Book Review on The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil. 2009. GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0061972657

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

One night, a man that goes by the name Jack, sneaks into the home of a family of four with the intent to kill each and every one of them in order to protect the order of the Jacks of All Trades that has been around for centuries.  He kills everyone except for the toddler.  According to a vision years ago, a boy born from a certain family will grow to adulthood and bring down the Order unless he is killed.  The toddler escapes the house and wanders up a hill to a nearby graveyard.  The man Jack is right behind him.  The ghost of the toddler’s mother asks one of the graveyard ghosts to protect her child and disappears.  The graveyard ghosts agree to raise and protect the child.  Silas, neither alive nor dead, agrees to be the child’s guardian until he is an adult and ushers the man Jack out of the graveyard and denies that any child had been there.  The man Jack leaves, but is determined to find the boy and kill him no matter how long it takes.  As Silas and the ghosts of the graveyard raise and protect the child, they teach the boy many different things that will help him in the future.  The boy is named Nobody Owens and goes by Bod.  He has many different adventures in the graveyard.  As long as he is in the graveyard, he will be protected.  As the story progresses, it is revealed that Silas is a member of the Honour Guards and goes to the extremes to protect Bod.  When Bod is eventually found by man Jack, he uses the lessons taught to him by Silas and the ghosts of the graveyard to resolve the situation.  At this time, the boy has grown into a man and leaves the graveyard to live his life.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Gaiman’s writing is exciting and witty.  It captures the reader’s attention from the very first page maintains it throughout the book.  There is suspense, mystery, and some aspects of the story are scary.  Even though there are ghosts, sleers, and other creepy fantasy creatures, the underlying messages relate to everyday life.  For instance, his guardian told Bod to never leave the graveyard and bring attention to him because the man Jack was out there looking for him.  The little boy chose to leave the graveyard to sell a stone in order to buy a headstone for a ghost’s grave that did not have a headstone.  Of course he got in a bad situation, and needed help.  The message is to listen to your guardians because they want to protect you.  This is an excellent book for students that love science fiction.

Dave McKean’s illustrations serve the text very well.  The drawings are done in black and white and depict the creepy scenes.  The man Jack is a tall and dark figure.  He is always drawn at angles that avoid showing his face.  The boy is drawn throughout the book, evolving into a confident young man.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEW YORK TIMES review: “THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form.  In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment.”

WASHINGTON POST review: “Like a bit of dark Halloween chocolate, this novel proves rich, bittersweet, and very satisfying.”

Starred review in KIRKUS: “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy.  This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Encourage students to write their own science fiction book.  Be open to their ideas and foster their interest in writing.  At the end of the task, praise students and have them share what they have written with other students in the school.

*Other books by Neil Gaiman:

Gaiman, Neil. 2009. CORALINE. ISBN 0061972630

Gaiman, Neil. 2009. M IS FOR MAGIC. ISBN 0061972673

Gaiman, Neil. 2009. ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS. ISBN 0061964875

Gaiman, Neil. 2009. STARDUST. ISBN 0061793078

Book Review on Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Halse Anderson, Laurie. 2006. SPEAK. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142407321

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In the summer right before her freshman year of high school, Melinda goes to a party.  She is raped under a tree by a senior.  After the rape occurred, she called the police intending to report the rape.  However, people at the party thought that she called the police to break up the party.  People at the party scattered and a few partygoers were arrested.  Amidst the chaos, Melinda left the party and walked home to an empty house, never reporting the rape.  Her friends and fellow classmates hate her for calling the police and are mean to her.  Melinda is isolated at school, has a dysfunctional home life, has been raped, and has no one to talk to about it.  She goes from an honor roll student to a troubled student and no one stops to ask her what is wrong.  She acts out in self-destructive ways.  As the story progresses, she is given an art assignment that requires her to make something that involves a tree.  She struggles the whole year to figure a way to use the concept of a tree in her art project.  Her former best friend, whom she still cares about, is about to date the senior who raped her.  She finds the courage to tell her former best friend that she was raped.  At first, the girl did not believe Melinda.  However, after experiencing some inappropriate touching at the prom, she believed Melinda and was apologetic.  The senior rapist was infuriated that Melinda spoke out and tried to rape her again.  He was caught by the lacrosse team.  Melinda’s reputation was restored, she completed her art project and received an A+, and realized how strong she was.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing is honest, witty, and direct.  She writes about issues that are relevant to teens.  This book brings to light many issues that should be openly discussed between teens, parents, and school personnel.  Throughout the book, the school constantly changes its mascot because it could symbolize a potentially bad message: “Home of the Trojans didn’t send a strong abstinence message, so they have transformed us into the Blue Devils.”  It is disturbing that the school’s concern is focused on the message its school mascot could be sending instead of what happens to make an honor student spiral down a path of self-destruction.  School personnel are supposed to be trained to ask the right questions at the right time or at least try to help instead of simply labeling students as troublemakers.  Also, the feelings of many rape victims are discussed.  This book would be a great conversation starter for the difficult issue of rape and its effects on victims.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, SPEAK will hold readers from first word to last.”

Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “A stunning first novel….Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers’ empathy….Melinda’s hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.”

A Michael L. Printz Honor Book

A National Book Award Finalist

An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist

A LOS ANGELES TIMES Book Prize Finalist

Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award

A NEW YORK TIMES Best Seller

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Seller

An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults

An ALA Quick Pick

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year

A BOOKLIST Top Ten First Novel of 1999

A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book of the Year

A HORN BOOK Fanfare Title

Winner of eight state book awards-and a finalist for eleven

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about rape, its effects on victims, and how a rape victim can reach out to get help, this is a book that encourages empathy, sharing, and critical thinking.  Allow students ample time to discuss their thoughts and feelings.

*Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Halse Anderson, Laurie. 2003. CATALYST. ISBN 0142400017

Halse Anderson, Laurie. 2008. TWISTED. ISBN 0142411841

Halse Anderson, Laurie. 2010. PROM. ISBN 1616864354

Halse Anderson, Laurie. 2009. WINTERGIRLS. ISBN 1101029196

Book Review on The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tan, Shaun. 2007. THE ARRIVAL. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439895294

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this very personal wordless graphic novel, Shaun Tan describes the feelings and experiences of a man who embarks on a journey to a new land in order to make a better life for his family.  He details the heartbreaking emotions of parting from his family as well as the sheer optimism that goes along with planning for a better future.  He depicts the difficult, lonely, and challenging situations that many immigrants often encounter.  Even though many aspects about the new place are similar, they are also very different.  There are new languages, methods of doing specific tasks, animals, scenery, people with differing perspectives on life, etc.  The man adapts to his new environment, works hard, and eventually his family is able to join him.  The family holds on to their native culture and embraces their new culture.    

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though this is a wordless graphic novel, the emotions and sequence of events are thoroughly explained.  The book is composed in the form of an old, weathered photo album.  Small and large pictures are intermingled in a way that allows the reader to follow the sequence of events that lead to a crucial event.  The more mundane events are represented by small pictures and crucial events are represented by large pictures.  The pictures are very detailed.  The emotions of the characters, the scene unfolding in the background, and the progression of events are skillfully crafted.

This book is amazing in so many ways.  Shaun Tan represents the oppressed and possibly unsafe homeland by drawing dark shadows over the city, dragon like tails coiling around the city, and scared facial expressions of the characters.  He emphasizes the difficult journey that immigrants face in many ways.  The departure from his family is very emotional and one of the few personal belongings he can take with him is the family picture.  The difficulty of adapting to the new place is challenging and often times frustrating.  There is a new language and different ways of doing things.  In one scene, he resorts to drawing a picture of a bed to convey the message that he needed a place to stay.    

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel.”

Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “Recipient of numerous awards and nominations in Australia, THE ARRIVAL proves a beautiful, compelling piece of art, in both content and form.”

Review from Marjane Satrapi, author of PERSEPOLIS: “THE ARRIVAL is an absolute wonder.  It’s not often you see art of this quality, or a book that’s so brave.”

Review from Brian Selznick, author of THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET: “THE ARRIVAL is beautiful.  I loved how it slowly dawned on me that this bizarre world was how any immigrant might see the new place they go… everything is different and scary and magical.  The drawings are just so lovely, endlessly detailed and wonderfully strange.  Bravo.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about immigration, the often times difficult challenges that immigrants face, adapting to a new land, or becoming bicultural, this is a book that encourages empathy and sharing.

*Other books by Shaun Tan:

Tan, Shaun. 2009. TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. ISBN 9780545055871

Tan, Shaun. 2007. THE HAUNTED PLAYGROUND. ISBN 9781598899160

Tan, Shaun. 2002. THE LOST THING. ISBN 0734403887

Tan, Shaun. 2010. THE RED TREE. ISBN 9780734411372

Book Review on Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375836888

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

During the Great Depression, it was difficult for almost everyone.  Eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt in Florida while her mother stays behind in Jersey to work as a live-in maid for a wealthy person who does not like kids.  This is nothing new to Turtle because she has played the role of the adult because her mother somewhat lives with her head in the clouds believing that everything will work out just like it does in the movies.  Turtle’s mother goes from man to man thinking that each relationship will be the one that will change everything; she and her daughter would then have the perfect family.  Once Turtle reaches Florida, she realizes that things are not what they seem.  She meets a grandmother that she never knew existed, finds a treasure map in an old piano, finds the treasure, gets her mother back and the man her mother thinks is the perfect man, and her treasure stolen by that man.  Turtle then realizes that the perfect family is not necessarily what is portrayed on the big screen and that her family offers a different kind of paradise.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

It is too often that the idea of the perfect family that includes a loving mom and dad in a beautiful house with a white picket fence is imposed in books and the media.  It sends the message that this is what should be for everyone.  However, every family is unique and what works for one family may not work for another.  Turtle is smart, intuitive, and dependent and is a character that children can easily connect with.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Infused with period pop culture references, a strong sense of place, and the unique traditions and culture of Key West natives, this humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother’s Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family and geography that offer a different kind of paradise.”

Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Holm is relentless in pushing her young character to the edge, with apparent triumph quickly followed by heartbreak.  Breathe, and there’s reconciliation, and a picture-perfect hope dawning once more.

Review in KIRKUS: “Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic-that of a practical, clear-eyed observer-and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments.  Sweet, funny, and superb.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about different types of families, this is a book that encourages empathy and sharing.

*Other books written by Jennifer Holm:

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. BOSTON JANE: AN ADVENTURE. ISBN 9780375862045

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. BOSTON JANE: WILDERNESS DAYS. ISBN 9780375862052

Holm, Jennifer. 2007. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. ISBN 0375836896

Holm, Jennifer. 2003. THE CREEK. ISBN 006000133X

Book Review on Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1995. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0064405842

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Karen Cushman writes about the spirit of the times and what it was like for women during the Middle Ages.  Women were supposed to learn how to be a lady and take care of specific tasks such as doctoring boils with herbal remedies.  Birdy’s father, a minor English nobleman, wants to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor.  Women were considered property that could be traded for goods and had no choice in the matter of who they were to marry.  Birdy’s endured “cracks upside the head” from her parents when she did not do what was expected of her.  She often engaged in comical yet gross ruses in order to drive away her potential suitors.  She wants so badly to escape this situation and choose her own path in life.  She considered becoming a Monk like her brother Edward and running away to become a crusader like her Uncle George.  However, she quickly realized that she could not do these things because she was not a boy.  After an encounter with a Jewish family that was being exiled from England, Birdy realizes that she is in a similar situation because even though her suitor may have “won my body, but no matter whose wife I am, I will still be me.”  There is symbolism with her name, her pet birds, and the feeling of being caged and wanting to be free.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is written as a journal would be.  It is interesting that each entry/chapter is headed with some mention of a figure within the Catholic faith.  Often, these figures are martyrs.  At times, Birdy brings up inconsistencies between the messages being taught in the Catholic faith and the practices of society.  For instance, pride and greed are regarded as sins, but Birdy’s father is determined to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor.  This is all for his social status and financial gain.  Also, women were not supposed to be “learned” but Birdy’s brother Edward (the Monk) believes that “everyone should be learned, even girls.”  He encourages Birdy to keep a journal for a year to “help her become less childish and more learned.”  We also vicariously experience the emotions of the individuals involved in the arranged marriages.  For example, Birdy’s Uncle George fell in love with her friend.  However, her friend was married off to a seven-year-old boy.  Even though this work of historical fiction represents the zeitgeist of the Middle Ages, young readers will be able to connect with the character.

4.  AWARDS/REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A Newberry Honor Book

A 1995 Notable Children’s Book (ALA)

A 1995 Best Book for Young Adults (ALA)

Quick Picks for Young Adults 1995 (ALA)

Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: “Her diary of the year 1290 is a revealing, amusing, and sometimes horrifying view both of Catherine’s thoughts and life in the Middle Ages… The vivid picture of medieval life presents a seemingly eye-witness view of a culture remote from contemporary beliefs.  Fascinating and thought-provoking.”

Pointer review in THE KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy’s yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.  Her tenacity and ebullient naiveté are extraordinary.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Birdy reveals fascinating facts about her time period.  A feminist far ahead of her time, she is both believable and lovable… Superb historical fiction.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES review: “Rambunctious… a first person scramble through Catherine’s 14^th year… [and a] gallant attempt at re-creating the pastoral landscapes and the smoky halls of a vanished era.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*There are many directions one could take with this book.  It would be an excellent complement to studying the progress of women throughout history. 

*Other books written by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. 2010. ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN. ISBN 9780547231846

Cushman, Karen. 2002. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 9780440418221

Cushman, Karen. 1998. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. ISBN 9780064406840

Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 9780064406307

Book Review on Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. CHAINS. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 1416905863

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Laurie Halse Anderson writes about slavery, violence, war, and perseverance.  As the Revolutionary War begins, the owner of thirteen-year-old Isabel and her little sister Ruth dies.  The owner stated in her will that she wanted the little girls to be free.  Isabel has the ability to read and knew that was what the will stated.  When she brings this up to the nephew of the deceased owner, he belittles her saying, “Slaves don’t read and I should beat you for lying, girl.”  The deceased owner’s nephew sells them to a horribly cruel couple.  The couple physically and verbally abuses the girls.  Isabel tries very hard to care for and protect her little sister Ruth who has a seizure disorder.  When the madam finds out that Ruth has this seizure disorder, she beats her and then sells her.  Isabel meets a slave named Curzon who has ties with the Patriots and encourages her to spy on her owners.  As the violence escalates to the point of Isabel’s owners branding her on the cheek, she decides that she must do whatever is necessary to escape the situation.  A lady helps Isabel recover from the branding before sending her back to her owner.  Isabel decides to bide her time in order to make her escape at exactly the right moment.  During a fire, she helps the lady who care for her after the branding.  One night, Isabel stole a pass, helped sneak her friend Curzon into a boat, and escaped.  The book does not have a definitive conclusion.  It marks the setting of the next book in the series.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though this book is from the historical fiction genre, it provides a realistic view into what really happened during the Revolutionary War.  It is refreshing to read a book written for young adults that does not sugarcoat the truth.  Slavery, violence, and war are real issues that should be honestly and thoroughly discussed.  At an age-appropriate level, children should be given accurate historical information.  This is to ensure that the future generations learn from the past and that the same mistakes are not repeated.   

The book is written as a journal would be.  Each entry/chapter is headed with the date and excerpt from some type of news article that occurred on that day or a quote from a letter or book.  It starts with the day she and her sister were sold to the horrible couple and ends on the day Isabel frees herself.  Isabel particularly enjoyed the book, COMMON SENSE by Thomas Pain, which was given to her.  It had many thought-provoking and “dangerous ideas” that fueled her desire to escape her situation.

4.  AWARDS/REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

National Book Award Nominee

New York Times Bestseller

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Anderson explores elemental themes of power, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.”

BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS review: “Engrossing…a heart-racing story.”

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR review: “[K]nocks on the conscience of a nation.”

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Readers will care deeply about Isabel…”

Starred review in  PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Startling provocative…nuanced and evenhanded…a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*There are many directions one can go with this book.  Initiate a class discussion on one of the issues in this book, such as slaves not being allowed to learn to read.  Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think slave owners did not want slaves to read?”  “Based on your responses, why do you think literacy is so important?”  This encourages students to think about these issues on a deeper level.

*Other books written by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2003. CATALYST. ISBN 9781042400012

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2002. FEVER 1793. ISBN 9780689848919

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. FORGE (SEEDS OF AMERICA). ISBN 9781416961444

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. TWISTED. ISBN 9780142411841

Book Review on Charles Darwin by Kathleen Krull

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen. 2010. CHARLES DARWIN. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 1101444320

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Kathleen Krull writes about the life of Charles Darwin.  The experiences of Charles Darwin as a whole person, not just a scientist, are discussed.  This enables the reader to connect the events leading up to Charles Darwin’s choice to study this particular area, in addition to his contributions to science.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Our environment and the spirit of the times strongly impact what we feel comfortable sharing with our peers.  There are several spoken and unspoken rules one must abide by in order to function well in our society.  Sadly, it is common for one to be shunned if one goes against popular opinion.  Darwin understood this well.  This, in part, was why it took so long for Darwin to feel comfortable enough to share his work on THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES with the public. Even though his work may go against popular opinion, it is crucial to remember that popular opinion is not the only opinion. 

This book contains a few black and white sketches of specific events in Darwin’s life.  For instance, there is an illustration of Darwin riding a large tortoise.  This is a visual representation of the text: “He lifted up a tortoise’s shell to see how much it weighed—it hissed at him in response.  He rode another one like a horse, rapping on the shell to get it going.”    

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “In the latest entry in the acclaimed Giants of Science series, which began with Leonardo da Vinci (2005), Krull once again offers an illuminating, humanizing portrait of a famous scientist.  Young readers will connect with descriptions of Darwin as a poor student who felt stifled at school but maintained a voracious curiosity for the natural world outside the classroom.  ‘At age nine, his goal was to know something about every single stone on the path to the front door.’  Krull is a seasoned pro, and as in the series’ previous entries, she writes in easily paced, lively, conversational prose, knitting together interesting facts, anecdotes, and historical overviews into a fascinating whole.  She offers clear definitions of not only Darwin’s theories but also how his discoveries built on previous scientists’ work and notes that his greatest contribution to science was his history of natural selection, not evolution, a distinction that sometimes gets muddied in the still-feverish debates about his work.”

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “Part of the ‘Giants of Science Series,’ this biography reveals a Charles Darwin whose inherent ‘niceness’ both assisted him and inhibited him as a scientist, delaying the publication of this ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES for years, as he feared the uproar it might cause.  In this presentation, Darwin is a kind, curious misfit.  Born to privilege but a non-conformist, the brilliant scientist struggles until he finds his calling.  A fast-paced biography of Darwin and the society that at once shaped and thwarted him, this book engages its audience of ten-and-up.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Krull does a fabulous job of making Darwin real, from boyhood to adulthood.  The information is obviously well researched and it is presented in a reader-friendly manner.  In addition, Kulikov’s black-and-white illustrations give depth and character to the story.  Darwin’s ideas are presented as well as those of his opponents and fellow scientists.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about ideas that differ from popular opinion and how to be respectful when discussing differing ideas, this book would be a good starting point.  After reading the book, initiate a class discussion.  Ask open-ended questions such as, “Have you ever had an idea that you didn’t feel comfortable sharing because you thought your friends and family would strongly disagree with you?”  “If so, were they respectful when they disagreed with you or did they behave in a mean way?”  “How did it make you feel?”  “When you disagree with someone, are you respectful or do you say mean things about their idea?”  This gets a dialogue going on what is appropriate and inappropriate in regards to discussing ideas that may deviate from the societal norm.  We may disagree on ideas, but we need to make sure we disagree respectfully.

*Other books written by Kathleen Krull:

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT. ISBN 1416984879

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. ISAAC NEWTON. ISBN 1101098368

Krull, Kathleen. 2008. LEONARDO DA VINCI. ISBN 1101098694

Krull, Kathleen. 2009. MARIE CURIE. ISBN 1101024771