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.  

Tara Altebrando interview: author of The Battle of Darcy Lane

 A few weeks ago I read and reviewed Tara Altebrando's middle grade debut novel The Battle of Darcy Lane. I thought it was a wonderful, realistic portrayal of middle school mean girls behavior and is a book I think deserves to be in classrooms and school libraries all over the country.

Recently, Tara sat down and answered some questions about her new book and her life as a writer:

My favorite quote from this interview is: "If I show up, then good things will happen," which refers to her very business-like writing process where she says she writes every day from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. whether she feels inspired or not.

Visit Tara's website
Follow Tara on Twitter and Pinterest
Like Tara on Facebook

Newbery Caldecott Wilder award speeches

I spent part of the morning reliving that magical night back in June known as the Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder banquet. I have been waiting with bated breath since that very evening for ALSC to post the speeches on YouTube and finally, FINALLY they did it this week.

If you want to watch the program in its entirety, you can do that here:

But if you prefer to watch a particular speech, here they are separated:

Caldecott winner Jon Klassen


Newbery winner Katherine Applegate


Wilder winner Katherine Paterson

This

...is what I've been pestering everyone about on Twitter for the past weeks.


If you're a teacher, I hope you'll watch.
If you're a parent, I hope you'll watch.
If you're an administrator, I hope you'll watch.
If you're a politician, I hope you'll watch.
If you're a concerned citizen, I hope you'll watch.

And then come join the conversation over at my new blog, Use Your Outside Voice.

(I'm still blogging here for now, so no need to change your subscriptions)

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

Book People Unite!

Have you seen this yet? If you haven't, you need to

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

In My Mailbox (68)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

In which I film my IMM video in two locations: my messy office and my classroom... and if you can maintain the stamina of watching all 6 minutes, there's even a "hidden track" that may or may not involve one of my adorable pugs. :)

Books mentioned:
Silence by Michelle Sagara
Black Dawn by Rachel Crane
Forgive Me I Meant to Do It: False Apology Poems by Gail Carson Levine, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Babymouse by Jennifer Holm
Resistance by Carla Jablonski and Leland Purvis
Laika by Nick Abadazis
Mercury by Hope Larson

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

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

Back from NCTE

Hello everyone! 'Tis been a while since I last posted, but I have a good excuse. I just got home last night from the NCTE (National Council for Teachers of English) conference in Chicago where I had the awesomest time ever!

I know what you're thinking. A conference for English teachers is fun? Heck yeah! Authors galore rock this joint!

If you don't believe me, just check out John Green's latest video. That's me in the audience, second row in the red sweater. Can you tell how excited I am that I'm about to hear John speak? And then I just about peed my pants when I saw that I was in his video, no matter how fleeting it may be.

I will write up a recap post sometime this week, but I'm sure it won't be until Wednesday or after since I'll have the long Thanksgiving weekend to contemplate the feast of awesome that was Chicago.

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:

Hugo Trailer

I had heard recently that The Invention of Hugo Cabret was becoming a movie, but I didn't realize that it was coming out so soon - in November. What struck me dumb, however, was that Martin Scorsese directed it! That's just strange to me.

I just watched the trailer. It looks like it will be a stunning adaptation but nothing will ever match the magic of the book. What do you think?

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 

 

Alison Pace Video + Giveaway Reminder

Alison Pace's A Pug's Tale comes out on Tuesday. Here is a great video interview with her about this adorable new book:

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of A Pug's Tale that ends Tuesday June 7th.

Synopsis:
There are pugs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

Hope McNeill has worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for years, but this is the first time she's been able to bring along her pug, Max. (Officially at least. Previously she's had to smuggle him in inside her tote bag.)

The occasion: a special "Pug Night" party in honor of a deep-pocketed donor. Max and his friends are having a ball stalking the hors d'oeuvres and getting rambunctious, and making Hope wonder if this is also the last time she gets to bring Max to the museum.

But when a prized painting goes missing, the Met needs Hope's--and Max's--help. In her quest for the culprit, Hope searches for answers with an enigmatic detective, a larger-than-life society heiress, a lady with a shih tzu in a stroller, and her arguably intuitive canine. With luck, she'll find some inspiration on her trips to Pug Hill before the investigation starts going downhill.

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:

And they said Detroit would never win a Superbowl

...but this Chrysler commercial sure looks like a win to me!



Pure awesomeness. It's nice to have people love your hometown for a change. Detroiters don't get to feel that too often.

By far my favorite commercial of all time

Have you guys seen this commercial? It is so adorable, but it proves the point so well. I can't help but feel warm and fuzzy when I watch it, while also laughing hysterically.

One More Reason Why You Tube is Made of Awesome

I saw these guys on Rachael Ray on Friday and it is one of the coolest YouTube videos I've ever seen. Who knew you could play in a band with just an iPhone?

Banned Books Week: Why Banning Books is... GOOD??!!

Author Jackson Pearce proposes that banning books can be a good thing. Here's why:

Doing YOUR Part

In my last post, I shared with you some of the things that I do in my home and in my life to help the environment. But one person isn't enough. We need to get more and more people outraged at the way our earth is being treated by, most specifically, big oil companies. I just sat down this afternoon and watched a fascinating documentary called Fuel. Josh Tickell, the creator of the film, is sort of the Michael Moore of the biofuel movement.

The movie starts out very bleak and makes you feel outraged at how oil companies have ravaged, not only our environment, but the health of its inhabitants. Yes, I will be the first to admit that this movie is slanted to the left, and that there isn't much room for oppositional arguments, but I think Tickell feels like we're running short on time here. If we don't do something about this dependence on fossil fuels NOW, then our nation is going to implode. I can forgive his overzealousness because I understand his plight. As Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. says in the film, "We have lost our greatness because we put oil before the Bill of Rights."

As the movie progresses, however, the bleakness transitions into hope and you start to see how it is possible to eradicate our country and our world of its dependence on fossil fuels if we just stop letting oil conglomerates run our government.

I was at first skeptical of the idea of using biodiesel due to the possibility of the need for fuel to take over the food supply, but once Tickell showed that it's possible to create the fuel from waste rather than virgin crop, I was sold.

There's no doubt that the politics of this movie lean to the left, but to me, the future of our children and our world goes beyond politics. Everyone should go out and buy this movie or, better yet, spend less money and create less waste like I did and check it out from your library.

Watch the Fuel movie trailer:



Spread the word.