related Literature: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Eragon by Christopher Paolini. The Daughters of the Moon Series by Lynne Ewing.

By, Amy Schmidt

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Barker, Clive. Abarat, Book Two: Days of Magic, Nights of War. HarperCollins Publishing:

New York. 2004.

For Whom Appropriate: 8th-10th grade students

Shaded or Dense Questions: What would you be willing to do to save a friend?

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Bauer, Marion Dane. On My Honor. New York: Bantam Double Day. 1986.

Summary: Joel's friend Tony is a crazy, risk taker. Joel follows Tony's lead all the time, even though his gut feeling is opposite. When Tony wants to go swimming in the River, Joel goes in after trying to persuade Tony to go to the community pool where it is less dangerous. Joel does not know that Tony is a weak swimmer and when the swimming adventure takes a horrific turn of events, Joel as to decide if she should tell the truth or play dumb.

For what age appropriate: 6th and 7th grade.

Teach or Circulate: Circulate. The book is easy to read and has large print. The book would be better for free reading than to teach in the class. It would also be hard to teach lessons to support the book.

Dense Question: If you were Joel, would you tell Tony's parents
immediately or continue to act as if you didn't know where Tony was?

Related Lit: . It's Not the End of the World, Judy Blume. The Language of Goldfish, Zibby Oneal. Ordinary People, Judith Guest. On My Honor, Marrion Dane Bauer. Shizuko's Daughter, Kyoko Mori.

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Bell, William. Forbidden City. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc, 1990.
Summary: Alex?s father, who works for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, has an opportunity to venture to Beijing to film, and wants to bring Alex along for the ride. Alex is thrilled, and sees it as an opportunity to buff of on his Chinese war knowledge, his true passion. He will also have multiple possibilities to explore the city since he won?t be in school. But Alex and his father can not anticipate the turmoil the city would be undergoing for a change in the government. The actions the citizens take in Tian An Men square (1989) is one experience Alex and his father are going to have to struggle to survive.
Appropriate: high school students
Teach it or circulate it: I think that this would be a perfect book to have students read in a history class (when learning about the 1989 Tian An Men square incident). This book shows what the country went through shortly after the Cultural Revolution. Another good way to teach this book would be if there was an interdisciplinary unit in accordance with the history class. If there was no history background I would not teach this book, but suggest it as a good read.
Shaded/ Dense Questions: In was ways does the book describe the events in Tian An Men square in relation to someone not from China? In relation to someone from China? How could have someone handled the situation(s) in Tian An Men square differently? What would you have done? What do you think a native of China would have done?
Related Literature: Wild Ginger, Red Scarf Girl, Little Green, Chinese Poetry

Bernall, Misty. She Said Yes, the Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1999

Summary: Misty Bernall was the mother of seventeen year old Cassie Bernall who lived in Littleton, Colorado. Cassie was taken from this earth unexpectedly from the Columbine High School shooting on April 20th, 1999 done by two mass killers. She was killed for her belief in God and the fact that ?she said yes? when asked by the killers if she believed in God. This memoir is a tribute to Cassie and her belief in God, as well as the others who were killed on that sad, sad day.

For Whom Appropriate? 9th ? 12th grade students.

Teach it or circulate it? I think this book should be circulated. It is not necessarily something you want to be teaching in the classroom due to the violence behind the story; however, the book is very powerful and is something that has affected all of us by the story of Cassie and the others who were killed.

Shaded and Dense Questions: Does Misty Bernall do a decent job of replaying the life of her daughter? Do you think that it was right that Misty included the apology letter from the parent?s of Dylan Klebold? Compare the Columbine school shooting to another high school shooting within a ten year time frame of Columbine. How are they similar? How are they different?

Thematically related Literature: Hero?s from the Attic, The Heart Behind the Hero.

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Bereza, Lynne. Green Teacher. Winnipeg: Manitoba Product Stewardship Corporation, 1997-98.

Summary: The Green Teacher is a quarterly magazine addressing different teaching activities and methods in regards to environmental education. It is a compilation of many different teachers and authors expressing their ideas on teaching this issue.

Grades: 11-12

Teach it or circulate it? I would circulate it if the kids wanted to read it but this is more a handbook for the teacher to use.

Dense Questions: This is a magazine for teachers and not for students, it is difficult to ask a question.
I could not find any related literature.

Blatty, William Peter. The Exorcist . New York: Bantam, 1971.

Summary: This is a horror novel that tells the story of a normal girl, Regan, who becomes possessed by the devil. At first her mother thinks that Regan is simply acting odd, or that she is ill, but soon Regan's symptoms grow worse. Regan is not herself anymore and demons begin communicating through her and using her body as a vessel of evil. With no other hope the mother turns for divine helps and calls in an Exorcist.

For whom is it appropriate? Mature high school students. This book is more shocking than the film.

Teach it or circulate it? Circulate is among older mature students. I wouldn't know how to teach this book and I would definitely be in trouble if I taught it.

Dense question: After this horrible ordeal how do you think Regan's life will be? Using ideas from the end of the text explain why you think Regan's life will be good or bad following the events of the novel.

Thematically Related literature: Psycho-Robert Bloch, Rosemary's baby-Ira Levin Invasion of the body Snatchers-Jack Finney

Blinn, William. Brian's Song. New York: Bantam Books, 1972.

Summary: Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo are professional football players. One is black, the other white. They maintain a friendship even though they compete for the same position on the team. When one is down, the other picks him up. When one becomes terminally ill, the other stays with him to the end.

For whom appropriate: 7th through 12th grades

Teach it or circulate it: This would be a great book to circulate.
Because it is a football story and involves sports and friendships, it
would be beneficial especially to boys.

Dense Questions: Do you think you could compete for the same thing with someone and still remain best of friends like these two friends did? If your friend got injured and you were both after the same position, would you help him get better as these friends did for each other?

Thematically related literature: The Man who makes the Moves

Blume, Judy. Are You There God? its Me Margaret. New York: Dell, 1970.

Summary: Margaret is a young girl who suddenly finds herself asking many questions about life. She doesnt understand why religion must be such a complex topic. She feels torn between her fathers Jewish heritage and her mothers Christian heritage. If this isn't enough for her to handle, she finds herself confronted with the fact that she is a late bloomer.

For Whom Appropriate? 6th grade...7th grade may be a stretch.

Teach it or cirrculate it? This book should not be taught in a classroom setting. It is better left for students to explore on thier own time.

Dense Questions: Margaret doesnt feel the need to choose a religion. How is her relationship with God affected by her family? What is your reaction to this and what do you think would be your societys reaction to her decision? Do you think that the book provides an accurate protrayal of a pre-adolescent girl? How does her situation differ from the situations of other people in the story and your own life?

Thematically related Literature: Any books by Judy Blume

Blume, Judy. Forever. New York: Pocket Books, 1975.

Summary: Follows the romance of two highschool seniors through the eyes of the girl, Katherine. The couple's sexual and emotional relationship, including Katherine's decision to go on the pill, is explored with straight-forward language. The relationship finally ends as Katherine discovers a crush while working at a summer camp.

For Whom is it appropriate? High School.

Teach it or circulate it? Either. The language and ideas are easily accessible. It could be taught in conjunction with discussions on birth control and/or suicide.

Dense Questions: How do you feel Katherine handles the situation that occurs during the summer? Would you handle it any differently?

Thematically related literature: Zindell's My Darling Hamburger, Ordinary People.

Blume, Judy. It's Not the End of the World. New York: Dell Publishing Co. Inc., 1972 (1986).

Summary: Twelve year old Karen is having a hard time dealing with her parent's separation and eventual divorce. She attempts to keep her parents from going through with the divorce, but after experiencing many coincidental family problems and witnessing her parent's attitudes toward one another, she realizes it's better for her entire family to accept the divorce. Karen's story represents that of many adolescents.

For Whom Appropriate: 5th Grade (Both Sexes).

Teach it or Circulate it: This book draws the reader in and accurately describes the emotional roller coaster associated with divorce. This book (with teacher involvement) can help students feel they are not alone in dealing with family problems. I would circulate this book while discussing its contents with students.

Dense Questions: How is Karen's experience different or similar to that of someone you know? How has divorce affected anyone you know?

Thematically Related Literature:
Young People Caught in the Middle (issues in Focus) by Beth Levine
The Parent Trap by Dallas Schulze

Bode, Janet. Death is Hard to Live With. New York: Avon Books, 1987.

Summary: This book is great for teenagers who are grieving. This book gives teenagers direct advice on how to get through the grieving process. There are also many personal teen accounts of how grieving has affected their lives.

For whom appropriate: 7th through 12th grades.

Teach it or circulate: This would be a good book to circulate, especially to those students who have lost someone close to them.

Dense Questions: Can you relate to any of the teen's personal stories in the book, and how grieving has affected you that way?

Thematically related literature: From Darkness to Light, Julie Landsman. When a Friend Dies, Marilyn Goodman, Ed.D.

Borland, Hal. When the Legends Die. New York: Bantam, 1963.

Summary: Traces the life of Ute Indian, Thomas Black Bull: from his boyhood in the wilderness, where he loses his mother and father; to the coercive Indian school; to his life as "Killer Tom Black," the aggressive bronco rider; to his return to the wilderness and his quest for meaning within the "old ways." Central to his spiritual quest is a search for his boyhood "bear brother," a grizzly with whom he shared his log home while he resided in the wilderness.

For Whom is it Appropriate? Grades 9-12.

Teach it or circulate it? Either. The book's content and themes are readily accessible. Themes of White-Indian relations, the sacredness of nature, and human treatment of animals, could be dealt with in a classroom setting.

Dense questions: In what ways do you relate to the struggles of Tom? Compare Tom's treatment of the broncos as a rider and his treatment of deer at the novel's end; have you had any experiences with animals that inform this comparison?

Thematically related literature: A Light in the Forest. Leslie Silko's Ceremony. James Welch's Winter in the Blood.

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Ballantine, 1973.

Montag is a "fireman" in a futuristic setting. His job is to burn all books in an extreme form of government imposed censorship. Because of a few people's conviction to keep books, Montag begins to doubt himself and his beliefs.

Appropriate for middle school and high school students alike. This book raises some serious issues on censorship and the direction of our society. For this reason it should be taught with teacher involvement.

Do you think that a future like the one depicted in this book is possible?

If such a future where inevitable, what one book would you hide away and why?

Related literature: 1984- George Orwell; Brave New World- Aldous Huxley.

Bradbury, Ray. Something Wicked This Way Comes . New York : Bantam Books, 1962.

SCIENCE FICTION

Summary : The novel is about two teenage boys that discover evil in a Carnival that has come to town. The show, which hosts �freaks� and �oddities� galore, is really the cause of all the chaos the town has been experiencing. James and William seem to be the only ones that can stop the evil Carnival from ruining everyone's lives.

For whom is it appropriate ? 10 th through 12 th grade.

Teach it or circulate it? I would circulate the book rather than teach it. While the book is interesting, I think it can be hard to follow and even confusing at times. Students would have more fun reading it on their own.

Dense question : Like the townspeople in the novel who don't believe the Carnival is bad, have you ever found yourself caught up in a craze you would not have been in unless everyone else was too?

Thematically related literature : Stephen King's The Gunslinger, TheIllustrated Man by Ray Bradbury.

Bradley, Marion Zimmer. The Mists Of Avalon. New York: Ballantine, 1984.

A story containing all the elements of the Arthurian legends but retold from the viewpoint of the women. Morgaine, half sister to Arthur, quests for power and the return to the old ways. Gwynhefar, who is a dutiful queen to Arthur, is also in love with Lancelot.

Appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.

This is a very long book to be taught within a class. It also contains some very interesting symbolization. A few select chapters could be taught with teacher involvement.

Do you think Gwynhefar and Morgaine are good representations of the religions they follow? Can you find examples of these religions today?

Can you find the same type of religious battle found in the book happening today?

Related literature could be any other books dealing with the Arthurian legends.

Bradley, Marion Zimmer. Black Trillium. New York: Bantam, 1991.

Seeing her power waning, the archmage Binah must pass along her protectorship of the Kingdom of Ruwenda to three triplet princesses of Ruwenda. When the three princesses are of age, the neighboring Kingdom of Labornok invades Ruwenda. Binah has the three princesses flee and tells them to search for the three magical talismans which can help regain the kingdom.

Appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.

This book is long but has excellent character development which could spawn great in class discussions. It should be taught with teacher involvement.

Do any of the three women remind you of any type of leader you know of on a large or small scale? If so why? To which one of the three women do you relate to most closely? Can you relate your choice to a character within another book?

Related literature would be other Bradley books within the same setting

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashsres

Summary:
This book is part of a four part series that follows four teenage girls as they go off on their own summer adventures. The girls have been best friends since they were born, and they use a magical pair of pants to keep them close when they are all gone for the summer.

Appropriate for:
This book is appropriate for anyone 12 or older. The book is aimed at a female audience, so may not be the best choice for male readers.

Teach it or circulate it?
I would use this book as a circulating one because of the fact that it is aimed at a female audience and is more of a fun book, then good literature.

Dense question
Why is it important to have friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend, and what qualities do you posses that make you a good friend?

Related literature:
Someone like you by Sarah Dessen, and The babysitters club series.

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Brightfield, Richard. Choose Your Own Nightmare: How I Became A Freak. New York: Bantam, 1997.

Summary: After looking too long in a Fun House mirror, you wake up the next morning looking like a FREAK! This book lets you choose your course to try to return to normal. But be careful, one false move could leave you a freak for life!

For Whom Is This Appropriate? 4th-6th grade

Teach or Circulate? Circulate. This is just a fun adventure book for kids. Good for kids who get bored easily.

Dense Question: How would you react if you saw someone who looked very different from you? Would you react like the people in the book did?

Related Literature: Other Choose Your Own Nightmare or Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. England: Longman, 1970

Summary: Jane, an orphan who suffered from ill-treatment as a child, is sent to Millcote to act as a governess to a little girl from a wealthy family. She finds herself falling for her employer.

For Whom Appropriate? 11th or 12th grade

Teach It or Circulate It? This story contains human conditions that could lead to interesting class discussions. It is intriguing and mysterious, but may be difficult to read. For these reasons the book would be an asset in the classroom.

Dense Questions: In what ways do you feel Jane Eyre represents strengths that women can draw from? How does Jane's plain-looking appearance represent possible feelings of inferiority and unfair treatment in today's world that so emphasizes physical attractiveness as a prerequisite for "getting ahead?"

Thematically Related Literature: Where the Lilies Bloom--Vera and Bill Cleaver; O Pioneers!--Willa Cather.

Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights. London: Penguin, 1847 or 1994.

Summary: Mr. Earnshaw takes in Heathcliff and raises the boy as his own child. Cathy and Heathcliff become the best of friends. As they mature, their friendship turns to love. They develop a rocky relationship that greatly affects the next generation.

For Whom Appropriate? 12th grade students

Teach it or circulate it? This book presents many different possibilities for teachers. There are many topics to talk about and there are also good movie versions of the book. The family histories can be a little tricky at times, so it is probably best to have teacher involement.

Dense Questions: What are the possible social factors that keep Cathy and Heathcliff apart? Can you imagine a similar situation happening today?

Given the context of the story, have you ever see or heard of conflicts within families or friends that have has such an impact on the next generation?

Thematically related literature: Jane Eyre by Charolotte Bronte

Brooks, Terry. The Sword of Shannara. New York: Ballantine, 1978.

Shea Ohmsford grows up in a midevil/fantasy type setting. His life and hometown are very quiet. A war is beginning to brew and it is suspected that the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is on the opposite side of the good races such as humans, elves, and dwarves. Shea unexpectedly finds himself thrown into a war.

Appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.

This book is very long but contains a lot of suspense. There is however little content for discussion. For this reason it should be circulated.

Do you think most people would be loyal as Flick if put into the same situation? Do you think the type of evil the Warlock Lord showed exists today in our lives? Do you think most people would react as Shea did when he realized who he was and what being royalty meant in this situation.

Related literature would be other books by Brooks within the same world.

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Burgess, Melvin. SMACK. Avon Books: New York. 1996. (Summary and questions by Bridget Noonan)

Summary:
This book takes a look into the life of heroin and the story of two runaways. It follows Tar and Gemma, both 14 and runaways. Their home life is bad and they decide life would be better on their own, on the streets. They are introduced to heroin and begin the battle with addiction and life on the streets. This book takes you inside what it is like to be homeless and to become addicted. It also deals with sex and other things teenagers deal with.

Apporiate for 9-12th grades-

Teach or Circulate:
I would use this book in circulation. I do not think that this book is appropriate to teach in the classroom because there are some parts that not everyone would be comfortable reading about, and not comfortable teaching. I would have this on my shelf and suggest it to certain students that I feel would enjoy it.

Shaded and Dense Questions:
Have you ever felt like you wanted to run away? How come you have or haven?t? An addiction is a hard thing to stop, do you have an addiction or do you know someone with an addiction? How would you react if your girlfriend or boyfriend told you they were going to run away, would you go with?
Thematically related literature:
Junk- Melvin Burgess

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Burks, Brian. Walks Alone. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1998.

Summary: Walks Alone is a fifteen-year-old Native American girl, living in the late 1880's. Her tribe is on the run from the government who want them to live in a reservation far away from their home. Walks Alone must be responsible in the face of many struggles; an attack on her people, helping a young mother, caring for her little brother and running from many enemies.

For whom appropriate: 7th through 10th grades

Teach it or circulate it: This is a good book to circulate. It would
especially benefit girls.

Dense Questions: Why do you think Walks Alone feels responsible for her brother's death? Why do you think Victorio and his tribe are refusing to live in a reservation?

Thematically related literature: Eyes of Darkness, Jamake Highwater. A Circle Unbroken, Sollace Hotze.

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Busby, Cylin. Getting Dumped and Getting over it! New York: Price Stern Sloan Publishing, 2001

Summary: Getting Dumped and Getting over it! is all about being dumped by someone that you thought loved you but really, he did not. Many females, and males, have experience some sort of break-up in their life and this book talks about the breakup, what to do in the first twenty-four hours, two sides to every story, facing the world without him, figuring out what you did wrong, getting even and getting over him, the new guy in your life and trying to be friends with your ex.

For Whom Appropriate? 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.

Teach it or circulate it? This book should not be taught in the classroom since it deals more with personal, relationship problems. However, every teacher should read it before allowing the students to read it so they are better able to understand what a teenage is going through. This book would be wonderful to circulate because many people can connect to it, and, it is a quick and easy read!

Shaded and Dense Questions: Does this book accurately portray the effect of a break-up? Do you think that this book should be read as a class, or as an individual read? Compare one of your break-ups to that of Cylin Busby?s. How are they similar? How are they different? If your significant other were to break-up with you right now, how would you go about accepting this and moving on?

Thematically Related Literature: He?s Just Not that Into You, Moving On, Getting Over Getting Dumped

Byars, Betsy. The Summer of the Swans. New York. Scholastic Inc., 1970.

Summary: Sara, the main character, is a young girl bored with the monotony of summer. She wishes for fun and excitement, but ends up getting fed up with her aunt's bossiness, and her little brothers constant need for attention. It is only when her little brother Charlie (who happens to be brain-damaged) turns up missing, that Sara finally realizes what he means to her.

For Whom it is Appropriate: Junior High aged students

Teach It or Circulate It? This is a good story, but not of the literary caliber that I would like to devote my time to. Great for the book cart and book reports/talks.

Dense Questions: How would the world today be more or less dangerous for a kid like Charlie to be lost in than it would be for a kid who was not like Charlie? Are there things that you would've done, if you were Sara, that would've prevented this problem in the first place?