Batty About Summer of the Mariposas

Summer of the Mariposas
Part 1 - The Departure

A few weeks ago, we discussed our thoughts prior to reading.

Cover Thoughts

Due to life getting in the way, it took a little while before we could resume our discussion. Now the Batty About Books duo is back to chat about the first chunk of this lovely book.


As usual, my thoughts are in purple with Kathy (aka The Brain Lair) in blue. My ponderings reside here, but don't miss checking out the other side of the conversation at The Brain Lair.

Wow - what an impressive beginning! I have so many thoughts swirling around my head that I’m going to have to pick and choose or this post will be massive.

Connections to Greek Mythology

I’m torn about when to use this book with students. Do I do it after they have some Greek mythology background? I think the story will hold up well even if they miss these references, but students who are intrigued by the stories will delight in “myth spotting”.

I don’t have enough Greek Mythology background but I thought she was obvious in her connections.  Which I thought was great for me and for students who aren’t steeped yet.  It makes me want to learn more so I can go deeper and so I can come back and see what I missed! Or misunderstood! Sometimes we think we know stuff...

Odysseus and Telemachus:

My first connection is also a question. I know the flap says the book is a modern retelling of The Odyssey - but who is Odysseus? At this stage of the story, I feel like the girls represent Telemachus, the child of Odysseus who is crushed by his father’s extended absence. Their goal is to bring one missing father home, but I’m hoping they also discover the truth behind their own father’s departure. So is their father Odysseus? He was the “riddle caller” in their game of Loteria, so there is that connection.

On the other hand, the girls have already met a character that could represent the Sirens - the la Llorona spirit who sends Odilia on her quest. So are THEY Odysseus? Can they be both?

Oh.My.God. My head is now spinning and it’s all I can do not to see if this was addressed by McCall somewhere.  Can they be both? For now, I see them as Odysseus.  The little prologues at the beginning of the sections talk much about their journey as opposed to their dad’s story.  Don’t peek ahead to them unless you want spoilers! Will you have your students read an abridged and youthful version of The Odyssey? Actually - I have a reader’s theater script version of the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid. I’ve only ever used the Iliad, though. I do it toward the end of the year with 5th grade, and I have to stop after almost every scene to give them the “here’s what just happened” summary. I can easily see using it earlier in the year and tying it to this book - assuming the rest of the book works for this age group.

Allusions and References

So far I’ve noticed many times when the author uses comparisons to mythical creatures as part of her literary style. The girls are described as “river nymphs” on page 4. The dead man’s hair floating in the water is like “tentacles of a sea monster” (page 6). Juanita herself is compared to an Amazon. This is all in the first twenty pages!

I know! That was something that I enjoyed.  She is setting the stage for a different type of story. Would you call this magical realism? I like the simplicity and beauty of the language. I feel as if I can enjoy the story on two levels as both a collector of images and words and a story to have in my pocket for students.

The Hero/Heroine’s Journey

(from http://thenovelfactory.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/the-heros-journey-infographic.html)

As we mentioned in our first post, Mariposas is written to clearly connect to the parts of the Hero’s Journey model that Campbell describes. Even the names of the chunks of the story (the first part is called The Departure) are designed to connect.  Since I adore using this model to my reading groups each year, I’m keeping my eye on this text as a possible addition. Even more, I’m hoping that it ends up being a good example of how the journey of a heroine is similar to - yet different from - the traditional male journey.

So far, Odilia has jumped all of the hurdles from the “first act”.

** We are introduced to her world, and her family. Her family, particularly her sisters joining her on her path, are a more feminine take on the traditional “male striking out on his own” stage.

** She learns she is special - even that she has potentially “noble blood” as the child of the Aztecs - and is called to a task only she can complete. I loved how the la Llorona did this, with the drowning children. This scene really calls Odilia out as the heroine of the tale, with her sisters being the supporting characters. Should we see this spirit as her Mentor, even though she’s also very “Siren-like”? The gift of the earring is definitely magical assistance.

** She has a very distinct “Crossing the threshold” scene as well. It’s even spelled out in exactly those terms, when the narrator declares that she is “leaving behind everything that was familiar and normal and full of life and crossing over the threshold into the darkness of a dead man’s life”. (pg 67) Is it too much that the author actually says that? I didn’t mind it, and I think my students will like to see the direct connection here. Older readers may not appreciate that assistance.

What really makes a hero or heroine’s journey, though, is a coming of age story. I think we’ll see Odilia grow and mature in the next two chunks of the story. I can’t wait! I’m also looking for those pieces of her tale that depart from the traditional male dominated tradition.

My piece covers the hero’s journey exclusively! I actually mentioned the same “crossing the threshold” piece from p. 67.

I don’t think older readers will mind, unless they are going in looking specifically for the hero’s journey. Not many teachers, at least in my school, use the hero’s journey so student’s aren’t familiar with it. I’m hoping to use this in a book club that focuses specifically on the journey, hopefully with strong female main characters! It was being used in 7th grade LA but not for the past three years.  Maybe it’s time to bring it back. I do it with 4th and 5th, but they are young enough that I don’t think the explicit connection will feel patronizing to them.

The Family Connection

Beyond the wealth of classical references and the possibility of using the novel in a Hero’s Journey unit, the characters and story are also rich.

I love the sibling interaction the most. As an “oldest” myself, I identify strongly with Odilia. Yet there are connections here for any reader. Youngests may see their story with Pita, and how she constantly lags behind the big kids. Middles have several options, with the twins and the language obsessed second child.

As number 7 of 15, I hold two places in the family.  Middle overall but oldest of the children in the house at the same time I was! As a middle, I identify with Jaunita, always wanting to save the world because I was always pushed aside. I wanted to be noticed. This part of me is not as prevalent as when I was younger. As an older child, I was, and still am, an Odilia! Always trying to keep the peace and wanting to do what’s right! I also wanted to run to my mom and just be a kid but she was like their mom, busy! I would always try to walk away but my sense of responsibility, and love for my mom, kept me coming back and following those crazy family schemes!!! Of course, I always felt the youngest ones were babies who always got their way! I still feel that! Wow! That’s quite a unique experience.

The more I discuss this with you, the more I’m liking this book!!

Overall -

I’m really enjoying this book. It is meeting my need for a well told story, interesting characters, and a peek into a culture that I don’t normally see. I’m hoping this continues!

I mention in my post that I wasn’t sure if I liked this because so much has happened this past month. But, reading and responding to your thoughts has brought me a new appreciation and I can’t wait to dive into Part 2!

Crazy summer schedules may mean another short break before the next section. But rest assured - we'll be back!

It's Monday June 10th

Well.... here we are! I have a ton of things to do to finish up my school year (We aren't done until June 17th), but this week reading took priority over almost everything else.


Don't forget to stop by Teach Mentor Texts for the other posts this week.






Nerdbery Update - 2 more down (that's 79 done for those of you playing at home). Wasn't super excited about either of these.

Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Okay, so Small Medium at Large isn't completely realistic. She DOES talk to ghosts, after all. But the core of the story really fits that tag. I'm not used to reading about boy crushes and bra shopping!

My Side of the Mountain was a reread for my Retro Review that will be on Nerdy Book Club this Thursday. Love that book.

Zero Tolerance comes out soon. I plan to review it - hopefully before I leave on my trip.


Picture Book / Sci Fi

I saw several reviewer who didn't like this book. I think it may be the different target audience. This book would be difficult for younger grades, and may not appeal as much to readers who can handle all the crazy language stuff.

My students, though? They are gonna love it. I had it out on the shelf last week and several students pulled it off to read it. There is fake alien language (totally decodable for kids who like that kind of thing) and lots of great vocabulary sprinkled throughout. Biggest thanks to Margie - I won it from one of her weekly Twitterville posts!

Comic Books - this is a multiple issue trade

I've had many people recommend this one, and I picked it up at the store when I went for Free Comic day. It was fabulous!

It's not an actual Superman comic - it's about a guy who was named Clark Kent by his parents because they thought it would be funny. When he develops actual Superman like power, though, his whole world changes.

Didn't give it 5 stars because I found the reliance on the narrator's monologuing a bit too much - I wish there had been less of him TELLING us what was going on and more of us seeing it... but it was still wonderful.






I also have a Middle Grade Monday review up today -

The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger!

Middle Grade Monday - Barftastic!

Check out other posts by readers, librarians, and teachers at Shannon Messenger's blog each Monday!

The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger

by Jenny Meyerhoff

Publication Date - June 11th.

Goodreads Synopsis

Fifth grader Louie Burger figures that with a goofy name like his, he mustbe destined to be a king of comedy like his idol Lou Lafferman. But he’s only ever performed his stand-up act in his closet, where he and his dad created the most exclusive comedy club ever—if by “exclusive” you mean that no one’s ever allowed inside. With the school talent show coming up, Louie’s wondering if now is his moment to kill (that’s comedian talk for “make actual people laugh”). And maybe, if he brings down the house, he’ll win back his former best friend Nick—who seems to be turning into one of those annoying sporty types—and fend off his dad’s home-improvement obsession, which threatens to remodel Louie’s comedy closet into a private bedroom for his older sister. Barftrocious!

My Thoughts:

Louie's family is actually intact, though it has the usual squabbles. His father is attempting to start a new career as an artist, and his mother heads back to work to help support his dream. Louie's dream? He wants to become a stand up comedian.

I loved so many aspects of this book. I adored Louie, that's for sure. I loved how insecure he feels about putting himself out there and performing. I loved the fact that he's a character who isn't a sporty boy, and he's trying to deal with making friends when he doesn't have that connection with his peers. 

I also loved his friends Nick and Thermos. Yes, Thermos. She hates her girly real name, and is always trying to get involved in the boys' sporting games at recess. The friendship challenges that this trio faces felt very realistic, as Louie and Nick struggle to find a way to keep their friendship strong while admitting Thermos into their lives. This is something I see happen a lot in elementary school.

The only thing that struck me as being not quite right about the characters is the fact that they felt a bit young for fifth graders. I teach upper elementary, and I don't know that my fifth graders would be able to see themselves in these characters. On the other hand, my third grade son read it and found it absolutely delightful! I can't wait to book talk it to my third and fourth graders.

Here's what my son had to say -

I like Louie because it is a funny book. I like the fact Louie is a comedian. That's why I like it.

With short chapters interspersed with illustrations and some informational and glossary style pages, Louie will appeal to readers who love Stink and Judy Moody.  Put this one on your list!!


Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, with no strings attached.

It's Monday - June 3rd

It was a HOT one this week! At least where I am. Did you all stay cool and read?

Don't forget to check out the other posts at Teach Mentor Texts...

My reading week was slightly light, and it is once again the fault of The Doctor. Doctor Who? Exactly. I'm almost caught up, so that should get better soon...







Humorous Middle Grade

The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger
by Jenny Meyerhoff
Publication Date - June 11th.

This is a GREAT middle grade book. I'll do a full review next week.

(I received an ARC of this book from the publisher)








Creepy Upper Middle Grade

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls
by Claire Legrand

I won a copy of this one from the author during teacher appreciation week (along with her upcoming title The Year of Shadows - but I have to steal that back from my students to read)

It is creepy as ALL heck - the perfect book for students who like Coraline, Juniper Berry, and Spindlers.

I can't wait to create a Creepilicious display for my room for the fall!








Nonfiction:

Fun, quick read. Subdivided into sections. A great example of how to work through mistakes as well as a good nonfiction text. 

I also did a Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post today
- check out my reviews of Rump and The Key & the Flame  (both come highly recommended by my younger son)

Middle Grade Monday - Stamp of Approval

Check out Shannon Messenger's blog for more Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts!


Generally I'm sharing books that I *think* middle grade students will like. I'm usually correct, but it's so nice to be able to write about books that I *know* at least one middle grade student adored. My older son often takes off with books that arrive at my house before I have a chance to read them, but this week it's my younger son (3rd grade) who takes center stage.



The Key & the Flame
by Claire M. Caterer
Hardcover, 480 pages
Published April 2nd 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN 1442457414 (ISBN13: 9781442457416)

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Eleven-year-old Holly Shepard wants nothing more than to seek adventure outside of her humdrum American life. She gets her chance at last when her family travels to England and Holly receives an unusual gift: an iron key that unlocks a passage to the dangerous kingdom of Anglielle, where magic is outlawed and those who practice magic are hunted. When her friend Everett and brother Ben are captured by Anglielle’s ruthless king, Holly must rescue them. But that means finding—and using—the magic within herself and learning which magical allies she can trust. The Key & the Flame is the first in a brand-new fantasy adventure series for ages 8 and up.

My thoughts: 
I won a copy of The Key & the Flame directly from the author. It arrived with a full bag o' swag and captured my younger son's attention. He snagged it right out of my hands and proceeded to DEVOUR it in just two days. So the "eight and up" target range? Dead on. Don't just trust me, though, here's what my third grader (who is a huge Percy Jackson and Harry Potter fan) had to say:

The Key & the Flame is an awesome book! It is about Holly. Holly is trying to save her brother and her friend from a dungeon. I think Holly's way to free them was cool. I think that because it involved magic. 

I loved the fact that the girl was the main "mover and shaker" in the story, since the book will appeal to boys and girls equally. Yes, it is important for girls to see themselves as the heroes in a story. It is just as  important for boys to see girls in these roles. I love the fact that this book didn't have the girl as just the "important sidekick".

But wait... there's more... 

When The Key & the Flame arrived, there were other items and bookmarks included. One of them, in particular, jumped out at my son. Since Rump was also receiving rave reviews online from other Nerdy Book Club friends, I decided to use my gift card and order my very own copy.

It arrived... and guess what? Yep, younger son grabbed it out of the box and took it with him to school. I knew this was a winner because I kept hearing him giggle as he read.

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
by Liesl Shurtliff
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published April 9th 2013 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published April 1st 2013)
ISBN 0307977935 (ISBN13: 9780307977939)
Goodreads Synopsis: 
In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

My Thoughts:

I mentioned how much my son giggled as he read this one, right? Here's how he described it in his reader's notebook for school: 

Rump is a very awesome and very very funny book. The main character is Rump (yes, the rump that stands for a cow's butt). He figured out he can spin straw into gold. He sold the gold he made to get food (not much) so he would not starve. 

As for me - I also adored it. I love fractured fairy tales (be sure to check out the Hero's Guide series), and this was a great example. Rumplestiltskin is such a fascinating character, and I loved seeing his childhood. 

The Bottom Line

Both books are fabulous new fantasies for middle graders. Rump is shorter and funnier, so may be especially good for younger or more reluctant readers. The Key & the Flame is definitely longer, and will appeal to stronger readers or upper middle graders. Lots of great magical adventure!

It's Monday May 27th

I normally have this post written up on Sunday, and link it up quite early Monday morning. Guess the weekend got away from me!


Be sure to stop by Teach Mentor Texts to check out other posts and add to your summer TBR pile..








Comics and Graphic Novels:

Great new monthly comic series from Dark Horse. The arc will be complete with the next issue, so it should come out as a trade shortly.

Fabulous new graphic novel that chronicles the adventures of three scientists who studied primates. Look for it on shelves June 11th (My building got it in our JLG box this past week) 

Looking for a way to convince parents and/or teachers of the value of comics and graphic novels? I wrote a post this week describing the presentation I did for parents as part of our building Parent Book Club summer kick off.

The Benefits of Comics and Graphic Novels

Great Science Fiction (my post describing my SciFi presentation at the same event) 

and a first ever Guest Post by my librarian Chris Roberts (aka @readerroberts) describing the whole Parent Book Club event. 

Hope you are having a happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend (if you are here in the US with me!)

Parent Book Club - Guest Post

Welcome, my friends, to my first ever GUEST POST! My fabulous school librarian (aka @ReaderRoberts) decided to hold a parent's book club this year, to give parents ideas for getting kids reading. This past week she held the inaugural session, with a "summer reading" focus. Let us know what you think! 

Parent Book Club - Summer Reading

Sometimes your best ideas come to you in a flash.  That is how it was with the parents’ book club.  One afternoon I was sharing a title with a parent volunteer and she ended up checking the book out of the library. Nothing unusual. This happens frequently to all of us when we booktalk.  What was different was that when the parent returned the book she made the remark that I should share this book with everyone. You have probably guessed by now that the book was Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

Through the year I have shared many other great titles –many of them discovered through my PLN on Twitter. The Only and Only Ivan, The False Prince, One For the Murphys, Bigger Than a Breadbox, and the title list could continue forever. Along with great books, other ideas have been floating through my brain to share, especially the idea of allowing young readers choice.

Once I realized I had something to share that parents might value I begin to plan the first parents’ book club.  I enlisted help from my co-workers Maria Selke (our teacher of gifted) and Amy Thomas (our instructional coach).  I knew both of these excellent teachers would bring something different to the discussion.  We decided on the theme “How to Keep Your Kids Reading in the Summer.” 

Maria signed on for science fiction and graphic novels and Amy shared picture books and strategies to get younger students reading and writing over the summer. My job was to present MG & early chapter books, non-fiction reads and our new online reading chat group on Edmodo.com. I also shared some great websites for book reviews, lists and read alikes. 

Wonderful books on display for parents to browse

Since this was the first time for the parents’ book club to meet, I had no idea if anyone would come or how much time to schedule.  After speaking with my co presenters, we decided we would each need 20 minutes bringing our whole presentation to an hour.  In reality, the total presentation lasted an hour and a half and 22 parents attended.

I highly recommend holding your own Parents’ Book Club. It is a great way to reach out to your school community.  If you plan to give this a try, here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Get administrator support.
2. Set aside at least 90 minutes in your schedule- just in case you run over.  It was nice not having to worry about a class appearing at the door and to have set up and clean up time.
3. Spread the word. Parents talk to each other, so plant the seed with a couple of parents you know.
4. Send out an email to the parents so they can put it on their calendar. 
5. Ask for help. Get a colleague or two to add their area of expertise to the presentation.

Check out the links to our presentations. http://www.edline.net/pages/Hillsdale_Elementary_School/For_Students/7104714738746670882/Parents/Summer_Reading

I hope to do another parents’ book club in the fall. A theme idea hasn’t come to me yet, but I’m hoping for another flash soon.

I posted my science fiction presentation on Friday, and my comics and graphic novel presentation Saturday! Have you done anything like this at your school? How did it go?