1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pearsall, Shelley. 2002. TROUBLE DON’T LAST. New York, New York. Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-375-81490-6.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven-year-old Samuel was born into slavery, on Master Hackler’s Kentucky farm. When Samuel was a small child on the Hackler's plantation, his mother was sold. Thereafter, Harrison and Lilly raised Samuel. Samuel was raised in the kitchen of the big house by Lilly, the master’s cook. This story is told through the narrative voice of Samuel. This novel begins with
Samuel in trouble. Samuel breaks a plate in the presence of the Hackler's. Samuel states, “After I had broken the china plate, Master Hackler’s loud, redheaded wife, Miz Catherine, had flung her table fork at me. ‘You aren’t worth the price of a broken plate, you know that?’ she hollered, and sent one of the silver forks flying. Good thing I had sense enough not to duck my head down, so it hit right where she was aiming, square on my chin. Even though it stung all the way up my ear, I didn’t make a face. I was half-proud of myself for that. ‘You pick up every little piece.’ Miz Catherine had snapped, pointing at the floor. ‘Every single piece with those worthless, black fingers of your, and I’ll decide what to do about your carelessness.’” For Samuel’s punishment, Master Hackler throws Samuel's blankets outside the kitchen door and informs Lilly that Samuel can not sleep near the hearth for the night. After this incident, Harrison remembers his past and realizes that this is only the beginning of poor Samuel’s troubles. Harrison’s back is laced with scars from a lifetime of cowhide lashings he received from Master Hackler's whip. Harrison tells Samuel to “sleep with your top eye open tonight.” This begins the saga of two runaway slaves known as Harrison and Samuel. This story is action-packed and filled with close calls and thrilling quests for two fugitive slaves trying to run to a life of freedom in Canada.
As noted by Shelly Pearsall, during their flight, Harrison and Samuel are aided by interesting characters, most of which are based on real life people. This novel is thrilling, gripping, and jam-packed with terrific plot twists and well-rounded characters. TROUBLE DON’T LAST is a fantastic novel for young readers.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shelly Pearsall is a former schoolteacher and historian. Pearsall received the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction for TROUBLE DON’T LAST. In this novel, there is a clear distinction between fact and theory. The layout of TROUBLE DON’T LAST is logical and coherent. The text is sequential and reference aids such as a table of content, subheadings,
a map of Samuel and Harrison’s Journey of 1859, and a very informative section entitled “Author’s Notes” are included in this fabulous historical novel. The book’s cover is inviting and attractive. Pearsall’s writing is engaging and interesting. She does not talk down to her readers.
The characters in TROUBLE DON’T LAST are Samuel, Harrison, Lilly, Miz Catherine, and Master Hackler. This story is set on a Kentucky Plantation farm in 1859, a year before the Civil War begins. In the section entitled "Author's Notes," Mrs. Pearsall states, “ I chose the southern Ohio and northern region for my setting since it had been very active area for the Underground Railroad. I selected the year 1859 because Congress passed a national law called the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, which affected everyone involved in the Underground Railroad. Severe penalties such as heavy fines and jail time awaited anyone-white or black-who helped or harbored runaway slaves anywhere in the United States after 1850.” Pearsall states, “Most of the events and names used in this novel are real, but they come from many different sources. I discovered names like Ordee Lee and Ham and Eggs in old letters and records of the Underground Railroad. The character of Hetty Scott is based on a description I found in John Parker’s autobiography. The heart-wrenching tale of Ordee Lee saving the locks of hair of his family comes from a salve’s actual account.”
TROUBLE DON’T LAST is an excellent read aloud for students in fifth grade and above. My son read this book in one afternoon. He could not put this wonderful book down and said that this is the best book he has ever read! After reading TROUBLE DON’T LAST, my son was on his computer researching the Underground Railroad and the Fugitive Slave Act. This novel encourages critical thinking and makes the reader want to learn more about slavery.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This memorable portrayal . . . proves gripping from beginning to end.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A thrilling escape story, right until the last chapter.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Strong characters and an innovative, suspenseful plot distinguish Pearsall’s first novel . . . A compelling story.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “One of the best Underground Railroad narratives in recent years . . . This succeeds as a suspenseful historical adventure.”
TEACHER MAGAZINE: “Pearsall’s heartbreaking, yet hopeful story provides a fine supplement to lessons on slavery.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*In TROUBLE DON”T LAST, Samuel has a set of clay marbles until Miz Catherine took them away. Allow students to make a set of clay marbles that Samuel might have made while in Canada. Students are to create designs that Samuel may have utilized that represent freedom.
*Allow students to write about their favorite part of the book and illustrate their creative writing story using visual elements and symbols from TROUBLE DON’T LAST.
*Allow students to read other books set during slavery. Compare and contrast the lives of these characters in a class book.
*Other stories about slavery:
Paulsen, Gary. NIGHTJOHN. ISBN 0440219361
Gorrell, Gena K. NORTH STAR TO FREEDOM: THE STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. ISBN 0385323190
Carbone, Elisa. STEALING FREEDOM. ISBN 0440417074
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Genre 5-THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1995. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963. New York, New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc. ISBN 0385321759
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 is told through the entertaining world of a ten-year-old boy named Kenny Watson. Kenny and his family are from Flint, Michigan. Kenny’s family includes his Momma, Dad, Joetta, and Bryon. Bryon is considered the family’s “official Juvenile delinquent.” When Bryon gets into trouble for the very last time, his parents decide to take a road trip with him and the other family members to Grandma’s Sands house in Birmingham, Alabama. This begins a trip for the Watson’s that brings the full thrust of the Civil Rights Movement to the forefront. The Watson’s family journey will be one filled with tragedy, humor, and realism.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The setting for THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 is during the Civil Rights Movement. The story takes place in two cities. The two cities are the Watson’s hometown Of Flint, Michigan and Grandma Sands’ hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.The novel begins with the Watson family trying to stay warm on a bitterly cold winter’s day. Kenny state, “It was
one of those super-duper-cold Saturdays. One of those days that when you breathed out your breath kind of hung frozen in the air like a hunk of smoke and you could walk along and look exactly like a train blowing out big, fat white puffs of smoke.”
In Christopher Paul Curtis’ epilogue, he states, “At the time of the Watson’s family trip, the U.S. South was caught up in a struggle for basic human rights that became known as the civil rights movement.” Curtis further adds, “The characters and events in this novel are fictional. However, there were many unsolved bombings in Birmingham at the time of the story, including the one that took place at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. Four young-teenage girls-Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley-were killed when a bomb went off during Sunday school.”
The characters in THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 are Kenny, Bryon, Joetta, Momma, and Dad. Kenny Watson is the protagonist of Curtis’ historical novel. Kenny and the other members of the Watson family seem real and believable. The Watson’s set off on a family trip that could have actually happened.This historical novel is believable and accurate. The plot is not overwhelmed by details and is realistic to the time period. Further, the theme of devoted family love reflects the attitudes, values, and morals of the times of then and now. In this novel, Curtis' writing style showers the readers with the essence of the Civil Rights Movement. The Watson’s speech patterns enhance the characters. For example, Kenny says, “ He gave me his famous Death Stare, then leaned over Joey and whispered, ‘No cars, no cows, but I counted yo’ momma six times already.’ I couldn’t believe it! What kind of person would talk about their own momma? I said, ‘That’s your mother too, stupid!’ I knew he didn’t care, though. But I had to get him back, so I said, ‘You might have counted my momma six times, but have you counted your mouth lately, Lipless Wonder?’ I got him! He showed his teeth and said, ‘You little. . .’ and tried to grab me. Dad’s eye was in the rearview mirror. “All right, you two, I said no nonsense and I don’t mean maybe.’ Bryon used silent language to say, ‘I’m gonna jack you up in Alabama, you punk!’ I felt pretty good. Even though every time I looked at By his eyes were crossed I didn’t care because this one time I bugged him more than he bugged me!”
This wonderful historical book is created with the crucial literary elements which makes a magnificent novel. In conclusion, THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 includes accurate historical facts and clear sequential information for this time period. The facts are presented by the characters in a clear, lively, and interesting dialogue. Further, the reference aids included in this well-thought-out book are subheadings and an epilogue. Finally, the black and white photographs in the front and back cover of this novel are attractive and inviting. This novel is superb reading for all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEELY: "An exceptional first novel."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “Superb . . . a warmly memorable evocation of an African American family."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: "Marvelous . . . both comic and deeply moving." Starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit.” 5. CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to make a photographic time line of the Civil Rights Movement. Students are to utilize the internet to find pictures of the times to illustrate the events. Students are to explain to the class the events on their timeline and discuss why they choose their photographs.
*Students are to make a collage that shows how the life of an African American in the early 1960s would have differed from that of a white person in the south.
*Students are to use the internet and trade book to research the "Jim Crow" laws.
*Allow students to utilize a KWL organizer.
*Other books for children on the Civil Rights Movement:
Turck, Mary C. THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT FOR KIDS: A HISTORY WITH 21 ACTIVITIES. ISBN 155652370
Ringgold, Faith. IF A BUS COULD TALK: THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS. ISBN 0689856768
Mcwhorter, Diane. A DREAM OF FREEDOM: THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. ISBN 0439576784
Bridges, Ruby. THROUGH MY EYES. ISBN 0590189239
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1995. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963. New York, New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc. ISBN 0385321759
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 is told through the entertaining world of a ten-year-old boy named Kenny Watson. Kenny and his family are from Flint, Michigan. Kenny’s family includes his Momma, Dad, Joetta, and Bryon. Bryon is considered the family’s “official Juvenile delinquent.” When Bryon gets into trouble for the very last time, his parents decide to take a road trip with him and the other family members to Grandma’s Sands house in Birmingham, Alabama. This begins a trip for the Watson’s that brings the full thrust of the Civil Rights Movement to the forefront. The Watson’s family journey will be one filled with tragedy, humor, and realism.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The setting for THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 is during the Civil Rights Movement. The story takes place in two cities. The two cities are the Watson’s hometown Of Flint, Michigan and Grandma Sands’ hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.The novel begins with the Watson family trying to stay warm on a bitterly cold winter’s day. Kenny state, “It was
one of those super-duper-cold Saturdays. One of those days that when you breathed out your breath kind of hung frozen in the air like a hunk of smoke and you could walk along and look exactly like a train blowing out big, fat white puffs of smoke.”
In Christopher Paul Curtis’ epilogue, he states, “At the time of the Watson’s family trip, the U.S. South was caught up in a struggle for basic human rights that became known as the civil rights movement.” Curtis further adds, “The characters and events in this novel are fictional. However, there were many unsolved bombings in Birmingham at the time of the story, including the one that took place at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. Four young-teenage girls-Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley-were killed when a bomb went off during Sunday school.”
The characters in THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 are Kenny, Bryon, Joetta, Momma, and Dad. Kenny Watson is the protagonist of Curtis’ historical novel. Kenny and the other members of the Watson family seem real and believable. The Watson’s set off on a family trip that could have actually happened.This historical novel is believable and accurate. The plot is not overwhelmed by details and is realistic to the time period. Further, the theme of devoted family love reflects the attitudes, values, and morals of the times of then and now. In this novel, Curtis' writing style showers the readers with the essence of the Civil Rights Movement. The Watson’s speech patterns enhance the characters. For example, Kenny says, “ He gave me his famous Death Stare, then leaned over Joey and whispered, ‘No cars, no cows, but I counted yo’ momma six times already.’ I couldn’t believe it! What kind of person would talk about their own momma? I said, ‘That’s your mother too, stupid!’ I knew he didn’t care, though. But I had to get him back, so I said, ‘You might have counted my momma six times, but have you counted your mouth lately, Lipless Wonder?’ I got him! He showed his teeth and said, ‘You little. . .’ and tried to grab me. Dad’s eye was in the rearview mirror. “All right, you two, I said no nonsense and I don’t mean maybe.’ Bryon used silent language to say, ‘I’m gonna jack you up in Alabama, you punk!’ I felt pretty good. Even though every time I looked at By his eyes were crossed I didn’t care because this one time I bugged him more than he bugged me!”
This wonderful historical book is created with the crucial literary elements which makes a magnificent novel. In conclusion, THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 includes accurate historical facts and clear sequential information for this time period. The facts are presented by the characters in a clear, lively, and interesting dialogue. Further, the reference aids included in this well-thought-out book are subheadings and an epilogue. Finally, the black and white photographs in the front and back cover of this novel are attractive and inviting. This novel is superb reading for all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEELY: "An exceptional first novel."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “Superb . . . a warmly memorable evocation of an African American family."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: "Marvelous . . . both comic and deeply moving." Starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit.” 5. CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to make a photographic time line of the Civil Rights Movement. Students are to utilize the internet to find pictures of the times to illustrate the events. Students are to explain to the class the events on their timeline and discuss why they choose their photographs.
*Students are to make a collage that shows how the life of an African American in the early 1960s would have differed from that of a white person in the south.
*Students are to use the internet and trade book to research the "Jim Crow" laws.
*Allow students to utilize a KWL organizer.
*Other books for children on the Civil Rights Movement:
Turck, Mary C. THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT FOR KIDS: A HISTORY WITH 21 ACTIVITIES. ISBN 155652370
Ringgold, Faith. IF A BUS COULD TALK: THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS. ISBN 0689856768
Mcwhorter, Diane. A DREAM OF FREEDOM: THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. ISBN 0439576784
Bridges, Ruby. THROUGH MY EYES. ISBN 0590189239
Genre 5-JOAN OF ARC
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 1998. JOAN OF ARC. New York, New York: Morrow Junior Books Publishing. ISBN 0688143296
2. PLOT SUMMARY
JOAN OF ARC is a historical picture book written and illustrated by Diane Stanley. This book gives a very detailed description of a fifteenth-century French peasant girl, who leads her war-torn country into successful battles against England. Further, Diane Stanley relates how this astounding heroine was burned at the stake for witchcraft. Moreover, Diane Stanley’s accounts in JOAN OF ARC enlightens the reader as to why she is considered France’s embodiment of national pride. JOAN OF ARC is a biography of tragic martyrdom and sheer determined bravery.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This historical picture book offers a fabulous sequential description of seven years in the life of an unforgettable saint, Joan of Arc. She was a valiant, and ill-fated character. Readers will be fascinated when they learn that this historical picture book reveals Joan of Arc's youth from thirteen to nineteen. Amazingly, Joan’s life before becoming a teenager was very ordinary. For example, “The future savior of France was much like all the other little girls in the village of Domremy. She was an ordinary peasant child, sunburned and strong, used to hard work. Sometimes she helped her father out in fields or in the garden. On other days, she looked after the animals. But mostly, she stayed at home with her mother and did housework. She was especially proud of her skill at spinning and sewing.” Further, after reading this historical picture book, readers will discover that Joan of Arc could not read or write. For example, “Joan dictated these letters and someone else wrote them for her, since she never learned to read, nor could she write anything but her own name, which she spelled Jehanne.” Moreover, Readers will learn that Joan of Arc’s accomplishes a great deal in her very short lifespan. Thus, almost five hundred years after her death, she was declared as a saint.
Diane Stanley's artwork, in this historical picture book, flawlessly stands out. Stanley effortlessly presents all facts with such insightfulness the reader is left with wanting to know more about Joan of Arc. Stanley presents the reader with clear, lively, and interesting facts about Joan of Arc. Stanley reveals her passion and enthusiasm for her female protagonist. For instance, “Joan was given a dress to wear, but men’s clothing was left in her cell, as if her captors were daring her to put it back on. Indeed, four days later, Joan defied the Church and doomed herself by once again dressing as a man. She supposedly told Cauchon that she had done it willingly, preferring death to life in an English prison.”
Stanley leaves her readers in awe with her superb illustrations. Diane Stanley’s illustrations are appropriate and accurate for this time period. Stanley’s picture book illustrations complement the text and are attractive and interesting. The front cover of JOAN OF ARC is lively and detailed with gold and jewel-toned colors that were common in documents of that time period. Diane Stanley’s use of mediums such as colored pencils and watercolors reveal why the illustrators portraits range from soft pastel watercolors to lavish artwork filled with intricate and painstaking straight lines and simple shapes. Diane Stanely’s illustrations are extremely eye-catching and museum worthy. I especially like the illustration of Joan of Arc in prison. This biographical picture book is a must read for second grade and above. My students love this picture book and they wanted me to read it over and over again. They were fascinated with the illustrations too! For days, I would see my students imitating Stanely’s illustrations in our classroom art center.
JOAN OF ARC is a well-written biographical picture book with accurate facts. Further, this picture book’s layout is logical, sequential, and coherent. Stanley reference aids in JOAN OF ARC includes background information about the Hundred Years War, a pronunciation guide, a map of England and France, author’s notes, bibliography, and recommended books for younger readers. Children of all ages will find JOAN OF ARC a fascinating biographical picture book.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred Review PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Appealing to the audience's intelligence and imagination, this book stimulates an interest in both its particular subject, Joan of Arc, and history in general.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This magnificent picture book exemplifies the author's talent for historical research, skill in writing clear and interesting prose, and ability to adopt
different art styles and techniques appropriate to her subject. Joan of Arc's story is both history and mystery. How a peasant girl living in a class-structured century, a female in a man's world of war and politics, an unlettered visionary in a church-dominated society could change the course of history has been an ever-intriguing puzzle. Stanley finds answers in Joan's own words spoken before the Inquisition during her trial for heresy and in the 115 eyewitness accounts recorded in the Trial of Rehabilitation held after her martyrdom. From these 15th-century documents and other sources, the author weaves an absorbing and convincing story of a naive, brave, and driven young woman willing to face death to accomplish God's will as she heard it in her "voices." Stanley does not answer the question of whether Joan's role was divine or human in origin, concluding, "Sometimes, in studying history, we have to accept what we know and let the rest remain a mystery." The meticulously designed pages and colorful, decoratively framed illustrations are full of details from Joan's era. Decorative banners, costumes, scenes with crowds of soldiers and nobles, rooms with patterned floors, and gabled houses and crenellated castles reflect the bright world of the Flemish art of the late Middle Ages. Joan is pictured as young and serene, an innocent child among a throng of cynical warriors and disapproving priests. This narrative description of the greatest of French saints is a work of art, a good story, and a model of historical writing.”
PARENT CHOICE: “In this soberly respectful, impressively
researched and beautifully illustrated telling of the story of Joan of Arc, Diane Stanley has achieved a remarkable tour de force. Not only are her lucid acrylic paintings reminiscent of medieval manuscript illuminations both in their craftsmanship and spiritual content, but her words make us understand and sympathize with the religious faith and patriotic fervor of the Maid of Orleans. Every quote in her retelling of Joan's brave leadership of the French army to victory over the English is taken from the transcripts of Joan's eventual trial for heresy. Stanley makes us understand Joan's piety and the awesome achievements of this peasant girl, only 13 at the time of her first visions. This work is an admirable achievement.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Allow students to draw their favorite part of the book using jewel- tones, watercolors, pencils, and collage medium. After completion, arrange artwork on the classroom walls.
* Students are to write a story about Joan of Arc using details from the book. Students are to share their story with the class.
*Other picture book biographies by Diane Stanley:
Stanley, Diane. BARD OF AVON: THE STORY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. ISBN 0688162940
Stanley, Diane. CHARLES DICKENS: THE MAN WHO HAD GREAT EXPECTATIONS. ISBN 0688091105
Stanley, Diane. CLEOPATRA. ISBN 0688154808
Stanley, Diane. LEONARDO DA VINCI. ISBN 068810438
Stanley, Diane. 1998. JOAN OF ARC. New York, New York: Morrow Junior Books Publishing. ISBN 0688143296
2. PLOT SUMMARY
JOAN OF ARC is a historical picture book written and illustrated by Diane Stanley. This book gives a very detailed description of a fifteenth-century French peasant girl, who leads her war-torn country into successful battles against England. Further, Diane Stanley relates how this astounding heroine was burned at the stake for witchcraft. Moreover, Diane Stanley’s accounts in JOAN OF ARC enlightens the reader as to why she is considered France’s embodiment of national pride. JOAN OF ARC is a biography of tragic martyrdom and sheer determined bravery.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This historical picture book offers a fabulous sequential description of seven years in the life of an unforgettable saint, Joan of Arc. She was a valiant, and ill-fated character. Readers will be fascinated when they learn that this historical picture book reveals Joan of Arc's youth from thirteen to nineteen. Amazingly, Joan’s life before becoming a teenager was very ordinary. For example, “The future savior of France was much like all the other little girls in the village of Domremy. She was an ordinary peasant child, sunburned and strong, used to hard work. Sometimes she helped her father out in fields or in the garden. On other days, she looked after the animals. But mostly, she stayed at home with her mother and did housework. She was especially proud of her skill at spinning and sewing.” Further, after reading this historical picture book, readers will discover that Joan of Arc could not read or write. For example, “Joan dictated these letters and someone else wrote them for her, since she never learned to read, nor could she write anything but her own name, which she spelled Jehanne.” Moreover, Readers will learn that Joan of Arc’s accomplishes a great deal in her very short lifespan. Thus, almost five hundred years after her death, she was declared as a saint.
Diane Stanley's artwork, in this historical picture book, flawlessly stands out. Stanley effortlessly presents all facts with such insightfulness the reader is left with wanting to know more about Joan of Arc. Stanley presents the reader with clear, lively, and interesting facts about Joan of Arc. Stanley reveals her passion and enthusiasm for her female protagonist. For instance, “Joan was given a dress to wear, but men’s clothing was left in her cell, as if her captors were daring her to put it back on. Indeed, four days later, Joan defied the Church and doomed herself by once again dressing as a man. She supposedly told Cauchon that she had done it willingly, preferring death to life in an English prison.”
Stanley leaves her readers in awe with her superb illustrations. Diane Stanley’s illustrations are appropriate and accurate for this time period. Stanley’s picture book illustrations complement the text and are attractive and interesting. The front cover of JOAN OF ARC is lively and detailed with gold and jewel-toned colors that were common in documents of that time period. Diane Stanley’s use of mediums such as colored pencils and watercolors reveal why the illustrators portraits range from soft pastel watercolors to lavish artwork filled with intricate and painstaking straight lines and simple shapes. Diane Stanely’s illustrations are extremely eye-catching and museum worthy. I especially like the illustration of Joan of Arc in prison. This biographical picture book is a must read for second grade and above. My students love this picture book and they wanted me to read it over and over again. They were fascinated with the illustrations too! For days, I would see my students imitating Stanely’s illustrations in our classroom art center.
JOAN OF ARC is a well-written biographical picture book with accurate facts. Further, this picture book’s layout is logical, sequential, and coherent. Stanley reference aids in JOAN OF ARC includes background information about the Hundred Years War, a pronunciation guide, a map of England and France, author’s notes, bibliography, and recommended books for younger readers. Children of all ages will find JOAN OF ARC a fascinating biographical picture book.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred Review PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Appealing to the audience's intelligence and imagination, this book stimulates an interest in both its particular subject, Joan of Arc, and history in general.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This magnificent picture book exemplifies the author's talent for historical research, skill in writing clear and interesting prose, and ability to adopt
different art styles and techniques appropriate to her subject. Joan of Arc's story is both history and mystery. How a peasant girl living in a class-structured century, a female in a man's world of war and politics, an unlettered visionary in a church-dominated society could change the course of history has been an ever-intriguing puzzle. Stanley finds answers in Joan's own words spoken before the Inquisition during her trial for heresy and in the 115 eyewitness accounts recorded in the Trial of Rehabilitation held after her martyrdom. From these 15th-century documents and other sources, the author weaves an absorbing and convincing story of a naive, brave, and driven young woman willing to face death to accomplish God's will as she heard it in her "voices." Stanley does not answer the question of whether Joan's role was divine or human in origin, concluding, "Sometimes, in studying history, we have to accept what we know and let the rest remain a mystery." The meticulously designed pages and colorful, decoratively framed illustrations are full of details from Joan's era. Decorative banners, costumes, scenes with crowds of soldiers and nobles, rooms with patterned floors, and gabled houses and crenellated castles reflect the bright world of the Flemish art of the late Middle Ages. Joan is pictured as young and serene, an innocent child among a throng of cynical warriors and disapproving priests. This narrative description of the greatest of French saints is a work of art, a good story, and a model of historical writing.”
PARENT CHOICE: “In this soberly respectful, impressively
researched and beautifully illustrated telling of the story of Joan of Arc, Diane Stanley has achieved a remarkable tour de force. Not only are her lucid acrylic paintings reminiscent of medieval manuscript illuminations both in their craftsmanship and spiritual content, but her words make us understand and sympathize with the religious faith and patriotic fervor of the Maid of Orleans. Every quote in her retelling of Joan's brave leadership of the French army to victory over the English is taken from the transcripts of Joan's eventual trial for heresy. Stanley makes us understand Joan's piety and the awesome achievements of this peasant girl, only 13 at the time of her first visions. This work is an admirable achievement.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Allow students to draw their favorite part of the book using jewel- tones, watercolors, pencils, and collage medium. After completion, arrange artwork on the classroom walls.
* Students are to write a story about Joan of Arc using details from the book. Students are to share their story with the class.
*Other picture book biographies by Diane Stanley:
Stanley, Diane. BARD OF AVON: THE STORY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. ISBN 0688162940
Stanley, Diane. CHARLES DICKENS: THE MAN WHO HAD GREAT EXPECTATIONS. ISBN 0688091105
Stanley, Diane. CLEOPATRA. ISBN 0688154808
Stanley, Diane. LEONARDO DA VINCI. ISBN 068810438
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