The Arrival

Bibliography

Tan, Shaun. The Arrival. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007.

Plot Summary

This graphic novel displays a story of a father who takes a journey across the sea to leave his dark town,  and immigrates to a new, strange place. The story unfolds as the migration of the family gets more difficult with the family not able to migrate together and the mother and daughter travel separately from the father. When the father arrives to the new land, he is in a predicament as he isn’t able to locate his wife and daughter. Along with that, he finds himself trying to get accustomed to a new society and life. This includes a new language, customs, and finding a job all while searching for his family. While fear and hopelessness looms over him, the father does his best to cling to the glimmer of hope of being reunited with his family. Will he find his family in this new place they hope to call home?

Critical Analysis

The Arrival is a wordless graphic novel that utilizes illustrations to convey emotions to the readers all while sharing a story on immigration. Tan creates powerful illustrations with the use of black, whites, grays, and sepia to display various emotions such as isolation, confusion, and anxiety, and creating a story on migrating to an unfamiliar place. Along with that, Tan’s creative and imaginative creatures capture young readers and allow readers to indulge in a book that has a far greater meaning for many adults. Many adults will be able to identify with the symbolism behind the unusual illustrations such as the floating elevators or the creatures he encounters with being in a position of unfamiliarity in their life.

Along with that, Tan invented an alphabetical system that consisted of letters that are used in the wordless picture book to create more of a realistic representation of how the man felt when being introduced to a new language. Tan provides a sense of hope as the father carries a photo of his wife and daughter on a daily basis, and even finds himself a pet companion who provides a sense of comfort along the way. The beauty of the story is how Tan does not mention specific places or countries the migration could be from which allow readers to connect based on their own reflections of life and the sense of unfamiliarity.

With the use of powerful illustrations, Tan produced a novel that tugs at the hearts of readers and demonstrates how justice and compassion can be found during the journey. This book provides relatable and realistic representation of how one may feel when immigrating to a new country while exploring the fictional creatures and adventure along the way. 

Review Excerpts and Awards

2008 Hugo Nominee for Best Related Book

2008 Locus Award for Best Art Book

From Kirkus Reviews- “An astonishing wordless graphic novel blends historical imagery with science-fiction elements to depict—brilliantly—the journey of an immigrant man from his terror-beset land of origin to a new, more peaceful home. Sepia-toned panels and turn-of-the-last-century dress and architecture seem to place readers in familiar territory—but fantastical images, including monumental cities, various bizarre forms of air transport and distinctly alien animals serve to unsettle both protagonist and readers, plunging the latter into the unsettling and often terrifying experience of being alone in a new land. Perhaps the most ingenious touch is the use of a newly created alien alphabet printed everywhere—on signs, official papers, maps, etc.—which renders the literate entirely helpless. Frightening this new land may be, but there are friends everywhere, from the other immigrants who help the protagonist and tell their own tales of escape from oppression, war and fear to the whimsical beastie who attaches itself to him as his pet. Small panels move the story along; full- and double page spreads provide dazzling panoramas.It’s an unashamed paean to the immigrant’s spirit, tenacity and guts, perfectly crafted for maximum effect. (Graphic novel. 10+)”

From School Library Journal-  “Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel. It depicts the journey of one man, threatened by dark shapes that cast shadows on his family's life, to a new country. The only writing is in an invented alphabet, which creates the sensation immigrants must feel when they encounter a strange new language and way of life. A wide variety of ethnicities is represented in Tan's hyper-realistic style, and the sense of warmth and caring for others, regardless of race, age, or background, is present on nearly every page. Young readers will be fascinated by the strange new world the artist creates, complete with floating elevators and unusual creatures, but may not realize the depth of meaning or understand what the man's journey symbolizes. More sophisticated readers, however, will grasp the sense of strangeness and find themselves participating in the man's experiences. They will linger over the details in the beautiful sepia pictures and will likely pick up the book to pore over it again and again.”

  

Connections

Other Books by Shaun Tan

The Red Tree

The Lost Thing

Tales from Outer Suburbia

Connections in the classroom:

·      Explore different immigration stories, and create a smaller version of a graphic novel depicting a story of a migration from a specific country.

·      The Arrival can be an introduction to graphic novels, and can lead a discussion on how illustrations can play a powerful role in graphic novels. Students can create text or dialogue for specific pages based on the emotions or what the illustrations depict.

Nory Ryan's Song

Bibliography

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2000. Nory Ryan’s Song.  New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-32141-4.

Plot Summary

Nory, a young girl residing in Maidin Bay, lives with her family that consisted of her father, two sisters, brother, and grandfather. Nory’s mother had passed away during childbirth. Nory’s father was a fisherman and left months at a time to earn money to pay the landlord known as Lord Cunningham. Though Nory enjoyed singing as much as she could, Nory was left to take care of her siblings and grandfather as well as their chickens, pig, and the potato fields that helped them survive. Nory’s family wakes up to a potato blight that destroys all their potatoes, and leaves them fighting for their lives. Will they recover from the potato blight and survive during this turbulent time?

Critical Analysis

The story takes place in 1845 where we see the effects of the Great Hunger occurring in the small village Nory resides. We see realistic events portrayed through the characters and the struggle of a twelve year old girl who fights hunger and providing optimism to the best of her ability. The use of a fictional character to display the Irish Potato Famine will leave readers having a deeper understanding of the predicament and the great loss. Along with that, Giff provides an author’s note where she shares how she created this story based on family experiences and many visits to Ireland.

Giff creates a character that displays bravery as she risks her own life to keep her family alive during this time. Giff depicts their life and includes details of their poor village and having to sleep on straw beds and the overall atmosphere Nory was living in. The sadness and hopelessness is visible within the village as we visualize the blackened potatoes in their backyards. Though Nory faces a hardship, she continues to sing with grace. Giff creates a story that is easy to follow and understand while giving insight into the true famine occurring in Ireland. Along with that, Giff includes Irish words that creates authenticity in the book. All words are referenced in the glossary for readers to learn.

Overall, the fictional story is presented in a realistic manner that will tug at the hearts of young readers and create an accurate experience Nory was facing. Readers will redefine their sense of hope, and create an appreciation of the life around them.

Review Excerpts and Awards

2011 Newbery Honor Book

ALA Notable Children’s Book

From Kirkus Reviews: “Through young Nory's eyes, the aptly named Great Hunger is devastatingly real: not only do livestock and grain disappear, but so do shellfish and kelp, and finally even nettles and other weeds. Families are mercilessly driven from their homes, the dead are buried without ceremony, and little Patrick becomes ever thinner and more pitiable. Grasping at a sudden chance, big sister Maggie takes off for America, then Granda and teenage Celia set out for Galway, hoping to meet Da on the docks--leaving Nory to care for Patrick, and for old Anna Donnelly, a neighbor with a tragic past, as well. Nory makes the hardest sacrifice of all when an emigrating family invites her along and she sends Patrick in her place. So grim is the picture Giff draws that readers are likely to be startled by the sudden turnaround at the end, when news of Da's reappearance brings ship's passage for all and the prospect of a happy reunion in New York. Still, Nory's patient, stubborn endurance lights up this tale, and the promise of better times to come is well deserved. Riveting.”

Connections

Other books by Patricia Reilly Giff

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Lily’s Crossing

Maggie’s Door

Connections in the classroom

Research The Great Hunger and create an informational text describing the impact it had on those affected.

Learn about the immigration of the Irish to the United States.

Compare and contrast other books that have a similar theme of survival or a courageous girl such as Anne Frank: The Diary of  A Young Girl or Sarah Bishop.

Once Crazy Summer

Bibliography

Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. New York: Amistad, 2010.  

ISBN:  978-0060760908

Plot Summary

In 1968, eleven year old Delphine lived with her father and resided in Brooklyn, New York. Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, embark on a trip to visit their estranged mother for a summer in Oakland, California. Delphine, being the eldest, was concerned about visiting their mother after their mother had abandoned them few years prior. When they arrive to their mothers’ house, Delphine finds herself being responsible for her siblings as she realizes her mother has no interest in taking care of her and the girls. Though her mother spends much time in the kitchen to their surprise, she never provided meals for the girls. Delphine and her siblings eventually begin attending a revolutionary camp where they learn about The Black Panther movement and their ideology. What they learn from Black Panter camp helped shape their perspective on their identify.  Do Delphine and her sisters forgive mother during their time with her?

Critical Analysis

The story is set in 1968 where we see Delphine and her sisters share their involvement in  revolutionary movement in the eyes of an eleven year old who is sent to the camp by their mother. We see historically significant events and even their introduction to the Black Panther movement. After they immerse themselves into the events at the camp, we learn about the movement and provides the misconceptions and defines the ideology of the Black Panther movement. We also see mention of different important historical figures and events such as Huey Newton, Muhammad Ali, and the Vietnam War.

Along with that, the development of Delphine as she is hurled into a situation of having to become responsible, building courage to take care of her siblings, and creating her understanding of the civil rights movement. The protagonist, Delphine, is seen growing into a young lady who faces fear and builds courage while feeling abandoned by their mother as they live with her. Readers can create a connection to a typical eleven year old who has a crush on a boy down the street, but lives in prejudicial time. Delphine defines the notion of love and how feeling secure can create peace with oneself.

Overall, the fictional plot includes historical events that can capture young readers and provide insight on an eleven year old girl dealing with many different experiences in her life.

Review Excerpts and Awards

2011 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

2011 Newbery Honor Book

2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction

2010 National Book Award Finalist

Junior Library Guild Selection

Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010

From Booklist:  “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion. Set during a pivotal moment in African American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent s love.”

From School Library Journal: "Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading."

Connections

Other books by Rita Williams-Garcia

Like Sisters on the Homefront

Jumped

Blue Tights

No Laughter Here

Jumped

Connections in the Classroom

Visit Rita Williams-Garcias website: https://rita-williamsgarcia.squarespace.com/

Become a Journalist: Students can research about the Black Panther movement. Students can analyze how the depiction of the Black Panther movement may be similar or different from the text based on their research.

Paperboy

Bibliography

Vawter, Vince. Paperboy. New York: Delacorte Press, 2013.  ISBN 978-0307931511

Plot Summary

Little Man, an eleven year old boy residing in Memphis, described his life while having a speech impediment and used a typewriter to communicate.  Little Man is a boy with few words as he is aware of his stuttering which impacted his communication with everyone around him. One summer, Little Mans’ friend Arthur, who is also known as Rat, shared he needed someone to take over his newspaper route. Though Little Man accepted the job offer, he knew throwing the paper would be the easiest part of his job. The most difficult part of his job would be collecting money every Friday as this would require him to communicate with the neighbors while collecting. To his surprise, Little Man meets many different neighbors including the retired merchant marine, TV boy, and junkman. Little Mans caretaker, Mam, reminds him to be vigilant of junkman as he could be danger. Does Little Man overcome his challenge with stuttering and feeling afraid of speaking?

Critical Analysis
The setting takes place in 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee amid racial tension. Vawter includes his personal experiences of struggling with a speech impediment, and creating a relatable neighborhood that is believable in the eyes of the reader. Vawter depicts his struggle with stuttering in the text as he shares he does not add any commas due to the fact his life already has many pauses. He believes he didn’t need commas to create an extra pause besides the one that occurs uncontrollably from his speech. This reflects his true inner dialogue and his battle stuttering and how his words are portrayed to those around him.

To provide authenticity, Vawter includes author’s notes that include his struggles with speech and the progress of modern speech therapy in 1959. Along with that, he includes an image of himself at the age of eight sitting in front of a typewriter. Vawter shares credible organizations and resources that can provide the reader with more information on stuttering. Along with that, Vawter adds meaningful pieces of information throughout the text to enhance the realistic neighborhood. This included explaining the cost of the newspaper being ninety-five cents, and having paperboys deliver them to you using bikes. Victor includes different references such as the The Howdy Doody Show, and naming baseball players such as Bob Feller.  

The character development of Little Man creates a relatable experience for young readers. Little Man displays his struggles as well as his journey in creating an identity while learning about those around him and his neighborhood, including the battles they all face. Little man is exposed to racism, abuse, and alcohol addiction.  Little Man is able to overcome his battle with stuttering and realizes that the content of what you say is more important that how it is said. Young readers are able to create a connection in facing a challenge and find the courage overcome their challenges. Overall, Vawter creates a story line that includes authenticity, while providing character development that will tug at the hearts of young readers.

Review Excerpts and Awards

A 2014 Newbery Honor  Award Winner

An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

From the Horn Book:  With heartbreaking detail, he describes his difficulties, how he uses the “Gentle Air” method of blowing out a few breaths before certain consonants, or shouts certain words, or tosses an object in the air before uttering a sound.

From Kirkus Reviews: Carefully crafted language, authenticity of setting and quirky characters that ring fully true all combine to make this a worthwhile read. Although Little Man’s stutter holds up dialogue, that annoyance also powerfully reflects its stultifying impact on his life.

Connections

Other books by Vince Vawter

Copyboy

Other books on the 2014 Newbery Honor books

Doll Bones by Holly Black

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

Connections in the Classroom:

This story can be used as a read aloud in the classroom. Along with that, students can participate in a readers theater of the story.

Students can research and learn about different resources offered to those with speech impediments. Students can create informational texts and share organizations that help those like Victor.

Students can participate in a writing prompt describing a time where they built courage just like Victor. This will allow readers to make a connection to their personal lives.