Faithful Elephants

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday

Here at Teach Mentor Texts we are always looking for more ways to support teachers! We've found that teachers seem to be constantly on the lookout for great nonfiction. We know we are! To help with this undying quest for outstanding non-fiction, we are excited to participate in Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and The Nonfiction Detectives. Every Wednesday, you'll find a non-fiction review here - although it may not always be a picture book review. Please visit Kid Lit Frenzy to see what non-fiction others have to share, too. 

Title: Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People and War

Author: Yukio Tsuchiya; Translated by Tomoko Tsuchiya Dykes

Illustrator: Ted Lewin

Publisher: Sandpiper

Publication Date: 1988

Genre/Format: Nonfiction/Picture Book

Goodreads Summary: A zookeeper recounts the story of John, Tonky, and Wanly, three performing elephants at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, whose turn it is to die, and of their keepers, who weep and pray that World War II will end so their beloved elephants might be saved.

What I Think: I picked up this book as soon as I read that  Jillian Heise thought that it'd be a good companion to Endangered. I'd recently decided that for my 8th grade 4th nine weeks class read aloud, we'd read Endangered and I trusted that Jillian knew what she was talking about. The subtitle warned me thatthis picture book would definitely not be a cheery one, but I could not have prepared myself for how emotional the book actually was. The lyrical writing and soft, watercolor illustrations add to the intensity of the story. Be warned: tears will happen.
     This book not only would be a perfect companion to Endangered, it is definitely a wonderful picture book to lead to deep discussions in the classroom. Children are always very emotional about books pertaining to animals, so I know they will have an intense opinion about what happens in this book. As the zookeepers kill the animals to protect the city in case of a bombing, students will definitely disagree with this decision and this will lead to a great debate. The story also lends itself towards discussions about animal emotions and abuse as well as cause and effect discussions. 

Read Together: Grades 5 and up

Read Alone: Grades 5 to 8

Read With: Endangered by Eliot Schrefer

Snatch of Text: "Not far from the cheerful square, there stands a tombstone. Not many notice this monument for the animals that have died at the Ueno Zoo. It is quiet and peaceful here, and the sun warms every corner." (p. 8)

Mentor Text for: Making Connections, Emotional Impact, Background Knowledge

Writing Prompts: In what ways is the story of the elephants in Faithful Elephants similar to the story of the bonobos in Eliot Schrefer's Endangered?; Was there an alternate solution that the zookeepers could have considered for the elephants? 

Topics Covered: War, Animals, Death, Memorial

I *heart* It:

Endangered

Title: Endangered

Author: Eliot Schrefer

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: October, 2012

Genre/Format: Realistic Fiction/Novel

Goodreads Summary: The compelling tale of a girl who must save a group of bonobos--and herself--from a violent coup. The Congo is a dangerous place, even for people who are trying to do good.

     When one girl has to follow her mother to her sanctuary for bonobos, she's not thrilled to be there. It's her mother's passion, and she'd rather have nothing to do with it. But when revolution breaks out and their sanctuary is attacked, she must rescue the bonobos and hide in the jungle. Together, they will fight to keep safe, to eat, and to survive.

     Eliot Schrefer asks readers what safety means, how one sacrifices to help others, and what it means to be human in this new compelling adventure.

What I Think: Sophie is a normal teenager who struggles with going between her divorced parents mostly when they live in completely different cultural situations- her father has a office job in America and her mother runs a bonobo sanctuary in Congo. Though she was born in the Congo, the last handful of years have been spent in America with her father and returning to Congo and her mother's sanctuary. The book begins with Sophie being picked up and while waiting in a check point, she spots a baby bonobo who is not being treated well and, against everyone's wishes, buys him. Otto now enters into her life and ours. He becomes the co-star of the book and begins to change Sophie's feelings about being at the sanctuary. But then, right before she is about to leave, chaos at the hand of revolutionaries envelopes Congo and Sophie finds herself in a completely type of situation. 
      Now if you follow me here or on Twitter, you know that I am a sucker for ape books and I have been lucky that many people who care a lot about apes write some amazing ape books - this is a book to add to that list. It left me with even more of a passion for saving these animals who are our closest relative. I. Love. This. Book. It quickly moved into my favorites list even while I was only half way through with it. It is such a journey that you take with this young lady and the growth you see in her (and Otto) is incredible. On top of that, Eliot Schrefer is an author who not only can tell a good story, but he can help you become part of the story and visualize and feel everything that is happening. And I am not alone in this love. Endangered was a finalist for The National Book Award, Eliot Schrefer was a hit at the Scholastic Brunch at NCTE, and it is being gushed about on Twitter: 

• "ENDANGERED is one of those books that has a powerful impact, makes you think, and sticks with you long after you've closed the final pages." -Jillian Heise (@heisereads) 
• "ENDANGERED was a can't-put-down book with an emotional and intelligent story that left me wanting to learn more about bonobos and the conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I enjoy books that engage me and leave me thinking, and Eliot Schrefer has balanced that beautifully in this novel." -Jillian Heise (@heisereads) 
• "ENDANGERED is so, so good! Highly recommend to everyone, even though I am only halfway through it. @kelleemoye, you weren't kidding." -Ricki Ginsberg (@ReadwithPassion) 
• "@kelleemoye @eliotschrefer It is such a complex book. Would be great to teach! Very accessible for kids, too." -Ricki Ginsberg (@ReadwithPassion)

Read Together: Grades 6 and up

Read Alone: Grades 7 and up

Read With: Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel, Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, The Chimpanzees I Love by Jane Goodall, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya (via Jillian Heise), Non-fiction books about bonobos and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Snatch of Text: "The man released the bonobo. The little ape sat down tiredly in the dirt and lowered his arms, wincing as his sore muscles relaxed. I kneeled and reached out to him. The bonobo glanced at his master before working up the energy to stand and toddle over to me. He leaned against my shin for a moment, then extended his arms to be picked up. I lift him easily and hugged himself to me, his fragile arms as light as a necklace. I could make out his individual ribs under my figures, could feel his heart flutter against my throat. He pressed his lips against my check , I guess to get as close as possible to my skin, and only then did I hear his faint cries; he'd been making them for so long that his voice was gone." (p. 3-4)

Mentor Text for: Imagery, Emotional Impact, Figurative Language

Writing Prompts: Sophie makes many decisions throughout the book that many people, specifically her parents, would not have agreed with. Would you have made the same decisions as her? Were there any you would have done differently? Do you think her decisions were worth it? Use text evidence to back your answers. 

Topics Covered: Democratic Republic of Congo, Bonobo, Guerilla Militia, Revolution, Race, Nationality, Survival

I *heart* It:

 

For What It's Worth

Title: For What It's Worth

Author: Janet Tashjian

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 

Publication Date: July, 2012

Genre/Format: Historical Fiction/Novel

Goodreads Summary: The year is 1971 and the place is Laurel Canyon, California. Quinn, a fourteen-year-old music “encyclopedia,” writes a music column—called "For What It's Worth"—for his school paper. But Quinn’s world is about to change when he is faced with helping a war dodger and must make some tough decisions. When he starts receiving cryptic Ouija board messages from Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix (all members of the 27 Club), he knows he is in over his head. Fortunately for Quinn, his new girlfriend Caroline helps him get a grip and channel his inner self. 

What I Think: I loved the mood of this book. It made you feel as if you are in high school with Quinn in the 70s. Quinn is such a music fanatic and I really enjoyed how Tashjian weaved his love for music in with the historical part of the book.
     For What It's Worth is a wonderful introduction to the 70s especially because with the help of Quinn's articles scattered throughout the book. I felt was quite important because it gives the readers some great background information but does so without seeming like a lecture. Unfortunately, may middle and teen readers are not aware of the Vietnam War, the protests that went along with it or the 70s culture, so Quinn's articles definitely add that element that students would need to help them understand what is going on. The only thing that would have made the book better would have been a soundtrack that you could have listened to while reading. And Tashjian not only gave lots of love to the music of the 70s, but also discussed photography and the impact that a spectacular captured moment can have on the viewer.
     On top of my love of the historical fiction and art/music aspect, I really liked the characters in this book. Quinn's story of his first love makes me reminisce about my middle school boyfriend because that crazy joy you fill for that first love is hard to duplicate and yet Tashjian captures it perfectly in this book. It is actually the realistic emotions throughout that drive the book- love, paranoia, fascination, sadness, anger, fear. 

Read Together: Grades 6 to 10

Read Alone: Grades 7 to 12

Read With: Biographies of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and other musicians/groups from the 1970s that Quinn mentions, Non-fiction books about the Vietnam War (specifically the protesting, dodging and controversy about the war)

Snatch of Text: "When the Byrds heard the demo of Dylan's song "Mr. Tambourine Man," they decided they wanted to record it too. But their producer, Terry Melcher, didn't think the Byrds were strong enough to perform it. So he hired the Wrecking Crew to play it- local guys who are the best studio musicians around. Besides the vocal harmonies, Roger McGuinn's twelve-string Rickenbacker is the only Byrds' music that's heard on the record. Their version of the song went to number one anyway, a first and only number one for Dylan. The record was credited with ushering in the whole folk rock genre, but besides McGuinn, the other guys hadn't played a note. Were they just happy for the monster single, or did they secrecrly wish they'd played on it too? This is the kind of thing I think about when I'm lying in bed, stalling before getting up for breakfast." (p. 18-19) 

Mentor Text for: Newspaper Articles (Expository Writing), Making Connections, Voice, Characterization, Emotional Impact

Writing Prompts: Like Quinn, research your favorite article and write an informative article about an interesting fact you found.; Quinn also includes a lists throughout the book. Look at one of his lists and make a modern one including songs/albums you think should be on the list. 

Topics Covered: 1970s Rock 'n' Roll, Photography, Fashion, Vietnam, Protest, Fashion

I *heart* It:

Personal Effects

Title: Personal Effects

Author: E.M. Kokie

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: September, 2012

Genre/Format: Contemporary Historical Fiction/Novel

Goodreads Summary: After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.

     Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life — failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel.

What Jen Thinks: For me, Personal Effects was a book that I put down and had to marvel at all that it holds within its pages. I love how Kokie brings the main character, Matt, to life. I felt such raw emotions in Matt. He is definitely a character that I wanted to know and understand right away. I was immediately drawn into his story...curious and searching for bits and pieces to get a clear picture of what was going on in his life. In the beginning, there are several chances to stop and infer, to gather the clues and piece together what is going on in Matt's life. That's what really gripped me and pulled me in the most. As a writer, I recognize how Kokie did a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the story by putting us right into an emotional situation, giving hints of Matt's life, like his friend, Shauna, his dad, his brother, other students in the school. I love where the story goes from there. We get to read more about Matt and the relationship he had with his brother and what he discovers about his brother through looking into his personal effects. I'm still in awe at how well Kokie brings Matt and the other characters to life. He so expertly uses Matt's inner dialogue to balance and bring Matt's personality to life. I just love this kid!

What Kellee Thinks: I just love that feeling of reading a really superb book. One that has it all- story, characterization, theme, grippingness, relevance, etc. etc. etc. It is very similar to eating a perfect meal, but this gives you satisfaction in your body, heart and soul. To someone who has never experienced this feeling unless they have read some of those great books out there. I'll never forget the first time I got this feeling- The Giver. 7th grade. I've been lucky to experience this feeling often in the last 18 years and this was again one of those times. From the beginning, I wanted to know Matt. I wanted to know his secrets and the reason he hurt so much. I wanted to protect him and save him. And I was so glad to be able to go on this journey with him. I also really enjoyed the cast of characters the supported Matt- Shauna, TJ, Curtis... I actually left the novel with more of a sorrow for Curtis than for Matt. 
     It is hard for me to sit here and share with you the emotions you feel as you read this book. You'll feel anger, sadness, sorrow, grief, but also an underlined joy at the end. Kokie has captured these emotions in a book and throws them at you throughout. 
     My only criticism is Matt's parents. Their inclusion seemed hollow and stereotypical and I wish I understood them more. It is such a source for so much that runs Matt that I wish there was more of a back story (prequel?). 
     This book will be a great book for discussions and deals with some heavy issues that are never more relevant than they are today. 

Read Together: Grades 10 and up 

Read Alone: Grades 9 and up 

Read With: BADD by Tim Tharp, Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington, This Is Not a Drill by Beck McDowell, See You At Harry's by Jo Knowles, Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell, Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt, The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Snatch of Text: "After I've folded myself into the chair next to her desk, she hands me a large plastic cup of water. The first tentative sip slides around my mouth. Relief, cold and clean and so good. Maybe the best-tasting water I've ever had. I take small sips, swirling it around my tongue each time before swallowing, just to savor it." (p. 17) [The rest of this page to 18 is all very good]

Mentor Text for: Emotional Impact, Characterization, Description, Making Connections, Making Inferences, Dialogue, Voice

Writing Prompts: When Matt opened T.J.'s personal effects, he found many items that reminded him of his brother's life. What would be the 5 items that you would want to make sure your loved ones got to remember you by? 

Topics Covered: War in Iraq, Military, Discipline, Friendship, Family, Death, Loss, Grief, Love, 

Jen and Kellee *heart* It: 

 and 

**Thank you to Candlewick for providing copies of Personal Effects to review**