LSSL 5391 Final Reflection

Please enjoy my course reflection using the app Book Creator by clicking the link below. 

https://read.bookcreator.com/4UK1EgsPMNUyc3JakDYEpRpCpgg1/X2LIKXRUTvqACKR4_fUaDw

Tea with Milk

Bibliography:

Say, A. (1999). Tea with milk. Harper Collins. 

Plot Summary:

May has grown up in San Francisco with her Japanese parents. When her parents decide to move back to Japan, May’s world is turned upside down. She is seen as a foreigner because she doesn’t speak the language, but also has difficulties with Japanese traditions such calligraphy, flower arrangements and tea ceremonies. Her parents expect May to marry and set up a matchmaker. May decides to travel to Osaka to create her own path.

Critical Analysis:

Allen Say’s story is incredibly touching and even more touching when you find that this is a true story based on his parents that you find out at the end of the book. Say shows the importance of Japanese culture when May moves back to Japan and has lessons to teach her flower arrangements and calligraphy. One thing that I loved about May’s story is that she found a way to integrate and appreciate her two cultures. She wore a kimono but was able to work and speak english. The illustrations are beautifully detailed that adds to the emotion of the story. At the end of the story, you learn to appreciate your culture but also find a way to pave your own path as well. 

Review Excerpts:

“Say’s story communicates both the heart’s yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.” - Publishers Weekly

“[A] thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers.” - School Library Journal

Connections:

Read other works by Allen Say: Grandfather’s Journey, Drawing from Memory and The Bicycle Man

Lon Po Po: a Red-riding Hood Story from China

Bibliography:

Young, E. (2012). Lon Po Po: A red-riding hood story from China. Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. 

Plot Summary:

Ed Young tells the ancient Chinese version of the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood with a wolf trying to trick three little girls while their mother is away visiting their grandmother. 

Critical Analysis:

Ed Young tells the familiar story of Little Red Riding Hood but the Chinese version. The changes between the Chinese version and the American version is that we have three little girls that are left at home alone while their mother visits their grandmother. A wolf pretends to be their grandmother Po Po to gain entry into the house. The three protagonists Shang, Tao and Paotze show their strength and cleverness when they trick the wolf to get into a basket so they can raise him to get Gingko nuts, but as they raise him up, they continuously drop him until he dies. Chinese culture is shown throughout the story. We see the culture with the characters' names, Shang, Tao, Paotze and Po Po. The Gingko nuts that the girls are eating are a popular food in Chinese culture. The detailed illustrations bring out the suspense in the story but also show. At the end of the story, the reader is left with the theme that bravery and cleverness can help you overcome situations.

Review Excerpts:

Caldecott Award Winner

“A gripping variation of Red Riding Hood. This is an outstanding achievement that will be pored over again and again.” - School Library Journal

“The illustrations seem to throb with the mystery and terror of the wolf.” - Horn Book

“This compelling tale, translated from a “collection of Chinese folktales,” may be the finest book yet from this excellent illustrator… Absolutely splendid.” - Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

Read other books by Ed Young: Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China, The Emperor and the Kite and Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

The Shadow Hero

Bibliography:

Yang, G. L., & Liew, S. (2014). The shadow hero. First Second. 

Plot Summary:

A graphic novel that shows the origin story of the first Asian American superhero that solves crimes and fights for injustice. 

Critical Analysis:

Gene Luen Yang and Sonny Liew create an enjoyable graphic novel that is filled with laughable moments and action of an Asian American superhero. Chinese culture is seen throughout the story. The Green Turtle isn’t born with superpowers but gets some from an ancient guardian spirit of China. Being a graphic novel, the illustrations are extremely detailed but the Chinese culture is shown throughout with Chinese writing on signs and even on The Green Turtle’s costume. The story also includes the immigration experience that makes the story more thought-provoking. Hank is a character that readers can relate to by having a job working in his family owned grocery store to fighting for justice. The story is entertaining and fun that readers will enjoy.

Review Excerpts:

“There’s plenty of humor in this lively, entertaining adventure story… At its heart, though, this book is a subtle comment on China’s changing cultural landscape and growing multiculturalism in America. A lovingly tongue-in-cheek homage.” - Booklist

“Award-winning author Yang and artist Liew tackle a lesser-known aspect of history, breathing new life into the Green turtle, a 1940’s comic book hero… A creative take on the superhero genre.” - School Library Journal 

“Abundant humor, strong characters and crackling good action.” - Horn Book

Connections:

Read other works by Gene Luen Yang: American Born Chinese, Prime Baby and Boxers & Saints

Read other works by Sonny Liew: Malinky Robot, Wonderland and My Faith in Frankie

The Year of the Dog

Bibliography:

Lin, G. (2018). The year of the dog: A novel. Little, Brown and Company. 

Plot Summary:

As Pacy celebrates the Chinese New Year with her family, she discovers that this is the year that she will also “find herself.”

Critical Analysis:

The Year of the Dog is a book that you won’t be able to put down. It keeps the reader entertained throughout. Pacy goes through the story looking for self discovery but learns about her Chinese/ Taiwanese American culture along the way. Each chapter of the book serves as its own separate moment for Pacy during the lunar new year of the dog, but it flows together to create Pacy’s journey. There are tiny black and white illustrations every so often that add to the Taiwanese American culture such as a bowl of rice, celebrating the year of the unicorn or egg foo young with chopsticks. Grace Lin’s cute story will keep a smile on your face from beginning to end. 

Review Excerpts:

“This comfortable first-person story will be a treat for Asian-American girls looking to see themselves in their reading, but also for any reader who enjoys stories of friendship and family life.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A heartwarming story.” - BookPage

“The story, interwoven with several family anecdotes, is entertaining and often illuminating. Appealing, childlike decorative line drawings add a delightful flavor to a gentle tale full of humor.” - The Horn Book

Connections:

Read other works by Grace Lin: The Year of the Rat and Dumpling Days

How Turtle's Back was Cracked: a Traditional Cherokee Tale

Bibliography:

Ross, G., & Jacob, M. (1995). How turtle’s back was cracked: a traditional Cherokee tale. Dial Books for Young Readers. 

Plot Summary:

A turtle’s shell is cracked when wolves plot against him because of his arrogance. 

Critical Analysis:

Gayle Ross tells a Cherokee tale that has been passed down for generations of Cherokee people. The story reminds me of folktales and fables that I heard when I was little where personification is used with animals being the main characters and of course a lesson is learned at the end of the story. The lesson in this tale is about bragging and how it can get you into trouble. The illustrations by Murv Jacob stand out throughout the story. The illustrations are very detailed, but you see how the Cherokees are represented with the clothes that the animals wear. Ross also provides the reader with more information about the Cherokee on the last page of the book that helps them be more aware and in the knowing. 

Review Excerpts:

“The prose reflects Ross’s expertise as a professional storyteller as well as her intimacy with Cherokee culture.” – Publishers Weekly

“Ross notes that she remembers the tale from her childhood, found a written source, and developed it through storytelling to its present form. Jacob’s distinctive acrylic paintings illustrate the story’s dramatic moments in scenes rich in colors and patterns. An entertaining picture book to read aloud.” – Booklist 

Connections:

Read other works by Gayle Ross: How Rabbit Tricked Otter: And Other Cherokee Trickster Stories and The Legend of the Windigo: A Tale from Native North America

When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Terror

Bibliography:

Bruchac, J. (1998). When the chenoo howls: Native American tales of terror. Walker & Co. 

Plot Summary:

Twelve unique stories from the northeast woodland Native Americans for children of all cultures to enjoy.

Critical Analysis:

When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Terror offers twelve scary stories that are from different Native American groups. At the beginning of the book, Joseph and James Bruchac give an introduction about the Northeast Woodland Native American culture that will help give a little understanding before you start the stories. At the end of each story, a short blurb is given that explains the background. This helps to connect the story to the Native American tribe that it comes from. At the back of the book, the reader is also given a pronunciation guide. I love this because it helps to show respect and understanding. The illustrations are simple black and white pictures but very much depict the Native American culture. The stories aren’t your typical ghost and vampire stories but deal with stone giants and animal-human hybrids. At the end of each story, the reader is either left with some kind of lesson or used to scare kids into not venturing off by themselves.  

Review Excerpts:

“Full-page black-and-white pen and ink drawings and spot art effectively evoke the spooky but concrete creepiness of the tales.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Joseph Bruchac and son James have collected 12 scary stories from the northeast woodland Native Americans. A worthy addition to Native American folklore collections.” – Booklist

Connections:

Read other books by James and Joseph Bruchac: The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales and How Chipmunk Got His Stripes