Sam and Dave Dig a Hole - what the heck is up with that ending?

Since Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is a book that totally perplexed me, and given that it just won a Caldecott honor, I decided to read it to my 8th graders this week. This is a book that spurred much discussion and perplexity in my classroom. I was delighted at the thinking and questioning it sparked.

In addition to reading the story as a class, my students read about some of Travis Jonker's theories (they particularly liked the Jesus theory) and came up with some of their own, my favorite being that the book starts at Dave's house and ends at Sam's house. When I told Travis about this theory on Facebook, it led to quite a spirited discussion by teachers, librarians authors, and the like, particularly the idea of whether or not Sam and Dave were brothers or cousins (there's a line in the story that mentions their grandfather, meaning they shared a grandparent). If they were cousins, then beginning at one house and ending at another would be plausible, but not so much if they were brothers.

My students asked if I would tweet Jon and Mac to ask them what they think happens at the end of the story. I doubt very much that they would reveal that information, and even if they would, I don't know if I want the answer. The whole reason people love this book is because it spurs so much discussion. So as tempting as it is to tweet Jon and Mac and ask, "So what is your take on what happened at the end of your crazy book?" I think I will pass. Then again, they do give a little clue as to what they think happens at the end in this interview:

Still, I think I'm just going to embrace the uncertainty and let this story spontaneously insert itself into class discussions for the rest of the year. For instance, "Well, what about Sam and Dave Dig a Hole? That book doesn't have a denouement." (Denouement is their new favorite word to use in class discussions).

For those people who don't think picture books should be read to students past 3rd grade, I have just added another book to the pile that cements my argument as to why they are for ALL AGES, not just primary grades. This book is full of complexity and makes a case for the importance of visual literacy (Explain the reasoning behind wanting to show a full spread of the house, the pets, and the tree without Sam and Dave at the end of the book. What is this trying to tell us here?). I have to admit, I missed a lot of the visual cues I was supposed to notice my first (and second!) read-throughs. It was only until students began to point them out that I started to make those connections. So again, please, I beg of you, do not assume that because a book is only 32 pages and has pictures that it is overly simplistic. I can assure you, there are many picture books that can teach literary elements just as well, if not better, than novels.




Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Published: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Candlewick
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: EVERYONE! :D
Disclosure: Library Copy

If you buy this book or any book through Amazon, it is my hope that you also regularly patronize independent bookstores, which are important centerpieces of thriving communities. While I am an Amazon Affiliate, that by no means implies that I only buy my books through their website. Please make sure you are still helping small, independent bookstores thrive in your community. To locate an independent bookstore near you, visit IndieBound.  

Happy book birthday to The Battle of Darcy Lane by Tara Altebrando

Last week I posted my glowing review of Tara Altebrando's middle grade debut novel, The Battle of Darcy Lane. Today is the book's official publication date and since I loved the book so much, I wanted to share the book trailer with you and hope that it convinces you to read it.

The Battle of Darcy Lane from Teeny Tiny Filmworks on Vimeo.

Order The Battle of Darcy Lane today:

Author Event: Laura Ellen's debut novel, Blind Spot

Last night at Nicola's Books in Ann Arbor, local author Laura Ellen debuted her YA mystery novel, Blind Spot. I attended this event with a couple of my Nerdy Book Club friends, Brian Wyzlic and Jessica Crawford and we had a great time.

It's always interesting to hear what inspires authors to write their novels and with Laura Ellen it was no different. As per usual, author inspiration so often comes from personal experience. Like her main character, Laura Ellen also suffers from macular degeneration and relates a great deal to the poor choices of her protagonist, Roz.

This was the first book signing I've been to at Nicola's where there were literally no more books left on the shelf. Clearly Laura Ellen has a loyal fan base and loads of supportive friends and family who came out to celebrate her new success as an author. It was wonderful to see. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books in the future!

Brian, Me, and Jessica with debut author Laura Ellen

Check out my review of Blind Spot from earlier this summer: the only book I've read in recent months that kept me up until 2 a.m. finishing.

Check out the awesome book trailer, which Laura's son and his guitar teacher wrote and performed

Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett and Adam Rex

When the author and illustrator fight over what happens in the story, what do you suppose is the result? This wacky, mad-cap picture book, Chloe and the Lion. The book begins innocently enough: with Chloe wanting to ride the carousel and then getting lost in the forest. But as you continue to read, you quickly realize that this story isn't about Chloe at all. Adam and Mac's argument over creative license soon takes over the entire book and Chloe's dilemma gets put on the backburner. 



This is one of those books that will benefit kids by rereading it to them. Even my sixth graders, who are more sophisticated readers than the primary crowd this book is written for, asked me to read it to them a second time because they were so confused by some of the things that were happening in the story (the idea of a meta-story is a new concept to them).


Still, once we discussed everything that was going on (the story within a story), kids started to see the humor and got into quoting certain parts of the book (they especially loved the motif of telling the author, "A dragon would be so much cooler"). 

This would be a great book to talk about the concept of allusion with students because there are instances where Chloe encounters characters and situations from other works of classic literature, and I was surprised at how much my kids knew what they were when I asked them about it.

To get a preview of the hilarity that ensues in this book, check out the trailer:



Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Published: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 48
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Primary/Middle-Grade
Disclosure: ARC and purchased copy

Book Trailer: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

I don't often post book trailers on my blog. It has to really catch my attention for me to post it. But when I came across the trailer for The One and Only Ivan, I was spellbound. I've actually already read and reviewed Ivan, but this book trailer is so full of emotion that I couldn't resist. The only thing I don't like about this trailer is that it only portrays the sadness of the story. While sadness is a prevalent emotion in the book, there is also humor and joy. So don't be afraid of reading this book if you think it will be a complete bummer of a novel. It makes you feel many more things than just sadness. I'm staking my claim for this one to be one some award lists next year.

Check out my review of The One and Only Ivan

The Scorpio Races book trailer

Not only is Maggie Stiefvater an amazingly gifted author, but I continue to sit with my mouth agape at her artistic and musical talents that are an extension of her writing. This trailer for The Scorpio Races is just another example of her multi-faceted, awe-inspiring talent:

Ruby Red Giveaway

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is offering the readers of my blog a giveaway for the first book in bestselling author Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy. 

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Check out the trailer here:

Giveaway rules:

• Must be 13 years or older to enter
• Open only to US/Canada
  
• You are not required to be a follower to enter but it is greatly appreciated
• Contest ends June 14th at 11:59 EST
• Winner chosen at random using Random.org 
• To enter, leave a comment with your email address 

 

Book Trailer: Shimmer by Alyson Noel

The latest book in the Riley Bloom series is out today:

Shimmer by Alyson Noël

Publish Date:  March 15, 2011 by Square Fish

Pages: 192

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Middle grade

From Goodreads:

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

 Check out the trailer here:

All over the place

I'm having a major case of literary ADD lately. I've abandoned three books in the past week. That is unheard of for me. I need a book to strike my fancy pronto! I just started listening to Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson and it seems to be doing the trick. The writing is wonderful and the narrator has a very pleasant, calming voice. Let's hope I have the motivation to see this one through.

Since I seem to be meandering in my reading, I figured I'd let this post meander. On something totally unrelated, I was introduced to this adorable video on Maw Books Blog. It's a spoof of the Old Spice Guy. I dare you to try only watching it once. I thought for sure I'd be able to do it, but sadly, I've already watched it like four times.



So be honest, how many times did you watch it?


Meandering again, lots of people have recently been reviewing The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride. I wasn't sold on weather I wanted to read it until I watched this book trailer


Putting this book on my "to-read" list as we speak...



OK, I'm back.

And finally, to end this catch-all post, here's a fabulous NPR article about why libraries might be the next pop culture trend. So that headmaster of that school in Massachussetts who got rid of all the books in his school's library in favor of a cappuccino bar? Yeah, I hope he's feeling pretty stupid right about now.

NEWSPAPER BLACKOUT IS OUT TODAY!

I am so excited to read the book Newspaper Blackout by Austin Kleon. Every year during National Poetry Month I have my students create Found Poems and Headline Poems so I love that Austin Kleon is giving this idea literary merit.




Check out this book trailer on Kleon's work:

Another Great Book Trailer

I Haven't read this book yet, but this trailer sure made me want to!

Book Trailers Worth Watching

I love finding book trailers that rival movie trailers in lighting a fire under people to make them want to know more about the story. One of my favorite book trailers is this one of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


But I just stumbled across this book trailer for Th1rteen R3asons Why on Jay Asher's blog and it is phenomenal. There is honestly a lot of YA lit out there today that rivals adult lit in characterization and story lines. This is definitely one of those books that many adults would find a fascinating read.