The Literary Compass

Varian Johnson, Author

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Johnson, Varian. 2018. THE PARKER INHERITANCE. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 9780545946171.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The Parker Inheritance follows Candice Miller as she uncovers clues that are left in an old letter in Lambert, South Carolina. With her friend Brandon, she investigates a mystery that has been open for ten years and is connected to segregation, racism, and family history. As they navigate the puzzle that is this mystery, they discover how the past continues to influence the present. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Johnson intertwined a present-day mystery with the historical events surrounding segregation and explored the themes of justice, racism, and friendships. It encourages the reader to reflect on the past and see how they continue to influence the present and the future. He wrote this novel with an engaging and suspenseful writing style that allows the reader to use clues and puzzles while uncovering historical information. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal- “This book requires a dedicated, steady read without interruptions.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can research and analyze local and national historical events and discuss how they influenced the communities around them and how those communities preserve the history.  
• Related books:
  – Schmidt, Gary D. THE WEDNESDAY WARS

– Vawter, Vince. PAPERBOY

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Author 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. 2015. THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780803740819.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The War That Saved My Life is a story of a young girl named Ada who was born with a clubfoot. She escapes her abusive mother during the evacuation of children in London at the beginning of World War II. As she begins her new life living in the countryside with a lady, Susan Smith, she learns to trust, build confidence, and recognize her self-worth as the war continues around them. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This historical novel, The War That Saved Me, explores the themes of courage and self-worth through the eyes of a young girl during World War II. Bradley portrays the emotional effects of abuse while demonstrating how support and compassion can transform the life of a person over time. The history of this time period and the evacuation of children in Britain are integrated throughout the novel through her experiences. The novel balances difficult subject matters such as hope, friendship, and personal growth as Ada learns to heal, persevere, and develop a sense of belonging after experiencing neglect. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Pop! Goes the Reader – “The War That Saved My Life proved that not only was this comparison apropos, but that Bradley’s latest is exceptional enough to be celebrated for its own, unique merits as well.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can research World War II and its British evacuation of children and compare their experiences with Ada’s. 

Related books:

– Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. THE WAR I FINALLY WON

– Schmidt, Gary D. OKAY FOR NOW

Karen Cushman, Author

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780395681866.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Catherine, Called Birdy is set in the medieval England historical time period. It is a novel told through diary entries of a fourteen-year-old Catherine as she navigates the expectations set by family, friends, and the pressure to marry a wealthy suitor that is chosen by her father. Through humor and determination, she seeks out ways to maintain her independence while learning about the responsibility of growing up. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Karen Cushman incorporates a historically accurate details through the diary entries about daily life, customs, and social expectations. The entries give a personal perspective from Birdy’s experience, and they allow the reader to experience history through a firsthand account. Throughout, she is determined to make her own choices while also battling the limited opportunities that are offered to girls her age during the Middle Ages. Details are introduced throughout her observations and allow the reader to feel as if they are also there with her. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

George L. Thomas: “So, if you’re looking to be transported to another time and to feel encouraged to be your own unique self, then Catherine, Called Birdy is definitely worth a read.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can compare and contrast the roles of children during the Middle Ages and in the present day. They can write out their own journal or diary entries on their daily perspectives. 
• Related books:

– Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE

– Giff, Patricia Reilly. LILY’S CROSSING

Lesa Cline-Ransome, Author

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. 2018. FINDING LANGSTON. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823445824.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Finding Langston, a historical fiction novel set during the Great Migration. Taking shape after the death of his mother, the eleven-year-old moves in with his father from Alabama to Chicago with the hopes of building and finding a better life. Langston struggles with bullying, loneliness, and adjusting to a new life in the new city. He discovers the public library and the poetry of Langston Hughes, which opens a door for him to find friendship, healing, and confidence. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel has a combination of themes that trail grief, identity, friendship, and resilience as a young boy adapts to the unfamiliar surroundings while coping with the loss of a loved one. Historical details are woven throughout the narration, allowing readers to learn about the importance of American history through this young boy’s personal experience. The writing is reflective to emphasize the emotional journey that Langston goes through. The library becomes a symbol of knowledge, comfort, and opportunity that showcases the importance of literature in this young person’s life. It connects history with present emotions as the reader can empathize with the character. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Waking Brain Cells:  “Langston’s love of reading and books is not only a way for him to find a home in the local library branch but also eventually a way for him to connect with peers over a love of the written word.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can write a poem or short story of a place that provides them personal comfort or a sense of belonging. 
• Related books:
  Woodson, Jacqueline. BROWN GIRL DREAMING
  Lai, Thanhhà. INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN

Steve Sheinkin, Author

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sheinkin, Steve. 2012. BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD—AND STEAL—THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596434875.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The story of the atomic bomb during World War II is the story told by Steve Sheinkin. The story follows scientists, spies, and officials who were involved in the Manhattan Project. It also tells the side of the story of the Soviet agents who attempted to steal secrets. It retells how a bomb changed the course of world history.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This nonfiction book is the detailed retelling of a significant political and scientific event in world history. The book is structured as a thriller and told through many different perspectives throughout the event. It depicts how the innovation led to progress and destruction and also showcases the secretary and the global race for power during World War II. Sheinkin creates a suspenseful feel throughout this historical nonfiction and allows the reader to gain large amounts of information through an engaging read.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Books A True Story – “I was hooked right from the beginning.”

Val Mueller – I would recommend this book for young adults looking to gain a broad understanding of history.

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students should be encouraged to research other scientific discoveries and their impacts on society. 
• Related books:
  Sheinkin, Steve. MOST DANGEROUS
  Freedman, Russell. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION

Barbara Kerley, Author 

Edwin Fotheringham, Illustrator

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. Washington, D.C.: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? is an entertaining biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. The book narrates the adventurous, outspoken, and independent personality of Alice’s life as she grows up before and during the White House. It shows how she constantly challenged the set expectations of a young woman in her time and as the daughter of an American political figure. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Alice Roosevelt is a lively and untraditional historical figure living during the presidency of her father. The narration is energetic and humorous as it reflects her bold personality. It depicts Alice’s independence and nonconformity to the expectations that were set for her in her personal and social life. It also shares her influence in the political and social circles she was a part of.

The illustrations for this book are expressive and use bright colors to reflect Alice’s personality. It aligns well with the historical time period and enhances the humor of the text for the reader. It feels relatable and entertaining and is engaging as a biography.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal – “Kerley’s text is full of rich language with a bouncy rhythm that mirrors the subject matter.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can research other first children of US presidents and compare them to Alice Roosevelt. 
• Related Books:

Kerley, Barbara. THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN

Fleming, Candace. THE LINCOLNS

Sy Montgomery, Author

Nic Bishop, Photographer

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. 2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618147999.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Montgomery’s The Tarantula Scientist follows Sam Marshall, an arachnologist, as he studies tarantulas in their natural habitats. The book explores his field of work in places such as the Costa Rica and the Caribbean Islands. It is places like these where Sam observes tarantulas in the wild and conducts research. It also explains the behavior, biology, and importance of spiders in ecosystems.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This nonfiction book combines scientific information with narrative storytelling. The presentation of scientific research is done in a way that feels like going on an exploration that follows Sam Marshall’s experiences in the field. Throughout the book, there is an alternation between descriptive scenes and explanations that make the content just as engaging and informative for the reader. The book challenges common fears that readers might have about spiders and paints them as complex but not dangerous.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal: “Informative, yes, but even more important, this is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work, both in the field and in the lab, questioning, examining, testing, and making connections. A treat, even for arachnophobes.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Have students research an animal or insect that people may find misunderstood and present the facts about them and their importance in the ecosystem. 
• Related books:
  – Montgomery, Sy. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO
  – Jenkins, Steve. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST

Jen Bryant, Author

Melissa Sweet, Illustrator

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryant, Jen. 2014. THE RIGHT WORD: Roget and His Thesaurus. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Boston: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780544108570.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus is the biography of Peter Mark Roget, the creator of the thesaurus. It follows Roget’s life from childhood through his adulthood and shows how his love for words cultivated his path to organizing language into categories. It addresses how his personal experiences and curiosity for words and language resulted in the publication of a thesaurus. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

A nonfiction biography on the story of Peter Mark Roget as a scientist and a writer who was shaped by curiosity and life experiences. The narration of his story is structured chronologically, which allows the reader to see how his thoughts and ideas have developed over time. It shows his desire to help people communicate more effectively through the organization of words. It is clear and accessible for the young reader to understand.

The illustrations are essential to the book’s impact, which includes collages, handwriting, diagrams, and visual representations of the structure of language. It does a great job of being a visual thesaurus that allows the reader to understand the historical context of his work. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Forward:  “Approachable and packed with information, this mini biography introduces children to the history of the thesaurus and its author, inspiring interest in nature, categorization, intellectualism, and the myriad ideas and uses of language.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can be challenged to create their own mini-thesaurus pages by grouping their own set of words into categories. 
• Related books:

Sweet, Melissa. BALLROOM BOY
Jenkins, Steve. ACTUAL SIZE

Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Author

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Safadi, Shifa Saltagi. 2024. KAREEM BETWEEN. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9780593855700.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Kareem Between is a novel of poems about a seventh-grade Syrian American boy named Kareem. Kareem is navigating his middle school life while also balancing a cultural identity, friendships, and family expectations. As he navigates a major transition in life, he struggles with a sense of belonging, relationships, and understanding where he fits between two cultures. It is a story of emotional growth through the learning of identity and self-expression. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

A novel of poems written in conversational text that reflects the voice of a middle school student. Safadi’s structure of the novel allows for Kareem’s thoughts to be felt personally and allow the reader to connect to his struggles in real time. The recurring themes include friendship, his identity and the sense of cultural belonging. His experiences reflect the feeling of being inbetween cultures and expectations. It allows for the complexity of adolescence to be felt but not in an overwhelming detail but rather authenticity and relatable. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal – “The nonlinear text makes the story dynamic and engaging, drawing readers in from page one.”

“Heartfelt and personal…. a tale of true depth.” —The Horn Book

“A masterfully written, deeply resonant tale.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

5. CONNECTIONS

• A good book to read and discussion what it means to feel “in between” different identities or groups. 
• Related Books:

Lai, Thanhhà. INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN
Woodson, Jacqueline. BROWN GIRL DREAMING

Thanhha Lai, Author 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lai, Thanhhà. 2011. INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061962783.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Inside Out & Back Again is a novel composed of poems that follows a young girl named Hà as she leaves her home of Vietnam after the fall of Saigon and immigrates to the United States. The short poems capture her experience in both countries, including wars, loss, cultural changes, bullying, and the adjustment to a new language and home in Alabama. It follows her emotional journey of adaptation while grieving the life she knew and had to leave behind. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel is composed of short poems that express emotional experiences of the narrator. The structure curated by Thanhhà allows the reader to feel the immediacy of Hà’s thoughts and emotions as they read. Each poem is a snapshot of a memory with a powerful narrative. There is a use of simple emotional language that allows the reader to see the child’s process of trauma and cultural change. It shows the contrast between life in Vietnam and life in America through the challenges of immigration and language barriers.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal – “A series of poems about English grammar offer humor and a lens into the difficulties of adjusting to a new language and customs”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students may be able to connect with this book in discussions on immigration, identity, and cultural adjustments in social studies or also through personal experiences. 

• Related Books:

Engle, Margarita. ENCHANTED AIR
Frost, Helen. DIAMOND WILLOW