Karate Hour by Carol Nevius, Illustrated by Bill Thomson

Soccer, dance lessons, and baseball are common sports for young children to try. Not so common is karate. However, in this book, Karate Hour, Carol Nevius shares highlights of karate through some of the moves students perform and the values karate upholds. Karate teaches a child to be well-rounded, gaining respect for others, self-defense skills, and other lifelong messages. Nevius presents her text with a rhythmic pattern every two lines. For example, "Karate hour is starting now. Dressed and belted, we all bow." Common words used during karate such as "Ki-ai!" and "Hai-ya! are used to show the distinct language used in this sport.

At the end of this picture book, I found it interesting that Nevius includes an author's note with nonfiction information about karate. This includes the origins of karate, what students begin to learn, the uniform or gi, and the different rankings and their order. Through this book, I gained a new understanding of the art of karate and how it is more than just breaking a board but rather is a process on self-control and self-discipline in mind and body. The last page, giving the Dojo Kun, or training rules, summarizes the purpose of karate well: "Seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior."

This story though would not be complete without the pictures. Bill Thomson takes a photographer's point-of-view in making his illustrations. The unique perspectives capture different angles and stances of the children practicing karate. The first page depicts an aerial view looking down upon the students. One of the children is shown with a walker, showing that having a disability does not stop a person from pursuing their goals and interests. Another picture is at ground level with a girl stretching. It is her foot that has the most detail since it is in the frame of focus. In addition, the illustrations are in black and white except for the color of the children's belts. The limited amounts of color helped me more accurately see the children's range of expressions and adds drama to the story. This book may inspire students to pursue new interests and realize previously unknown things about themselves.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

This Newbery Award-winning book, Out of the Dust, tells the trying story of Billy Jo as she encounters numerous obstacles during the Dust Bowl years. Set in 1934 and 1935, not only was the Dust Bowl occurring in places like Oklahoma but also the Great Depression continued, leaving families destitute and forlorn. Told in poetic verse from the perspective of fourteen-year-old Billy Jo, Billy Jo writes a heartwrenching, honest story that captures the painstaking, grim realities of this time and her situation. In a freak accident, Billy Jo's mother dies, which causes both Billy Jo and her father to place blame on themselves. Over the course of the novel, Billy Jo must learn to forgive both her father and herself while also finding her roots.

The free-verse poetic writing of this novel is what sets this novel apart for me. Billy Jo writes so honestly and openly that I lose myself in her words. Billy Jo uses vivid imagery to describe her multiple ordeals and hardships through her expression of her emotions and descriptions of the land. The reader visualizes and tastes the biting, swirling, intoxicating dust settling everywhere and making its presence known. In one of Billy's Jo's entries entitled 'The Dream' the verse spreads itself as though Billy Jo is in a dream-like state as she writes this. Just when Billy Jo gets a glimmer of hope that rain might be coming, a new dust storm often arises, and hope dissipates for the time being.

Despite all that goes on, I found myself admiring Billy Jo and her strong character. After her mother's death, Billy Jo attempts to go on with everyday life while her dad gradually decays into shambles. Billy Jo manages to maintain dignity and faith amidst grief, sadness, and grim realities. Her love for piano-playing reminds me of the importance of finding one's special talent when all other things in life are not going in the right direction. Although Billy Jo's situation is rather miserable, she perseveres and becomes the heroine of the novel. Intended for upper elementary students, this novel would nicely correspond with social studies lessons about the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

Out of the Dust also reminds readers that we long to know our roots. Billy Jo in particular hopes to get "out of the dust," and she rides a boxcar all the way to Flagstaff, Arizona where she realizes that all she wants to do is go back home. Reconnecting with her father, Billy Jo finds solace in Oklahoma and leaves the reader with a glimmer of hope for Billy Jo and her father's future. This themes of self-discovery and emerging identity capture the feelings of many early adolescent girls. Out of the Dust is a memorable account of the raw emotions associated with the 1930s during the Great Depression.

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco

War. Children know the word, but do not necessarily know the consequences of it. In the story The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco, Polacco tells the story of Monique, a young French girl who realizes the challenges and prejudice faced by Jews in France. One night, Monique mistakes a Jewish girl named Severine as a "little ghost," but then realizes Severine and her family live in her house hidden in the basement. The two girls become friends and confidantes until one night a neighbor catches the sight of the two girls, causing an unplanned flight for Severine's Jewish family. Monique must watch her go.

Most striking to me was that this is a true story of the French Resistance. Polacco's aunt is Monique, whose mother Marcel was "part of the underground and resistance even before the Nazis occupied France." Accounts such as these always amaze me because I think of the risk involved with hiding Jewish families and being part of the resistance. Even from Monique's child perspective, she soon realized the unfair danger and threats Jewish families faced during World War II. Polacco's drawings depict dissipating childhood innocence and the reality of the times.

The title itself, The Butterfly, adds additional heartwrenching and heartfelt moments to the story. Nazis seize a butterfly Monique was looking at and crushes it in their fists. It is also a butterfly that causes Sevrine and her family to escape after Monique and Severine let the butterfly free. Finally, a gathering of butterflies arrives at the end of the story. The butterflies show the strive for freedom that the Jewish people long for despite obstacles such as violence and discrimination along the way. Yet, both the butterfly and Jewish family's long, difficult struggles will not last forever. According to young Monique, "It's a sign, Maman, a miracle! Severine sent them, I know it! She and her parents are safe!"

After the story, the author's note itself stirred raw emotions in me. A true story, two years after the liberation of France, Monique and Marcel received a letter that read, "Je vive! (I live) Sevrine." Stories such as The Butterfly reveal people's humanity even in the darkest times. Patricia Polacco is also the author of Pink and Say, which is an equally moving story about two unlikely friends during the Civil War who rely on each other during tough times. Polacco writes with her heart and soul in all of her stories. These two particular stories, The Butterfly and Pink and Say, which have been passed down from generation to generation, are striking and beautifully written in Polacco's prose.

Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

At first glance at the front cover of this book, the subject of the book is obvious due to the picture of the historical figure, but the title is not so obvious. A solid, illustrated headshot of Abraham Lincoln spans the length of the front cover. Only by flipping to the back cover does the author reveal the title of this biography: Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. Rappaport describes Abe Lincoln's life in an easy prose style. The realistic illustrations support the text and present the triumphs and hardships Abraham Lincoln faced during his life.

Both the author and illustrator did background work on Abraham Lincoln's life before starting on their work. The illustrator visited the places Abraham Lincoln had lived so that he could better understand Lincoln as an individual. Rappaport focused on Lincoln's written speeches interviews, and letters. Both the author and illustrator depict the distinctive man Lincoln was. From humble beginnings, he changed the construct of the world for the better.

Every page spans Lincoln's life, but also on each several pages are direct quotes taken from Lincoln himself. Whether it is from a letter or a speech, the quotes show the compassion, morals, and values Abraham Lincoln had. In reference to education, Lincoln states, "Upon the subject of education, I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." His strong work ethic and perseverance to gain respect and political power uphold the image of Abraham Lincoln as honest Abe.

In addition, the supplementary materials at the end of the book allow for a more in depth look at Lincoln's life. This includes a timeline with important dates, more books to read, and websites to visit. Most significantly, the Gettsyburg Address appears on the last page, which serves to reiterate the lasting influence Abraham Lincoln has had on America.

Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by Colin Bootman

Heartfelt and endearing, Almost to Freedom tells a story of the Underground Railroad. Narrated by the young girl's rag doll, Sally, Sally encapsulates the meanings of loyalty, faith, hope, and love. Lindy, the young girl, and her mother, Miz Rachel, work on a plantation as slaves. One night Miz Rachel wakes Lindy announcing to escape to freedom, and Sally is along for the journey. At one of their pit stops along the railroad, however, slave catchers arrive, causing Lindy and her family to leave in a hurry. Sally is left behind. Soon another slave family arrives, and Sally receives a new owner. Sally says about Lindy "I sure do miss her, but I's mighty glad to be Willa's doll baby.

What fascinated me most about this story was not only having it told from the doll's perspective but also the use of southern dialect. With improper grammar usage, Nelson takes the reader back to the 1850s. The dialect helps capture the mood of the story. The heavy thematic elements to this story make me recommend this story to mature elementary students who have a concept of what slavery is. Situations such as slaves being sold and slaves being whipped arise, showing the brutality and severity of slavery.

In addition to the dialect, this book alluded to a few slaves songs sung in the field such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Steal Away Home." I felt like this added to feelings of courage, strength, and hope that translates throughout the story. I found the story compelling because of all the different dimensions of slavery Nelson refers to. The list of historical words and phrases at the end of the book also gives students vocabulary practice.

The illustrations served to supplement the story. Since the majority of the story took place at night, Bootman makes the sky light up with stars. I also found it interesting that light yellow was the chosen color for the inside sheets rather than a dark color of the night. This again signifies the hope of freedom because of the Underground Railroad.

Dandelions by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Greg Shed

A story of moving west, Dandelions portrays the widespread emotions that come from life adjustment and a new situation. Having left her grandparents' house, Zoe and her family, Papa, Mama, Rebecca, and a baby on the way, travel across the great unknown and mysterious west where grass stretches as far as the eye can see. Papa expresses great joy and excitment while Mama remains hesitant and sad. With land of their own, Zoe's family must make it their own. They attempt to make their new location a place to be called home.

As the summary above describes, this story "was about more than the dandelions. I could feel it." Papa plants dandelions on top of the house that will hopefully one day cover the roof. However, just as the family's adjustment takes time so do the dandelion's roots. "Their roots have to take hold first. It isn't easy being transplanted." The dandelion metaphor captures the essense of this story.

I noticed that the picture on the cover along with the first few pictures creates indistinguishable faces. It seems as though this family traveling west could be anyone. Their story is not unique until they arrive at the location of their new home. Although the story is mainly in the words, the illustrations display an extra dimension that shows the vastness of the west. Greg Shed, the illustrator, varies the pictures by having some span the width of two pages while others cover one full page. The richness of the painted illustrations completed the story for me. I liked how the story ended with a picture set off by itself with no words included. The final picture shows the family's soddie house blooming rich with dandelions. Just as the dandelions have made their roots on the roof, the family has set roots in the west. This compelling story defines the meaning of moving. The pain...the hardship...the unknown...but also the hope.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, Illustrated by Dom Lee

Certain pieces of history sometimes pass us by. In this historical fiction piece, Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, Mochizuki makes us relive history from the perspective of a young Japanese American boy. Forced into Japanese American internment camps during World War II, "Shorty," the narrator, and other Japanese Americans encounter difficult internment camp conditions. To combat the isolation and monotony of the day, Shorty's dad comes up with the idea to construct a baseball diamond. Baseball serves as an outlet from the war. Shorty's baseball skills are limited at first, but he soon proves both to his fellow Japanese Americans and later to the outside world that he can succeed.

This inspiring story provides a unique look into the thoughts and feelings of Japanese Americans during World War II. It also makes the reader question what it means to be American. As Shorty's dad states, "...the government thinks we can't be trusted. But it's wrong that we're in here. We're Americans too." Stereotypes permeate and affect the lives of American citizens, especially in times of stress and conflict.

I found it interesting that Mochizuki puts an author's note at the beginning of this book explaining what internment camps were. This book can educate both young and old students because I know that I was not aware of the Japanese internment camps until high school history. In addition, the illustrations captured the internment camp environment accurately. On the copywrite page, it is noted that "Some of the illustrations were inspired by photographs taken by Ansel Adams of the Manzanar internment camp in 1943." One oil paint illustration in particular shows the humiliation suffered by Japanese Americans as they wait in line outside the barracks to eat or to use the bathroom. They lose their sense of dignity in the internment camps.

Baseball, then, becomes the catchall American sport that brings back the Japanese Americans' self-respect. It is the one highlight amidst the internment camps. I found it interesting that Mochizuki continues his story past the internment camps when Shorty returns to school. At school, he still suffers discrimination from his classmates for "looking different." Shorty's affiliation with baseball and his homerun, however, allow Shorty to reconnect and reunite with his classmates. The last image of Shorty's teammates congratulating and hugging him shows hope for a better day where race no longer matters, and we are all truly Americans.