Book Review: El Deafo by Cece Bell

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Illustrators: Cece Bell and David Lasky
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-1419710209

PLOT SUMMARY
This autobiographical graphic novel about author Cece Bell's childhood begins at age four when she is diagnosed with meningitis and loses her hearing. The story portrays her experiences up through the fifth grade, and the struggles she experienced with school and forming friendships. At school, Bell wears a large and uncomfortable device under her clothing called a phonic ear and her teachers must wear a microphone that wirelessly connects to it. This is a source of embarrassment and anxiety for her. She is unable to understand television, and one day her siblings uncomfortably explain that a deaf character on TV was derisively mocked as "El Deafo." Bell, however, finds this hilarious and often imagines herself as a superhero named El Deafo, who says and does the things she wished she did to kids that make her feel bad. The book ends with an afterword from the author, in which she explains the deaf culture and her refusal to learn American Sign Language. Her author's portrait is a childhood yearbook photo of her, where you can see the cords connecting to her phonic ear.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bell's story is a refreshing "own voices" take on the last decade's trend of autobiographical graphic novels about childhood experiences. Bell portrays the characters as rabbits, a visual metaphor for her experience (Bell, 2015). Despite that portrayal and the fantastical elements of Bell's imagination as a superhero, the book itself is a contemporary realistic graphic novel. It centers on her childhood experiences at school, and the shame she feels about her deafness. While her situation is unique to the average child, her emotional struggle with feeling different is one that all children can relate to.

The plot itself is not especially exciting, but the significance is in Bell's emotional growth and her overcoming the embarrassment of her deafness and the devices she must wear. This culminates in the fifth grade when she opens up to Mike, the neighborhood boy she has a crush on, and tells him about her phonic ear. When someone wears the microphone, she can hear where they are at. Mike's experiments with the microphone help Bell open up to other neighborhood children and classmates about her deafness. This results in a classroom using the microphone to horse around while their teacher goes on a break, sitting at their desks before she returns. A classroom craft activity with the guidance counselor ends with Bell receiving a bag full off positive "warm fuzzies" from her classmates, inspiring her to reconnect with her best friend. Parents might not like the message of Bell using her microphone to misbehave, but they forget that all children misbehave a little and have fun. The scene itself does not come off as a "bad egg influencing a good apple" situation; rather, it is a silly and fun scene of Bell joining in with her classmates and does not moralize their behavior.

Other than a few references to pop culture, the book itself is seemingly contemporary and easy to recognize in any modern time period. Bell's personal experience avoids the stereotypes of being deaf and hard of hearing, and even illustrates her resistance to learning American Sign Language. This is explained further in her afterword, where she explains the deaf culture and the variety within it. Bell is a children's book illustrator, and despite the serious feelings and topics in the book, her whimsical illustration and writing style create a fun and light-hearted story of children being children.

AWARDS
2015 Newbery Honor Book
2015 ALSC Notable Children's Books list
2015 YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2014 Kirkus Prize Finalist

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"A humorous and touching graphic memoir about finding friendship and growing up deaf." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Bell’s book should be an inspiration for those who are “different,” and it should help others to understand just what being different means. Required reading isn’t always fun reading. “El Deafo” should be the first and is definitely the second." - The New York Times Book Review

"This memoir is thus exceptionally informative and entertaining in relation to some aspects of deaf communication, but, most centrally and powerfully, it is exceptional for its perceptive, indomitable protagonist and complex story of friendship, growth, and classroom and family dynamics." - The Horn Book, starred review

"Bell’s earnest rabbit/human characters, her ability to capture her own sonic universe... and her invention of an alter ego—the cape-wearing El Deafo, who gets her through stressful encounters... all combine to make this a standout autobiography. Cece’s predilection for bursting into tears at the wrong time belies a gift for resilience that makes her someone readers will enjoy getting to know." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Bell’s bold and blocky full-color cartoons perfectly complement her childhood stories—she often struggles to fit in and sometimes experiences bullying, but the cheerful illustrations promise a sunny future." - Booklist

"Bell tells it all: the joy of removing her hearing aid in summer, the troubles watching the TV when the actor turns his back, and the agony of slumber party chats in the dark. Included is an honest and revealing afterword, which addresses the author's early decision not to learn ASL, her more mature appreciation for the language, and her adage that, "Our differences are our superpowers." - School Library Journal, starred review

CONNECTIONS
Enrichment activities: Librarians can share videos from Cece Bell's YouTube page, where she posts a new video every week answering reader questions and discusses each chapter of the book (Bell, 2020).

The publisher also offers a teaching guide for questions and activities that can be used across curriculums, and a video of Cece Bell discussing the book and showing her old phonic ear that she used in school (Abrams Books, n.d.).
Related books:
Hale, S., & Pham, L. (2017). Real Friends. First Second.
ISBN: 978-1626724167

Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller Girl. Dial Books.
ISBN: 978-0525429678

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. Graphix.
ISBN: 978-0545132053

Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. Graphix.
ISBN: 978-0545540599

Telgemeier, R. (2019). Guts. Graphix.
ISBN: 978-0545852517

REFERENCES
Abrams Books (n.d.). El Deafo by Cece Bell. https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/el-deafo_9781419712173/

Bell, C. (2015, August 4). Cece Bell: How I made El Deafo - in pictures. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/aug/04/cece-bell-el-deafo-in-pictures

Bell, C. (2020, April 20). Cece Bell. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqumqDfE9869Kow_Kygavcg

Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 21, 2012
ISBN: 978-1442408937 (2014 reprint edition)

PLOT SUMMARY
In the summer of 1987, two Mexican-American teenage boys named after philosophers, Aristotle and Dante, form a deep friendship. It begins with Dante teaching Aristotle, who goes by Ari, how to swim that summer. Ari is a loner, who despairs over his relationship with his parents; his father is distant due to his post-traumatic stress after serving in the Vietnam War, and both parents do not talk about Ari's imprisoned older brother. The relationship between Ari and Dante grows into a lifelong friendship with their families when Ari pushes Dante out of the path of a swerving car, breaking both of his legs and an arm. Before the end of the summer, Dante confesses his love to Ari, who does not return it. Dante and his family move to Chicago for his father's short-term position at a university. Both boys experience life in their own ways, keeping in touch through writing letters. Ari's relationship with his father grows as his father slowly opens up to him., and Ari learns more about his family, including an aunt who had been ostracized from their relatives because she lived with a woman. When Dante returns, despite their new experiences and their developing personalities, the friendship returns where it left off. After Dante is hospitalized after a gay-bashing incident, Ari seeks out one of his attackers and breaks his nose. This violent outburst prompts his parents to finally open up about his brother, who is in prison for beating two people to death. This outburst also brings about the revelation that Ari does have romantic feelings for Dante, ending with him requiting that love.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The plot of the book is relatively mundane, aside from the car accident and Ari's violent outburst. This is because Ari's emotional growth is more significant to the plot, portraying the swirling emotions of love, hate, despair, and confusion that he experiences. The mundaneness of this plot is believable, though—it is rare for anything truly dramatic or exciting to happen in everyday life, and those two moments in the plot serve to keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. The conclusion of the book was expected and inevitable, but how it was going to happen was not obvious. Ari does not confess his love to Dante until page 352 out of 359, which is realized after his parents help him discover this.

The dialogue between the parents and their children are believable, with the parents often remarking on their children that they are smart alecks. This dialogue was also refreshing, as it truly portrayed the boys as humans having conversations with their parents. It often seems that parents in young adult books serve as rule-setters only. The dialogue between Ari and Dante is a quick back-and-forth, pinging off each other like best friends do.

Despite the fact that this book takes place in 1987, the book itself is contemporary and could easily take place in 2020. The only difference would be the use of cell phones as opposed to landline phones and letters. There are few references to the culture of the time, keeping it feeling contemporary. Even the description and details of the place, El Paso, Texas, are sparse. Other than the description of a nearby desert, it can be easy for readers to imagine the story anywhere.

There are landmarks of growing up into adulthood, or as cleverly titled as "discovering the secrets of the universe." There is no moralizing over the behavior of teens, who date, experiment with their sexuality, drink, and take drugs. Even the parents, while they have rules, do understand that their teenagers will experiment. The story will personally resonate with the complicated emotions of teens, whether or not their own personal experiences are reflected in the book.

The book avoids both Mexican and gay stereotypes, and very little cultural markers are present, with the rare occurrence of Ari using a Spanish word. While the gay-bashing incident may seem stereotypical, it is believable to the time and setting.

AWARDS
2013 Pura Belpé Medal
2013 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
2013 ALA Stonewall Book Award - Mike Morgan and Larry Roman's Children's and Young Adult Literature Award
2013 ALSC Notable Children's Books list
2013 YALSA's Best Fiction for Young Adult - Top Ten
2013 ALA's Rainbow List

2012 Lambda Literary Award for Children's/Young Adult


REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Meticulous pacing and finely nuanced characters underpin the author's gift for affecting prose that illuminates the struggles within relationships." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"It’s a tender, honest exploration of identity and sexuality, and a passionate reminder that love—whether romantic or familial—should be open, free, and without shame." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"While this novel is a bit too literary at times for some readers, its authentic teen and Latino dialogue should make it a popular choice." - School Library Journal, starred review

"This moves at a slower pace than many YA novels, but patient readers, and those struggling with their own sexuality, may find it to be a thought-provoking read." - Booklist

"Sáenz has written the greater love story, for his is the story of loving one’s self, of love between parents and children, and of the love that builds communities, in addition to the deepening love between two friends." - Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

CONNECTIONS

Enrichment activities: If the librarian has a reading club with teens, they can use a reading group guide from the publisher for discussion questions (Simon & Schuster, n.d.).

Related books:
Sáenz, B. A. (2017). The Inexplicable Logic of My Life. Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0544586505

Deaver, M. (2019). I Wish You All the Best. Push.
ISBN: 978-1338306125

Lee, M. (2017). The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. Katherine Tegen Books.
ISBN: 978-0062382801

Rowell, R. (2015). Carry On (reprint edition). Wednesday Books.
ISBN: 978-1250135025

Silvera, A. (2017). They Both Die at the End. Quill Tree Books.
ISBN: 978-0062457790

REFERENCES
Simon & Schuster. (n.d.). Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Aristotle-and-Dante-Discover-the-Secrets-of-the-Universe/Benjamin-Alire-Saenz/9781442408937

Book Review: One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: One Crazy Summer
Author: Rita Williams-Garcia
Publisher: Amistad
Publication Date: January 26, 2010
ISBN: 978-0060760885

PLOT SUMMARY
In the summer of 1968, eleven-year-old Delphine and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are sent by their father and grandmother from Brooklyn, New York, to Oakland, California, to stay with their estranged mother Cecile. Cecile, who abandoned her daughters seven years earlier, has no interest in spending time with her daughters and sends them to a daily summer school sponsored by the Black Panthers. Delphine learns about the Black Panther Party's role in the civil rights movement, while she faces the burden of protecting her sisters from everyone, including their mother. Through Delphine's determination to make the summer enjoyable for her sisters and their hilarious squabbling, Williams-Garcia creates an enjoyable and funny story.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Many readers should be able to connect and identify with the characters, especially older siblings. Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern are believable as sisters and the love siblings have for each other and their squabbles and fights. Their conversation pings off each other in a realistic sibling-like manner and Delphine even mentions she knows exactly what makes her sisters happy and mad (Williams-Garcia, 2010, pp. 143).

The attitudes and clothing ground the characters in the time period, such as when Big Ma reprimands Delphine for calling collect at the payphone (source) because of the cost, and the white boots and daisy dresses worn by the Ankton sisters (Williams-Garcia, 2010, pp. 62).

The setting is integral to the story because the Black Panther Panther Party of Self Defense was formed in Oakland, California in 1966 (Visit Oakland, 2019). The setting is vividly described, mentioning pivotal historical locations, such as the park that the party wanted to be renamed Lil' Bobby Hutton Memorial Park. Much of the book takes place at a community center that hosted a "Free Breakfast for School Children" program, which was one of the Blank Panther Party's most effective social programs (Blakemore, 2018). The time of the setting is also grounded in references to historical figures, events, popular culture of the time, and technology of the time. Even Delphine and her sisters' recreational activities are authentic to the time, which is mostly spent playing outside. There is a chapter in the book when Delphine tries to negotiate with Cecile for a television set, but she and her sisters are thrilled to receive a radio (Williams-Garcia, 2010, pp. 116-120).

Williams-Garcia balances fact and fiction; historical elements are sprinkled through the narrative, but there are no farfetched plots involving the characters impacting history. Williams-Garcia also avoids stereotyping. In a story set with the backdrop of the Black Panther Party and the civil rights movement, it was refreshing that the book did not stereotype the Black Panthers as violent or militant, showing the other side of the movement.

Williams-Garcia does not shy away from serious subject matter that is still relevant today, subtly mentioning it in a way that is easily understandable to children without being too intense or traumatic. For example, there is a reference to abortion when Cecile mutters "Didn't want you in the first place. Should have gone to Mexico to get rid of you when I had the chance" (Williams-Garcia, 2010, pp. 26). The second-to-last chapter, "Be Eleven," is especially heartbreaking, as readers learn Cecile's background history. After losing her single mother to a hit-and-run at age eleven, Cecile lived with her aunt as a maid and nanny. She was kicked out at age sixteen because her aunt was getting married, insinuating that she did not want a young teenage girl around her husband. Cecile tells Delphine that she was homeless and talked to herself at night to keep herself awake and safe, explaining her habit of muttering to herself, and insinuating that she suffers from mental illness. What is especially troubling is that Delphine's father took the homeless Cecile in as a maid, who became pregnant a year later. It is never mentioned whether this was a consensual or loving relationship. It is believed throughout the book that Cecile left her children because their father, Louis, did not let her name the youngest daughter Afua, instead of Fern. While Cecile does not explicitly confirm this, her speech about her desire to take Delphine with her implies that names were the only way she connected to her youngest two children.Williams-Garcia mentions researching books, articles, and interviews in her author's note, but she does not cite her sources. The only source she mentions by name is David Hilliard's book The Black Panther: Intercommunal News Service, 1967-1980 (Williams-Garcia, 2010, pp. 218).

AWARDS
2011 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
2011 Coretta-Scott King Award for Authors
2011 John Newbery Honor Book
2011 ALSC Notable Children's Books list
2011 YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
2010 National Book Award Finalist

REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Set during a pivotal moment in African American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent’s love." - Booklist, starred review

"Delphine is the pitch-perfect older sister, wise beyond her years, an expert at handling her siblings... Each girl has a distinct response to her motherless state, and Williams-Garcia provides details that make each characterization crystal clear. The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn." - The Horn Book, starred review

"Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Delphine's growing awareness of injustice on a personal and universal level is smoothly woven into the story in poetic language that will stimulate and move readers." - Publishers Weekly

CONNECTIONS
Enrichment activities: Children can learn about the Black Panther party from numerous resources, especially the impact on their free breakfast program, which pressured the government to have free breakfast offered in public schools in the United States (Blakemore, 2018; Milkman, 2016). Visit Oakland's website also has a page about the Black Panther Party's history in the city (Visit Oakland, 2019), which features photos and information about several locations that were mentioned in the book. The Black Panther Headquarters was even a green house like Cecile's in the book.

Related books:
Williams-Garcia, R. (2013). P.S. Be Eleven. Quill Tree Books.
ISBN: 978-0061938627

Williams-Garcia, R. (2015). Gone Crazy in Alabama. Quill Tree Books.
ISBN: 978-0062215871

Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons Go to Birmingham. Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-0385321754

Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books.
ISBN: 978-0399252518

REFERENCES

Blakemore, E. (2018). How the Black Panthers' breakfast program both inspired and threatened the government. History.com. https://www.history.com/news/free-school-breakfast-black-panther-party

Milkman, A. (2016). The radical origins of free breakfast for children. Eater. https://www.eater.com/2016/2/16/11002842/free-breakfast-schools-black-panthers

Visit Oakland. (2019). Explore the Black Panther Party's history in Oakland, CA. https://www.visitoakland.com/blog/post/black-panther-party/

Williams-Garcia, R. (2010). One Crazy Summer. Amistad.

Book Review: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: The Midwife's Apprentice
Author: Karen Cushman
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: March 27, 1995
July 30, 2019 (reprint edition)
ISBN: 978-1328631121 (2019 reprint edition)

PLOT SUMMARY
Cushman's novel is set in medieval England and tells a story about overcoming adversity, discovering self-identity, and gaining purpose. The story follows a nameless orphan girl, often called names like "Brat" and "Dung Beetle," who is told she is nothing and believes she is nothing. She gradually becomes a confident and intelligent midwife's apprentice with a name she chooses for herself - Alyce. The journey is difficult, and often heartbreaking, as Cushman is realistic about the treatment of orphan children, especially girls, in medieval times. Alyce finds strength through her friendship with a cat she rescues, and later names Purr, and gains confidence from those around her as she gradually shows that she has always been worthy of respect.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Readers will connect to Alyce's struggles because the themes of overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world are universal across time. Although the story is set in medieval times, the tragic experience of being a homeless, an orphan, or both can still be relatable to some children. Even Alyce's experiences with boys tormenting her can be related to painful playground antics, as well as modern awareness regarding consent. Alyce's internal despair over her failures and disappointment is especially relatable regardless of the situation; it is a human experience that we have all felt.

The plot is not overwhelmed with details, but some are left to the imagination or what is available on the cover of the book, such as the clothing of the characters. This might make it difficult for children to imagine unless they see images beforehand. Details about the time and place are also vague. Even with the mention of London and York (Cushman, 2019, pp. 54), the lack of details makes it easy to imagine the story in any European country during medieval times.

What lacks in those details is compensated with attitudes and language that are realistic to the time. The language is a balance between readable and accurate to the time, so it seems close enough to give the impression of how people spoke during medieval times. For example, when Alyce rescues Purr, she says, "Cat, are you drownt? I'd open the sack and let you out, but I be sore afraid of the eel." (Cushman, 2019, pp. 8).

Cushman does not sugarcoat the attitudes of people during medieval times or their behavior and treatment to girls, especially orphans girls who were judged as unintelligent. Alyce is tormented by village boys who pinch and kick her and call her names. The midwife often slaps Alyce or throws things at her in anger. Alyce is not the only one who receives this treatment, as other women, often those who are in labor, are handled roughly by their husbands and the midwife.

Alyce's story is not stereotyped or sugarcoated, either. This is even mentioned in chapter seven: "If the world were sweet and fair, Alyce (she must be called Alyce now) and Will would become friends and the village applaud her for her bravery and the midwife be more generous with her cheese and onions. Since this is not so, and the world is just as it is and no more, nothing changed." (Cushman, 2019, pp. 40). Even though Alyce's ending is a happy one, it is still realistic to the time because she still had to struggle and fight for her place in the world.

Cushman's author's note includes more information about midwives, but, unfortunately, did not include citations for her resources or recommendations for further reading. There is a bibliography on her website of sources she refers to (Cushman, n.d., "My bookshelves"), but it is unclear if all of those sources were used for this specific book.

AWARDS
1996 John Newbery Medal
1996 ALSC Notable Children's Books list

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone." - Booklist, starred review

"Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature." - School Library Journal, starred review

"From the rebirth in the dung heap to Brat's renaming herself Alyce after a heady visit to a medieval fair, this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A fascinating view of a far distant time." - The Horn Book, starred review

CONNECTIONS
Enrichment activities: A discussion guide is available from the author's website, which contains open-ended questions for children to answer about the themes of overcoming adversity and finding identity (Cushman, n.d., "A discussion guide"). Cushman's website also includes a list of books she used as reference material (Cushman, n.d., "My bookshelves"). The book Growing Up in Medieval London: The Experience of Childhood by Barbara A. Hanawalt may be the most useful book to use in an enrichment activity for children because it includes fictional but historically accurate composite profiles based on the experiences of real children in medieval times (Kirkus Reviews, 2010).

Related books:
Cushman, K. (2020). Rodzina (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0358097518

Cushman, K. (2019). Catherine, Called Birdy (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-1328631114

Cushman, K. (2019). The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-1328631138

Cushman, K. (2014). Matilda Bone (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0547722429

Cushman, K. (2014). Will Sparrow's Road (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0544336322

Cushman, K. (2011). Alchemy and Meggy Swann (reprint edition). Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0547577128

REFERENCES
Cushman, K. (2019). The Midwife's Apprentice. Amistad.

Cushman, K. (n.d.). A discussion guide: The Midwife's Apprentice [PDF]. Karen Cushman. https://www.karencushman.com/books/bk_midwifes_apprentice.html

Cushman, K. (n.d.). My bookshelves - medieval times. Karen Cushman. https://www.karencushman.com/resources/bookshelf_reference_medieval.html

Kirkus Reviews. (2010). Growing up in medieval London: The experience of childhood [Book Review]. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/barbara-a-hanawalt/growing-up-in-medieval-london/

Book Review: The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia
Author: Candace Fleming
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
ISBN: 978-0375867828

PLOT SUMMARY

The Family Romanov is a biography of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family, the last monarchs of imperial Russia. Fleming chronicles the upbringing of Nicholas and his wife, Empress Alexandra, their rise to power, and the births and childhood of their children, the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Marie, and Anastasia, and Tsarevich Alexei, the heir to the throne who tragically suffered from hemophilia. The rulers were reluctant and poorly prepared for the power of the monarchy and consistently isolated themselves and their family from others. Desperate to heal their son, the deeply religious Alexandra put her and her family's full trust in the corrupt mystic Rasputin, who often manipulated political decisions and appointments. The monarchs were oblivious and ignorant towards the suffering of the poor masses that made up most of Russia, and Fleming juxtaposes the opulent lives of the monarchs to accounts of starving peasants, members of the working class, and soldiers in World War I, as well as accounts of the workers' strikes and Lenin's rise to power within the Russian Social Democratic Party. These first-person accounts add context to the history of the fall of the Russian empire, leading up to the Romanovs final days before their tragic murders.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Fleming is a multiple award-winning author of biographies about historical figures, including Charles Lindbergh, Buffalo Bill, Amelia Earhart, P.T. Barnum, Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Benjamin Franklin. In the bibliography, Fleming described her research process, which included speaking with Russian scholars and access to original sources from the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF) and Harvard's Houghton Library (Fleming, 2014, pp. 356-358). Fleming's enthusiasm even extended to a trip to Russia so she could view various physical locations, including the palaces of the Romanov's, Rasputin's last apartment, and Lenin's headquarters. Fleming explained that the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered the release of primary sources that were hidden away by the Communist Party, changing the history of what had been known about the fall of the Russian empire. Before these sources were discovered, the history of the imperial family was "sympathetic, painting an overly rosy picture" (Fleming, 2014, pp. 257). Fleming meticulously documents the primary sources she used, which do not shy away from describing the faults of the imperial family, as well as the general sources from historians. The back of the book includes a comprehensive list of documents that dialogue was sourced from (Fleming, 2014, pp. 267-287). Fleming's research is purely fact and does not focus on theory. For example, she spent only two short paragraphs on people who claimed to be surviving imperial children but did not describe details about those people. She quickly explained that they were imposters. (Fleming, 2014, pp. 243-244).

The table of contents clearly lists the four parts of the book and the chapters included, as well as each instance of Beyond the Palace Gates, first-person accounts from peasants, soldiers, and factory workers. These accounts are clearly distinguished from the accounts about the Romanovs in the text, as they are enclosed in decorative light gray boxes. The book follows a clear, chronological sequence, from 1881 to 1918, and then 1976 to 2007 when the remains of the Romanovs were discovered. The layout is logical, breaking up chapters into sections to make it easier to follow the book, which otherwise might have seemed intimidating to tackle at 292 pages. These sections have clear titles that describe what that section will be about. The only interruptions to this layout are the sections containing photographs. The photographs for parts one and two of the book are inserted between chapters nine and ten in part three, and the photographs for parts three and four and inserted in the middle of the last chapter of the book, interrupting a paragraph for sixteen pages. This might have been a printer decision, as the photographs are printed on slick paper that is heavier than the other paper used in the book, and may have needed to be stitched and bound to specific areas of the book spine. This slick paper helps provide clarity and detail to the various photos included, which showcase many moments mentioned in the book, such as Nicholas declaring war on the balcony of the Winter Palace in 1914, soldiers in trenches, the royal family, Lenin, protestors, the House of Special Purpose that the Romanovs were imprisoned at and even a photo of Rasputin, alive and dead.

Various other reference aids are also included. The book is preceded by a note about the titles of the imperial family and Russian naming conventions to help readers understand ranks and names. A simplified family tree is included to help readers keep track of Nicholas and Alexandra's family members, as well as symbols marking hemophilia carriers and hemophiliacs in the family. A map of the Russian empire can help readers understand how much larger Russia was during Nicholas's reign, which included land that now makes up the countries of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Fleming also included a list of websites for further recommended reading, which include virtual tours, family photographs, home movies, and even the recorded funeral of the Romanovs in 1998 (Fleming, 2014, pp. 266).

AWARDS
2015 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction
2015 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
2015 Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction
2015 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature
2015 ALA Notable Books for Children, Older Readers
2015 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor
2015 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist
2014 Cybils Awards winner, Nonfiction for Young Adults

REVIEW EXCERPTS
“For readers who regard history as dull, Fleming’s extraordinary book is proof positive that, on the contrary, it is endlessly fascinating, absorbing as any novel, and the stuff of an altogether memorable reading experience.” - Booklist, starred review

“Fleming has outdone herself with this riveting work of narrative nonfiction that appeals to the imagination as much as the intellect.” - The Horn Book, starred review

“A solid resource and good recreational reading for high school students.” - School Library Journal, starred review

“A remarkable human story, told with clarity and confidence.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Making vibrant use of primary sources that emerged since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Fleming (Amelia Lost) brings to life the last imperial family of Russia... A wonderful introduction to this era in Russian history and a great read for those already familiar with it.” - Publishers Weekly, starred review

“With comprehensive source notes and bibliographies of print and online materials, this will be a boon to student researchers, but it’s also a heartbreaking page-turner for YAs who prefer their nonfiction to read like a novel.” - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

“Fans of Candace Fleming (The Lincolns; The Great and Only Barnum), widely recognized for her scholarly, engaging nonfiction, will immediately notice something different about The Family Romanov. It is not filled with sidebars or artifacts that leap off the page. This fascinating, handsome book is about words--not only the author's narrative, but those of the people who lived the events.” - Shelf Awareness, starred review

“In this superb history for readers ages 12-16, Ms. Fleming draws on a rich mixture of sources to capture the caprice, despotism and human fragility of the uxorious last Czar of All the Russias.” - The Wall Street Journal

“This story of Russia’s final czar (pronounced “zar”), or leader, and his family has all the elements of a fictional thriller—political repression, figures of evil, a drawn-out war, endangered children—but they are woven into a fascinating work of history.” - Washington Post

CONNECTIONS

Enrichment activities: Author Candace Fleming included several resources for educators on her website https://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_romanov.html (Fleming, n.d.). The website includes an educator guide with several discussion questions and curriculum connection activities, a podcast interview with Fleming discussing her process researching the book, and an entertaining book trailer that can be shared with readers, especially before reading the book.

Related books:
Gelardi, J. P. (2011). From Splendor to Revolution: The Romanov Women, 1847-1928. St. Martin's Press.

ISBN: 978-0312371159

Mironenko, S., & Maylynas, A. (1997). A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story. Doubleday.

ISBN: 978-0385486736

Rappaport, H. (2018). The Race to Save the Romanovs: The Truth Behind the Secret Plans to Rescue the Russian Imperial Family. St. Martin's Press.

ISBN: 978-1250151216

Rappaport, H. (2017). Caught in the Revolution: Petrograd, Russia, 1918 - A World on the Edge. St. Martin's Press.

ISBN: 978-1250056641

Rappaport, H. (2014). The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra. St. Martin's Press.

ISBN: 978-1250020208

Rappaport, H. (2009). The Last Days of the Romanovs: Tragedy at Ekaterinburg. St. Martin's Press.

ISBN: 978-0312379766

Smith, D. (2016). Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

ISBN: 978-0374240844

Vorres, I. (2001). The Last Grand Duchess: The Memoirs of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna. Key Porter Books.

ISBN: 978-1552633021

REFERENCES
Fleming, C. (n.d.) The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia. Candace Fleming. https://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_romanov.html

Fleming, C. (2014). The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia. Schwartz and Wade Books.

Book Review: Meet Cindy Sherman: Artist, Photographer, Chameleon

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: Meet Cindy Sherman: Artist, Photographer, Chameleon
Authors: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: October 17, 2017
ISBN: 978-1626725201

PLOT SUMMARY
Greenberg and Jordan explore the career of the photographer Cindy Sherman, whose work is completely made up of self-portraits and is considered an influential contemporary artist (Museum of Modern Art, n.d.). This photo essay book follows Sherman's creative journey from childhood starting in 1964, her college years at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and her various exhibits and installations from 1978, to her major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in 2012.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Greenberg and Jordan are the authors of several award-winning books about artists, many of them being Sibert Honor books. They included an extensive bibliography listing books, articles, websites, and videos as their sources. The books are especially reputable because many of them are catalogs of Sherman's work published by museums. A list of Sherman's artworks used in the book are also credited.

The book has a clear, chronological sequence, describing Cindy Sherman's growth as an artist from her childhood starting in 1964 to her exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 2012. The print is large and readable with a logical layout that is pleasing to the eye. The chapter headings are large and bold, complemented with photos that either take up full pages or flow seamlessly through the text, such as the images of Pages from "A Cindy Book," 1964-1975 which nestle cozily against a square paragraph of text (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 11). Another example is Untitled, 1975: Twenty-three black-and-white photographs in an accordion booklet, hand-colored, which stretches across the spread, flanked by the large, bold chapter headings, and the large pop-out text "She flunked the course and had to take it over" (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 14-15).

Greenberg and Jordan cleverly asked children questions to capture their reactions to Sherman's artwork, which were included in the book. Several of Sherman's works are paired with these comments, which are displayed in brightly colored text boxes. These comments give children examples of how they might consider the work, as well as encourage them to form their own thoughts and opinions. At the beginning of the book, the authors included a note to the readers about the questions they asked and these responses (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 5). They are clear in that there are no right or wrong answers, and invite the readers to join in voicing their thoughts about Sherman's work.

The book is attractive and inviting like a coffee-table book, as it is square and has a striking cover. The cover includes four portraits of Sherman and the word "chameleon" in the book title points out that each photo is of the same person. It immediately creates intrigue and wonder, making people question "How could this be the same person?" The pages are crisp and slick, providing clear and colorful prints of Sherman's photographs. As a contemporary artist, many of Sherman's portraits, especially in her later years, might confuse children, as well as defy what they consider to be art. Out of all the portraits in the book, it may actually be a portrait of Sherman herself that may shock readers the most. She is petite, blonde, and pretty, wearing a stylish outfit. She could be any woman you see daily, and is possibly the opposite of the stereotype children might have imagined the artist looked like.

A table of contents aids the reader in picking and choosing topics to read. The chapter titles indicate what they are about, such as "Where It All Began" and "College Days." The table of contents also points to additional sections called "Production Notes." This includes an in-depth study of Sherman's Untitled #571, which helps children learn how to analyze art. There is also a section in which Sherman describes her process, which is supported by a photo of Sherman's studio full of props and costumes, as well as a quick list of facts about Sherman. The photo juxtaposing the facts section is striking; like the revelation photo of Sherman on page 52, young readers may be surprised that Sherman defies the stereotype of what artists look like.

AWARDS
None

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"There’s a relative dearth of art books for kids focused on contemporary artists, and this masterfully executed biography of a fascinating working artist, written in a tone ideal for its target audience, will be invaluable for libraries hoping to enliven their arts collections." - Booklist, starred review

"In this era of Snapchat and Instagram selfies, Sherman’s explorations of identity and perception are perhaps more resonant now than ever, and Greenberg and Jordan distill the ideas lucidly for young readers." - The Horn Book, starred review
"This fascinating investigation of a significant U.S. artist will prompt endless discussions on art history, photography, pop culture, gender roles, and even selfies. A title not to be missed." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Well-chosen quotes from Sherman help explain her art and process, while colored boxes set off quotes from children and teens in which they respond to specific photographs. These quotes and the authors' own interpretations offer ways to understand Sherman's sometimes-controversial art. An introductory note invites readers to enter Sherman's world and "discover your own stories"; the book brilliantly gives them the tools to do so. An excellent, eye-opening exploration perfectly pitched to its audience." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An engrossing examination of how, for decades, Sherman has trained a lens on herself and society at large." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

CONNECTIONSEnrichment activities: The book includes comments from young children responding to questions about Sherman's artwork, and were told that there are no wrong answers to these questions (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 5). Children can be invited to answer these same questions about Sherman's artwork, either shown in the book, in another book about Sherman's work, or found online.

• What do you see?
• Who is the person in this photograph?
• What is happening here?

The author's also included a resource on their website for teachers and librarians to use (https://www.jangreenbergsandrajordan.com/pages/books/cindy-sherman/articles.html), which connects taking selfies on social media to Sherman's work. (Greenberg & Jordan, n.d.). This could inspire activities for children to take and edit their own creative selfies.

Related books:
Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2020). World of Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-1419736810

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., & Hooper, H. (2019). Two Brothers, Four Hands: The Artists Alberto and Diego Giacometti. Neal Porter Books. 
ISBN: 978-0823441709

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2013). The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius. Roaring Book Press.
ISBN: 978-1596438101

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., & Floca, B. (2010). Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. Flash Point.
ISBN: 978-1596433380

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S. & Parker, R. A. (2007). Action Jackson. Square Fish.
ISBN: 978-0312367510

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2001). Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist. Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-0385328067

Galassi, P., & Sherman, C. (2003). Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills. The Museum of Modern Art.
ISBN: 978-0870705076

Moorhouse, P., & Simons, R. (2019). Cindy Sherman: That's Me. National Portrait Gallery.

ISBN: 978-1855147126

Sills, L. (2000). In Real Life: Six Women Photographers. Holiday House.
ISBN: 978-0823414987

Sullivan, G. (2006). Berenice Abbott, Photographer: An Independent Vision. Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0618440269

REFERENCES

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (n.d.). Queen of the Selfie. Jan Greenberg Sandra Jordan. https://www.jangreenbergsandrajordan.com/pages/books/cindy-sherman/articles.html

The Museum of Modern Art. (n.d.). Cindy Sherman. The Museum of Modern Art. https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1154?

Book Review: Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream
Author: Tanya Lee Stone
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: February 24, 2009
ISBN: 978-0763636111

PLOT SUMMARY
Almost Astronauts is a photo essay book that tells the story of thirteen female pilots, known as the "Mercury 13," who attempted to join NASA's astronaut program in the 1960s. Dr. Randolph Lovelace, the chairman of NASA's Life Sciences committee and the doctor who conducted the fitness and mental tests for the first American astronauts, who believed that women would be cost-effective and were just as capable of being astronauts. He started the Women in Space program, in which thirteen female pilots not only completed the tests but also surpassed the results of male astronauts. Their aspirations, courage, and successes were ignored by NASA and other government figures, including Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, who all had an unspoken rule that only white men could be astronauts. Despite these rules, many of the Mercury 13 continued to push for female pilots to be admitted to the space program.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author of Almost Astronauts is a former editor of children's nonfiction, as well as an award-winning author of nonfiction about strong women, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Amelia Earhart. Experts clearly weighed in on the book, as it has a foreword by Margaret A. Weitekamp, curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and author of Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America’s First Women in Space Program.

Stone provides plenty of historical context for readers about the cultural expectations of women before, after, and during World War II, without being overwhelming. This helps explain why it was so difficult for women to be pilots and astronauts, which may be confusing to younger readers who only understand modern day experiences for women. Stone passion and enthusiasm comes across in her writing, which is made even more apparent by her author's note, in which she mentions meeting the living members of the Mercury 13, who encouraged her to get her private pilot's license (Stone, 2009, pp. 121).

The book follows a clear sequence; except for the first chapter, which takes place in July 1999 for the launch of the first space shuttle piloted by a female commander, Lieutenant Colonel Eileen Collins, the book is organized chronologically from 1960 to 2007. While there is a table of contents, it does not clearly describe what is included in each chapter, with titles like "T Minus Thirty-Eight Years" (Stone, 2009, pp. 1) and "I Jumped at the Offer" (Stone, 2009, pp. 7). This does not aid in helping a reader pick and choose what to read. The subheadings, however, are helpful, since they describe the year that the following section takes place in, as well as pivotal moments. For example, "July 1999" is the first subheading in chapter one (Stone, 2009, pp. 1). Another example is the subheading "Enter Randy Lovelace" (Stone, 2009, pp. 11), which describes a section that introduces Dr. Randolph Lovelace.

There is an extensive bibliography that lists books, articles, documents, correspondence, videos, and videos. Stone also included a list of recommended books, articles, websites, and databases for further reading about women in aviation. There is a small appendix at the back of the book that is handy to refer to, as it lists the women who completed and passed the Lovelace tests, those who completed but did not pass the tests, and those who planned to takes the tests but for reasons, which are also included, they did not take them. It adds context to the Women in Space program because it brings the number of women involved up from thirteen to twenty-five, which illustrates how large the program was. An index also follows at the end of the book, listing various topics and people that were mentioned.

The exterior of the book is inviting, as it is large and square like a coffee table book. Full-page black-and-white photographs of space shuttles, astronauts, and pilots accompany the text, as well as smaller photos of major figures mentioned throughout the book. Other images provide historical context, such as magazine covers, posters, political cartoons, and even the letter Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson wrote his opinion of the Women in Space program, which was hidden in his files for forty years. The most striking images used were those of Jerrie Cobb conducting the tests at the Lovelace Clinic, the multiple-axis space test inertia facility (MASTIF), and the Dilbert Dunker sequence, in which she sat in a capsule that sped into a pool and turned upside down at the bottom.

The last chapter of the book includes color photographs from 1997 through 2008 of various female astronauts and air force pilots and a spectacular photograph of the 1999 space shuttle Columbia launch that was piloted by Eileen Collins. The book ends with a double-page spread color photograph of ten of the Mercury 13 gathered at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in 1999.
AWARDS
2010 Robert F. Sibert Medal
2010 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Honor
2010 NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor
2009 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"The author offers great insight into how deeply ingrained sexism was in American society and its institutions. Handsomely illustrated with photographs, this empowering story will leave readers inspired." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Illustrated with sheaves of photos, and based on published sources, recently discovered documents, and original interviews with surviving members of the "Mercury 13," this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women." - School Library Journal

"A gripping narrative surfaces in Stone's text, as the women are repeatedly thwarted by NASA, discriminated against and patronized by society... Readers with an interest in history and in women's struggle for equality will undoubtedly be moved." - Publishers Weekly

CONNECTIONS
Enrichment activities: In the author's note, Stone mentions that she originally wrote poems in tribute to each of the thirteen women that were to be included in the book. The poems were cut from the final publication, but Stone hosts them on her website (https://tanyastone.com/almost-astronauts.html). Not only can these poems be shared with children, but there is also a reading guide with discussion questions and project ideas for science, language arts, social studies, and visual arts classes and topics.

Related books:

Ackmann, M. (2003). The Mercury 13: The Untold Story of Thirteen American Women and the Dream of Space Flight. Random House.
ISBN: 978-0375507441

Gibson, K. B. (2020). Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures. Women of Action.
ISBN: 978-1641603133

Jackson, L. (2018). Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space. Harper Design.
ISBN: 978-0062850218

Ottaviani, J., & Wicks, M. (2020). Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier. First Second.
ISBN: 978-1250760036

Ride, S., & Okie, S. (1989). To Space and Back. HarperCollins.
ISBN: 978-0688061593

Shetterly, M. L. (2016). Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. William Morrow.
ISBN: 978-0062363596

Shetterly, M. L., & Freeman, L. (2018). Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. HarperCollins.
ISBN: 978-0062742469

REFERENCES
Stone, T. L. (2009). Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Candlewick Press.

Stone, T. L. (n.d.). Almost Astronauts. Tanya Lee Stone. https://tanyastone.com/almost-astronauts.html