Ruby in the Smoke

SLIS 5420- Module 9

Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

Bibliography:
Pullman, P. Ruby in the Smoke. Alfred A. Knopf. (1985).

Summary:
Sally Lockhart needs answers. Her father's untimely death in the China Sea seemed to be a tragedy of his shipping trade until a mysterious letter brings to Sally a warning and a clue. Wanting to find the truth behind Captain Lockhart's death, Sally finds herself in a web of suspicious and sinister characters, all tied together by the legend of an enchanted ruby and their desires to posess the treasure themselves. An evil old woman, threatening bodyguards, and former "friends" of her father are all in pursuit of Sally and the knowledge they believe she holds regarding the ruby. Finding help of her own from unlikely friends, Sally manages to weave through the maze of mystery created by lost journals, cryptic clues, and clouded visions brought about by the Victorian drug-of-choice, opium, to get to the bottom of her father's death.

Thoughts:

Gripped by the first page of this story, where the reader is promised both death and intrigue, I was anxious to see how Sally Lockhart, a young, seeminlgy frail girl, would turn out to be the heroine of a critically acclaimed mystery novel. As I continued to read (and was, in fact, unable to stop), I found that Sally Lockhart, though quiet and unassuming, was a complex and deep character. She is obedient to her superiors, polite, inquisitive, and yet shows bravery and initiative in seeking out the truth of her father's death, despite the dangers and unpleasantries she must face.

The assortment of characters keeps the reader on his toes, as it is possible that any of the sinister (and even seemingly innocent) men and women may be related in some form or fashion to either Sally's father, the ruby, or Sally herself. The plot twists and turns as it takes us from London to Oxford to South China, and back to the slums and opium dens of the wharf. Suspicious settings and relationships between characters add to the novel's intrigue, and I could not put it down until the death of Sally's father was resolved. Though this book does contain heartache- murder, drugs, kidnapping, etc. and has a melodramatic flair, it is just what the reader of a mystery wants to read, all neatly tied up at the end. I recommend this book to both young adult readers and adults!

Reviews:

"Pullman's Victorian melodrama boasts a sufficiency of mystery, murder, and hairbreadth escapes involving a big cast of honest and ignoble types. 'On a cold, fretful afternoon in early October 1872,' the story begins, young Sally Lockhart is in London where she tries to find out the meaning of 'the Seven Blessings.' The phrase appears in a message from her recently deceased father, drowned in the South China Sea. When a colleague of her father hears the words, he dies instantly of a heart attack. That event marks the start of crises that go on with no let-up in the colorful Dickensian tale. Sally's legacy, supposedly a fantastic ruby, is nowhere to be found. A gang of cutthroats pursue the girl and her loyal allies, as the story sweeps on to a resounding close." - Publisher's Weekly

"A rip-roaring adventure story filled with cutthroat villians, dastardly deeds, sleazy opium dens, filthy London slums, and a delightful heroine.... Splendind descriptions, plot twists and turns, and understated humor engage readers in this tale of murder, mayhem, and mystery." - School Library Journal

Ideas for Use:

Activities for this book would be fun to do in the midst of reading, rather than waiting until the end. After talking briefly about "suspects" and how mysteries provide many suspects that could be involved in the mystery, teach the students how to make a chart or web of characters, keeping track of how they relate to each other. Each student can work individually or in a group, and as characters are introduced or developed, making a chart or web will help to keep their relations with one another straight. This could also give students a chance to play "detective," making a chart or web of clues, suspects, settings, etc., and enable them to make predictions regarding the death of Captain Lockhart.

Ender's Game

SLIS 5420- Module 8





Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Bibliography:

Card, O.S. Ender's Game. Tom Doherty Associates. (1977).

Summary:

Andrew Wiggins may only be six years old, but his family and the government both know there is something special about him. Born a Third- a child concieved only by permission of the government as an exception of the population limiting laws- Ender is hoped to be of use to the government. With his thoughts, actions, and emotions "monitored" by the government since he was three, it becomes apparent that Ender is the perfect blend of his siblings: the compassion of his sister, Valentine, and the determination and relentlessness of his older brother, Peter. It is because of this blend that the government selects him for enrollment in Battle School, a school in space whose purpose is to train children to be elite soliders to fight against the buggers, space invaders who nearly wiped out the human race more than seventy years ago. It is in Battle School that Ender emerges through his innovation in war games as a natural leader, and gives the military the hope of creating their next military hero in the face of inevitable war against the buggers.

Though Ender is the best at what he does, he finds little comfort and no joy in his triumph. Pushed to his limits and beyond, Ender is forced to decide what is truly important, and finally comes to accept who it is that he is destined to be.

Thoughts:

As a less-than-enthusiastic reader of science fiction, I was skeptical when I began to read Ender's Game. Though told by peers that it was an exciting and thought-provoking read, I was afraid that the scientific concepts and technical language I associate with science fiction would prevent me from appreciating the book as some do.

I was wrong. Ender's Game hooked me from the beginning, immediately connecting me emotionally to Ender as he shared his thoughts and feelings regarding his monitor, how the monitor effected his relationship with peers and his brother, and how he worked so hard to be anything but what his brother embodied. As my emotions connected with Ender, my mind was intrigued by the concept of population limitations, government monitoring, and, ultimately, intergalactic combat and relations. The scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas presented by Card are easy to follow, yet provoke much thought and debate regarding intergalactic warfare, space travel, population limitations, and even child labor. The plot moved forward without lag, and the reader becomes even more attached to Ender, his family, friends made in Battle School, and even Graff, the commander who does what he feels is necessary to mold Ender into an unstoppable force. I would recommend Ender's Game to even the most reluctant reader of science fiction.

Reviews:

"The novel asks: What does it take to successfully lead men into battle? The buggers have invaded Earth twice. The last time mankind survived only because of the brilliance of Mazer Rackham, commander of the International Fleet. Years later, a third invasion is feared and a new commander is sought. Ender Wiggin is only six years old when he is plucked to succeed Rackham and sent to the space station Battle School. He is isolated, ridiculed, bullied, and persecuted—but he survives and thrives. Using his astonishing intelligence, the boy learns to be a top-notch solider and, despite his youth and small stature, is quickly promoted up the ranks. By the age of 12, Ender learns the art of command and earns the respect and fear of his fellow soldiers.... Despite Ender's age, this is not a children's novel. Its profound themes (and mild profanity) call for intelligent teens who appreciate a complex novel." - School Library Journal

"Card has taken the venerable sf concepts of a superman and interstellar war against aliens, and, with superb characterization, pacing and language, combined them into a seamless story of compelling power. This is Card at the height of his very considerable powers—a major sf novel by any reasonable standards." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:
This story introduces great debate between characters and even among readers regarding Graff's treatment of Ender. Though seemingly acting out of love, Graff pushes Ender to his emotional, mental, and physical limits for the sake of making him into the best possible commander. As this novel is aimed for young adults, middle school and up, it would be appropriate for its older readers to stage a debate about the treatment of Ender. One side should argue as with Graff, pointing out the merit of training Ender as he was trained. Another side should take the side of advocate for Ender and children's rights in general, and persuade the others that his treatment was inappropriate for his age and well-being. Have the class listen to the debate and decide on a winner.

The Golden Compass

SLIS 5420- Module 8





The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

Bibliography:

Pullman, P. The Golden Compass. Dell Yearling. (1995).

Summary:

Raised as a half-wild, orphan child on the grounds of Jordan College in Oxford, England, Lyra lives in ignorance of the happenings and tensions of the world around her. Through her trouble-making adventures, Lyra has a strange encounter with her uncle, Lord Arisel, and is introduced to the idea of Dust- something that the Church fears and men know little about. It is the quest of Lord Arisel to discover the source and purpose of the Dust, and Lyra wants nothing more than to accompany him on his adventures. Soon she is swept up in adventure of her own as she and the people of England learn of the disappearances of children throughout the country. Lyra sets out on a mission to find and rescue the captured children, suspecting that their disappearance is connected to the mystery of the Dust. She soon finds herself in the presence of Gobblers herself, escapes, and makes her way to the great North where the captive children are held, determined to set them free.

Aiding Lyra along the way are her daemon, an animal-like creature that is a physical representation of a human's soul (all humans have them) and an alethiometer, a golden compass of sorts that serves as a guide in decision-making for those that know how to read it. Through the use of this "golden compass," Lyra is guided in her journey to defend children from the worst fate imaginable- separation from their daemons. Though she is but a child, Lyra must muster the courage and strength to fight against powers greater than she, and be willing to risk her own life to save many.

Thoughts:

I had not heard of The Golden Compass until the release of the movie a few years ago sparked controversy and debate. Wanting to discern the nature of the story for myself, I chose to read this book as a Fantasy choice.

The book to me was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. The setting is defined but vague; the reader knows the story takes place in both England and the northern Arctic lands, but is also aware that it is a different time, with other-worldly influences. Travelling in barges and zeppelins, referring to different types of light and electricity, and the presence of daemons, animal creatures that are tied to the soul of their human companions, lets the reader know that this world is not reality.

Lyra, the main character, is all that an uncontrolled, eleven-year-old child should be. She is insolent, adventuresome, uneducated and unrefined, but still posesses and voices her fears and uncertainties. Lyra is a heroine, but one with visible and believable weaknesses. She is captured, and almost captured, escapes and fails to escape, and sees her mistakes and misunderstandings as they occur. However, there is an element of boldness and cleverness that makes the reader admire her actions and thoughts, and it is obvious why she was a good choice as a heroine.

I had a hard time keeping the "scientific" elements of the story straight in my head, especially regarding the Dust, as it is greatly undefined until the end, and even then retains some mystery. The relationships between the daemons and their human counterparts was an interesting concept, and kept me questioning how their relationship would benefit and protect each other. As a whole I found the book enjoyable, and it was not until the end that I found myself questioning its intent. Though I realize that this story is fantasy, it was hard for me to appreciate the author's misquoting and use of the Bible for the purpose of propelling his own story. I do not mind the fictional ideas and storylines that even reference something in the Bible, but I do mind that the actual words of Scripture were changed and still quoted as authoritative. The positive aspect of this poetic license is that it causes the reader to question what is real and what is fantasy, and could spark great debate and searching for Truth amidst fiction. I find that I want to read the other books in the series to find the resolution that was lacking at the end of this first book.

Reviews:

"A novel set in London and in the Arctic regions of a world that is somewhat like our own, Lyra, apparently an orphan, lives among the Scholars at Jordan College, Oxford. She becomes aware of a nefarious plot to steal children and transport them to the far north. As Lyra is drawn deeper and deeper into this mystery, she finds that the children are being made to suffer terribly. What she does not and must not know is that she is the keystone in an ancient prophecy.... This is a captivating fantasy, filled with excitement, suspense, and unusual characters. The armored bears are wonderful and more interesting than most of the humans. There is some fine descriptive writing, filled with the kind of details that encourage suspension of disbelief. The storyline moves along at a rapid clip, but flags when it delves into philisophical matters. The ending is less than satisfying, but serves as a lead-in to part two of the series." - School Library Journal

"In the first of a planned trilogy, Pullman has created a wholly developed universe, which is, as he states, much like our own but different in many ways- a world in which humans are paired with animal "daemons" that seem like alter egos, only with personalities of their own.... Filled with fast-paced action, the plot involves a secret scientific facility, where children are being severed from their daemons; warring factions; witch clans; an outcast armored bear, who bonds with Lyra, and more. It becomes evident that the future of the world and its inhabitants is in the hands of the ever-more-resilient and dedicated Lyra. A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:
Throughout the book it becomes evident that a person's daemon is a representation of who they are. As children grow and mature, their daemons take on various shapes, until settling into a shape that suits them and truly characterizes themselves and their humans. Make a list as a group of animals and certain qualities they embody (ex. dogs = loyalty; otters = playfulness, etc.).Have the students brainstorm and make a list of qualities and personality traits they see in themselves. After determining their major characteristics, have them choose a "daemon" animal that would best suit them in this other world represented in The Golden Compass.

Hope Was Here

SLIS 5420- Module 7

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Bibliography:

Bauer, J. Hope Was Here. G.P. Putnam's Sons. (2000).


Summary:

Hope is a waitress. A good one. At sixteen years old, that's both unusual and fortunate, as she and her aunt, Addie, travel across the country finding work in quality but unsuccessful diners. When a business partner swindles Addie out of her most recent Brooklyn diner's money, Hope and Addie find a new start in Wisconson, where a mediocre diner is in need of a revamp. The Welcome Stairways diner is owned by G.T. Stoop, a middle-aged man battling cancer and needing a break from the rigors of diner management. Hope struggles to adjust to life in a small town, befriends the short order cook, and finds herself swept up along with the whole town in the most recent mayoral elections, when G.T. unpredictably places his name on the ballot. Teaming up with G.T. supporters around the town, Hope becomes actively involved in proving to the townspeople why Stoop is a better candidate than the crooked incumbent, despite his struggles with cancer and lack of political experience. In the process, Hope develops a father-like relationship with Stoop and finds herself feeling more and more at home in the most unlikely of places.

Thoughts:
Knowing that this was a story of a girl raised by her aunt, constantly on the move from city to city, I was afraid that Hope Was Here would be a heart-wrenching, discouraging novel that called attention to teenagers' feelings of abandonment and unbelonging. While these themes ran through the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the more prevalent presence of hope and triumph of human spirit amidst adverse circumstances. Hope is a regular teenager with an unnatural gift for waitressing and for reading people. She struggles with typical struggles any teen on the move struggles with- fitting in, fear of the unknown. When Hope and Addie move to a new town in the middle of Wisconson (a far cry from Brooklyn!), the reader hears about how Hope handles the culture shock and ultimately finds similarities and familiarity with the people of this cheese-loving town. Trust issues are dealt with, and though Hope's mother who left her with Addie does not come back, and her father (missing since forever) does not miraculously find her, and cancer overtakes her new father figure, Hope manages to press on. The realities faced in Bauer's tale are those faced by teenagers everywhere, yet offer a look at what life can be like if one keeps a hopeful outlook rather than giving in to the problems that come about. I would recommend this book to any teenager, regardless of family life, background, or life circumstance, as all teenagers could use a lesson in hope and trust.

Reviews:

"Bauer serves up agreeable fare in this tale of a teenage waitress's search for a sense of belonging. Sixteen-year-old Hope has grown used to the nomadic life she has built with her aunt Addie, a talented diner cook. She doesn't mind the hard work it takes to make a diner hum; she seems to have inherited a knack for waiting tables from her free-spirit mom (Addie's younger sister) who abandoned her years ago. But Hope would gladly give up always having to say goodbye to friends and places she loves. When Addie accepts a new job that takes the pair from Brooklyn to the Welcome Stairways diner in Mulhoney, Wisconson, Hope never could have imagined the big changes ahead of her. She and Addie shine in the small-town milieu and gladly offer to help diner owner G.T. Stoop, who is battling leukemia, run for mayor. Along the way, Addie and Hope both find love, and Hope discovers the father figure she so desperately wanted....[Readers] are likely to gobble this up like so much comfort food." -Publisher's Weekly



"When it comes to creating strong, independent, and funny teenaged female characters, Bauer is in a class by herself and the 16-year-old waitress in this book is no exception. Hope Yancey and her Aunt Addie, a much-sought-after diner cook, have toured the country, one diner at a time. With each move, the teen leaves her mark, "HOPE WAS HERE," in ballpoint pen somewhere on the premises. Now in Mulhoney, WI, she has no idea that the residents of this small town will make their mark on her.... The mix of dealing with illness, small-town politics, and budding romance for both Hope and Addie is one that will entertain and inspire readers. Bauer tells a fast-paced, mulitlayered story with humor but does not gloss over the struggle of someone who is unable to trust, someone who has been left before, and who avoids getting close to anyone for fear of being left again...." - School Library Journal

Ideas for Use:


Get your teenagers on the campaign trail! Discuss with the class how supporters of G.T. Stoop rallied for his election, despite the odds that were stacked against him. What made him a good candidate, in spite of his illness and lack of political background? Divide the class into campaign teams, and give each team a fictional candidate with tough odds (similar to G.T.'s cancer) and a brief background (job, age, hometown, reputation, etc.). How can the teams put a positive spin n what could be problem issues in an election? Make campaign posters, slogans, etc., to pitch to the other teams. Have the class vote on the best candidate (they cannot vote for their own!) and see who comes out on top.

The Penderwicks

SLIS 5420-Module 7

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Bibliography:

Birdsall, J. The Penderwicks. Alfred A. Knopf. (2005).

Summary:

The Penderwicks is a delightful story of a family of six- four young girls (Rosalind, 12, Skye, 11, Jane, 10, and Batty, 4), their father, and their loyal dog, Hound. When their usual beach house is unexpectedly unavailable for summer vacation, the Penderwick family is afraid that they are doomed to a boring, uneventful stay at their own home. At the last minute, Mr. Penderwick gets word of a cottage for rent and books the property, sight unseen. The Penderwicks find themselves on the grounds of a mansion, full of immaculate gardens and owned by Mrs. Tifton, an uppity woman who fears that the Penderwicks' presence may negatively influence her son. Wild encounters with a neighbor's bull, raucous soccer games, midnight treks through the garden, and sneaking in and out of windows behind Mrs. Tifton's back set the stage for excitement and trouble in the Penderwicks' short stay.

Jeffrey Tifton is a delightful boy and fast friend to the Penderwick girls. Though Jeffrey desperately wants to please his mother, he does not want for himself what she wants for him- a distinguished military career. With the help of the Penderwicks and courage learned through their friendship, Jeffrey is able to stand up to his mother and bridge the gap between them. Wild encounters with a neighbor's bull, raucous soccer games, midnight treks through the garden, and sneaking around Mrs. Tifton set the stage for excitement and trouble for the Penderwicks and Jeffrey during their three week stay.

The Penderwicks uses the thoughtful attitudes of Rosalind, the feisty temper of Skye, the dreaminess of Jane, and the innocence of Batty to teach lessons in courage, friendship, and, above all, love for family.

Thoughts:

My thoughts about this book are echoed in the Booklist review below. The Penderwicks is a well-written, fun read that is reminiscent of children's stories of old. Immediately drawn in by the descriptions of sisters, all different but all lovable, I found myself relating to their relationships as I do to my own sisters. Nothing is held back- good and bad attributes of the girls are exposed and magnified through the events of the story, but the reader is able to see that all interactions are covered with the love the girls have for their family.

The events of the summer unfold quickly in a way that keeps the reader needing to know what will happen next. Jeffery, the son of the estate owner, and Cagney, the gardener, are fast friends with the girls and often pave the way for new adventures and excitement on the usually dull grounds of Arundel manor. The boys and even Mr. Penderwick, the girls' widowed father, provide depth to the story as they highlight the different qualities in each sister and interact with them all on different levels. With Skye, the hot-tempered second-oldest, Jeffrey is persistently kind in attempts to befriend her. Jane, the dreamy, melodramatic sister, knows the bravehearted and gallant Jeffery, who eggs her on in her pursuit of fantasy. Rosalind, the oldest, finds her summer crush in Cagney, the 18-year-old gardener who treats her kindly and with special attention. Batty, the typical 4-year-old, finds in both Jeffery and Cagney a brother-like protection.

Though one can hardly imagine ever being in the same situations as the Penderwicks, you cannot help but love them and relate to them as though they were your own family or neighbors. The end of the book leaves me looking forward to the next Penderwick adventure.

Reviews:

"This enjoyable tale of four sisters, a new friend, and his snooty mother is rollicking fun. The girls' father is a gentle, widowed botany professor who gives his daughters free reign but is always there to support or comfort them.... The action involves Rosalind's unrequited love for the 18-year-old gardener, Skye's enmity and then friendship with Jeffrey, Jane's improvement in her melodramatic writing style, and Batty's encounter with an angry bull whom she rather hopefully calls "nice horsey." Problems are solved and lessons learned in this wonderful, humorous book that features characters whom readers will immediately love, as well as a superb writing style. Bring on more of the Penderwicks!" - School Library Journal

"Adults who have been longing to find books for children that remind them of their own childhood favorites need look no further. Birdsall follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Enright, Edward Eager, and Noel Streatfeild, updating the family story yet keeping the old-fashioned charm. The motherless Penderwick sisters- Rosalind, 12; Skye, 11; Jane, 10; and Batty, 4- are spending the summer in a Berkshire cottage on the Arundel estate. Their botanist father and protective dog, Hound, are also in attendance, though Hound is far more involved with the girls than their absentminded professor dad. After a bad beginning, the girls become friends with Jeffrey, the son of the lady of the manor, Mrs. Tifton, whose main concern is the welfare of her garden. On one level, Birdsall might be criticized for one-dimensional characterizations (Mrs. Tifton, her boyfriend) and certain minor elements that don't ring true.... But what this comforting family story does offer are four marvelously appealing sisters, true childhood behavior... and a writing style that will draw readers close. So satisfying, the story begs for a sequel: it would be nice to see more of the Penderwicks." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:

Discuss with the students some of the adventures found in The Penderwicks. Do these sound similar or different from some of your own vacation experiences? Following in the footsteps of Jane, have children first construct their own mini-books out of construction paper. These books are to hold the story (or stories) of a summer adventure, either real, embellished, or made up entirely. Illustrate the story and share with the class.

Brian's Winter

SLIS 5420- Module 6

Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen

Bibliography:

Paulsen, G. Brian's Winter. Delacorte Press. (1996).

Summary:

In response to his reader's questions about Brian's potential for survival in the harsh Canadian winter, Gary Paulsen gives us Brian's Winter. Assuming that he had never made contact with the outside world and, therefore, remains un-rescued, Brian must learn to adapt to the cold in an effort to survive seemingly impossible situations. Awakening one morning with an abrupt awareness of the season's change, Brian realizes that he is sorely unprepared for the cold weather and its hardships. By watching the animals' preparations for winter survival, Brian learns what he must do to stay warm, protected, and fed. He winterizes his shelter by watching how beavers use mud to insulate, and notes how rabbits grow bigger feet to walk on top of the snow, resulting in Brian's homemade snowshoes. Brian channels his previous knowledge about Native Americans to bring his fire inside the shelter and to create arrows with arrowheads sharp enough to kill large game. These discoveries happen always in the nick of time, as Brian is time and time again pitted against nature in the form of weather and beasts, forcing him to rely on what he has made to protect him, feed him, and shelter him from the elements. At the end of th story, Brian has become so at home in his untouched wilderness that it is almost bittersweet when he is rescued.

Paulsen cleverly moves the plot forward as events build on each other, starting with simple survival needs and growing to greater crises- attacking bears, angry moose, and rain and snow that threaten Brian with hypothermia. Paulsen knows how to dangle the bait in the nose of the reader, providing sneaky foreshadowing at the closing of chapters and making it impossible to put the book down out of need to know what will happen. While the hero is a boy and the subject matter appeals to the male appetite for adventure, readers of all ages, backgrounds, and gender will appreciate and admire Brian's story of survival and common sense.

Thoughts:

I loved Paulsen's Hatchet, so I was excited to see how he could make Brian, seasoned as he was, survive the harsh winter without making him seem superhuman. I was unable to put the book down, driven by teasing foreshadow at the end of chapters that let me know adventure or crisis was coming. I was also touched and taken aback by such beautiful description of the untouched, pure landscape that was, by all practical purposes, trying its best to defeat Brian's survival attempts. Brian, through only 13, was able to see the landscape for the beauty that it was, in spite of the hardships he suffered because of it.

Paulsen also managed to keep Brian human, keep him 13. He did not survive out of natural instinct, but out of practical problem-solving and recollection of past knowledge. Brian was not presented as a man of the wild or natural survivor, but as a logical, critically-thinking boy who was willing to work to survive. Solutions did not fall into his lap, but he had to persevere through lack of sleep, hunger, and cold to make the preparations necessary for survival. Brian's occasional failure makes the story even more believable. He does not kill the bear, and does not shoot the moose successfully, killing it only by chance. Not every shot taken results in meat, and he learns through trial and error how to use animal skins for clothing. If these failures had not occurred, Paulsen would have run the risk of making the hero too "heroic" and unrelateable. As it is, Brian's Winter leaves the reader wondering if he or she were in the same situation, would they be able to survive as Brian did? This book almost makes the reader want to find out.

Reviews:

"First there was Hatchet, Paulsen's classic tale of a boy's survival in the north woods after a plane crash.... Now Paulsen backs up and asks readers to imagine that Brian, the hero, hadn't been rescued after all. His many fans will be only too glad to comply, revisiting Brian at the onset of a punishing Canadian winter. The pace never relents- the story begins, as it were, in the middle, with Brian already toughened up and his reflexes primed for crisis. Paulsen serves up one cliffhanger after another (a marauding bear, a charging elk), and always there are the supreme challenges of obtaining food and protection against the cold. Authoritative narration makes it easy for readers to join Brian vicariously as he wields his hatchet to whittle arrows and arrowheads and a lance, hunts game, and devises clothes out of animal skins.... The moral of the story: it pays to write your favorite author and ask for another helping." - Publisher's Weekly

"At the conclusion of Hatchet (Macmillan, 1987), Brian Robeson is rescued after surviving a plane crash and summer alone in the north Canadian woods. Now, in this second sequel, Paulsen shows what would have happened if the 13 year-old boy had been forced to endure the harsh winter. For a brief time, Brian lives in relative luxury, living off the contents of the recently recovered survival pack, which included a gun for hunting.... Suddenly aware of the changing seasons, he works frantically to winterize his shelter, fashion warmer clothes from animal skins, and construct a more powerful bow and arrow.... The same formula that worked before is successful here: the driving pace of the narration, the breathtaking descriptions of nature, and the boy who triumphs on the merits of efficient problem solving. The author's ability to cast a spell, mesmerize his audience, and provide a clinic in winter survival is reason enough to buy this novel. " - School Library Journal

Ideas for Use:

Especially appealing to boys (though equally appreciated by girls), Brian's Winter is a wonderful lead-in to a lesson or unit on the wilderness. Students can look at pictures of untouched wilderness in the winter, and identify potential problems and solutions to those problems. Older children would enjoy looking at and attempting to make arrowheads (molding out of clay would be a safer alternative to using actual rock), or hearing from a speaker that is an expert in Native American artifacts and hunting strategies.

Younger readers can attempt to make "winter" clothing such as Brian's, using paper sacks, yarn, and sticks as needles for sewing. Cut out holes or sleeves for arms, crumple and smooth the paper sack as Brian had to do for the rabbit skins. When pieces are cut out, the students may use the sticks and yarn as Brian used the hide and bones to "sew" hides together to make winter clothing. Talk about the pros and cons of this type of clothing- does it work to cover up the wearer? Is it warm enough? Was it easy to make or hard? Was it worth the trouble? Think of other ways Brian could have used the animal skins to stay warm.