Click on the "comment" button below to leave your blog post. I suggest you type your response first in a word document, and then copy and paste it into the comment box. Your blog post should be at least 500 words of original prose (do not duplicate anything other bloggers have already said here) in which you engage with the text for the week critically AND pose an original discussion question. Be sure to write your full name and word count at the bottom of your post. The cut-off time for this blog post is Monday, March 24 at midnight.Discussion Leaders: Kaitlyn, Travis, Molly, Shaina, Andrea, Alyssa
Meet Addy: An American Girl by Connie Porter
ReplyDeleteThis was the first book in the American Girl Collection series that I had wanted to read and I had read it during second grade. Many of my friends were obsessed with the entire series and I had gotten into the series shortly after.
The scene that stood out to me, even until adulthood, was the scene where the overseer forced green worms down Addy’s throat. This scene took place on page 23, “Addy saw what he held – live worms. Worms that Addy had missed. The overseer forced open her mouth and stuffed the still-twisting and wiggling worms inside.” It disgusted me when I was younger, and it never left me. When I’d read about other Civil War stories of slavery, I always thought back to that scene.
Speaking of learning about the Civil War, this books serves as a good starting point for younger students to be introduced to the concept of slavery. I remember reading this book for the first time and how the words brought fear and empathy for Addy and her family. Connie Porter wrote this book with a young readers in mind. She did not have to embellish how terrible slavery could be, because students could take the words and make the appropriate interpretations.
Another scene that brought fear to me was the part where Addy and her mother had to cross the river. The image on page 44 and the words on page 45 had made me cry when I was younger. I had thought the worse because the words created so much suspense, “She couldn’t see a thing in the dark water. She felt around for Momma, but she found nothing. Addy’s lungs began to burn. She was running out of air. Popping out of the water, she looked around frantically” (45). Pages like this that were dispersed throughout the text, forced me to keep reading and I could not put the book down.
This book was perfect for second graders because it is a smaller chapter book that provides visuals to support the plot. Students at that age need a little persuasion to keep reading, and pictures provide that. Flipping back through the book, it is almost feasible to read the book with only the pictures. The pictures are so descriptive with detail and emotion, it makes it easier for young readers to be captured by the book.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the Looking Back 1864: A Peek into the Past section in the back. This portion of the text fed my desire to learn more about the Civil War when I was younger. It was a perfect mix of historical fiction and non-fiction. Although the characters in this story were made up, they were based off realistic people that had lived during the Civil War.
Questions:
How should teachers bring up the topic of slavery and the Civil War with students? Should this text be required to read in schools? Does this book mislead students to believe that every slave made it to freedom?
Kaitlyn Kent
Word Count: 520
Meet Addy by Connie Porter
ReplyDeleteThis book is really a great book for young girls to read. The likable young girl named Addy is a strong, courageous influence for young girls to read about. I was never one who got into the American Girl series, so this was my first time reading this story. I really liked this book.
This is a great book to have in an elementary classroom, I’d say from third grade on. It introduces children to the time period of the 1860’s during the Civil War and what African American’s were going through. The fact that Addy’s family tree and pictures of the characters in the story are shown in the first pages of the book provide a great introduction to the story for the reader.
As a young girl, I know I would’ve found Addy’s life fascinating. Addy’s life is unlike many young girls lives that are read in children’s books. The lessons in the book can be very eye opening. The emotions in this book could really have an affect on the reader. When Addy and her mother have to watch Poppa and Sam be taken away, that brings such a sad mood to the story. For a young child, it may be hard to grasp the concept of being sold in slavery. This book would need good narrative and explanation from an adult to a child when reading it.
The topics in this book could be confusing for children to understand. Addy and her mother’s journey face some hard times. This book could be a good introduction to appreciation of a good life. Addy deals with a lot for being only nine years old.
My favorite part of this book are all the issues that are addressed and the inspiration that comes from it. A child can learn about history of the 1860’s, slavery, child labor, along with the characteristics of being courageous, and brave.
The five chapters provide a nice length story and the pictures keep the young child’s interest. The illustrations in the story do a good job with matching the text. The illustrations are very detailed and really show the emotion of the characters.
The great thing about this book is there is a whole collection of American Girl Doll books. Each girl having their own story, this book could be a great one for a young girl’s first series. I would love to have this book in my classroom bookshelf someday. However, I don’t know how school’s would feel about the lessons that would be taken from this book being taught to young children. I would love to make a lesson plan out of this book. This isn’t a book that could be read without explanation and discussions about the events that occur.
Questions: Do you think boys would have any interest in reading this story? What are the main issues that should be discussed in a classroom from this story? What age group do you think fits this book best?
Word Count: 505
Meet Addy an American Girl: by Connie Porter
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of American Girl Dolls or the books before hearing about them in class last Thursday. Out of curiosity I looked up some of the prices for a doll like Addy. An original will run you about two to three hundred dollars! But the fake look-alikes from China are only $20. I didn’t expect this book to be about slavery. It was actually a pretty deep and sad book. The content of the story seemed pretty adult to me. Addy and her family are slaves who work on a large plantation. I feel compelled to note that during the time of slavery a plantation this large would be extremely rare and the owner would be so rich that selling his slaves. Nonetheless it was indeed a tragic time period. Addy’s parents are trying to take their freedom for themselves and their family.
It is sad to think that Addy’s story is a sugar coated version of a slave family’s escape from a plantation. Addy’s parents came up with a decent escape plan and before it was implemented Addy’s brother and father were sold to a different master. This leaves Addy, her mum, and her little sister who is still a baby. Then probably the most tragic part of the whole story occurs: Addy and her mother leaves behind her sister because she is too young to make the journey from their current plantation to the known safe house. Wisely they leave the baby with their aunt and uncle to care for her. On their journey they come across various obstacles including a confederate camp where soldiers were sleeping for the night. Luckily for Addy her aunt and uncle had given her and her mum disguises to help hide their scent and their appearance as runaway slaves.
After Addy’s close run in with the confederate soldiers, her and her mom finally make it to the safe-house where they are eventually warmly welcomed. It is interesting to note that the recurring themes in this book; don’t let hate fill your heart because then there is less room for love, and don’t always show how you’re feeling because it can hurt you in the wrong situations. Indeed Addy learns a lot in their journey to the safe-house. After Miss Caroline helps get Addy and her mum settled in they lay down for the first time in their lives on real mattresses. This is something really special for Addy. She even tries to stay awake to enjoy the comfort of her bed but alas she passes out because she is so comfortable. Miss Caroline helps Addy and her mom get some supplies together so that they can take a wagon down to the shores and get a ship to take them to Philadelphia. The book doesn’t say for sure if Addy and her mom make it to Philadelphia, but if Addy’s smart moves carry over to her next journey I think it’s safe to assume they make it there safe and sound.
Discussion Questions: How would this story have been different had the plot followed the brother and father? What do the illustrations add to this story? What aspects of slavery does this book highlight?
Travis Alcazar
Word Count: 522
Though I did enjoy the book and I appreciate the series taking on such a serious topic, I do have my reservations about the American Girl books. The books do a nice job of covering some of America’s history, while giving girls strong and intelligent role models. However, the entire series is centered around the marketing of the American Girl dolls. If you would like to purchase Addy in addition to her book, it will cost you $110, plus tax, shipping, and handling. The books do a wonderful job marketing for the dolls and creating the want in young girls to have an Addy of their own. Though the dolls are ridiculously overpriced and a giant marketing scheme, it is unique that the girls can customize a doll to look like them. This allows girls who may have glasses or don’t look like the typical Barbie doll to have a doll that does look like them. Also, the girls in the story tend to be nearly perfect. Though Addy is brave and in a few instances doesn’t listen as well as she should, she is a very well behaved and obedient girl. Addy is in a terrible situation, and we would have to read on to find out whether or not she is reunited with her brother and father. However, the book still tends to have a picture perfect quality to it. Addy is wonderful, her mother is wonderful, and everything turns out wonderful for them. This is quite a difference from the naughty, yet enjoyable character of Max in Where the Wild Things Are. Though characters such as Addy are nice for girls to aspire to, it also sets unrealistic expectations. Where is the girl who enjoys snooping around and getting into trouble? It would be enjoyable to see an American Girl version of a Max-type character, causing mischief and going on adventures with the use of imagination.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion questions: Do you think that this topic is too graphic to present to children, specifically in a classroom setting? Would you buy your child an American Girl doll?
Word Count: 542 - Also, sorry it posted like this, it did have paragraphs and things before!
DeleteMeet Addy: An American Girl
ReplyDeleteBy Connie Porter
Having never owned an American Girl doll, and having never been “wrapped up” in the world of American can Girl dolls, I went into reading this book a bit blindly. I had some preconceived notions about what it might contain—superficial content, little of interest to me at this stage in life. However, this was far from the truth. Addressing issues of slavery in this novel was done quite tastefully—in my humble opinion. It was an emotional read for me in college, so I’m sure most young readers would be able to make an emotional connection to the story as well. By the end of the story, I wanted to know more. Connie Porter did a nice job of making characters that were relatable for young children. She included a young boy and a young girl, and a believable sibling bond, which is something many kids can relate to easily. This book was easy to start and was a quick-read. My copy recommends the book for Ages 7 and up, which I find to be appropriate, both in the sense of content and language.
did have a chance to look at the American Girl website briefly after having read the book. I always wanted an American Girl doll when I was younger—mostly for the fact I could have a look-a-like doll. Yet when my mom’s response was a resounding “no,” I never really questioned why. Even at a young age, I realized how ridiculously over-priced and essentially useless these dolls were. I’m sure many would disagree will my latter statement, but I never had much use for dolls as a child.
Something I never really considered until now is the name—American Girl. Before, it seemed to be an ambiguous sort of name that just rolled of the tongue. Now that I consider it some more, though, it seems to be quite an intentional marketing ploy. A company that celebrates girls in America is sure to sell, right? Well, they were right. Their mission is “to celebrate girls”. They (the company) “embrace who they are today and look forward to who they will become tomorrow.” Although this may seem wholesome and harmless, what do the sales tell us? Mattel is making tons of money marketing and selling these overpriced dolls and accessories to little girls. While little girl long for the dolls that are beautiful and maybe even look-a-like, they don’t stop to think twice why they want them so.
I think it’s a really neat thing overall, to promote these “good” and strong female characters to young children. It’s a positive outlook for girls to see other girls—like them—being brave and being the heroes. (All this based on my one reading and assuming the other books in the series follow suit). Not to mention, those who read these stories are learning about history through personal narrative, which is a really powerful tool. If I had read more books like these growing up, I may have had an easier and more comfortable experience learning and understanding history. While I think the books have much to offer, and the dolls are fun, the overall pressure to buy and keep buying kind of distorts the real importance of the stories being told. I will probably not concede in buying my (future) child an American Girl doll.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you make of the commercial hype around American Girl dolls? Is this helpful or ineffective for promoting the books?
2. Could you use these in your classroom even though they all feature girls? Do you think young boys would be at all interested in these tales? Why do you think an American Boy doll has not emerged? (like GI Joe and Ken dolls have taken over the male realm of the Barbie world)
3. Do you think the dolls inhibit the reality and seriousness of the topics presented in these stories, making kids think, “it’s not real, they’re just stories about dolls”?
Andrea Fitzpatrick
Word count: 674
Meet Addy is much different than the other books we’ve read so far this semester. I was a little surprised to open the cover and see mostly words, which is a huge contrast to the huge picture books we’ve been reading. There are a few illustrations in this book, but they’re little and usually show up in corners of the pages. These pictures are little things from the scenes, like the illustration of Addy and her brother Sam on page 12, or the tiny picture of Master Stevens’ home on the next page. Sometimes there are illustrations that take up entire pages, usually only in the middle of the page with a lot of white gutter around them. There are quotes underneath these images, which connects them with a specific scene.
ReplyDeleteThe narrative of this book is very deep and detailed, which is, once again, largely different from the other books we’ve read in class. Right in the beginning of the book (on page 5, incredible!) we have a description of Sam being tied to a tree and whipped until his back was covered with blood, all as punishment for trying to run away. This isn’t the first time we’ve come along violence in a children’s book; in Ed Young’s Lon Po Po we witness the wolf being killed by the three sisters towards the end. In Shaun Tan’s The Arrival we witness a flashback, of strictly images, of cities being burned and a man returning from war to see rubble and skeletons where his home used to be.
This book may not be the first time we see violence but it IS the first time we see it directed towards the main character. She gets whipped by Master Stevens, and forced to eat live worms by one of the plantation overseers. She (and her mother) are almost drowned while trying to cross a river.
The longer narrative form of this book is what really gives it the opportunity to go over this kind of subject matter. These are some tough issues that would either be very graphic or very watered down in a book that’s made mostly of images, like most children’s books we’re used to. But here, Porter has the chance to use words to describe the action in place of pictures, and she takes advantage of the opportunity to also make note of the emotions and thoughts of the characters in detail. There’s more characterization in this book than some of the picture books we’ve read, and that gives the reader a chance to sympathize and get attached to the characters as well. In that way, seeing Sam and Papa being sold away, and seeing Mama and Addy having to leave baby Ester behind is a bit more memorable since you get to see some of their relationships in the text.
I think this book could be very useful for teaching some younger students about the way slaves were treated and how some of them escaped. It would be a good complimentary text for lessons. But as for the way this all connects with the dolls and accessory line, I have no idea.
Discussion Questions:
How do you feel about a text like this being connected with a (very expensive) doll line? Do you think that being connected with a brand stunts it’s quality in any way? Could the book stand on it’s own without the brand? How do you feel about the description of violence in this book?
Shaina King
Word count: 598