Book Review - Because of Mr Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt

Rob Buyea

Yearling 2011

1st of 3 books in the Mr. Terupt series

American

Years 4 - 6

What’s it about?

It’s the beginning of a new school year at Snow Hill School for a group of 5th graders. Although most of them have known each other for many years they are not necessarily friends.This year they are lucky enough to get newish teacher Mr. Terupt who is one of those teachers determined to empower kids to think for themselves. He really seems to understand the disparate personalities in the class and tries to bring out the best in them, although he is no pushover. The story is told chapter by chapter through the eyes of some of the students so we get to know their thoughts and problems. At first, not sure of Mr. Terupt’s somewhat unorthodox approach the children come to appreciate him. However, a prank that turns to tragedy threatens to derail the year for everybody.

What’s good about it?

This is an example of the relatively innocent school stories that American authors are so good at writing.  It is universally popular with children in the right age group to read this. It receives a 4-5 star review by 97% of readers on Amazon which is a significant endorsement. The chapters are short, well-spaced and written simply so this may appeal to readers who find it difficult to finish longer books. The technique of having each chapter voiced by a different character may be new to readers and it’s a good way to expose them to alternative narrative devices. Although the children face some difficulties and problems these are handled sensitively and there is nothing in this novel to worry parents.

What’s not so great?

This book is very American and although the school scenario would be broadly familiar to Australian kids they might be perplexed by some cultural references.

Who would like it?

A reader who likes a good story. Lovers of realistic school stories

Probably wouldn’t suit a reader who was looking for high action and adventure

Book Review - All Rise for the Honorable Perry. T. Cook

All Rise for the Honourable Perry. T. Cook

Leslie Connor

Katherine Tegen Books 2016

American

Years 5-8

What’s it about?

This is a book that has received a lot of attention in the US with some reviewers comparing it to Wonder. Both Kirkus Review and School Library Journal have given it a starred review which puts it in the running for the Newbery Medal in 2017.

Its main character, 11- year old Perry, is in most respects, an ordinary boy, except that he lives in the Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility in the small Nebraskan town of Surprise. He attends school outside the jail and apart from some low-level teasing from some classmates is largely happy with his living arrangements. Perry has lived with his mother in jail for his whole life. This arrangement has been sanctioned by the humane Warden Daugherty who believes in respecting the dignity of prisoners. Perry is a source of much love and attention from other inmates who mostly treat him with benevolent affection.

Perry’s mother is hoping for parole and she and Perry have been making plans for life after jail. These plans are threatened by the intervention of the supposedly well-meaning local District Attorney who is outraged that a child has been living in jail and believes that Perry’s mother has not been properly punished because she has been allowed to have her child in jail with her. He forces the authorities to release Perry into his care and starts proceedings to prevent Perry’s mother from being paroled. Living on the outside, Perry desperately misses his mother but with the help of some sympathetic adults and his best friend Zoey he manages to circumvent the attempts of the self-righteous DA.

What’s good about it?

This book deals with heavy issues but it does so in an age-appropriate way. Most children probably have never considered the condition or situation of people in jails. Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility is not a violent high-security jail and the inmates are depicted as human beings rather than just as offenders. There are issues of injustice relating to Perry’s situation and that of other inmates that may make children think twice about incarcerated people. More important is the positive way Perry approaches his problems and seeks to resolve them. The book whilst sad is never maudlin and all ends well.

What’s not so good?

My main criticism is that is that it is quite a long book and some students may struggle to finish it. The ending is quite abrupt and I disagreed with the author's attempt to suggest that Perry’s mother may have been innocent as I think it detracts from the message that not every offender is a monster.

Who would like it?

Suitable for boys and girls. Probably strong readers who like longer novels with a strong and engrossing realistic plot.

Reviews: Wilder Boys & Crenshaw

                                       Book Reviews: Crenshaw & The Wilder Boys

Crenshaw

Katherine Applegate

HarperCollins Children’s Book 2015

What’s it about?

10-year old Jackson lives with his mother, father and younger sister. Their lives are financially unstable with both parents out of work and father sick with MS. There is no money for rent and barely enough for food. Despite their best efforts to get back on track, the family is on the verge of homelessness. This happened once before when the family was forced to live in their van for 14 weeks, a time Jackson remembers all too clearly. Jackson deals with everything thrown his way with quiet dignity and the help of his imaginary friend Crenshaw. Crenshaw is a large, obnoxious cat with a tendency to interfere in Jackson’s life. This is a book about friendship and family. This is not a violent or disreputable family and the story of their decline may help younger readers understand that homelessness and poverty can sometimes be the result of bad luck rather than wrongdoing. The story does end with a positive outlook.

Who would like it:

Lower Middle Years 8-12yrs

Animal lovers, readers who enjoy a story with a slightly magical theme

Wilder Boys

Brandon Wallace

Aladdin Books 2015

What’s it about?

Brothers Jake and Taylor live a precarious life with a bed ridden mother and her bullying boyfriend Bull. The boy’s father took off years before and no one seems to know where he is. One night the boys witness a violent incident between Bull and some men and then the next day their mother ends up in hospital, probably at the hand of Bull so the boys decide it’s time to take matters into their own hands. They stuff their backpacks with the barest of necessities and a vague plan to head West to find their father.

At heart this is a survival story that would appeal to readers of Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain. Jake and Taylor are forced onto their resources and must deal with the obstacles and challenges they face on the road. The boys are able to solve some of their problems using their common sense and basic survival skills gleaned from books and their experience of looking after themselves. Along the way they encounter help from  decent and understanding adults but also face setbacks as well meaning authorities force them further from society. Their journey is complicated by their fears for their mother and the possibility that Bull might catch up with them.The dangers are real enough to appeal to young readers but not overly disturbing. The book does resolve leaving the door open for a sequel which will be released this year

Who would like it:

Lower Middle Year 8-12yrs

Probably more boy than girl oriented.

Lovers of survival, action and adventure.

Guest Authors - Mark Greenwood and Ursula Dubosarsky with Andrew Joyner

The Year 5 & 6 students were extremely lucky to have a talk by the author Mark Greenwood. Mark is the author of 14 children's picture books with  historical themes. Some are for younger readers whilst others are better suited to older children because of their length and theme. Mark spoke about the stories to be found in Australian history and described how he goes about researching the history behind his books. He held all of us (teachers and children alike) spellbound with his true tales of adventure and bravery, ghosts and ill-fated fortune seekers.  The boys were truly engaged and hopefully came away with a new sense that history is interesting.

You can read more about Mark Greenwood and his work here


Over in the EY, students from Foundation to Year 4 were entertained by the author-illustrator team of Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner.  Andrew used several students as his model which the children really enjoyed.
According to Shalain in Year 2 "people went up and he drew them but he turned them into koalas!"
Archie in Year 2  said "It was really good to see all the pictures he drew"
The students got to draw along with Andrew and Felicity Renaudin is organising a montage of their work to be displayed outside the art room in the EY building.

Michael Palmer models for the French koala

The finished product

Using the Xavier online catalogue

Year 5 students have been learning to use the online catalogue this week. The catalogue can be accessed via the Xavier Portal.  Xavier Portal  Click on the Library link and then onto the World Cat link. Students can use the catalogue to search all of the Xavier libraries or just the Kostka Hall library. It can be used at school or home.  In future lessons we will learn how to create an account so students can reserve books and check the status of their account.

Speed Dating

Speed dating with books

The year threes and fours have been speed dating with books in the library. During class time they sat around the table and had two minutes to consider a book for borrowing. Each student had a book in front of them and they were given one minute to look at the cover, read the blurb and explore the text. They then passed the book onto the next person to review. If the book was of interest, they could hold onto it for borrowing.

The aim of this exercise was to encourage students to consider books that they may not normally choose. Many new series, genre and titles were discovered for reading.

By Ms Langford.

Visiting Authors in Melbourne

James Paterson and David Walliams in Melbourne

We have been lucky to have some high profile authors visit Melbourne. Recently we have been to see both James Paterson and David Walliams.

James Paterson

James Paterson is an extremely successful adult writer who has turned his hand to writing children's books. In the Bellarmine library his Middle School series have been very popular. He is a passionate advocate for children reading and in his talk mentioned that he had, had difficulty persuading his son to read. His advice was to insist that children read, provide them with loads of interesting books and limit screen time until they have read. In his words "Books are Love" and as parents, to send a child into the world without being able to read well is to seriously disadvantage them.  We can all agree on that.

David Walliams

David Walliams ( the tall one in Little Britain) is extremely entertaining and kids love him and his books. For over an hour he had a theatre full of 10 year olds ( and their (mostly) mothers) rapt. He was quite a charmer! As one of the boys we were with put it. "he kept us quiet!" To hear the thunderous applause at the end and the queue for book signings snaking down Collins St was a librarian's dream! We have all of David's books in the library and they are always in demand.









Both of these author events were organised by the Wheeler's Centre. Also the program for the Melbourne Writers Festival held in August will be released soon and author events can be pre-booked.