Journal entry for Dear Miss Breed, by Joanne Oppenheim, Scholastic, 2006

This informational book includes an incredibly detailed chronological account of the round up and imprisonment (internment) of Japanese-Americans. I want to comment first about its instructional value and how it holds up to the criteria in our text book.
The layout, with black & white photos scattered throughout and different font denoting letters to or responses from Miss Breed, is not engaging. I think the author must have had a specific purpose, to tell the whole story from pre-internment to the 1980's, so that the reader could see the impact that this woman had on hundreds of children. The impact did not end with their release, though, and I think she wanted that part of the story to be included. This is a huge undertaking, and the density of the book speaks to this. She must have realized what she was giving up (showy layouts, spaced or stylized letters) when she began the project.
While the appearance may be a detraction, the content is stunning. She gives wonderful background to suppliment the letters. The introduction covers the historical context, both from the Japanese-American experience and from the events that shaped the internments. The compelling details from the rounding up of "aliens" really brought home the travesty that they experienced.
I am surpised by the fact that this book is located in the children's department, and not in a Young Adult section. Teens from 8th through 12th grade would find this a great reference - but just think about our curriculum requirements. American History in 8th grade only goes up to the 1800's, and then they don't study American hisotry until 10th grade. Now this would be a great book for 10th graders, but would they want to look in the children's department for their reference material?
If I were a Social Studies teacher, and I was able to teach US history, this would be part of my library, but I can't help thinking that she might have reached more peopel if she had cut down the scope of her work, and made it assessable to a younger crowd - one that might pick up the book just for fun. As it is now, I can not see it being a leisurely read.
Liz

blog on Becoming Naomi Leon, by Pam Munoz Ryan, Scholastic, 2007.
Genre: YA Fiction/multicultural
As I said in the earlier blog, Becoming Naomi Leon has many plot threads, and at first I was skeptical that she could pull off a novel that looked at parental rights, children with special needs, psychological abuse and cultural perspectives all in one novel for students ranging from 4th grade up through middle school. I am pleasantly surprised. One of the things I thought was most effective was the "family" surrounding Naomi. The strong opinionated grandmother, the kindly neighbors, and the mentoring teachers all worked together in a subtle web to keep both Naomi and her brother safe. It was a bit contrived, or perhaps just simplified as it might naturally be when viewed through a child's eyes, but it was still believable. I did not notice if different cultures were presented in more then a token role - it could be that the teachers were broken down by their ethnicity, but this would really only be apparent from their names. Naomi's new-found friend, Blanca, was an effective way to introduce a character from Mexico to familiarize the readers with that culture. I also thought the symbol of Owen's taping himself was a nice addition.
On a multicultural level, Ryan has introduced readers to a strong Hispanic family unit, living just at the povety level, relying on a community that respects others differences. This perspective is not new for Ryan, as she has written many well received novels having to do with strong Hispanic female characters. I respect that what she is writing about is something she has either experienced through her extended family, or she has researched it thoroughly.
Even though I teach Freshman, I do have students that come in with very low reading abilities, and I would feel confident in recommending this novel to them. It may be set for younger readers, but it is not simple in its plot or themes.
Elizabeth

Marilyn,
I am coming to the resolution in Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. I have not read books from this reading level in a very long time, and I expected a simplistic plot line and theme. I find it to be very rich, with well developed characters. There seemed to be so many small details in the exposition, and I did not trust that Ryan would gather them all together. I was wrong! She has a wonderful attention to detail, and I also like how she does not give much away in her foreshadowing; it is not until after you learn of a new twist to the plot that you see the clues laid out behind you. This would be very rewarding for a strong 4th grader, and it would be equally engaging for an 8th grader with lower reading ability.
I will be finishing up tonight and will offer a more detailed evaluation.