TEXT SET
BOOKS BY
JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE
OVERVIEW:
The choice to develop a text set of books written by Jean Craighead George was an obvious choice for me personally because of the love of nature and the passion to share the joys and wonders which exist in the outdoors – either just outside an apartment’s front door or deep in the back country – which I shared with Ms George. There is more than just fun “animal stories” to be shared through a love of nature: there are bountiful opportunities for lessons of perseverance, courage, animal behavior, problem solving, interactions and interdependence between animals and humans (not to mention species and other species), ecology, and understanding of oneself, one’s own strengths and abilities.
Jean Craighead George answered an interviewer’s question about how she wanted to be remembered stating, “Remember me as somebody who talked about nature, who awakened them to a new world, and helped them restore it.” She died recently but, throughout her life, continued to write and remained a highly respected Newbery winning author, a respected naturalist and a friend to animals and children everywhere. Her writing is timeless and inspired many children to follow dreams (Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. credits Jean Craighead George with inspiring him to pursue the dream of falconry) and to pursue careers in the natural sciences.
This text set is developed with the intention of inspiring more children to embrace our world, believe in their own abilities, chase dreams, and discover the love of the written word, the ability for books to teach through story-telling and the mysterious hold a book can have on the reader. Throughout every book, there are opportunities for expanding vocabulary, knowledge of grammar and increase the understanding of literary tools. Additionally, every book offers opportunities to cross into other curriculum, including science, art, math, social studies, Native American studies/multicultural education, and health enhancement.
Visit Jean Craighead George's website by clicking HERE
Visit Jean Craighead George's website by clicking HERE
Some of the many recognitions and awards the author has received:
- Aurianne Award – best nature writing – 1956 with her husband, (Dipper of Copper Creek)
- The Newbery Medal - 1962 (for Julie of the Wolves)
- Silver Skate Award – 1973 (for Julie of the Wolves)
- Kerlan Award - 1982 ((for her body of work - given “in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature and in appreciation for generous donation of unique resources to the Kerlan Collection for the study of children’s literature)
- Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature – 1991 (for her body of work - first winner, given for the “consistent superior quality of her literary works.”).
- Washington Irving Award, Westchester (N.Y.) Library Association - 1991 (for On the Far Side of the Mountain)
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Title – 1996 (for Everglades)
- Regina Award – 2003 (for her body of work)
- Jeremiah Ludington Award – 2003 (for her body of work)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, SB&F For Excellence in Science Books (“celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults”)
- One of the Ten Best American children’s books in the past 200 years – as determined by the Children's Literature Association (for Julie of the Wolves)
- de Grummond Award (for her body of work)
- Julie of the Wolves - published 1972
- Intended audience & situation: The publisher indicates that the audience is for eight year old children. I believe that 4th – 5th graders are a more appropriate audience. It is an ideal individual book, especially for young girls, but also an opportunity for a whole class or a teacher read-aloud.
- Summary: When Eskimo Miyax (English name, Julie) runs away from an abusive arranged marriage, she finds herself alone on the tundra and discovers the means to survival by communicating with, and ultimately joining, a wolf pack, led by a wolf she calls Amaroq. The difficulties and harsh Alaskan environment is the backdrop as Miyax/Julie’s hardships and a journey which ultimately leads her to bear the effects “western civilization” and modern changes has upon the Eskimo culture, and the difficulties and harsh environment such changes make in people and their decisions, including those of her father, Kapugen.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: One of Jean Craighead George’s finest books, it demonstrates her knowledge of people, environment and animals. It demonstrates the importance of perseverance, persistence, self confidence, adapting, the interdependence between man and animal, and the development of relevant survival skills. For the reader, it will provide opportunities for discussion, understanding and awareness of foreshadowing, symbolism, to increase knowledge about Alaska, the Eskimos and Eskimo culture and culture, Jean Craighead George’s theme development, and enrich
- Impact of the book: This book brings a greater awareness of other cultures and heritage, survival skills, and an in-depth look at the ability to communicate with other species. It also makes a reader aware of foreshadowing and symbolism. These changes will be demonstrated in deeper conversations, a desire for more books embracing other heritages and cultures, the willingness to make predictions while reading and more animated conversations on writing styles of this and other authors
- Potential problems: This book is repeatedly on lists which are submitted to be banned within school curriculums due to a scene in the book when the husband of 13 year old Miyax “forces himself on her” to be able to end the ridiculing by his friends. As a teacher, it allows the opportunity to open a discussion with the students stressing the importance that no one has the right to be able to do anything physical to another person without receiving explicit “permission.” At the time of publication, the scene in the book was rather unheard of discussing in children’s literature, but sexual content was also not a part of a child’s every day life. In today’s society, I fear that the scene will not possess the power intended by the author and could go virtually unnoticed by an average child of ten years or over. The fact that it is a Newbery award winner also helps support the book’s value.
- Professional support for the book:
o Newbery Award – 1972
o National Book Awards Finalist (Children’s books) – 1973
o Mark Twain Award (nomination, 1974)
o Booklist Editor Recommend
o School Library Journal. 50.5 (May 2004) p64
o Kirkus Star – Review
- “Though remarkable Miyax and her experience are totally believable, her spirit living evidence of the magnitude of the loss.”
o Booklist - 1973
“In the end, she realizes how life has changed for Eskimo and wolf. The evocatively written, empathetic story effectively evokes the nature of wolves and dramatizes how the traditional Eskimo way of life is giving way before the relentless onslaught of civilization.”
- Alternate books:
o My Side of the Mountain
o The Other Side of the Mountain
o Charlie’s Raven
2. The Wounded Wolf - pictures by John Schoenherr, published 1978
- Intended audience & situation: 1st – 5th graders. It would be a very good read-aloud book, but equally useful to individual and small group reading.
- Summary: After Roko, a wolf, is injured during a caribou hunt, he faces death and predators alone. When his absence is noted during roll call by the pack, the leader of the pack, Kiglo, locates Roko, wards off the predators and threats, and cares for the wounded Kiglo until he can rejoin the pack.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: A short, simple book, the story is based on the observations of Gordon Haber, Ph.D. during his 10 year study of wolves in Alaska. It demonstrates a sense of belonging, loyalty, rendering aid and offers a very accurate glimpse of animal behavior and how animals rely on one another for survival. For the reader, it will provide opportunities for discussion, how settings affect plot, how foreshadowing can sometimes be misleading and to increase knowledge about wolf pack behavior as well as the relationships of animals in the Alaska wilderness, the meanings of calls and behaviors, and how each species have an interdependence with others.
- Impact of the book: This book brings a greater awareness of relationships among animals of the same and of different species. If offers the students the opportunity to discover the meaning of animal behavior, as well as offers an avenue of science which can be pursued as a career field. The writing style in combination with the illustrations will allow the students to realize the impact when artist and writer work together to create a mood and set the scene; I would hope that, as a result of having read the book, they would be inspired to attempt to create such a mood with word and art.. These changes will be demonstrated in deeper conversations, a desire to engage in animal research, and a growing interest in the influence of literary art.
- Potential problems: Although not immediately apparent, the book could be said that it uses anthromorphizes the animals. However, this is arguable as it is a “mini documentary” of the scientific study performed by Dr.Gordon Haber.
- Professional support for the book:
o (1) December 1978, School Library Journal:
(2) KIRKUS REVIEW: “Many readers might prefer a straightforward account of that observation to this mood-summoning, present-tense reconstruction with its "poetic" ragged right margins. Nevertheless, its good news--and Schoenherr's black-and-white drawings help set the mood.”
(3) Although I am unable to find another positive review, I have had rangers and naturalists at Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Glacier National Park as well as other ecologist suggest this book as a scientifically sound book for young readers to further understand the wolf pack relationship. Because of this, I feel confident that it is a vitally important book to include in the text set.
- Alternate books:
o My Side of the Mountain
o The Other Side of the Mountain
o Charlie’s Raven
3. My Side of the Mountain published 1959
- Intended audience & situation: 8 to 14 year old students. This book is a great individual reading.
- Summary: Sam Gribley is a teenager boy is frustrated and unhappy living in a small apartment in New York City with his family and he runs away to the Catskill Mountain to live in the wild, on the land of his grandfather’s farm. Sam heads out with very little (some cord, a bit over $40, flint and steel and a knife) and plans to live off the land, creating his house out of a hollowed-out tree. Using falconry skills, and having animal companions, Sam has to depend on creativity to survive. He is often faced with the desire to return to the city, but his desire to be free and independent, and his love of adventure, keeps him in the forest. Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Provides opportunities to discuss courage, danger, and independence, as well as survival techniques, animal behavior and scientific facts.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Along with increasing vocabulary and recognizing literary symbolism (the names Sam chooses for the animals). Students will be encouraged through the reading to incorporate information from the reading into the outdoor education to include science and survival. Encourage independent thinking, problem solving, connection across the curriculum (Thoreau, science, mathematics, social studies, art, etc) and animal/human behavior
- Impact of the book: The students will begin to see the value to think independently, to become more aware of their environment, problem solve, and see the interdependence. It will encourage the children to appreciate connections to the natural world, and understand that they can have a role within it. Behaviors which could be seen are an increase in creative problem solving and using material in non-traditional manners in order to solve problems.
- Potential problems: Arguments that the family knew that Sam was contemplating running away and did not take him seriously. This provides a teacher to discuss the importance to listen to things people say and take their remarks seriously, notifying people in an authority position (parent, teacher, counselor, etc).
- Professional Support:
o Newbery Honor Book – 1960
o George G. Stone Center for Children’s Books Merit Award -1969
o Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., having been inspired by the book when he was eleven, later wrote, “My years as a falconer informed my own career choice as an environmental lawyer and advocate. My Side of the Mountain has inspired countless children, as it did me, to take up ecological stewardship in our adult years.”
o Horn Book, “A Second Look: My Side of the Mountain” by Karen Jameyson (July-August 1989)
“Is it possible, we may wonder, that such bogus-sounding entrées as frog soup and crow’s eggs–cooked in a leaf, no less–can sound as scrumptious as filet mignon and crêpe suzettes when described by this Julia Child of the wilderness? And, surely, sleeping inside a tree, bathing in an icy spring, and using the bark of the slippery elm for soap scarcely reflects a scene from House Beautiful. But how many readers with an ounce of adventure in their bones have longed to pour Western civilization’s regimented details down the drain and head for a Walden Pond or a Tinker Creek? When Sam explains, in his determined, quietly exuberant way that he has decided to leave his New York City home with a penknife, a ball of cord, an ax, some flint and steel, and forty dollars to go to live on the old Gribley land in the Catskill Mountains, the plan sounds a bit cockamamie. It also sounds mighty appealing. Our hero has fortunately prepared himself so thoroughly that we never doubt that he knows what he’s doing. He has made good use of the New York Public Library and regularly refers to the tips he picked up during his research.”
- Alternate books:
o :Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen
o The Other Side of the Mountain
o Julie of the Wolves
4. . Who Really Killed Cock Robin, published 1971
- Intended audience & situation: This book is great for strong 4th grade readers, and can hold interest into the middle school grades. These students would benefit most reading the book individually or in small groups. However, younger students could benefit from having the story presented as a read-aloud book
- Summary: When Cock Robin, a town’s mascot, dies mysteriously, the entire town of Saddleboro is upset, especially because they are so proud of their clean town. However, the mysterious death leads Tony Isidoro on an investigation as to the cause of the bird’s death and if it could be related to the absence of singing night frogs, the explosion of ants and a strange chemical found in the river. It is a mystery based on ecological facts.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: The book is ideal for encouraging problem solving, using ecological knowledge and foreshadowing. It provides an opportunity for critical thinking as some information presented in the book is outdates and the students should be led to be aware of potentially new findings. Study of ornithology could be incorporated as well as ecology (food chain, how changes to ecosystems can occur naturally and by interference, etc) literary lessons (identifying main characters, making predictions, etc ), establishing an understanding of cause and effect,
- Impact of the book: If done appropriately, the students should be excited readers and looking forward to more real-life mysteries. Ecological issues, stewardship and an interest in the community’s water supply could develop. These are areas for further investigation
- Potential problems: Environmental issues always have potential problems because some people do not believe they exist, have livelihoods which rely on practices which are not necessarily ecologically sound, etc.
- Professional support for the book:
o Kirkus Star Review, 1971
· The tone of the whole adventure is buoyant, and the ecological complexities that constitute its theme are so neatly reflected in the plot that the scientific search for Cock Robin's murderer has an edge-of-the-chair excitement.
- Alternate books:
o The Fire Bug Connection, by Jean Craighead George
o The Case of the Missing Cutthroats, by Jean Craighead George
o The Talking Earth, by Jean Craighead George
5. The Wolves Are Back published 2008
- Intended audience & situation: .
- Summary: The author creatively describes the reintroduction of the wolves to Yellowstone National Park and focusing on the effect that their return has had on the ecosystem. Rather than focusing on the behavior of the wolf highlighted in the story, she opts to focus on the other fauna and flora, and how, when the wolves returned to where they once lived, they brought changes which strengthen the ecosystem
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Literary objectives help recognize the benefits of carefully selected words and rhythm, without rhyme. The book relates to ecology, interdependence of species, and touches on history. It allows an opportunity for investigation of symbiotic relationships, and the importance for and the challenges of wildlife management.
- Impact of the book: Again, the artwork encourages increased interest in western ecosystem(s), endangered species, and provides an opportunity to pursue career paths.
- Potential problems: In all but the northwestern United States, most states do not understand or even know that wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park is controversial. Depending on the location of the school, this could be a problem which would have to be introduced with careful understanding. This book does not create or discuss the controversy but simply states the changes which have been documented within the ecosystem.
- Professional support for the book:
o Kirkus Star
o Review: Booklist (2008)
”George writes about each of the changes caused by the wolves’ return in simple, rhythmic, informative prose. Adding to the book’s appeal are Minor’s finely detailed illustrations, featuring spectacularly rendered animals in the foreground of the bold, western landscapes. Together the words and pictures make for a highly effective and enjoyable explanation of how the presence of one animal can profoundly affect an ecosystem.”
- Alternate books:
o The Buffalo Are Back, by Jean Craighead George
o When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature’s balance in Yellowstone, by Dorothy Hinshaw
o To the Top of the World, Adventures with Arctic Wolves, by Jim Brandenburg
o The Wounded Wolf, by Jean Craighead George
6. How To Talk to Your Dog, published 1999 and How To Talk to Your Cat
- Intended audience & situation: Kindergarten to 9th grade. The truth is, I know of two college students who purchased and love How to Talk to Your Dog and have solved a lot of their puppy’s behavior problems! I believe the audience simply needs to be interested! These books are great books to read aloud during a pet section or as a small group project during an animal lesson plan. .
- Summary: Using a combination of cartoon characters (the dog/cat) relating to photographs of Jean Craighead George, the books offer accurate descriptions and corresponding visual images to show clear demonstrations of communicative techniques humans can use to use with dogs/cats.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Language arts, visual art, computer design and animal behavior are all topics which can be addressed using these interesting, accurate and funny books. After reading the book(s), I expect that the student will want to try out the communicative methods with their pets or pets of their friends. After realizing that communication with dogs/cats is not as difficult as one might think, it should make the student(s) much more aware of not only an animal’s use of body language to get their points across, but it should make them each significantly more aware of their own and their friends’ body languages and what messages are being sent silently.
- Impact of the book: The primary objective would be to engage reluctant readers and, through collaborative learning (small group project), students can create visual displays and performances. Ultimately, the children could become involved with a community service project (perhaps at a local humane society, using the communicative techniques presented in the books, also by providing a presentation for the organization or the organization’s supporters, etc), become members of 4-H cat and/or dog clubs, or simply develop a better understanding of how animals communicate.
- Potential problems: Both books are quite descriptive however it was noted in one review that sometimes the descriptions of “sounds” (i.e., meows from the cats) made the book confusing and frustrating. Children with allergies and/or fear of dogs/cats would have to be able to be involved in alternative activities. Also, some cultures / people with certain religious beliefs may not interact with dogs and/or cats and, therefore, this book would be offensive and encouraging the children to go against family values. Alternative texts would alleviate such issues.
- Professional support for the book:
o ABC Children’s Booksellers Choice Awards – 2011 dog/cat
o Bluebonnet Award, 2002 (nomination– dog)
o There are not many professional reviews available for these books, nor have they won many awards. However, the “dog” book is commonly distributed to children and adults by professional dog trainers because of the understanding it creates between dog and owners
o Review: Booklist (2000)
George, who has mostly written about wild animals, turns to domesticated ones in these lively offerings. She wants readers to know that cats and dogs communicate with their owners through touch, smell, and body language, and that kids who know what their pets are “saying” can communicate right back. Each book begins with a short history of the animal and how it became domesticated. Then George goes on to discuss how to recognize the different signs and sounds that make pets endearing or annoying. The design is part of the fun: cut-out color photos of George show her mingling with cartoon cats and dogs. She’s patting a head or down on her knees nuzzling a nose. The typeface mimics handwriting, giving the book a friendly look. Some of the information will be easy for kids to process--what the look of an animal’s tail signifies, for example; other facts are less well explained--it’s hard to differentiate meows in print. But overall, these books are full of intriguing information that kids can use to make friends of their pets.
— Ilene Cooper
— Ilene Cooper
- Alternate books:
o Charlie’s Raven, by Jean Craighead George
o Dipper of Copper Creek, by Jean Craighead George
o Snow Bear, by Jean Craighead George
o Knuffle Bunny, Mo Willems
- Intended audience & situation: 1st – 5th graders, this would be a wonderful read-aloud book..
- Summary: A simple and stunning book which is narrated by an indigenous person of the area as he “poles” through the Everglades, telling the story of how waters spilled to create the Everglades and how they are now being destroyed. His passengers, five children, are upset by the story and want to hear something happy. Instead, he weaves more to the tale with a suggestion that they could make a change.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Although art, social studies, geography, multicultural education and more can certainly grow from the pages of this book, the main purpose is an awareness of the fragile ecosystem.
- Impact of the book: Like the story-teller’s passengers, one would hope that the children would want a better story and understand that they hold the future of places like the Everglades in their hands and the decisions that they make within their community and country.
- Potential problems: It is hard to imagine that there could be potential problems. However, I understand that not all people will believe that it is important that we teach children the importance of protecting natural resources.
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- Intended audience & situation: Kindergarten through 5th grade. A great read aloud book for the younger group and a good option for early readers’ individual reading.
- Professional support for the book:
· Orbis Pictus Recommended
· Review: Publishers Weekly
o Newbery Medalist George presents a haunting plea for the preservation of endangered ecosystems, a plea strengthened by Minor's majestic paintings… With her narrative skill and expertise as a naturalist, George adroitly avoids didacticism. A particularly persuasive environmental work. Ages 6-9.
· Review: School Library Journal, 1995
o The story and the art create a mystical tale that flows from a serene start to a powerful conclusion. With the magic of Lynne Cherry's The Great Kapok Tree (Harcourt, 1990) and the strength of Chief Seattle's words in Brother Eagle, Sister Sky (Dial, 1991), this is a plea for conservation and a story eloquently told.
· Review: Booklist (Veeder)
o Though structured as a tale told to five children whom a storyteller has poled into the Everglades, the narrative focuses on the history of that unusual ecosystem. …Minor's handsome full-page paintings show what those earlier times must have looked like. …Some of the interactions between humans and nature are oversimplified, but the artwork makes a convincing plea for an observant relationship with our surroundings.
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- Alternate books:
o The Cry of the Crow, by Jean Craighead George
o Water Sky, by Jean Craighead George
o The Buffalo are Back, by Jean Craighead George
8. Journey Inward - published 1982
- Intended audience & situation: Young adult readers / teenagers. A very good book for individual reading, or a group read.
- Summary: This autobiography of Jean Craighead George’s life gives us glimpses into her childhood, details of her early years married to John George (written in her story-telling manner, and filled with a multitude of stories of the animals which came into the lives), her life as a mother to Twig, Craig and Luke, and her development as a writer. She weaves the story beautifully, sharing the disappointments of her marriage, which ultimately ends in divorce, challenges of writing, bonding with her children (such as on a trip to visit her famous brothers who live in Grand Teton National Park), and, throughout it all, her development of self confidence and self reliance.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Because of the story-telling ability of Jean Craighead George, this autobiography can capture the interest of children and help them feel a connection to the author. As one reads this book, with knowledge of her body of works, one recognizes the individuals which inspired characters in other books. It also offers an opportunity to discuss stereotypical gender roles, rehabilitation of wild animals, pursuing one’s dreams, and courage. Other areas of the curriculum which the book can enhance will include geography, the ecosystems of Grand Teton National Park, social studies, art, and science.
- Impact of the book: I expect that the student, after completing the book, will realize that much of the fiction Craighead George writes draws upon her actual experiences, discussions with naturalists and scientists, and through studying. It offers lessons in loss, expectations, recovery, courage, tenaciousness, understanding, love, disappointment, divorce, changing family dynamics, work ethic, responsibility and life skills
- Potential problems: Some critics have not appreciated the story-telling method the author uses to tell her life story and experiences, claiming that she glosses over negative issues at will. The book was written in the early 1980’s before our society was plunged into a tell-all, media filled frenzy. I find it refreshing that we can recognize periods of depression, sadness and pain, but don’t have to endure a great deal of lamenting. In truth, it is a good lesson to the reader: recognize the disappointment and feel the pain or sadness within you, but do not let it take over. It offers a suggestion to choose one’s reaction to one’s situation (one particular instance is when Twig, Jean Craighead George’s oldest child, begs her mother not to get a job but to continue writing in spite of the uncertainty because the family is used to “feast or famine.”)
Professional support for the book:
o Review: School Library Journal Review (Chapin), 1982
· Jean George's new book is neither an adolescent novel nor a piece of fiction. It is a fine autobiography by the author of Julie of the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain. This book offers older teenagers and teachers a personal, sensitive look at the woman behind the books…In total, Journey Inward provides readers with an intimate glimpse into the life of an author who has spent her career writing quality literature for children and adolescents.
o Review: The English Journal , 1993 (Tiedt) published by NCTE:
· This "journey of self-discovery" tells of the author/naturalist's growth as a person and reveals her thinking across a broad span of years...Throughout this autobiography threads the awareness of her increasing ability and confidence as a writer….Gradually she does establish her identity as a highly respected author … replete with understandings about nature and different animal groups
- Alternate books:
o There’s an Owl in the Shower, by Jean Craighead George
o The Tarantula in my Purse, by Jean Craighead George
o Pocket Guild to the Outdoors, by Jean Craighead George with Twig C. George
o The Cry of the Crow, by Jean Craighead George
9. Charlie’s Raven - published 2004
- Intended audience & situation: The reviews state that intended audience is from 3rd to 9th grade. My recommendation is it is a good book for the typical 3rd-4th grade reader, but the book’s topic and style can maintain the interest of students through 7th grade. Group reading, small group reading and individual reading are all suitable situations for this book.
- Summary: Charlie, the main character, is worried that his grandfather, who recently had a heart attack, is going to die. Charlie’s wonderful friend, Singing Bird, a Teton Sioux, explains to him that her people believe that a raven can cure people’s illness. So, after climbing a tree and stealing a raven chick, Charlie names Blue Sky, from a nest, the story follows the behavior and growth of Blue Sky, the behavior of ravens and other animals in the Grand Teton ecosystem, shine light on collecting and recording scientific data in the field (Charlie’s grandfather, a field naturalist, gives careful instructions), and offer glimpses into some Native American beliefs.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Ecology, as in most of Jean Craighead George’s books, is a big issue which is addressed in this book. Additionally, this book offers a great deal of ways to incorporate learning in more areas across the curriculum, including multicultural education, raising awareness about ecological issues, animal behavior (especially ravens), health enhancement, social issues, and stewardship
- Impact of the book: . I expect the students to be driven to pursue community service, have stronger opinions, and a desire to delve deeper into the world of ravens and other birds. Like other books, it offers suggestions for career choices which stretch outside of an office
- Potential problems: The problems which can arise would be from the fact that Charlie steals a healthy chick from a nest being tended by the parents. Additionally, people (including those who wrote a review for Kirkus!), may believe that the behaviors of the ravens as well as some of the events which take place in the book (Blue Sky saving Charlie’s grandmother from a mountain lion) is too far from reality and takes away from the book. However, research backs up even the most far-fetched behaviors with Jean Craighead George incorporates within the pages and I have access to scientific data collected discussing the “far-fetched” behavior described.
- Professional support for the book:
o Awards:
· Mark Twain Award (nomination, 2007)
· Volunteer State Book Award (nomination, 2007)
· West Virginian Children’s Book Award (nomination, 2007)
o Review:
· Kirkus Review:
o George delivers another inspiring story in which nature plays a profound role in the life of a child…..Charlie realizes that there aren’t true dividing lines between good and bad in the natural world and discovers that his relationship to the bird is a symbiotic one. A remarkable intergenerational tale with the beautiful landscape of the Grand Teton Mountains as a backdrop. (Fiction. 9-13)
· School Library Journal (Fader)
o The author incorporates numerous fascinating bits of scientific information about raven behavior, including a vocalization glossary; the story is technically accurate and offers a vivid sense of place and a window into Native American beliefs through storytelling. Unfortunately, too many unusual incidents undermine the novel's credibility. For example, the raven saves Charlie's grandmother from a mountain lion attack, the bird speaks, and the ravens sense and react to a neighbor's fear and hatred of them. Line illustrations that often do not resemble these birds detract from an otherwise affecting adventure story. Readers will be moved by Charlie's relationship with both Blue Sky and his grandfather, and will close the book with a healthy respect for the natural world and an increased understanding of how to conduct nature research
· Booklist (Weisman)
o Noted nature writer George weaves together personal and family experiences (her brother, Frank, and nephew, Charlie, studied raven behavior, and George herself kept a "pet" crow) with scientific facts to create a satisfying family story that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere. A secondary plot involving a
Teton/Sioux classmate adds depth to the story, but center stage belongs to Blue Sky, a cunning, highly intelligent bird that requires his morning ritual with Granddad, recognizes humans with intent to harm, and even learns to mimic Granddad's refrain to Charlie: "write it down."
· Commonsensemedia.org
o …firmly grounded in scientific fact about animal behavior and communication. George has the unique ability to make an animal into a fascinating and delightful character without anthropomorphizing it, and Blue Sky is a worthy successor to Frightful the falcon and Amaroq the wolf.
- Alternate books: \
o The Cry of the Crows, by Jean Craighead George
o There’s an Owl in The Shower, by Jean Craighead George
o Meph The Pet Skunk, by Jean Craighead George
10. The Buffalo Are Back published 2010
- Intended audience & situation: Kindergarten through 5th grade. A great read aloud book for the younger group and a good option for early readers’ individual reading.
- Summary: Set in the 1800’s with 75 million bison freely roamed the continent, Jean Craighead George documents in a mixture of matter-of-fact non-fiction and fiction style the destruction of the herds, the reasons for it and the ultimate ramifications.
- Relationship to the program/Objectives using the book: Highlighting humans' interdependence with animals and the environment, and the symbiotic relationships we have with one another. Also, fascinating explanation of the conflict between Native Americans and settlers which focuses on how one can not be impacted without impacting the other.
- Impact of the book: Realization of the importance of bison to Native Americans, settler’s interactions, interactions between people, animals and flora, and introduces opportunities for cross-curriculum study (social studies, environmental sciences, art, etc). The behaviors I expect to see changed in the students is that a spark of interest will be developed in Native American studies, learning about Chief Sitting Bull and the Plains Indians, and discovering more about the events which are depicted in the book.
- Potential problems: The loose manner in which the author moves from non-fiction to non-fiction can present potential problems. In order to put such fears to rest, part of the lesson plan will include class investigation and discussion of fact and fiction, and what sections of the book are fictional. Development of skepticism is a necessary tool for growth. Additionally, the depiction of settlers as consciously attempting to conquer the Native Americans will bring forth conflict which will be dealt with by visiting history books with less obvious sympathies.
- Professional support for the book:
o A 2010 School Library Journal review of (Dutton, 2010) describes it as “eloquent and affecting.” “The writing transports readers onto the plains and into the past, making the devastation sobering and real,”
o SLJ review (Kopple, 2010): “ Accompanied by beautiful, single- or double-page watercolor illustrations that are rich with detail, the prairie comes to life. Excellent for sharing aloud with a group, this title provides a unique perspective on an integral time in American history. A must-have for most libraries.”
o Horn Book Magazine, July 2010 (Bader): “With illustrations that both document and dramatize, another small triumph from a seasoned team.”
o Kirkus Review: “…expressive and lushly detailed paintings have texture and depth, supporting and enhancing the text. Environmental good news. (sources, websites) (Informational picture book. 5-10)”
- Alternate books:
o The Wolves are Back, by Jean Craighead George
o Everglades, by Jean Craighead George
o The Case of the Missing Cutthroat, Jean Craighead George
Books to read and add, if appropriate, to text set:
1. Acorn Pancakes and Dandelion Salad and 38 Other Wild Recipes
2. All Upon a Sidewalk
3. All Upon a Stone
4. The American Walk Book (INFO: The nature trails and historic walks in all sections of the United States are described. Information about plants and animals along each trail and detailed maps are included)
5. Animals Who Have Won our Hearts
6. Arctic Son
7. Autumn Moon
8. Beastly Inventions A Surprising Investigation into Just How Smart Animals Really Are
9. The Big Book for Our Planet
10. Bubo the Great Horned Own
11. The Case of the Missing Cutthroats
12. The Cats of Roxville Station
13. Cliff Hanger
14. Coyote in Manhattan
15. The Cry of the Crow: A Novel
16. Dear Katie, the Volcano is a Girl
17. Dear Rebecca, Winter is Here
18. Dipper of Copper Creek
19. Elephant Walk
20. Everglades (Orbis Pictus Recommended book)
21. The Fire Bug Connection
22. Fire Storm
23. Frightful’s Daughter
24. Frightful’s Daughter Meets the Baron Weasel
25. Frightful’s Mountain
26. The First Thanksgiving
27. Giraffe Trouble
28. Going to the Sun
29. Gorilla Gang
30. The Grizzly Bear with the Golden Ears
31. Gull Number 737
32. Hold Zero!
33. The Hole in the Tree
34. Hook a Fish Catch a Mountain
35. How to Talk to Your Animals
36. Incredible Animal Adventures
37. Julie
38. Julie of the Wolves Literature Guide
39. Julie’s Wolf Pack
40. The Last Polar Bea
41. Look to the North
42. Look to the North, A Wolf Pup Diary
43. Marvels and Mysteries of Our Animal World
44. Masked Prowler, the Story of a Raccoon
45. Meph the Pet Skunk
46. The Missing ‘Gator of Gumbo Limbo
47. Morning, Noon, and Night
48. My Side of the Mountain Trilogy
49. New York in Maps
50. Nutik and Amaroq Play Ball
51. Nutik, the Wolf Pup
52. On the Far Side of the Mountain
53. One Day in the Alpine Tundra
54. One Day in the Desert
55. One Day in the Prairie (Kirkus)
56. One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest
57. One Day in the Woods
58. Pocket Guide to the Outdoors
59. Red Robin, Fly Up!
60. Rhino Rump
61. River Rats
63. Snow Bear
64. Snow Tracks
65. Snowboard Twist
66. Spring Comes to the Ocean
67. Spring Moon
68. The Summer of the Falcon
69. Summer Moon
70. The Talking Earth
71. The Tarantula in My Purse
72. The Thirteen Moons – 13 volumes including The Moon of… the Owls, the Bears, the Salamanders, the Monarch Butterflies, the Fox Pups, the Wild Pigs, the Mountain Lions, the Chickarees, the Deer, the Alligators, the Gray Wolves, the Winter Bird and the Moles
73. There’s an Owl in the Shower
74. To Climb a Waterfall
75. Tree Castle Island
76. Vision the Mink
77. Vulpes the Red Fox
78. Water Sky (Kirkus)
79. Wentletrap Trap
80. The Wild, Wild Cook Book
81. Winter Moon
