You May Have a Kindle – But Keep the Books July 30, 2010

I don’t usually reprint entire articles on my blog, but since so many of my readers are parents, I want to share this article by Jay Matthews from The Washington Post. 

Books at home push kids toward more schooling

By Jay Mathews
Washington Post Education Columnist
Thursday, July 22, 2010;

My wife’s parents did not go to college. Linda’s father was a carpenter. Her mother was an aircraft assembly line worker. They grew up in Oklahoma farming families, married, moved to Southern California and raised their children in blue-collar neighborhoods full of families just like theirs. 

Linda did go to college, a very selective one. Finding someone like her in that place was unusual. Some of the deans, to her annoyance, reminded her how fortunate she was to have come so far. There are many reasons why Linda became successful academically and professionally. But one did not occur to me until I read a new study about the relationship between books at home and educational attainment around the world. 

The study, “Scholarly Culture and Educational Success in 27 Nations,” by four researchers in the United States and Australia, is worth reading by those in the Washington area, where the number of books varies so much from family to family, and not necessarily because some parents are well-educated and others aren’t. The study, based on 20 years of research, suggests that children who have 500 or more books in the home get, on average, 3.2 years more schooling than children in bookless homes. Even just 20 books makes a difference. The availability of reading material has a strong impact on a child’s education, even when controlling for the effects of parental education, father’s occupation, gender, nationality, political system and gross national product. 

Linda remembers having at least 300 books in her home when she was growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the books were hers, bought with her $1 weekly allowance and babysitter earnings, often cheaply through the Scholastic Book Club at school. But her father was also a big reader. His collection of Zane Greys and Bret Hartes filled the shelves he built in their home in Lawndale, Calif., with help from Linda’s great-uncle John, a cabinetmaker. 

Linda’s parents purchased the Encyclopedia Americana when she was in intermediate school. They added copies of Reader’s Digest condensed books, a favorite of her mother’s. Linda devoured those volumes, along with untold numbers of books from her weekly trips to the library. 

In other words, like many successful people in this area, she grew up in a book culture established by a family that could not afford many extras but made reading a priority. 

The new study led by Mariah Evans of the University of Nevada, Reno, in the journal Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, shows the influence of home libraries on schooling is found nearly everywhere, and it has more power than I expected. 

Anyone who has studied the effects of home on learning knows that books are important. The summer learning loss suffered by inner-city children is at least in part the result of them not being encouraged to read, studies suggest. I had associated book reading with affluent parents, because high family income also correlates with school success. But the international study found there was more to it than that. 

Even the children of poor, illiterate parents in China, the study shows, on average attained the same academic level as the children of college graduates, if they had opportunities to read. Chinese children who had 500 or more books at home got 6.6 years more schooling than Chinese children without books, the study shows. “Having books in the home has a greater impact on children from the least educated families,” it says. 

These book habits, as many parents know, never go away. We shampooed the carpets at our house this month, forcing me to move many volumes so the cleaners could get under the bookcases. It nearly killed me, but when Linda and I see books also piling up in the homes of our children, we know it is worth the effort.

Three for Thursday July 29, 2010

If pressed to name one illustrator of children’s books as my favorite, I would answer – Barbara McClintock.  While I admire and enjoy the work of many wonderful artists, McClintock’s illustrations are one of my greatest joys.  Her detailed ink and watercolor drawings have an old-fashioned feel.  When looking at them, I feel nostalgiac for an era I know only through reading and movies. McClintock’s drawings are so detailed that I’m always finding small touches I hadn’t noticed on a previous look. 

Her books have won numerous awards, including four New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Books and a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor award.  She is perhaps best known for her collaborations with author Jim Aylesworth.  Together, they have produced six picture books, including several retellings of classic stories. 

If you are unfamiliar with McClintock’s work, here are three books I would recommend.  Of course, if not for the rules governing “Three” for Thursday, I would suggest all of her books:

Adele & Simon (Adele and her young brother pass familiar Parisan landmarks during their walk home from school.  If a trip to Paris with children is in your future, you’ll want to own a copy of this book.)

Adele & Simon in America  (Adele and Simon on another adventure – this time on a train ride across the United States. Ditto above advice – but substitute a trip across the country.)

Our Abe Lincoln by Jim Aylesworth (Publisher’s Weekly’s starred review begins: “Proving once again that they are a match made in picture-book heaven, Aylesworth and McClintock turn out a biography of Lincoln virtually guaranteed to hook readers.”)

Todd’s TV by James Proimos July 26, 2010

Wow!  It’s hard to read this book and not feel a tad uncomfortable.  But I like it – really.  Todd’s TV by James Proimos is a terrific book, but I did wonder about the audience – children or parents.  Both I think. 

Todd’s TV is about a boy whose well meaning parents are so busy that they don’t have a lot of time or energy for their son.  However, their TV does, and he begins to fill the void left by Todd’s parents – going so far as attending a parent-teacher conference with Todd.  “I” ll take the kid, ” the TV says, “we spend so much time together anyway.”  Kids will think the book is really funny.  Some parents may squirm a bit.   When Todd’s parents hear the TV announce his plans to adopt Todd, things begin to change.  Yes, this is a cautionary tale.  But what’s wrong with that?  We certainly hear more than enough messages about “Must See TV.”   It’s good to have a book that makes us think about turning it off.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead July 24, 2010

What is it about this book that makes me want to tuck it into my bag and carry it around all day?   I think its the soft colors and the gentle tone.  It’s one of those books that make me feel like if things get a little too crazy, looking at it would make me smile.  A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a simple story of a zookeeper who visits his best animal friends every day.  When Amos get sick, they naturally return the favor and visit Amos – at his home.  The illustrations by Erin Stead are lovely.  Look at Amos’s face.  He looks so kind – exactly like the sort of person who would play a card game with an elephant and a penguin.  There are wonderful small touches.  When you see the book, check out the teddy bear sitting on Amos’s bed on the very first page – and then look where he’s sleeping on the final spread.  This one will find its way to lots of children this coming school year – and another copy will stay in my collection of favorite books.

Three for Thursday July 22, 2010

I was listening to a conversation about female action heroes on NPR’s Talk of the Nation last week.  The guest, Murray Horwitz, focused on movies, but I started wondering about books.  What books for children feature a female super hero?  I began to think about all of the books with an innocent protagonist who confronts obstacles, is tested, and succeeds.  The typical hero’s journey, but with a “super hero” vibe.  Horwitz called Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ellen Ripley in Aliens, as “probably the most comprehensive, most complete female action hero.”   So, with Weaver’s example as my inspiration, here are three Super Hero picture books featuring female protagonists.

Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun’s Kung Fu by Emily Arnold McCully (I love this book and use it regularly at school.  The story takes place in 17th century China and the main character, Wu Mei, is a role model for self discipline and true strength.)  

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke  (Princess Violetta’s father plans a jousting match, and the prize is marriage to his daughter.  Violetta has other plans.)

Clever Beatrice by Margaret Willey (Clever Beatrice uses her wits to confront a physically strong giant.  There are three books in this terrific series illustrated by Deborah Solomon.)

A Problem – and a Solution… July 20, 2010

My sister, a school principal at an Ohio elementary school, called the other day with a question.  She wanted to know if I could think of a few picture books with a problem and a solution at their center.  She is planning a back-to-school activity for her students, and she wants the focus to be on problem solving. 

The first book that came to mind was Leo Lionni’s classic book, Swimmy.  The little fish win in the “worst problem” category; they are being eaten by a “swift, fierce and very hungry” tuna.  Swimmy’s solution is ingenious.  The fact that this book’s main characters are fish make it perfect for a school-wide reading choice.   A 5th grade student is very attuned to the age of the kids in picture books.  If the characters seem too young, some 5th grade students can make that a barrier to enjoying the book.   Fish, however, present no problems – that I can think of.

Here are several other books that feature a problem and a solution, all chosen with a 1st through 5th grade child in mind:

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Brave Irene by William Stein

Ella, Of Course! by Sarah Weeks

Candy Shop by Jan Wahl

Pet Show! by Ezra Jack Keats

A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats

Then, there is the whole invention category of books…inventors are role models for identifying a problem and figuring out a solution.  There are many good books about inventors, but here are three that would be successful for this age group:

So You Want to Be an Inventor? by Judith St. George

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta

Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci by Gene Barretta

A Little Knowledge Can Be a Dangerous Thing July 18, 2010

Reading books with 6th grade students is wonderful.  The kids are imaginative and enthusiastic – and they are just beginning to understand the power of good literature. One of the concepts I introduce to kids this age is symbolism.  In order to show the students how authors use symbols to convey meaning, we begin with picture books.  I might show a picture of a character who feels sad and point out that it is no coincidence that the accompanying picture often includes closed windows and doors.  Then we look at the end of the book where, of course, the sun is out, the birds are singing and the windows are wide open.  The book I most often use to introduce this lesson is Albert by Donna Jo Napoli.

From there, we begin looking for symbols in text.  I direct them to clues that point to some further development in a story.  For example, calling attention to a garden that was stagnant during the book’s central conflict, but has new buds on the trees at the end (Skellig by David Almond).  I encourage them to pay attention to things that may have escaped their attention when they were younger readers: colors, weather, windows, and most of all - gardens.  The “a-ha” moments are theirs, not mine, but it’s rewarding to watch them begin reading at a higher level.  It’s literally as if a light switch has been flipped on when they see that in Edward Bloor’s novel, Tangerine, the character who wears glasses because he is partially blind, actually “sees” better than anyone else in the book.

In their eagerness to practice their new skill, the kids begin finding things where nothing is there.  They think every thing has a hidden meaning.  I always think of Natalie Babbit, the author of Tuck Everlasting, who when asked about the meaning of the man in the yellow suit, tells people that she was looking for a color with two syllables.  Regardles of their stumbles along the way (no, that is just a pizza – the fact that it is a circle means that it was cooked in a circular pan), it is a privilige to watch them continue their journey as readers and thinkers.

Three for Thursday July 15, 2010

A cold and icy subject today – Sir Ernest Shackleton.  I’m a bit of a polar exploration buff so I’ve always loved books and documentaries about Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. I have a particular interest in Scott’s story.  Roald Amundsen may have reached the South Pole first, but Scott’s story – including the fact that he lugged copies of Thomas Hardy’s novels with him – is far more romantic.  While Amundsen was planning the most efficient way to reach his destination, Scott’s crew were collecting eggs from the Emporer Penguins. 

When my son was young and I wanted to tell him about the age of polar exploration, I began with Shackleton’s story.  Two years after Amundsen reached the South Pole, Shackleton embarked on a Trans-Antarctic expedition.  His ship, the Endurance, was trapped by sea ice for ten months and the crew was forced to abandon ship. It is a thrilling and adventurous story and, unlike Scott’s story, this one has a happy ending. 

Here are three books about Shackleton that are appropriate for a child ages 10 and over.

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance by Jennifer Armstrong

Ice Story: Shackleton’s Lost Expedition by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Trapped by the Ice!: Shackleton’s Amazing Antarctic Adventure by Michael McCurdy

Felicidades, Espana! July 13, 2010

While we were in New York this past weekend, we watched the final match of the World Cup in a Friday’s restaurant in Times Square.  It was my husband’s and son’s idea to stay in the city and watch the match, and although I was unsure about spending three hours in Friday’s surrounded by enthusiastic fans, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our weekend.  The restaurant was packed and there were people outside with their noses pressed against the window.  When the Spanish team, won, a rousing chorus of “Ole’, Ole” rang out through the restaurant.  Outside in Times Square, you could hear the vuvuzelas blaring as Spanish fans paraded through the streets.

When I think of Spain, I think of Pablo Picasso, and so in honor of Spain’s victory, here are five books that are wonderful introductions to the artist. 

Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail by Laurence Anholt  (Based on a true story of a little girl, Sylvette, who was the neighbor of Pablo Picasso.)

Picasso and Minou by P.I. Maltbie  (A sweet story of friendship – and inspiration – between Picasso and his Siamese cat, Minou.)

Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold  (A child-friendly introduction to Picasso’s sculpture)

Paris in the Spring with Picasso by Joan Yolleck  (A lovely introduction to life in Paris in the early 20th century)

Who Was Pablo Picasso? by True Kelley (Kids love the “Who Was” series of short biographies.  They are accessible books that provide an overview of a person’s life.  When checking one of these books out to kids at school, I always hope it encourages them to learn more about the book’s subject.)

A Trip to Hot Dog Heaven! July 12, 2010

I missed a few blog posts because we just returned from three days in New York City.  Among our stops was Coney Island where we visited Nathan’s Famous, home of the annual Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest.  It was only one week ago that Joey Chestnut won his fourth straight title by eating 54 hot dogs in ten minutes.  To be honest, the very thought of it makes me feel a bit queezy.  I managed to eat only 1/2 a dog on a very hot day which gave me all new respect for competitive eaters.  However, as the three of us stood in line at Nathan’s, we couldn’t help but think of Stan.  Stan the Hot Dog Man, that is – one of the stars of my son’s childhood reading. 

Stan the Hot Dog Man by Ethel and Leonard Kessler is part of the ”I Can Read” series, and since the book is now twenty-years old,  it’s clearly proven itself a good choice  for beginning readers.  But in our family, it became one of our favorite stories.  A  baker who opens a hot dog stand, Stan’s adventure begins when he is stranded during a snow storm.  If you have a new reader in your house, check it out.  And for hot dog fans, here are two other books for you: 

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems – in which the intrepid pigeon is challenged by a very clever duck.

Hot Diggity Dog: The History of the Hot Dog by Adrienne Sylver – This brand new book and is chock-full of fun facts about hot dogs.  Babe Ruth, I learned, liked hot dogs so much that “he’s often eat more than a dozen in one sitting.”  Did you know that July is National Hot Dog Month?   I could go on, but I won’t.  If you know someone who likes hot dogs, this book is the perfect gift.