Genre 4: Non-Fiction

#1. Bibliography:

Trombone, Cindy and Roth, Susan L. Parrots Over Puerto Rico. Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2013.

ISBN 978-1-62014-8

Accuracy and Organization:

This informational book is a combination of a social history and an informational storybook for children of middle and high school.  I have had the great fortune to have traveled to Puerto Rico and have visited El Yunque (the tropical rain forest that is featured throughout the book).  During my 11 day stay on the island I learned much about its great history in various museums and I traveled all across the island. Though I spent the majority of my time in the capitol of San Juan, El Yunque was the highlight of the trip because it is a pristine example of what Puerto Rico looked like in the Pre-Columbian Era.  The story of the island is accurately portrayed by using language which is careful not to neglect negative aspects of its complex history. This U.S. state of the Commonwealth has had a tumultuous history but its inhabitants are a proud people with a rich island culture.  The focus of the book are the Iguaca Parrots and their story will encourage readers to want to visit El Yunque for the chance of seeing them in real living color. What adds to this read, in a very unique way, are the beautifully designed pages in collage style by Susan L Roth. The book concludes with an historical timeline of events, as well as citations from the authors research sources. It also includes a photograph Afterward of the the aviary (Rio Abajo Aviary) which works to preserve this species by utilizing close observation and inserting plans of action when necessary. 

Design:

Roth has designed collages of cut and torn paper for each page in the book, which includes the front and back covers. The layout of the book is also unique in that it does not read horizontally, as most other books do.  Traditionally books are read from left page to right, but PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO is designed to be read vertically, holding the book upright with the text on the bottom half of the page sequence. Each page sequence places the focus on the collage first then the accompanying text that follows.  Each page is entirely illustrated from corner to corner and the pages are not numbered.  El Yunque is featured in collage, throughout most of the book, because it is the major source of plant and animal life for the entire island. The rain forest is well preserved and is the home to the parrots who are the subject of the book.  I did recognize, through collage illustrations, that Old San Juan and El Morro (the entrance to San Juan Bay) were also featured illustrations because they are major historical aspects of the island and the parrots who roam over Puerto Rico.  

Style:

The book beautifully marries the history of the island and the story of the Iguaca's near extinction. The situation was caused in part by human history and cultural diffusion. The strong connection that the Boricua (Puerto Rican natives) have with the Iguaca comes through in the reading. The struggle to keep the species from becoming an aspect of the islands history will take many turns. The timeline begins at about 5000 B.C.E. (before common era) then takes us through two foreign conquests from Spain and the United States.  One example of how the book introduces history is expressed in the following excerpt:

Now people from many other parts of the world came to live in Puerto Rico. In 1513, Africans were brought to the island to toil as slaves under the hot sun in fields of sugarcane and other crops.

The story ends in the 21st century, and answers the question about the state of the Iguaca species. Read this book to find out what has happened to the beloved species and the answer to the question, "Do Parrots still fly Over Puerto Rico?"

Lesson:

Teachers might use this book as a catalyst for a research project about endangered species that exist today. Students would next investigate what actions are in place, or should be in place, to help preserve such species.

Awards and Recognitions:

Robert F. Sibert Medal for Nonfiction-American Library Association (ALA)

Editor's Choice-Booklist

Lasting Connection Title-Book Links

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Horn Book Magazine, starred review

School Library Journal, starred review

Goodreads review:

With striking collage illustrations, a unique format, and engaging storytelling, PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO invites readers to witness the amazing recovery efforts that have enabled Puerto Rican parrots to fly over their island once again.

#2 . Bibliography:

Jenkins, Steve. Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember. Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009.

ISBN 978-0-618-96620-2

Accuracy and Organization:

This survey book is about some the most dangerous and deadly animals which do not necessarily appear to be. The book is intended to teach children respect for animals, and to not treat them all as those that we keep as pets. The book is best suited for elementary and middle school grade levels.  Each page contains one large illustration of a deadly animal and a description of human behaviors that might trigger an attack from the animal.  Most of the human behaviors are quite common, such as smiling at a Rhesus monkey, who might take the site of teeth as a threat and violently attack with its fangs. Other animals included in the book are bear cubs, puffer fish, kangaroos, and the colorful caterpillar. All of which can attack and cause the victim to suffer by death. At the end of the book a brief description of why these animals have developed these attacking skills is provided. The book does not provide a bibliography or source page for the information included throughout the book.  However, it does provide a much more detailed summary of each animal named and illustrated on the pages.  In this last section, the illustrations are much smaller and so are the text and font size.  

Design and Style:

Steve Jenkins has both authored and illustrated this informational resource and has intentionally made the animals look friendly and even docile in some examples. He uses collages to illustrate each animal on the page. His intention was  to show that even harmless looking animals can be very dangerous. The final descriptions give purpose to the reasons that the animals have had to develop these survival skills. Jenkins states:

To survive in the wild, animals must find or catch food. At the same time, they must avoid being killed by predators. To help them do this, the creatures in this book use weapons that have been developed over millions of years. 

He goes on to describe Darwinism, without naming it, as the need for species to survive generations:

The animals with the sharpest spines, fiercest bite, or most powerful venom are usually the ones most likely to survive and pass on these deadly qualities to their offspring.

 Finally, Jenkins answers the probable student question, "Why are these animals so dangerous?"when he states:

What makes these creatures so good at survival, however, can make them dangerous to an unwary human. 

Activity: 
This book is a great way to introduce a discussion on the respect that we as humans should have for animal species. We should always recognize that each animal has developed survival skills that could cause them to lash out at us without notice. It would ideally be used before a field trip to the zoo or other type of animal habitat.

Awards and Recognitions:

Other informational books, which are all published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children,  by Steve Jenkins are:

How Many Ways Can You Catch a Fly?( with Robin Page)-

An enthralling read aloud, especially in small groups, where children can crowd up close to the images. - Booklist, starred review.

Sisters and Brothers (with Robin Page)-

[A] splendid contribution, another winner from an accomplished team.- Kirkus Reviews, starred review 

Dogs and Cats-

An inviting, multidimensional introduction to the pets we love.- Horn Book, starred review 

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? (with Robin Page)-

A 2004 Caldecott Honor Award Winner

Booklist, starred review

#3 Bibliography:

Fleming, Candace. Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Life. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Reader's, 2005.

ISBN 978-0-689-86544-2

Accuracy and Organization:

This biography of the life of America's 32nd First Lady, who incidentally did not like being referred to as the First Lady (she preferred just lady) is an engaging read. Candace Fleming has written a very uniquely styled book for the amazing woman that is Eleanor Roosevelt.  Fleming identifies major contributors to the book in the Aknowledgements page, which include mostly university professors and librarians.  The book opens with both a timeline of Eleanor's life and accomplishments (1884-1962), as well an abridged family tree of the Roosevelt's (both her and Franklin's sides).  Throughout the book Fleming uses many primary source documents including photographs, handwritten letters, newspaper articles, family and friend interviews, and excerpts from Eleanor Roosevelt's three part autobiography.  Fleming's book is not entirely read in chronological order, nor does it have chapters. Instead, the book is divided by themes and quotes from Eleanor and those who were especially close to her.  Because Fleming uses so many personal sources, the book reads with a special level of intimacy. OUR ELEANOR concludes with a large bibliography devoted to other books about Eleanor Roosevelt, a Picture Credits section, a twelve page Source bibliography, and a complete Index.   

Design and Style:

Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman who came into her own at a time when women in the "western world" were first experiencing full citizenship.  The new sense of independence that many women were afforded was not lost on Eleanor and this books really speaks to that truth. Though Eleanor was born to a family of privilege she was not without much personal suffering.  Fleming shows Roosevelt to be a familiar personality that all people can relate to.  Her struggles are well documented in her personal journals and correspondence letters, which Fleming features throughout the book.  Different sized fonts are utilized from page to page, as well as font style.  Most of the pages contain photo images that align with the extremely well written biography.  The intrigue of a woman who broke glass ceilings in most every room in both the White House and on Capitol Hill comes through on the pages of Fleming's book. There are special segments that feature the many civil rights issues that Eleanor supported and spoke out for.  She believed in gender equality, as well as civil liberties for the homosexual community and all ethnic minorities. Many of her critics learned to love her over time, according to many sources throughout the biography.  On page 77 of the book, entitled Eleanor Takes a  Stand, seven direct quotes are listed along with a description of Franklin D. Roosevelt's very unpopular and very supportive position of his outspoken wife.  Two quotes that most stood out to me on this page were:

The function of democratic living is not to lower standards, but to raise those that have been too low. -ON DEMOCRACY

And,

How can a few dollars a month given to needy Americans for food, shelter, and clothing be the wrong choice for a moral nation? -ON WELFARE  

Fleming provides readers, young and not so young, with a perfectly balanced biography of the life of an outstanding American woman and hero.  Read to find out the tremendous hurdles Eleanor overcame in childhood, in marriage, and finally as a  widow.

Lesson:
A great lesson to follow with this reading would be to have students pair up for research and a presentation on how customs and liberties changed during the course of Eleanor Roosevelt's lifetime. Roles for women, men, and other minorities in the United States were redefined in her lifetime.  Social, political, and cultural norms could easily be found within the book.

Awards and Recognitions:
American Library Association (ALA) Notable Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Jefferson Cup winner,Virginia Library Association
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2005
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
Parent's Choice Gold Medal
Publishers Weekly Best Book 2005
School Library Journal Best Book 2005

Reviews:

Candace Fleming has chronicled the life of Eleanor Roosevelt as no other. With photographs on every page and with special attention having been given each important person, place, and project, this book provides an exciting glimpse into a remarkable life. It will appeal to young and old alike.

-Chandler Roosevelt Lindsley and Elliott Roosevelt Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt's grandsons

Had Eleanor Roosevelt kept a scrapbook—an incredibly well-organized and thorough scrapbook—this is how it might feel to look through it. ...

-Kirkus Review