Never Smile at a Monkey

Never Smile at a Monkey, by Steve Jenkins, is a book that presents a unique way of teaching children about dangerous and interesting animals.  Each page is dedicated to one kind of animal, and many of them are common animals that we tend to know and love.  Jenkins has written this short informational story with such passion that it is extremely difficult not to be taken in by all the interesting information I may never have known about the animals on our planet.

Even the title of this book caught my interest.  I would never have thought not to smile at a monkey!  It drew me in.  I wanted to challenge the author for even suggesting this idea to me.  I have a feeling that children would be equally as curious about this too.  I thought the way Jenkins wrote the book, and saved the monkey for last, was also a smart way to do it.  I wanted to read this book because I wanted to know why NOT to smile at a monkey, but along the way, I found out about why not interact with a lot of other animals too.  Without even knowing that I was going to learn much with this book, I ended up learning a lot!

One of my favorite animals to read about in this book was the cub.  It was interesting because the book states that cubs are not harmful in any way, but you need to stay away from them because their mothers are the dangerous animals.  I had always thought, I guess, that bears are born dangerous and you need to stay away from them.  It is cute to think that the little baby cubs are innocent and loving, just like the teddy bears that we have.  The pictures that Jenkins draws of the cubs are adorable because they also look so innocent.  This sort of represents a trend throughout the book.  Jenkins presents many of these animals as innocent from afar, but once you get up close, things get dangerous.  I like that little trick that he plays on the reader.

Some of the other animals in this book that shocked me were the kangaroo, the tang fish, the lizard, and of course, the monkey.  Again, Jenkins first presents us with the animals that we know and love.  Kangaroos, for example, are cute animals that jump and protect their young, much like humans do.  However, Jenkins states that a kangaroo’s kick with its back feet can break a person’s chest!  I would never have imagined kangaroos to be so dangers and powerful!  It is easy to read the headings on each page, “Never badger a beaded lizard,” for example, and think “well, why can’t I?”  Just two sentences later, however, I am sure that I never want to come face to face with a lizard again.  Jenkins really makes the reader think and challenge some of things we have previously learned.

I mentioned at the beginning the Jenkins seems to write with such a passion that really draws me into the book.  He really seems to be trying to impress us with this crazy information.  He seems to know so much and expresses the information with such enthusiasm.  For example, all the headings have catchy alliteration such as “Never caress and electric caterpillar.”  He could easily have just told us to avoid electric caterpillars, but he thought up a more fun, exciting way to approach the topic.  It shows me that he really seems to care about what he is writing about to be able to put forth all the extra effort to make little things come alive.  The statements he makes about the animals are so threatening and leave such an impact as well.  He must have spent quite a bit of time thinking about which words would leave the most lasting impressions.  For example, “the cassowary can deliver a lethal kick with its sharp claws.”  All of these animals are lethal and life threatening.  Since he uses this amazing, intense language, I know I won’t forget to avoid these intense animals.  I would most definitely bring this book into my classroom because I know students would love to explore all this great information!

One Crazy Summer

            The Black Panther movement was the African American equivalent to the KKK.  Both were treacherous parts of American history, but what is interesting is that the Blank Panther movement is taught much less often in schools.  In fact, I got close to zero education on the Black Panther movement.  The book One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, is the story of three young girls who are placed in the middle of the Black Panther movement.  Through them, I could learn about some of the culture as much as they were learning.  It was an important experience for me that I wish I’d had as a younger student, but I think it would be a good book to bring into my classroom in the future.

            This book started off slowly for me.  It was a lot of contemplation, and I wondered when the plot was going to begin.  Along the way, however, I learned a lot about the Black Panther movement.  I learned about the intensity of the group.  I learned how important it was to be a member, and that your responsibilities and pride to be a Black Panther were a great priority.  This militant group played an important role in the civil rights movement.  Perhaps they did things in some more dangerous ways than acceptable, but the children of the movement as well as some of the members were innocent and should not be blamed.  The three sisters of this story prove this to be true.  Their sincerity and commitment to each other far outweighed the movement they got wrapped up in.  I think my ability to identify with them helped make this important side of history far more human.

            The three sisters were searching to find acceptance from their mother while they got wrapped up in an intense movement that they knew very little about.  I immediately connected with the main character, Delphine.  She committed so greatly to her younger sisters, and I find that I do the same thing with my younger sister.  I want to be the protector.  Especially when we are in a foreign place, all I ever care about is our safety and happiness.  This story, the sisters’ quest to find acceptance and understanding about their mother, touched me in ways beyond just the movement they became part of.  Since I could identify with the sisters, I cannot place complete hatred toward the Black Panther members. 

            Having a better understanding of the human part of militant movements, I feel that everyone should try to understand that aspect of both the Black Panther movement and the KKK.  Some of the children especially don’t know the different between what is right and what is wrong.  Everyone fights for what they believe is right.  While I don’t believe that these groups fought the right way (AT ALL), it is important to remember that we’re all human.  I think it was a great experience reading this book because it showed me just how much went into the Black Panther movement.  Even children were being taught about the different ideals of the group.  People get wrapped up in their movement and forget to think about the rest of the world around them.  America tends to brush these issues aside and forget about them, but we need to learn from our mistakes.  Delphine, Fern, and Vonetta teach us that in this book.  Three innocent girls brought into a crazy world they weren’t expecting.  Although they did find some sort of understanding with their mother in the end, their experience at the breakfast club and the dangers associated with it were tragic things young children should never go through.  This book has positives and negatives in the girls’ lives, and I think it is important to use it as an introduction to an important part of American history: The Black Panther Movement.

Anything But Typical

Anything But Typical, by Nora Raleigh Baskin, is the story of a boy with autism and his struggles to find happiness and peace with himself.  This firsthand look at the difficulties the main character (Jason) faces is an experience I have never had before.  In fact, it almost hurt to read the story because I know that I have been guilty of judging someone on the outside before getting to know them on the inside.  I feel that the key to this book is the first person narration.  Without this very personal look into the mind of someone that feels alienated from the world, I would never be able to connect on such a meaningful level.

            One very important idea called out to me in this story.  So many believe that people with disabilities lack a lot of emotion or feeling.  Everyone in Jason’s life seems to want to press the appropriate emotion on him.  When he is not showing how he feels in conventional ways, everyone around him gets worried and looks to control him in a “normal way.”  However, since I have insight into Jason’s thoughts, I know that he is feeling just like anyone else would.  Early in the story we get a flashback to a time when Jason is a young boy.  His grandmother says to him “ ‘You are so good with your new little brother.  I can tell you love him very much,’ my grandmother said that day.  She said each word very slowly and very loudly.” (23)  In this situation, the grandmother is expecting her grandson to feel how she thinks any “normal” person should feel.  When she realizes that Jason is not feeling the “conventional” way, she worries and backs off.  I think a lot of people would react the same way, but after reading Jason’s side of the story, I can see that he is handling his feelings in his own way.  These feelings are not wrong or bad, they are utterly honest.  Too often, I think we are not open-minded enough.  We are too expectant of the “norm.”  After reading this story, I feel that the unconventional, slightly different ways are just as real and human as anything else we might feel.  It pains me to see all the useless expectations people have for Jason throughout this story.  They seem to dehumanize him when he is in fact just as human as any other person on this planet.

            I have been fortunate throughout my education to be introduced to students of all different backgrounds, traits, etc.  Some students in my high school and middle school had Down Syndrome.  Because we were in the same atmosphere as them, we grew up with them and understood that they were students just like us.  We were all friends or acquaintances in our own way.  I do not think every student has that sort of experience.  Teachers seem to have little respect for Jason in his school.  They do not seem to advocate the fact that he is just like anyone else and should therefore be treated with respect.  I think Jason could have a very different experience if people took the time to be more open-minded.  Seeing this side of people, however, shows me the reality of things.  It makes me want to connect more with Jason and truly understand him for who he is because no one else will.  I think this is a good way to get young readers to feel the same way.  It is a lesson to be learned.  Although I have had positive experiences with inclusion in school, I too have had my moments to judge.  After reading this story and having had classes on the subject, I feel wrong.  I know I was wrong.  I have never been overly harsh and never mean to a person with a disability, but I never gave them the chance to open up to me and show me that they were just like me on the inside.  This book makes me want to go back in time and be the person willing to open my mind to differences.

            Anything But Typical is a fantastic story for young readers who need to understand the diversity our planet offers.  This first person insight has forced me to think about my own life as much as it has forced me to reflect on my actions.  I think our world is starting to understand that differences in people are not a bad or wrong.  This book most certainly teaches that being different and being yourself is the most important thing of all.  Without diversity, life would get very boring.  I am very appreciative of this book because it has made me think in ways that I would have been too uncomfortable to think about before.  I would bring this story into my classroom, and I would pick it up to read for fun any day.  I am a big fan of these inspirational books that challenge me to reflect on my own life.  It is amazing that even at the age of 19 I am finding so much meaning for books meant for students half my age.  I absolutely love it!

Rickshaw Girl

            In a world in which it is believed that men should do the hard labor while women stay in the kitchen, it is difficult for a young girl named Naima to follow the rules.  Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins and Jamie Hogan, is a book about the Indian culture that is fascinating because the young, strong main character has a heart of gold and courage that most anyone doesn’t always have.  The beautiful art and the encouraging words of this story are what stick out most to me, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs just a little inspiration.

            The Indian culture is one that I have some experience with.  Still, I know my awareness of the culture is lacking and could be improved upon.  The illustrations in this novel are very meaningful to me because they allow for me to see into this Indian world.  Page 28 of the book shows a detailed drawing of Naima sticking out her tongue at her best friend.  In the picture, the boy is driving off in a rickshaw.  Never before had I even heard of a rickshaw, but seeing the extremely detailed picture combined with an authentic-looking Indian dress made me feel as though I were in the scene with them.   I think this is very important for a story of a different culture because only a few people really know the traditions and ways of life.  For someone like me really searching to understanding the different traditions of different people, I think the illustrations do a great job of allowing for that.  In addition, I had never seen or heard of an alpana painting before.  This beautiful outdoor artwork that the women take up is a tradition that keeps the landscape of homes up-to-date and catchy.  One example of the work is shown on page 49 of the story.  It was helpful for me to understand what sort of characteristics this art entails, and I only wished that I had half as much skill!  Beyond the art, however, is the encouraging message this story leaves.

            Naima lives in a classically male-dominated society, but when she realizes that she needs to help her family, she needs to move past the male domination.  Naima takes her own risks (willing to and understanding that she might fail) in order to save her family.  What is most important to her is the comfort of her father and the contentedness of her mother and sister.  While Naima stumbles along the way (by nearly ruining her family’s rickshaw), she realizes that she has the strength to make up for her own mistakes and bring honor and peace to her family.  I admire Naima because she ventures off into the unknown with an open heart.  She knows that she might fail again, but her love for her family is well worth that risk.  I hope that many girls can be inspired by her.  No one’s life is laid out exactly for them.  Anyone gets to choose their own path and decide what makes them most happy in the end.  This book is a short story with a happy ending that I would read over and over when I need that inspiration.

            The artwork in this story really helped me to become more involved with the words. I think with the two combined, this is a story that will reach out to many children.  Some might not understand the message that is to get out of your comfort zone, and some might be too scared to do so, but Naima is living under very harsh circumstances and manages to make things work for herself.  I think many of us can do the same with the right amount of smarts and courage.  I think this book is important for two reasons: for its seemingly authentic cultural perspective as well as for its message that can reach out to girls all over the world.  Not everything, even in America, is perfectly equal.  There are improvements to be made, and if a girl feels empowered enough to be part of that change, many things can come of it.  Naima is a shining example that change is well worth it.  I hope her story reaches out to people just as much as it did for me!

Perkins, Mitali, and Jamie Hogan. Rickshaw Girl. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2007. Print.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place the Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, is a unique story of childhood and second chances.  I immediately fell in love with this story as I felt that I could connect so well to the main character, Penelope, as well as the crazy children.  The wild children are forced to assimilate into society, and that is something that Penelope is dedicated and happy to help them to do.   I love this story for the combined lessons and humor that the author provides as well as the very unique characterization.  I found myself smiling nearly nonstop as I read this well-imagined and unbelievable story.

Written with what I think is the intent to entertain and make children giggle, I think the author succeeds here.  Sometimes it is difficult to imagine a time different from that in which we currently live.  The author does a great job of comparing current times to the time Penelope lived in.  Wood always relates things humorously too.  For example, she says, “although they have fallen out of style, in Miss Penelope Lumley’s day tableaux vivant were all the rage…  no doubt this will sound dull to the modern viewer whose tastes have been shaped by more advanced forms of entertainment…” (213 & 214)  The author can so easily relate to what I am feeling when she makes these comments.  Since she is willing to make such statements, I laugh and become more part of the story even through the differences.  Also, the author mentions hyperbole often.  Hyperbole is a great exaggeration, and every time an exaggeration is made, she points it out.  Oftentimes, such exaggerations are very obvious, but when the author points them out, I giggle a little bit.  To read an explanation of the crazy circumstances makes the exaggeration all the more funny.  One short example is when Wood states, “perhaps Lady Constance was guilty of hyperbole when she said the children were ‘running amok’ or perhaps she was offering an accurate assessment of the situation” (231-233).  These short comments and explanations kept me interested and laughing throughout the entire story.

In addition, the characterization was something I could relate to throughout the story.  I most especially relate to Penelope because she is a young woman looking to achieve and make a name for herself now that she is independent.  She cares so much for the children she is teaching, and I know that I will put a lot into my teaching in the future as well.  In addition, even though the children act like wolves, their pure innocence and sweetness makes me smile every time.  I understand how much they want to please and impress Penelope because when I was little, I always wanted my teachers to notice me and praise me for doing exceptional work.  I wanted to see the children happy and safe throughout the entire story.  I worried when Penelope worried and got angry when she got angry.  I was just so pleased to feel so connected to the main characters.  I want to read the rest of the series because I, like Penelope, want to make sure that the children remain safe and happy through their lives.

I didn’t completely expect to enjoy this story.  In fact, I thought it would be somewhat strange and uninteresting.  In many circumstances, it is hard to relate to wolf children.  I have never been a wolf (obviously) or been abandoned by my parents.  Their innocence and kindness, however, made me care for them and understand, like Penelope, that they too are children.  For that reason, the story became a lot less “weird” to me.  The main characters were more my friends.  They went through any normal struggle that protagonists do in a story, and I was so excited to fight through the challenges with them the entire time.

Wood, Maryrose, and J. ,. Klassen. The Mysterious Howling. New York: Balzer Bray, 2010. Print.