2005-Coretta Scott King HonorWhy is this book so acclaimed? Does it merit this recognition? Most of these are not outright awards, instead listing Fortune's Bones as a recommended title. Hm.
2005-Books for the Teen Age — New York Public Library
2005-Notable Children’s Books — American Library Association
2005-Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
2005-The Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry
2004-Editor’s Choice — Kirkus Reviews
2005-YA Top Forty 2004 titles — Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
2005-YA Top Forty Nonfiction 2004 titles — Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Dissent in the ranks
We seem to be in general agreement with each other about meh-ing Fortune's Bones, but the critics of the book world think otherwise:
Gay-themed library exhibit prompts ban
ALA | Gay Pride Events Banned in Hillsborough County. This happened after people complained (separate article) about a Gay & Lesbian Pride Month book display.
Gah.
Also, there's a mother in Arkansas who Demand[ed] Removal of 70 Titles in the school's library collections.
I need to start finding articles dcoumenting success in THWARTING such acts.
Gah.
Also, there's a mother in Arkansas who Demand[ed] Removal of 70 Titles in the school's library collections.
I need to start finding articles dcoumenting success in THWARTING such acts.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Disney princesses make me barf
You have to watch an ad to access it, but this Salon.com article, "A Nation of Little Princesses," includes input from Maria Tatar and features the kind of girls I actively persecute and campaign against.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Venturing Forth
I still want to read Fortune's Bones again, aloud, but here are some off-the-top-of-my-brain thoughts.
The illustrations & images particularly brought this book together for me. The book is physically beautiful with pleasing design: cover, music sheet endpapers, poem on right - illustration on left, the concept of the poems as a requiem in vocal parts. That was all good.
The poems themselves didn't blow me away. Fortune's story is fascinating (I think I enjoyed the non-fiction, left page bits more than the poems themselves), and as I said above, I like the idea of the requiem, but most of the poems seemed overly simple, even awkward in parts.
The parts I read from Nelson's Carver: A Life in Poems at Simmons, struck me as being more sophisticated. It seems that a lot of thought and care went into Fortune's Bones (Author's Note, research involved, notes, requiem structure, the museum itself) but I was left wanting in the poetry department.
See Fortune's Story at the Mattatuck Museum, if you haven't already.
The illustrations & images particularly brought this book together for me. The book is physically beautiful with pleasing design: cover, music sheet endpapers, poem on right - illustration on left, the concept of the poems as a requiem in vocal parts. That was all good.
The poems themselves didn't blow me away. Fortune's story is fascinating (I think I enjoyed the non-fiction, left page bits more than the poems themselves), and as I said above, I like the idea of the requiem, but most of the poems seemed overly simple, even awkward in parts.
I call a hey, Luigi, come-a quick:What's with that? It makes me think of some bushy-browed pizza man dressed like one of the Super Mario Bros. exclaiming over Fortune's skeleton. Mamma mia!
The parts I read from Nelson's Carver: A Life in Poems at Simmons, struck me as being more sophisticated. It seems that a lot of thought and care went into Fortune's Bones (Author's Note, research involved, notes, requiem structure, the museum itself) but I was left wanting in the poetry department.
See Fortune's Story at the Mattatuck Museum, if you haven't already.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Susan, this one's for you!
An interview with Jon Ican'tspellhisnameforthelifeofme.
Do we have a book discussion starting tomorrow? Yes! Have I read the book? NO! Did I, in fact, suggest the book? YES!
Do we have a book discussion starting tomorrow? Yes! Have I read the book? NO! Did I, in fact, suggest the book? YES!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Make Way
It's going to take me days to sort out all my photographs from Pride, but here is one that I couldn't resist posting so that I could share it with the rest of the Hedgehogs.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Since we are reading Marilyn Nelson -
Today's NYT includes an article on Emmett Till, the focus of another of Nelson's books - A Wreath for Emmett Till. Has anyone read it? I remember Ms. Nelson reading excerpts at the Symposium.
After 50 Years, Emmett Till's Body Is Exhumed.
After 50 Years, Emmett Till's Body Is Exhumed.
Bye Bye Buffalo Tree
Remember Buffalo Tree from Cathie's Criticism class? It just caused a little
furor.
I liked it a lot, as I recall. But it's pretty harsh. Almost Clockwork-Orange like, in fact. I guess I can see how some people would object to it being taught as a classroom text, and I don't see anything wrong with it being available to kids in class libraries, so those who want to read it can find it. I guess I'd prefer the decision not to teach it to be left up to the teacher, though -- not the school board.
furor.
I liked it a lot, as I recall. But it's pretty harsh. Almost Clockwork-Orange like, in fact. I guess I can see how some people would object to it being taught as a classroom text, and I don't see anything wrong with it being available to kids in class libraries, so those who want to read it can find it. I guess I'd prefer the decision not to teach it to be left up to the teacher, though -- not the school board.
Monday, May 23, 2005
I'm Back From the Dead
Oh, I was so close to loving this book. I really liked it. A lot. I liked Margaret Rose Kane. I liked her uncles. I liked the towers, particularly because I didn't like them very much at first (too abstract, too eccentric, both Erica-criticisms). I even liked the plan to save them and I was thrilled when Peter Vanderwaal decided they were "outsider art." I totally bought that they could be saved that way, and I also bought the idea of a big company buying them. I did not feel betrayed by this book, as I often do when books try to be too clever. And E.L. Konigsburg has more narrative talent in her little finger than most of the writers we've read so far, so the fact that the prose is smooth and pretty without being (mostly) unobtrusive isn't surprising.
So I really only have three complaints:
1) I feel like all of the cool, weird adults in her books are the same person (possibly her). And I don't really buy the way they talk, so I could perhaps believe in one of them, but not several in the same title. Peter and Loretta sounded way too similar to me -- probably why they got married, I suppose.
2) Speaking of marriage -- were there any clues that M.K.R.'s parents were ending theirs? I hate that kind of emotional surprise, but maybe I missed the foreshadowing (read this book in one sitting).
3) Way. Too. Much. Information at the end. This really isn't a long enough book to justify going into excruciating detail in an epilogue about every character and what they ended up doing, and I definitely don't want to hear my narrator become an adult when she was already interesting enough as a kid. Should have quit while she was ahead.
But! We are doing better at choosing books! I hope this trend continues. ;-)
So I really only have three complaints:
1) I feel like all of the cool, weird adults in her books are the same person (possibly her). And I don't really buy the way they talk, so I could perhaps believe in one of them, but not several in the same title. Peter and Loretta sounded way too similar to me -- probably why they got married, I suppose.
2) Speaking of marriage -- were there any clues that M.K.R.'s parents were ending theirs? I hate that kind of emotional surprise, but maybe I missed the foreshadowing (read this book in one sitting).
3) Way. Too. Much. Information at the end. This really isn't a long enough book to justify going into excruciating detail in an epilogue about every character and what they ended up doing, and I definitely don't want to hear my narrator become an adult when she was already interesting enough as a kid. Should have quit while she was ahead.
But! We are doing better at choosing books! I hope this trend continues. ;-)
Monday, May 16, 2005
19 Schuyler Place
Short version: the best book we've read so far!
First-rate characterization.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[edited to add longer version]
You know, I fell in love with Margaret Rose. I think I'm inclined to admire-adore down-to-earth intellectuals, the sort of people with odd bits of trivia in their heads. These are the sort of people I like best in real life. This is the kind of person I want to be.
***NOTE: I would have thrown a BIG fit over the bedwetting issue, getting all excited (enraged) and yelling and (maybe) even (okay, probably) throwing things. I would have shown the inept counselor my dry pajamas and screamed the cabin down.
*****ANOTHER NOTE: Yes, I know this book wasn't all about me. I'm just reflecting, pensively.
The uncles are lovingly crafted.
Pg. 112: I spit on digital clocks/watches, too, Morris.
Love the wordplay: areasonable, anobedient, etc.
Verdict: Well-told, moving, concise, intriguing on many levels. I really enjoyed it! Didn't realize until end that the cover is the painting on Margaret's ceiling, with one corner left undone. Are those the shadows of the towers criss-crossing the rose?
First-rate characterization.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[edited to add longer version]
You know, I fell in love with Margaret Rose. I think I'm inclined to admire-adore down-to-earth intellectuals, the sort of people with odd bits of trivia in their heads. These are the sort of people I like best in real life. This is the kind of person I want to be.
***NOTE: I would have thrown a BIG fit over the bedwetting issue, getting all excited (enraged) and yelling and (maybe) even (okay, probably) throwing things. I would have shown the inept counselor my dry pajamas and screamed the cabin down.
*****ANOTHER NOTE: Yes, I know this book wasn't all about me. I'm just reflecting, pensively.
The uncles are lovingly crafted.
Pg. 112: I spit on digital clocks/watches, too, Morris.
Love the wordplay: areasonable, anobedient, etc.
Verdict: Well-told, moving, concise, intriguing on many levels. I really enjoyed it! Didn't realize until end that the cover is the painting on Margaret's ceiling, with one corner left undone. Are those the shadows of the towers criss-crossing the rose?
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Voting Booth Closed
You may vote for more than one. We'll take the top two or so and make those our June and July books - unless someone says NAY!
+ + + + Looks like Fortune's Bones for June and Bound for July. Alrighty?
+ + + + Looks like Fortune's Bones for June and Bound for July. Alrighty?
Thursday, May 12, 2005
June
I just have to say that I saw Fortune's Bones in a bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and it looks stunning. Otherwise, I vote strongly for nonfiction. Anything by Russell Freedman (although I've already read the Marian Anderson book, so maybe this), or Jim Murphy (who I'd be willing to reread, even, but I don't know about Kristin -- An American Plague is wonderful, as is Blizzard. And finally, don't tell Susan but I never made it through this, which could be fascinating.
That's me. To make up for my woeful silence on this month's book. (My verdict: Cool.)
That's me. To make up for my woeful silence on this month's book. (My verdict: Cool.)
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Feedback
Well, here's my 2 cents:
Bound: looks v. interesting; fairy tale w/o the fairy, seems to remind me of Jane Yolen's Briar Rose with the combo of fairy tale and real life.
The Mount: futuristic sci-fi suggestion for the month of June.
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird: biological non-fiction, for some reason this doesn't really pique my interest (perhaps b/c I've been using the Rumpus as an escape from science, thesis, etc.)
The Voice that Challenged a Nation: tidbit of trivia--James DePreist (Director of the Oregon Symphony among others) is Marian Anderson's nephew.
Our choices have somewhat centered around activism...wellm Hoot and Outcasts anyway. Perhaps the non-fictionophiles would like a break from all these imaginary stories.
Bound: looks v. interesting; fairy tale w/o the fairy, seems to remind me of Jane Yolen's Briar Rose with the combo of fairy tale and real life.
The Mount: futuristic sci-fi suggestion for the month of June.
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird: biological non-fiction, for some reason this doesn't really pique my interest (perhaps b/c I've been using the Rumpus as an escape from science, thesis, etc.)
The Voice that Challenged a Nation: tidbit of trivia--James DePreist (Director of the Oregon Symphony among others) is Marian Anderson's nephew.
Our choices have somewhat centered around activism...wellm Hoot and Outcasts anyway. Perhaps the non-fictionophiles would like a break from all these imaginary stories.
Monday, May 09, 2005
By the by
Some CSCL news (not that we EVOR call the Center for the Study of Children's Literature CSCL):
This Wednesday there's a retirement party for The Illustrious Susan P. Bloom at Simmons. Meera and I plan to go, and I promise to do my part to report back on the type of cheese served as well as whether the napkins are store-bought or hand-printed. As this is a party in honor of Susan, those unfamiliar with the small world of Simmons will perhaps assume that Bloomers will relax, revel in the glory of a career well-managed.
I'm counting on the excited-dog action, myself.
This Wednesday there's a retirement party for The Illustrious Susan P. Bloom at Simmons. Meera and I plan to go, and I promise to do my part to report back on the type of cheese served as well as whether the napkins are store-bought or hand-printed. As this is a party in honor of Susan, those unfamiliar with the small world of Simmons will perhaps assume that Bloomers will relax, revel in the glory of a career well-managed.
I'm counting on the excited-dog action, myself.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Your friendly guide to the Sinstitute/Imposium
I don't know how to put a link into a comment, so I'm making a new post.
So lookee lookee lookee.
There are a few nonfiction things to look at, as well as Marilyn Nelson's poetry masterpiece. We don't necessarily have to choose a recent book of any of these authors, either. Just thought we could draw on the guest speakers as inspiration.
Any thoughts?
So lookee lookee lookee.
There are a few nonfiction things to look at, as well as Marilyn Nelson's poetry masterpiece. We don't necessarily have to choose a recent book of any of these authors, either. Just thought we could draw on the guest speakers as inspiration.
Any thoughts?
Saturday, April 30, 2005
GET YOUR SUGGESTIONS IN FOR JUNE!
What do you want to read for June?
Is anyone up for some nonfiction? I read v. little of the stuff, but would like exposure to more. Russell Freedman's Marian Anderson book, The Voice that Challenged a Nation, was well-received. And there's been lots of hoopla over The Race to Save the Lord God Bird because an ivory-billed woodpecker was just discovered in Arkansas; they've been thought extinct for sixty years.
On the fiction side, Carol Emshwiller's The Mount (first two chapters online and/or the Amazon link) was recently released as a YA book; it's supposed to be great stuff. I've read her Carmen Dog and give it multiple thumbs up.
Ideas?
+ Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Is anyone up for some nonfiction? I read v. little of the stuff, but would like exposure to more. Russell Freedman's Marian Anderson book, The Voice that Challenged a Nation, was well-received. And there's been lots of hoopla over The Race to Save the Lord God Bird because an ivory-billed woodpecker was just discovered in Arkansas; they've been thought extinct for sixty years.
On the fiction side, Carol Emshwiller's The Mount (first two chapters online and/or the Amazon link) was recently released as a YA book; it's supposed to be great stuff. I've read her Carmen Dog and give it multiple thumbs up.
Ideas?
+ Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
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