The Comprehensive Examination begins today. It is the culmination of my studies and the fruit of my labors. I can't wait to be finished with it and on my way to librarianship.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
Bud, Not Buddy - Book Review
** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**
Bud Caldwell—he will readily remind you that his name is Bud, not Buddy—is a young man with a lot of spunk. His main ambition is to find his long-lost father, a big band leader who goes by the name of Herman E. Calloway. After a few mishaps at the orphanage and foster home, Bud runs away, headed for Grand Rapids, MI., where his mother left clues to find his kin.
This novel has earned the following distinctions:
Publication Information
| Name: Christopher Jimenez | Media Format: Audio (Audio-book) |
| Title: Bud, Not Buddy | Genre: Orphan, Music, Depression Era, Segregation, |
| Author: Christopher Paul Curtis | Selection Source: 2000 Newbery Medal Winner |
| Publisher: Listening Library / Delacorte | Recommended Audience Age: 12-18 |
| Reading Recommendation: 5 out of 5 | |
| Curriculum Connections: Literature, History, Economics, Segregation, Music |
Review
Bud Caldwell—he will readily remind you that his name is Bud, not Buddy—is a young man with a lot of spunk. His main ambition is to find his long-lost father, a big band leader who goes by the name of Herman E. Calloway. After a few mishaps at the orphanage and foster home, Bud runs away, headed for Grand Rapids, MI., where his mother left clues to find his kin.This novel has earned the following distinctions:
- Audie Award Nominee (Audio Publishers Association)
- 2000 Best Books for Young Adults (YALSA)
- 2000 Coretta Scott King Award (ALA)
- 2000 Newbery Medal
- Library Service to Children Notable Children's Books (2000)
Evaluation
This title is exceptionally written and wildly entertaining. I was enthralled with the narrative and with the way Bud Caldwell perceived his world. Other notable aspects of this novel include it's portrayal of orphaned children, segregation and depression-era lifestyle. One can see Bud's character develop and grow along the journey from Flint to Grand Rapids.Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Graveyard Book - Book Review
** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**
A gruesome murder takes place in a quiet little town. An entire family is killed—all but the youngest, who is able to escape to a cemetery. The child is given a new name, Nobody Owens, and given the protection of the cemetery. The boy grows, learns and confronts dangers both inside and outside the graveyard.
This novel has earned the following distinctions:
Publication Information
| Name: Christopher Jimenez | Media Format: Book (ebook) |
| Title: The Graveyard Book | Genre: Horror, Coming of Age |
| Author: Neil Gaiman | Selection Source: 2009 Best Books for Young Adults |
| Publisher: Harper Collins | Recommended Audience Age: 10-16 |
| Reading Recommendation: 3 out of 5 | |
| Curriculum Connections: Leisure, Literature, |
Review
A gruesome murder takes place in a quiet little town. An entire family is killed—all but the youngest, who is able to escape to a cemetery. The child is given a new name, Nobody Owens, and given the protection of the cemetery. The boy grows, learns and confronts dangers both inside and outside the graveyard.This novel has earned the following distinctions:
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
- 2009 Hugo Award (Best Novel)
- 2009 Newbery Medal
- Library Service to Children Notable Children's Books
- YALSA Teen's Top Ten
Evaluation
With a name like "Nobody Owens," it is clear that the child is struggling to find his place in this world. He is literally in between the living and the dead, not quite fitting in with either group. This is also a coming of age story. With each chapter, Nobody grows older and wiser and must face the real world by the end. There are positive themes of sacrifice for the benefit of others.Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Wildwood - Book Review
** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**
A murder of crows kidnap Prue's brother, and she sets out into the impassable wilderness to bring him back. Curtis, Prue's neighbor, follows her and takes part in the great adventure. Little do they know, they have just stumbled into the middle of major conflict which involves every member of Wildwood, regardless of their world view.
Publication Information
| Name: Christopher Jimenez | Media Format: Book (ebook) |
| Title: Wildwook | Genre: Fantasy, Adventure |
| Author: Colin Meloy | Selection Source: VOYA Perfect Tens 2011 |
| Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins | Recommended Audience Age: 10-16 |
| Reading Recommendation: 4 out of 5 | |
| Curriculum Connections: Leisure, Literature, Politics |
Review
A murder of crows kidnap Prue's brother, and she sets out into the impassable wilderness to bring him back. Curtis, Prue's neighbor, follows her and takes part in the great adventure. Little do they know, they have just stumbled into the middle of major conflict which involves every member of Wildwood, regardless of their world view.Evaluation
This novel explores the tested, important concept of belonging. Neither Prue nor Curtis feel like they belong in their world. Yet, throughout the course of this journey, they finally find a place where they belong. This concept is paramount to Teens. In addition, this novel serves as a commentary on various political systems. One can clearly see how each region of Wildwood is governed and evaluate how effective their form of government is.Friday, September 20, 2013
The Map of Time - Book Review
** I am currently taking a Young Adult literature course and I will be reading and reviewing several materials using a new format. This review follows a template given to me by my professor.**
This novel is comprised of three shorter tales strung loosely together by the theme of time travel. It begins with the story of a man who wishes to go back in time to prevent an untimely death, continues with the story of forbidden love and concludes with a tale of extortion. In each of these episodes, H.G. Wells plays a prominent role in facilitating time travel in one way or another.
Publication Information
| Name: Christopher Jimenez | Media Format: Book |
| Title: The Map of Time | Genre: Science-Fiction |
| Author: Felix Palma | Selection Source: VOYA Perfect Tens 2011 |
| Publisher: Atria/Simon & Schuster | Recommended Audience Age: 16+ |
| Reading Recommendation: 4 out of 5 | |
| Curriculum Connections: Science, History |
Review
This novel is comprised of three shorter tales strung loosely together by the theme of time travel. It begins with the story of a man who wishes to go back in time to prevent an untimely death, continues with the story of forbidden love and concludes with a tale of extortion. In each of these episodes, H.G. Wells plays a prominent role in facilitating time travel in one way or another.
Evaluation
This novel explores potential uses and abuses of scientific discovery, time-travel in particular. H. G. Wells is placed in position to use science and imagination to save lives while others abuse the advancements for personal gain. This raises ethical questions that come with new innovations. In addition, the question of revising history comes up. If you were able to go back in time and prevent the wrongdoings of history, would you?Thursday, September 12, 2013
Grad App
I'm applying to graduate from the School of Library and Information Science. Yes. I have to mail in a paper application. No. There is no electronic submission. I don't know why.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Fair(y) Use
Copyright
A cool resource for library students (and professionals?) to get some copyright issues ironed out. And it's fun to watch!
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