Ms. Sevon's Booktique

Genre: Historical Fiction Title: When Jessie Came Across the Sea Author: Amy Hest Illustrator: P. J. Lynch Awards: Christopher Award Age Range: 7-12 years old Summary: Jessie had no plans of going to America, but the rabbi in her village chose her to go in his place. Jessie was not happy to go to America because she was scared. On the boat the first day, she cried a lot. Although, eventually she decided to sew to pass the days. She even helped a few fellow passengers by sewing some of the clothes. Cousin Kay was there to greet Jessie when she got to the U.S. She was very excited to see her. Cousin Kay made Jessie go to school because she wanted her to learn English. Jessie has also been working very hard sewing because she is trying to earn enough money to purchase a ticket to America for her grandmother. Jessie has been in America for 3 years now, and when she was out walking she ran into her friend Lou who she met on the ship. One day, he asked her to marry him and when Jessie...

Genre: Historical Fiction Title: The Other Side Author: Jacqueline Woodson Illustrator: E. B. Lewis Awards: N/A Age Range: 5-8 years old  Summary: A young is curious about what life is like on the other side of her fence. You see, on the other side of the street, only white people could live there while colored people live on the opposite side. A fence separated the two sides, and Clover's mom told her never to cross that fence. Although, Annie, a girl across the fence, would watch as the other kids play. One day Clover and Annie began talking and sat on the fence together. Clover and all her friends even played jump rope with Annie one time. When the kids grew tired they sat on the fence to relax. As they are sitting, Annie says, "Someday somebody's going to come along and knock this old fence down." Clover just agrees with her, and the story ends there.  Evaluation: I enjoyed the book because I liked seeing how Clover and Annie's friendship started and grew...

Genre: Historical Fiction Title: Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad Author: Ellen Levine Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Awards: Caldecott Honor Age Range: 6-10 years old Summary: Henry was just a boy when his master was dying. Rather than setting Henry and his mom free, he sent Henry to work for his son. While working one day, he met a lady who would soon be his wife, Nancy. Unfortunately, Henry was separated from his wife and children because they were sold by their owner. Losing his family completely destroyed Henry, and he was no longer happy as he once was. This is what led Henry to want to mail himself to a place where slavery was not allowed. Henry mailed himself to Philadelphia, PA. He had a tough time at first because they placed his box upside down. However, Henry survived the mailing process and made it successfully to Philadelphia.  Evaluation: This book would be best for students in grades 2nd, 3rd and, 4th. It may be used for older students...

Genre: Historical Fiction Title: Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad Author: Panela Duncan Edwards Illustrator: Henry Cole Awards: N/A Age Range: 4-8 years old  Summary: The story is about a Barefoot, or runaway slave, that is trying to escape his life as a slave. He uses the signs that the animals give him to guide himself. For instance, a frog croaking helped him to find water when he was thirsty. The Barefoot was scared of what was to come during his journey, and he was anxious about being the possibility of being caught. However, the mosquitoes saved him as they attacked the Barefoot's pursuers and led them in the opposite direction. Eventually, he found a house and noticed a quilt hanging. Therefore, the Barefoot knew he was safe, at least for that night. Evaluation: This book would be good to use in grades 2nd through 5th grade because I think the topic of the story is for older students. I would use this book during social studies, specifically when teaching a...

Genre:  Historical Fiction Title:  The War that Saved my Life Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley  Awards:  Newbery Honor Award,  Schneider Family Book Award   Age Group: 9-11 years old Summary: Ada lives with her younger brother, Jamie, and abusive mother in London. The mother favors Jamie and does not let Ada leave their apartment because she is ashamed of her. Ada and Jamie escape to the countryside when they evacuated all the children because of the war. They lived with Ms. Susan Smith who took great care of them. A few months went by with no word from their mother when all of a sudden she showed up at Susan's house to take back her children. The girl and boy went back to London with their mother, but Ada was not happy. In the end, Ada stood up to her mother, and that morning she and her brother were reunited with Susan.  Evaluation: I really enjoyed this book, but I am unsure if I would want to use this book in my class. My biggest worry is the abus...