Module 6 Historical Fiction

Module 6 Historical Fiction

July 7-13, 2014

Tomas and The Library Lady by Pat Mora

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Bibliography: 

Mora, P., & Colón, R. (1997). Tomás and the library lady. New York: Knopf.

Summary: 
This was an interesting book about a boy and his family who were migrant workers from Texas who traveled to Iowa during the summers. It told the story of a librarian who influenced this boy and family during their stay in Iowa. It also shed light on the family life of this time period.

Impressions: 

I found this book beautifully illustrated and well written I like the historical elements and the personal perspective it brought. I love seeing how the librarian made such a difference for this boy and his family.It is a great story.

Reviews:

Tomas and the Library Lady

Pat Mora. Ill. by Raul Col-n.

Based on the life of Tomas Rivera, former chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, this book demonstrates the value of reading and books and portrays a positive image of migrant farm workers and their families. In spite of the yearly move from Texas to Iowa to pick fruit and vegetables, Tomas's family shows an appreciation of learning as they listen toTomas read. A librarian's compassion further encourages Tomas to read all types of books and share what he discovers within them. CU: Students can retell their own family stories, just as Tomas and his grandfather did. Children could be encouraged to visualize images from their reading just as Tomas created images in his mind from the words he read. SC

Teachers' choices for 1998. (1998). Reading Teacher, 52(3), 271

Suggestions for Use:

This book has been used by some librarians to introduce a summer learning program that will encourage students to read and learn new things over the summer.

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Ryan

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Bibliography: 

Ryan, P. M., & Selznick, B. (1999). Amelia and Eleanor go for a ride: Based on a true story. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary:

 This book was about Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt and their friendship. They once had a dinner together at the white house that ended up with a flight around Washington D.C. 

Impressions: 

This book was beautifully illustrated and enjoyable to read. I found it an interesting look at Eleanor Roosevelt's personality and her friendship with Amelia Earhart both renowned women of their time.  

Reviews:

 In this sparkling picture book based on a true incident, Ryan (Riding Freedom, with Selznick) proves that Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt truly were "birds of a feather." Friends in real life, America's First Lady invited the "First Lady of the Air" to dinner at the White House in 1933. Eleanor, inspired by Amelia's descriptions of Washington viewed from her plane at night, accepts the pilot's offer of an after-dinner flight over the capital. Before dessert can be served, and over the protests of the Secret Service agents, the two are off to the airport and up in the sky, thrilling to the brilliance of the city below. Hewing closely to documented accounts, Ryan's inviting text adds drama and draws parallels between the two protagonists with fictional touches: she places them alone together in the plane (an author's note explains that in fact they were accompanied by two male pilots) and adds a final scene in which Eleanor takes Amelia for a zippy ride around the city in her brand-new car. Selznick's illustrations, black-and-white graphite accented with touches of purple pencil, both capture the vibrancy of his subjects and evoke the feel of a more glamorous era. A brief but compelling slice from the lives of two determined, outspoken and passionate women. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)

Roback, D., & Brown, J. M. (1999). Forecasts: Children's Books. Publishers Weekly, 246(39), 105.

Suggestions for Use:

 This book would be great for researching one of these ladies for a biography report.