THE FIRST PART LAST by Angela Johnson

Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003.

ISBN: 0-689-84922-2

Plot Summary:

Bobby has just turned sixteen and is looking forward to a fun birthday with family and friends.  His girlfriend, Nia, comes over and delivers some birthday news that will change their lives forever.  Angela Johnson tells a powerful story of two teens in love and dealing with the reality of teenage pregnancy.  Told in alternating chapters from “then,” during Nia’s pregnancy, and “now,” after the birth of Feather, the story is told from the perspective of Bobby, the teenage father.  Now Bobby is torn between wanting to hang out with his friends and needing to change diapers and do homework through sleep-deprived eyes.  Life is not easy for a teenaged father raising a baby and just trying to finish high school, but Bobby rises to the occasion and bares his heart and soul, sharing his hopes and dreams for feather, as well as a love that only a father can have for a child.  Angela Johnson tells a powerful story of love and hope that will speak volumes to teens.

  

Critical Analysis:

Angela Johnson has written a beautiful story that teens will not want to put down.  The timely subject of teen pregnancy is addressed in a realistic, yet respectful way.  The setting is authentic, contemporary and could be in any urban environment.  Bobby and Nia are well-developed African-American characters, as are Bobby’s divorced parents and his friends, K-Boy and J.L., although the character of Nia’s parents is less developed.  Through soulful, poetic, succinct writing readers experience the highly emotional relationship that Bobby has with Nia, with his parents and with Nia’s parents, which at times becomes highly volatile. Through the use of language patterns and dialect, readers are drawn into the rich cultural heritage that is the African-American experience. In classic Angela Johnson style this story begs for contemplation and consideration by readers.

    

Review Excerpts:

“…poetic, and absolutely riveting…” ~School Library Journal

“The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain.” ~Publishers Weekly

“Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.” ~Booklist

Awards:

Michael L. Printz Award 2004

Coretta Scott King Award 2004

Connections:

**Students should read the other books in this series (The Heaven Trilogy):

Heaven by Angela Johnson (prequel to The First Part Last)

Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johnson (sequel to The First Part Last)

I HAVE A DREAM: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ill. by Kadir Nelson

King, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther. I Have a Dream. Ill. Kadir Nelson. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012.

Plot Summary:

An excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s  “I Have a Dream” speech which was delivered in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington in August, 1963. The inspiring illustrations are by award-winning artist, Kadir Nelson.  This book includes a full transcription of Dr. King’s speech in the back of the book, as well as a CD containing a recording of Dr. King delivering his speech on that historic day. 

Critical Analysis:

The moving, inspirational words from one of the greatest civil rights speeches ever delivered could easily stand alone, but when combined with the stunning and powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson, the result is awe inspiring.  The rich and colorful oil paintings are museum quality and Kadir Nelson captures the essence of the historically significant event with bold artwork depicting the power and hope of Dr. King’s message.  Throughout the book, illustrations of black and white men, women and children are united in one common goal.  One painting in particular of a black hand and a white hand entwined together is at once inspiring and moving.  Portrayals are authentic and respectful and show the depth of emotion of the characters.  The double-page spread of children’s faces seem to be looking directly in the eye of the reader, expectant and hopeful.  Nelsons’ depictions of the majestic American landscape are mesmerizing.  This is a book worthy of displaying in every home as a symbol of hope and freedom for generations to come.

Review Excerpts:

“A glorious interpretation of a bedrock moment in 20^th century history.” Publishers Weekly (starred)

“…this handsome illustrated version will be welcomed in all collections.” School Library Journal (starred)

“An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20^th century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings.” Kirkus (starred)

Awards:

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Connections:

**Books about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

            Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport,          illustrated by Bryan Collier

            My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, III, illustrated by AG Ford

           

**After reading Dear Dr. King by Jan Colbert, students can compose letters that they might have written to Dr. King asking questions about his life, his speeches and his ideas.

**Books about other civil rights leaders:

            When Thunder Came: Poems for Civil Rights Leaders by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Jim Burke, R. Gregory Christie, Tonya Engle, John Parra, and Meilo So

            Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

            Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue

JOHN HENRY by Julius Lester

Lester, Julius. John Henry. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney.  New York: Dial Books, 1994.

ISBN: 0-8037-1606-0

Plot Summary:

  John Henry was born “like a shooting star” and grew so fast that he “busted through the roof.”  Then he laughed so loud, “the sun got scared.”  There was nothing ordinary about John Henry’s extraordinary life.  His strength was unparalleled and his speed was unbeatable.  Told by Julius Lester with wit and humor and accompanied by the rich illustrations of Jerry Pinkney this story is one that demands to be read aloud, over and over, and enjoyed by all.

Critical Analysis:

Julius Lester brings the classic tale of John Henry to life in this humorous retelling of the legend.  Using language rich with dialect and full of colorful similes such as a “mountain as big as hurt feelings” and Ferret-Faced Freddy’s voice like “bat wings on a tombstone”, this story comes to life.  The characters are authentic and appropriate to the tall tale genre.  The setting is historically accurate and takes place in the mountains of West Virginia where this legend was born. Through the use of humor and exaggeration, Lester conveys the ultimate theme of the story - the importance of being the best that one can be and living one’s life well.  The text is peppered with unexpected treasures of wit that surprise that delight.

Jerry Pinkney’s impressive watercolor illustrations are rich in detail and portray the story through warm, earthy tones.  The features of the characters are realistic, accurate and convey the rich heritage of the African American culture at the turn of the 19^th century.  The facial expressions captured by Pinkney allow readers to experience the emotion of the story.  The layout of the book with large illustrations covering at least one and one-half pages of each two-page spread, and offset with text, lends itself to reading aloud and displaying the beautiful pictures.  This is sure to be a favorite.

 

Review Excerpts:

“… a triumph of collaboration…” ~Publisher’s Weekly

“…a fine addition to any folktale collection.” ~School Library Journal

“…the story is told with rhythm and wit, humor and exaggeration, and with a heart-catching immediacy that connects the human and natural world.” ~Booklist (starred)

Awards:

Caldecott Honor Book

Connections:

**Other African American Folk Tales:

            Big Jabe by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

            Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Coretta Scott King)

            Hewitt Anderson’s Great Big Life by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

**Have students discuss the similarities and differences of other versions of the story of John Henry:

            John Henry: An American Legend by Ezra Jack Keats

            John Henry by Carol Ottolenghi

            The Legend of John Henry by Terry Small (told in verse)

            

THE LILY POND by Annika Thor

Thor, Annika. The Lily Pond. Translated from the Swedish by Linda Schenck. New York:        Delacorte Press, 2011.

ISBN: 978-0-385-74039-5

Plot Summary:

After leaving Austria during World War II, Stephie and her sister Nellie live with two different foster families on an island in Sweden.  So that Stephie can continue her education she must obtain a scholarship and move to a city on the mainland to attend school there.  She lives with a family, Dr. and Mrs. Soderberg and their son, Sven.  Although Sven is five years older than Stephie, she develops a serious crush on him.  Her life is filled with school, dreaming about Sven and worrying about her parents who are still in Vienna, persecuted because they are Jewish. Stephie is able to endure life without her family with the help of her close friends, May, and Sven, and through good times and bad, Stephie learns the value of a true friend.

 

Critical Analysis:

Annika Thor weaves an intricate plot that has many dimensions. The story is easily followed as Stephie lives her life under the cloud of World War II and the Holocaust which have affected her family.  The characters are authentic and, although from a different culture, could be any American teen going to school and developing school-girl crushes.  Of course, the different views of the war are brought into play through dialogue and are conveyed through different characters.  Sven has his anti-Hitler sentiments, Dr. and Mrs. Soderberg, while not supporting Hitler, will not speak out against the Germans, and Stephie, who is Jewish, worries what the future holds for her parents who are not able to escape Austria under German rule.  Stephie’s views are respectfully portrayed throughout even as she is treated unfairly by some classmates and teachers because of her Jewish heritage.  These differing themes and values are true to the sentiment in Sweden, a neutral country, during the war.  The setting is rich in culture and accurately portrays the time that the story is taking place, in late 1940-1941.  Thor uses rich language to describe the beautiful scenery that is typical of Sweden throughout the seasons.  This story seems to have been translated from Swedish flawlessly and is easy to read with flowing language and deeply developed characters.

  

Review Excerpts:

“A compelling look at World War II-era Sweden, this distinguished Holocaust story will resonate.” ~Booklist (December 1, 2011)

“Stephie’s story of adjustment to a new school and of a first crush is both specific and universal.” ~Horn Book (February 2, 2012)

Awards:

Mildred L Batchelder Honor Book

ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

Connections:

**Books about the Holocaust:

    The Lily Pond is a sequel to A Faraway Island by Annika Thor and Linda Schenck, so they should be read sequentially.

    My Family for the War by Anne C. Voorhoeve

**Students can research the culture and city of Goteborg, Sweden, where the story takes place.

** Students can compare/contrast Stephie’s life with that of her friend, May.  Address living arrangements, family life and character as portrayed in the story. 

KOALA LOU by Mem Fox, illustrated by Pamela Lofts

Fox, Mem.  Koala Lou. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Voyager Books, 1989.

ISBN: 0-15-200502-1

Plot Summary:

Koala Lou is the story of a baby koala bear that cherishes her mother’s love and attention.  As more and more siblings come along, her mother has less and less time to devote wholeheartedly to her. Longing to hear her mother speak the comforting words she previously lavished upon her, Koala Lou devises a plan to “win” back her mother’s attention and affection.  

Critical Analysis:

In this classic story by Australian author Mem Fox, readers will at once be captivated by this beautiful story; one that will delight young readers and will quickly become a bedtime favorite.  Koala Lou is loveable and her plight will resonate with readers. The characters are believable and relatable. Rich text, strategically placed on the pages, propels the reader forward through the story.  The vivid colored pencil illustrations of Pamela Lofts will enthrall readers as she whisks them on a journey through the rich Australian landscape bursting with authentic native animals.  Lofts ability to convey emotion through her illustrations is evident in the facial expressions of Koala Lou and the other characters throughout the book.

Review Excerpts:

“Koala Lou celebrates the eternal love of a mother for her child…” ~Publishers Weekly (August 11, 1989)

“…Koala Lou is most likely to appeal to younger children, who treasure physical expressions of affection.”  ~Booklist (November 15, 1989)

Connections:

** Students could identify each Australian animal depicted in the story and do research to find information about them. 

** Other animal books by Mem Fox:

            Possum Magic by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas

            Hunwick’s Egg by Mem Fox, illustrated by Pamela Lofts

            Wombat Divine by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kerry Argent

** Books about Australia

            D is for Down Under: An Australian Alphabet by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Geoff Cook

            Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under - Marianne Berkes, illustrated by Jill Dubin