Outside Reading Annonated Bibliography Assignment 3

A Story A Story

Retold and Illustrated

By

Gail E. Haley

Haley Gail E. (1970). A Story A Story. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks

“A Story A Story” is a beautifully retold African tale written and illustrated by author Gail E Haley.  This book explains how African stories called “spider stories” came to exist.  Spider stories, are stories of how small defenseless men and animals become heroes.

Ananse, the Spider Man wants all the stories from the Sky God.  The Sky God agrees to hand over all the stories in his golden story box.  But first, he must capture a leopard, some hornets and a fairy.  Although Ananse is not big or strong, he is clever.  Ananse uses this to his advantage and successfully captures all three and is given the stories to spread to children around the world.

This story captures the essence of the phrase, “brains over brawn”.  Intelligence can often be more resourceful than physical strength. 

Outside Reading Annotated Bibliographies Assignment 2

Dave the Potter

By Laban Carrick Hill

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

“To us 
it is just dirt,
the ground we walk on...” Dave

Hill Laban Carrick. (2011). Dave the Potter. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is only fitting that we acknowledge the works of Dave.

The author and illustrator of “Dave the Potter”, elegantly tells the story of a man born into slavery in the 1800’s in Edgefield, South Carolina.  Against all odds and obstacles, he is able to express his creativity through his art of poetry and pottery.  I can only imagine this being an escape from his condition of being confined and controlled.  Perhaps this is what fueled his passion to create these beautiful works of art from clay and his insightful messages.

This book is a testament to perseverance, resilience and skill.  Dave wrote on his pots for over three decades despite the constant threat of beatings or even death.  The beautiful pieces he created reflect his beautiful soul.  Because of his tenacity and determination, we are still able to enjoy his contribution to artistry.

Outside Reading Annotated Bibliographies Assignment 1

Smoky Nights

Eve Bunting, Author

David Diaz, Illustrated

Bunting Eve. (1994). Smoky Nights. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company.

This book is the perfect example in print and illustration of how a tragic situation can bring people from different walks of life together.  It is written from a child’s point of view.  This nonfiction book parallels the lives of humans and cats from different cultural backgrounds.  The author highlights the animosity between the humans and commonality the cats discovered in their difficult situation.

Daniel and his mom are thrust into the madness of a riot in their neighborhood.  But later, everyone is forced out of their home because of a fire.  During this process, Daniel’s cat Jasmine is nowhere to be found.  Once they arrive at the shelter, they realize Ms. Kim’s cat is also missing, (a neighbor they do not get along with or her cat).  Later, a fireman locates both cats together.  The adults realized that if the cats can get along they can too.