Books on screen

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

If you've read this book (and if you haven't you really ought to) you know that the first 3/4 of this book center around family humor. Its only in the final chapters, once they arrive in Alabama, that the serious political issues come into play. The movie version eliminates most of those early scenes and incorporates far more scenes of racial tension. It adds a scene where Byron and Kenny try to eat at a southern lunch counter and adds in cousins who talk about marching in a protest. While these things are important historically they entirely change the tone of the story. The original story shows us kids who have their eyes opened to injustice by as moment of intense violence. The movie makes it more of a process. More about a political situation and less about the individual. So, while both have merit, I personally prefer the novel. And if you enjoy audio books, this one is read by Levar Burton.

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
The Lost Prince by Matt Myklusch
For as long as he can remember, Dean has been a spy for the pirate king One-Eyed Jack. An assignment to spy on captain Gentleman Jim gets complicated when they cross paths with men who claim to be Seekers from the hidden country of Zenhala. These men think Dean is their lost prince. He goes along with them to gather treasure for One-Eyed Jack, but as the trials go on Dean begins to question his mission.
This book combines the thrill of pirates with the intrigue of missing royalty. The characters have great depth. I love what I've read so far and don't anticipate that opinion changing as I read on.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Anywhere But Paradise by Anne Bustard
The year is 1960 and Peggy Sue's family has just moved to Hawaii. Peggy Sue never wanted to leave Texas in the first place and having to quarantine her beloved cat, being one of only a few white students in her entire school, and not understanding local customs convinces her that Hawaii is just about the opposite of where she wants to be. Will Peggy Sue's opinion change or will living in Hawaii turn out to be the worst possible choice her parents have ever made?
This short read has a great sense of place and character. It's historical fiction but has more universal lessons. It could be a great read for upper elementary school kids. Besides, who doesn't like reading about Hawaii?
 
What do you think you will read next?
Ask the Dark by Henry Turner
A story about the local problem kid going up against a killer.  

Book review - Frank Einstein and the Elctro-Finger

Title: Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger
Author: Jon Scieszka
Genre: sci-fi/humor
Similar books: Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack by Franco Aureliani
                     The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole
Rating:

very educational

Summary: Frank Einstein and his best friend Watson are working on an invention to provide free energy to everyone in Midville. Their rival, Edison, will do anything to stop them so everyone will have to get their energy from his power company at whatever prices he pleases. In the process Frank, Watson, and the reader learn about forms of energy.

My Opinion: This series has loads of great science information presented in a kid-friendly manner. This book alone teaches about the laws of motion, simple machines, types of energy, magnetism, and even how a solar cell works (something I confess I did not know). Add in a relatively entertaining plot with a really fun cast of characters and this becomes an easy recommendation for young readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Experimenting with t-shirt crafts

Ever get an idea and run with it without really thinking through all the steps or really making a solid plan? I usually rein in those impulses but occasionally I like to just freeform a craft. Sometimes the results are great (like with the goat puppet I made for my nephew) and sometimes they're .... well, the craft I'm sharing with you today.

This project started with a doodle of a rag doll with striped socks. I knew I had some scraps of a striped t-shirt tucked away so I found some other t-shirts that coordinated and just ran with it. I didn't even make any patterns. Which is why one arm is longer than the other and one leg of the shorts is significantly wider. Still, I feel like the base concept is solid and if I take the time to create an actual pattern it could be a project worth repeating.

Science with little kids

I hosted two programs this week: Science After Dark and Puppets!

Science After Dark compiled some simple science experiments using everyday materials. We explored inertia, chemical reactions, static, hydrophobic materials, and the joys of slime.
 

showing how inertia works with cardstock and a penny

we made observations on the effects of hot and cold water on glow sticks

experimenting with marbling food coloring on shaving cream

borax and glue slime

In Puppets this month we began constructing the puppets for our annual puppet show. This meant working on several different kinds of puppets all at once, so I wasn't able to get very many photos. Here's a couple of shots of the in progress puppets. 
 

Book review - The Walls Around Us

Title: The Walls Around Us
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Genre: horror/magical realism
Similar books: The Drowning by Rachel Ward
                     All Those Broken Angels by Peter Adam Salomon
Rating:

pretty eye opening; great for discussion

Summary: All of Violet's dreams are about to come true. In just a matter of weeks she will leave for Julliard. Before she leaves she must confront a part of her past with a trip to Aurora Hills Secure Juvenile Detention Center where her best friend Oriana was imprisoned. The place where Oriana died. This is also the story of Amber, a long term inmate at the Center and Oriana's cellmate. These two stories weave together to tell teh tale of Oriana's life and death.

My Opinion: This is the third book I've read by Nova Ren Suma and the one that works the best for me. The first two (Imaginary Girls and 17 & Gone) hooked me right away but sort of fell apart towards the end. This book started slower but really stuck the ending. The tone is more consistent as are the supernatural elements. There's also this fantastic exploration of guilt, innocence, and perception that would make for excellent discussion in a book club or other group.

More Information: The Walls Around Us releases March 24.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic Novel Spotlight: No Girls Allowed

No Girls Allowed by Susan Hughes

No Girls Allowed tells the stories of seven historical women who rejected societal expectations of females, disguised themselves as men, and made things happen. They ruled nations, fought wars, and sought their freedom and better education. The art in this book is black and white line drawings and rather stylized, making at times a hard sell. Still, it's easily understood even without mind-blowing drawings and it's a great quick look at some important historical figures. This is well worth a look, especially for the reader who thinks graphic novels are all superheroes and weird fantasy.

You'll notice that the female characters have a circle on one cheek to indicate their gender