My thoughts: I'm not a big fan of graphic novels because I prefer that children read from actual printed pages of text and allow their imagination to flesh out the scenes and action, the characters and their expressions. I believe this expands their ability to imagine and formulate on their own and to put identity to words. However, there is a time and place where graphic novels can benefit and lend enjoyment. This is especially true for the reluctant reader.
Amber Brown's stories are engaging and bring to life children in their day to day settings of school, etc. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a re-telling of the original book that was printed as a text novel with some illustrations.
Amber's parents are divorced. Amber has been best friends with Justin since kindergarten. Justin's family is moving to another city. Amber's emotions are on a roller coaster.
Their teacher seems to have lots of engaging activities and also a good degree of tolerance of lively third graders. A "trip to China" with Chinese food brought in for their lunch is a grand way to learn about another country. Writing post cards from China to family and friends is one of the activities. The teacher also has a high tolerance of their ill temper, spats, and general ill behavior.
Amber is experiencing unsettling emotions from her parent's divorce and her father moving far away and then she gets the news that her best friend's father's work is changing and they are moving far away. She is angry. Justin is angry. They lash out at each other and their classmates. Secret word: kindness
This book can provide a glimpse into the shattering of children's emotions caused by major events in their lives. It gives voice to their hurt, their discord, their struggles. It also shows that it is important to say "I'm sorry" when you hurt others.
About the book: Even when her best friend is moving away, Amber Brown is always bold, bright, and colorful. And now she's in a graphic novel!
Third graders Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have been best friends since the day they first met in preschool. How great of a team are they? Amber helps Justin with his handwriting, and Justin helps Amber with her fractions. They sit next to each other in class and hang out together after school every day—that’s just how it’s always been.
But when Justin finds out his family is moving away, everything starts to feel different. Amber gets sad whenever she thinks about Justin leaving, and Justin seems overwhelmed by all the change to come. Can the two besties figure out a way to say goodbye that will keep their friendship strong, no matter how far apart they are?
This graphic novel adaptation of Paula Danziger's classic chapter book adds layers of nuance to all of Amber's ups and downs, making her story burst from the page even more than before.
About Paula Danziger: Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular "Amber Brown books" as well as Remember Me To Harold Square, The Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?
Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards.
Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.
In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
About Victoria Ying: Raised in California, Victoria Ying is an author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. She realized that she had a true eye for detail when she fell in loves with comic books when she was a teenager. This interest in comics led her to a successful career in animation. Her credits include Tangled, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to them by publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
Let them know talking is helpful and showing emotions is beneficial. Make them feel comfortable and show you’re a good listener with an open mind, hug to give, and shoulder to cry on.
ReplyDeleteAlways let them know that they can always express thier feelings.
ReplyDeleteWe keep an open line of communication. We just moved to Tennessee from California, lots of big feelings.
ReplyDeletewow
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