Module 6: Informational Books
Title: Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction
Bibliography:
Krosoczka, J. (2018). Hey, Kiddo. Scholastic.
ISBN: 978-0545902489
Summary:
Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family is a story about Jarrett’s life. In this graphic memoir, he shares the struggles he faced growing up. His mother is addicted to heroin and so she struggled to take care of him. She is constantly in and out of jail. His father is not part of his life. Due to this, Jarett goes to live with his grandparents. They take good care of him and are supportive, especially of his desire to be a cartoonist. Once Jarrett is older they explain to him the reasons why he is living with them. Jarrett is faced with mixed emotions but realizes that he was lucky to have them. He continues with his artistic career which leads to the creation of his books.
Critical Analysis:
Hey Kiddo: How I Lost my Mother, Found my Father, and Dealt with Family is a graphic memoir of Jarrett’s life which takes us through the struggles he faced growing up. It is a sad story, but he is so brave in sharing it with all of us. The story tells us about his mother’s addiction and how she struggles to take control. Due to her being in prison, he is forced to move with his grandparents. The book tells us about their relationship and how even though it is not perfect, they manage to take good care of Jarrett and get him to where he is now. The story also shares how even though Jarett’s father was not in the picture, Jarrett reached a point where he wanted to connect with him. Jarrett’s feelings are shared so well in this book that the reader cannot help but connect to his story. It is amazing the way you can actually feel what he is feeling not just through the words, but through the graphics as well. This book beautifully captures the struggles he is facing and the emotions felt by him as well.
Even though it is a sad story, it is not the case throughout. His grandparents are funny
and good to him and each other. They are supportive. His mom and dad may not have been fully in his life, but help shape his future in a good way. His life is as “normal” as many others. I feel many can feel a deep connection to Jarrett’s story. Sadly, there are many similar cases and so many readers may be able to see their story in his. I really liked how this author opened up about his life and shared it with the rest of us. It is truly an inspirational book that may be able to spark hope in many.
Review Excerpts:
“Honest, important, and timely." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review*
"A must-have, this book will empower readers." -- School Library Journal, starred review*
"Krosoczka has meticulously crafted a severely honest portrayal of addiction, resilient familial love, and the healing power of art..." -- The Horn Book, starred review*
"Deeply vulnerable, moving." -- Booklist, starred review
Connections:
Other books by Jarrett J. Krosoczka:
Lunch Lady Series
Star Wars: Jedi Academy Series
Sunshine
Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
Title:
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World
Bibliography:
Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
ISBN: 978-0544339095
Summary:
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World is a biography of Temple Grandin. As a child, she was diagnosed with autism. With her mother’s support, Temple Grandin is able to continue her education and is able to discover her passion for animals. She is now an animal behaviorist, an animal rights advocate, and an autism activist. This book explores the challenges Temple Grandin faced with autism. It also discusses the persistence she demonstrated throughout her career.
Critical Analysis:
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World is an amazing book that shares the life of Temple Grandin. The facts presented about her life and the stories that illustrated how she came to find herself, are truly fascinating. Through anecdotes, photographs, and the design of the actual livestock system she created, the reader can clearly understand how she thought. The book is so well written that it is easy to comprehend how her brain functions. It is incredible!
In this story, the reader is also able to learn about Temple Grandin’s qualities. Some people misjudged her. They thought she was not capable of doing much due to her diagnosis. It is Temple's creativity and innovative thinking that have made her successful. This story presents a beautiful message. It shows how with persistence and dedication, anything is possible. Additionally, the book is full of wonderful advice from Temple Grandin. It includes words that will inspire anyone.
Review Excerpts:
"A well written, admiring and thought-provoking portrait."--Kirkus
"Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals."--Horn Book
"It isn't easy to describe how the mind of someone with autism works, but Montgomery's biography effectively breaks the disorder down for a younger audience while introducing the extraordinary life of activist Temple Grandin."--Booklist
"Lively, well-worded narrative...For librarians who struggle to find well-written biographies of women, this is a must-buy."--School Library Journal, starred review
Connections:
Other books by Sy Montgomery:
What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World's Most Familiar Bird
Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell
Secrets of the Octopus
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
Title:The Notorious Benedict Arnold
Bibliography:
Sheinkin, S. (2013). The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery. Square Fish.
ISBN: 978-1250024602
Summary:
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery is a story about the life of Benedict Arnold. From the time he was a small child and through his troubled life, Benedict Arnold was a rebellious thrill seeker. At the age of 18, he joins the army to fight in a war which he later abandons due to his mother’s illness and death. When the American Revolution erupts in March 1775, Arnold joins and is elected leader of the Connecticut militia and is successful. He then is appointed to lead an expedition to conquer the city of Quebec. Here, he is wounded. After other battles and struggles, he is commanded to West Point, where he negotiates with a British army official. He switches sides in the war. Once the war is over, Arnold moves to London with his family. When he is not able to obtain positions with the British military, he attempts several businesses, but is not successful. Eventually, his health declines and dies at the age of 60.
Critical Analysis:
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery is a biography based on the life of Benedict Arnold, but told in a story form. The life of Benedict Arnold during the period of the Revolutionary War may not seem too exciting to read, however, the format of this book is excellent and will capture the attention of young readers. Sheinkin does an excellent job! From recounts of the war, to why and how he became a traitor in the war, this nonfiction book is full of interesting facts. Sheinkin portrays Arnold as a conflicted man, yet a brave soldier, and in the end, his ambition and selfishness lead him to betray his own country.
This book is a great option for students who may not be too attracted to nonfiction books. It is not only filled with facts, but the format it is written in is very appealing. It includes short chapters and multiple text features that make the book captivating.
Review Excerpts:
“* Sheinkin sees Arnold as America's ‘original action hero' and succeeds in writing a brilliant, fast-paced biography that reads like an adventure novel. . . . The author's obvious mastery of his material, lively prose and abundant use of eyewitness accounts make this one of the most exciting biographies young readers will find.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“* American history is brought to life in this engaging story of revolution and treason. . . . The Notorious Benedict Arnold is likely to make readers want to learn more about the American Revolution and its players, great and small.” ―School Library Journal, starred review
“* Several complex political, social, and military themes emerge, one of the most prominent being that within the Continental army, often simplistically depicted as single-minded patriots, beat hearts scheming with political machinations that are completely familiar today. . . . Arnold's inexorable clash with Gates and his decision to turn traitor both chill and compel.” ―Horn Book Magazine, starred review
“History junkies are in for a treat when they pick up this lively, highly readable biography of the U.S.'s most vilified traitor. . . . A worthy addition to all libraries.” ―Booklist
Connections:
Other books by Steve Sheinkin:
Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe