Module 6: The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

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· Book Summary:

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy is the story of the king of Denmark during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The people of  Denmark were all known as Danes. Their king, King Christian X, rode through streets of the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, everyday. He rode on a horse without bodyguards. The people of Denmark loved and admired their king. As the Nazis inhabited Denmark, the citizens looked at King Christian X for guidance during this time of fear and concern. The story says that the Nazis raised their flag at the Danish palace and King Christian X had a soldier take it down. When a Nazi officer asked the king what had happened to the flag, he replied with the truth and said he had asked a soldier to take it down. The Nazi officer tried to scare the king and said another Nazi flag would be put up the next day. The king said fine, he would ask a soldier to take it down again. The officer informed the king that the soldier would be shot dead if he tried to remove the flag again. The king then declared to the officer to be ready to shoot the king because he would be the soldier to take the Nazi flag down. Another Nazi flag was not put up. When the Jews were forced to wear the yellow Star of David, King Christian X knew exactly what this meant for the Danish Jews. He asked his tailor to sew a yellow flag on his uniform for the next day’s morning ride in Copenhagen. The king knew the Danish people would follow his lead and all Danes would now wear the yellow flag in support of their fellow Jewish Danes. The king’s heroism and bravery saved many Jewish lives during this dark time in Denmark and the world. 

· APA Reference of Book:

Deedy, C. A. (2000). The yellow star: The legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

· Impressions:

I had already read very briefly about King Christian X in books about the Holocaust. In my sixth grade class, we study World War II and the German invasion. I do not remember which novel we read in class that mentioned the king of Denmark and how he saved many Jewish lives. I certainly do not remember it being mentioned that it was a legend. The reason I picked this book was solely because it did say “legend” in the title and the “yellow star.” As I read the book, the story was new to me. The first page only had one sentence on the page with a big empty white space below it. I had to thumb through the book to see if something was wrong. No, it was obviously done intentionally. Simply, the opening just states, “Early in the year 1940, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes.” The illustration on this first page is a beautiful painting like view of children with books, a butcher selling his wares, men in blue serving and protecting, and Danish citizens walking through an open market or town center of a bustling city. The story continues to describe the Danes, even comically (I had to laugh)- some Great Danes, with a picture of the dog, as being different yet alike with respect and esteem for their King Christian X. The illustrations are bright with blue skies and smiles. The feelings I had as I continued to read the book were of dread as if the story was setting me up for something. In this day and age, we seem to be on alert. On the page where King Christian X is riding his horse and it says “a curious visitor” asked about the man riding the horse, I wondered before I saw the pictures how the illustrator was going to depict someone different from a Dane. As I turned to see the picture, I was surprised by what I saw. Why I was surprised I am not sure. The visitor was indeed very different and was dressed in white with what looked like a long coat and a turban. I had to see the copyright date again to see if this was pre or post September 11^th. It was before. I am still wondering what other type of visitor could have been painted to instantly let the reader know they were a visitor and not a Dane. The words are clearly and  precisely chosen to create dramatic effect and the words were working on me. The illustrations also changed from this page forward. The skies were no longer blue now there was a haze, all the smiles were gone, and some pages even had illustrations only done in brown and white. Even though this is a picture book, the story it tells is enormous. I could feel the Danish people instantly knowing what they had to do when they saw King Christian X riding on his horse, in his uniform, with a yellow star. I so did not want this story to be a legend. At the story’s end, the author writes two pages of notes to document the facts about the involvement of King Christian X and the Danish citizens during the Nazi occupation of European countries. These facts help the reader understand the importance of standing up against injustices done to humans. The ending of the legend is a circular one that simply states, “And, once again, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes.” The illustration now depicts all Danes, even two nuns, with yellow stars of solidarity.

· Professional Review:

Although it is billed as "legend," Deedy's (The Library Dragon) WWII story raises disturbing questions regarding the importance of historical accuracy. Here Denmark's courageous King Christian responds to the Nazi edict that all Jews must wear a yellow star by wearing a yellow star himself, and his act inspires his subjects to do likewise. Deedy's writing is vivid and lyrical--but in an afterword, she acknowledges that her story is "unauthenticated" and that no Danish Jews were "forced" to wear the yellow star. As Ellen Levine points out in her recent Darkness Over Denmark (Children's Forecasts, June 26), the order about the star was never issued in Denmark. Where Levine cited the false story of the king's yellow star to explore the facts about Danish resistance to the Nazis, this book, in perpetuating a myth, clouds history; it also deflects from the country's most famous act of resistance in rescuing the overwhelming majority of its Jews (the afterword reports that Danes smuggled over 7,000 Jews to Sweden in fishing boats). Ultimately, despite the graceful prose, the insight offered into a dark era and Danish artist Sorensen's magnificent oil paintings, the book's fundamental flaw is difficult to overlook. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Forecasts: Children's Books. (2000). Publishers Weekly, 247(29), 194-196.

· Library Uses:

The library would hold a  World War II  and Holocaust study with this book as one of the books included in a read aloud. This book is very cautious in its message and depiction of the war and its atrocities so it would be appropriate for the lower grade levels also.

The story’s message is a positive, inspiring lesson of standing for what is right and acting on your beliefs. After discussing the author’s message and King Christian X, a writing and art lesson would be introduced to learn about heroes in the lives of the students at the school.

The writing prompts:

1. Heroes come in many forms and do many different things. Discuss what is hero is in a group discussion. Is King Christian X a hero in this story? Even if the story is a legend, what did wearing a yellow star mean? How does wearing it make him a hero or does it?

2. Do you have any heroes in you life? Who do you think is a hero and why?

3. Interview a person who was alive during World War II and ask what they experienced during that time and who was their hero if they had one.

After the students have written a brief paper on their findings, they will make a diorama of their hero, interviewee, or King Christian X in a situation that illustrates the person being a hero or living during World War II.  

Share the dioramas, stories and interviews with the class, either by having oral presentations or by compiling a class book of the heroes their stories and interviews.

Module 5: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

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· Book Summary:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo tells a tale from the eyes of a rabbit. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit dressed in fine silks and leathers. His little girl is Abilene Tulane a ten year old who loves Edward dearly. Life is grand in the Tulane household except for Abilene’s grandmother Pellegrina. While Abilene treats Edward as a real being and speaks to him as such, so does Pellegrina speak to Edward as an equal. The fine rabbit Edward was a gift from Pellegrina to Abilene. The grandmother is the person who had Edward custom made with bendable parts and rabbit fur ears and tail. She is also responsible for his fine outfits and pocket watch. All this finery goes to Edward’s head and he does admire his good looks and exceptional wardrobe. Meanwhile Abilene loves Edward to pieces and tells him as much. Edward has no response because he cannot speak. Every once in a while, he does feel annoyance at things that happen to him like the dog slobber on his beautiful suit and being dragged around, but he does not feel love. All Edward can do is watch and listen. He does listen well when Pellegrina tells Abilene and him a story about a beautiful princess that loves no one. Pellegrina ends the story abruptly and leaves Abilene wondering if there can be happily ever after without love and to Edward she whispers in his ear that he has disappointed her. Edward is annoyed yet again. The story continues as the family travel to England by ship. While onboard Edward is thrown overboard and slowly sinks into the depths of the ocean. This starts his story of many years and many new owners. Edward lives with Lawrence and Nellie, Bull and Lucy, as a scarecrow for an elderly woman, Sarah Ruth and Bryce, and finally with the doll maker. He live many more years as someone other than Edward until, there is love and happily ever after.

· APA Reference of Book:

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

· Impressions:
 

As I first picked up the book at the library and read the back about a rabbit who did not move or speak I put the book back down. How could that story possibly be interesting or fun to read? Good thing I went to the computers and checked out reviews on the books I had gotten off the shelves to see what interested me. This book stood out strangely enough so I thought okay I’ll give it a try. Am I so glad I did. The words depicting the feelings or lack of them are almost piercing and the illustrations bring the whole picture full circle. I could feel the fur on Edward’s ears picking up. At one point Pellegrina made the hair on my arms stand up too, her wickedness came through the pages. Sometimes I wondered how a story could be told without dialogue. Well it was told wonderfully and you sensed the loneliness and despair of Edward’s predicament. When the dialogue did come around you just felt what Edward felt humanity at last. A breath of fresh air (even if it was smelly at times). I caught myself smiling, laughing, and cheering often when Edward was out of his last dismal situation and maybe had found a forever home. When Edward was flying through the air in the jaws of Lucy, I was cheering Lucy on and yelling, “Go Lucy! Go Lucy!” I really got caught up in a story about a rabbit who cannot move or speak. The humanity of life comes across so overwhelmingly that I could not put the book down for fear of losing Edward forever. I was reading faster and faster so that he would learn what love was and find Abilene again. I was literally keeping a running total at first of the days Edward was lost; then when seven years had gone by in the company of Bull and Lucy, well I almost gave up hope. Then I remembered Pellegrina and her message of happily ever after without love. So I kept reading to make sure Edward would be loved again. The doll shop was depressing but had lessons to be learned. And finally Edward learned how to accept and give love. The encounter with the antique baby doll opened Edward’s eyes to seeing the journey and not having it mean nothing, but letting love in and loving out lest he be pushed off the shelf. That confrontation was priceless. Exactly the word for this book!

· Professional Review:

I have read hundreds of books and only a few have brought tears to my eyes. Edward, a quite handsome and rather self-centered china rabbit, is transformed through a journey across time and space that takes him far away from the lap of luxury and the arms of the girl who loves him to the bottom of the sea, to a lowly fisherman's hut, to a garbage dump, to a tramp's shoulder, to a dying girl's bed-side, to a broken heap on the sidewalk, to a doll doctor's shop, to-the miraculous conclusion. He doesn't become real in the literal sense like the Velveteen Rabbit, but Edward learns to love and by learning to love he becomes real in a spiritual sense that is eternal. Bagram Ibatoulline illustrates the book with exquisite color art plates that enhance the text and add depth and texture to the words. A DVD interview with Kate DiCamillo accompanies the book. If one can buy only one new children's book, this is the one. Highly Recommended.

Williams, S. (2006). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Library Media Connection, 24(7), 66.

Although Edward Tulane resents being referred to as a toy, much less a doll, most of us would regard him as such. He is, in fact, a rabbit made mostly of china, jointed with wire at the elbows and knees, so that he has quite a range of motion. His ears are bendable wire, covered with rabbit fur, so that they can be arranged to suit his mood-"jaunty, tired, full of ennui." He has a lovely, fluffy rabbit fur tail, as well. He prefers not to think about his whiskers, as he darkly suspects their origin in some inferior animal. Edward, thanks to his owner's grandmother, has more clothes, and certainly more elegant clothes, than most children. He even has a little gold pocket watch that really tells time. But the most important thing that Edward has in his pampered life is the love of a 10-year-old girl named Abilene Tulane. Surely, Edward Tulane is a rabbit who has everything-everything that is, but what he most needs. There will be inevitable comparisons of Edward Tulane to The Velveteen Rabbit, and Margery Williams's classic story can still charm after 83 years. But as delightful as it is, it can't match the exquisite language, inventive plot twists and memorable characters of DiCamillo's tale. Edward, unlike Rabbit, has never thought of himself as less than real, he just hasn't caught on to what it means to love anything or anyone beyond his own reflected image. Until, that is, he is rudely set off on the miraculous journey of the title-a journey that begins when Abilene's grandmother tells her and Edward a strange fairy tale of a princess who does not know how to love, and whispers in Edward's ear, "You disappoint me." And the journey ends, as any true fairy tale should, with a happily ever after. But it is the journey from pride through humiliation, heartbreak and near destruction that brings Edward to that joyful ending. Even in the galley stage, this is a beautiful book. Ibatoulline's illustrations are simply wonderful, and the high quality of the design incorporates luxurious paper and spaciously arranged blocks of text. But a story for today about a toy rabbit? Okay, I thought, Kate DiCamillo can make me cry for a motherless child and a mongrel stray. She can wring my heart following the trials of two lonely children and a caged tiger, and bring tears to my eyes for a brave little lovesick mouse, but why should I care what happens to an arrogant, over-dressed china rabbit? But I did care, desperately, and I think I can safely predict you will, too. Ages 7-up. (Feb.)

Paterson, K. (2005). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Publishers Weekly, 252(49), 67.

· Library Uses:

Stations would be set up in the library with a Tic-Tac-Toe board with writing prompts. Some sample prompts could be as follows:

1. In all his journeys, Edward Tulane wants to go back home to what he considers home on Egypt Street. He spends meets many people on his journeys that make him happy, give him a new home, and treat him well. Make a list of things that mean home to you and why they do.

2. Write from Abilene’s point of view about the loss of Edward Tulane. How do you think her life changed when he was lost at sea?

3. Edward had lost all hope and said so at the doll shop. On page 184 he “prided himself on not hoping, on not allowing his heart to lift inside of him… I am done with hope” he thinks to himself. Why has Edward given up? Knowing what you know about the world, what would you tell Edward to help him know that he will be all right again.

4. Edward meets people who are caring to him, love him, could not care less about him, and some that are just mean to him. Create a visual of these characters Edward meets on his journey and compare and contrast their similarities and differences. How do you think each character is necessary to what Edward discovers about himself?

5. Make a list of normal everyday emotions people feel through out their lives. Write them down and examine which emotions Edward appears to be missing at the beginning of the story and which he experiences at the conclusion of his journeys.

The Tic-Tac-Toe board would have nine prompts and the students would have to pick three in a row for Tic-Tac-Toe and there would be materials for the students to display their writing in an artistic and written form.

Module 4: Because of Winn-Dixie

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· Book Summary: 

Because of Winn Dixie takes place in Naomi, Florida where India Opal Buloni and her father, the Preacher, have just moved to from Watley. It has been seven years since Opal’s mother left and never came back. Opal says her father is a turtle because he retreats into his shell and doesn’t come out to face his problems. Both are lonely and hope for the return of Opal’s mom. One day the Preacher sends Opal to the grocery store with a grocery list and is very specific about keeping to the list. While in the produce section, Opal encounters a dog creating  chaos in the fruits and vegetables section. The dog “smiles” at Opal and she tells the store manager that the dog belongs to her. The first sign she sees is the grocery store name so she calls the dog Winn Dixie after the store chain’s name.

In Naomi, Opal and Winn Dixie become friend with many of the locals who are tortured, lonely souls just like them. Making friends does not come easy to Opal, but Winn Dixie helps her to befriend the less fortunate, as the Preacher would urge. Along the way Winn Dixie and Opal make life a little bit better for the local librarian, Franny Block, who first thought Winn Dixie was a bear, Gloria Dump, who has a bottle tree in her backyard to ward off the ghosts of her past, and Otis, the musician, who plays music for the animals in the pet store. Through out the story, Opal continually wants to know about her mother and asks the Preacher to tell her ten things about her mother. He begrudgingly obliges Opal’s request, but the memories are painful and thought provoking for Opal and the Preacher both. This story is about life, love, and family, no matter who they are.

· APA Reference of Book:

DiCamillo, K. (2000). Because of Winn-Dixie. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

· Impressions:

As the story unfolds, it is apparent Opal is wise beyond her years, an old soul some would say, but still very childlike in her approach to life. Her loneliness comes through the pages of the story in her narrative; and it is so real and heartfelt. The reader is drawn immediately to listen as Opal utilizes Winn Dixie as her sounding board and confidant. The ease of the storytelling is what grasps you and keeps you wanting more. Each new chapter tells someone else’s story as it mixes with Opal and Winn Dixie, but as I was reading these stories are the tales of every day life. A mishap at church, a witch in the neighborhood, a dog afraid of thunderstorms; these are the stories that happen to all of us. The beauty of this book is that if we think about it we have had similar experiences except we think of  them as being just life. Opal has a way of making everyday seem inspiring and memorable. What stands out is how everyone that Opal meets has a tidbit of advice or a nugget of wisdom that Opal reflects on and treasures. The exchanges between Opal and the character seem to change the person and Opal to become a better, more moral, or decent human being. The advice is not blatant or obvious in your face it just comes across naturally. Gloria Dump, the witch, who is almost blind, tells Opal to tell her all about herself so that she (Gloria) can see Opal with her heart. This is how many people see loved ones, but maybe it should be how we all see others, with our hearts. What is very clear about Opal is how she is basically a judgment free zone. She doesn’t judge on first impressions mostly and even if she does she has an open mind to change her opinion. Just like she views “pinched faced” Amanda after she learns about her life’s tragedy. This book has life lessons in just about every chapter. Like the Littmus Lozenges that taste differently to everyone, life depends on our own experiences and sorrows. Opal’s story left me feeling like there is so much more that we can do as humans and it is a relatively easy process of friendship and community.

· Professional Review:

Gr 4-6-India Opal Buloni, 10, finds a big, ugly, funny dog in the produce department of a Winn-Dixie grocery store. She names him accordingly and takes him home to meet her father, a preacher. Her daddy has always told her to help those less fortunate, and surely Winn-Dixie is in need of a friend. Opal needs one, too. Since moving to Naomi, FL, she has been lonely and has been missing her mother more than usual. When she asks her father to tell her 10 things about her mother, who left the family when Opal was three, she learns that they both have red hair, freckles, and swift running ability. And, like her mother, Opal likes stories. She collects tales to tell her mother, hoping that she'll have a chance to share them with her one day. These stories are lovingly offered one after another as rare and polished gems and are sure to touch readers' hearts. They are told in the voice of this likable Southern girl as she relates her day-to-day adventures in her new town with her beloved dog. Do libraries need another girl-and-her-dog story? Absolutely, if the protagonist is as spirited and endearing as Opal and the dog as lovable and charming as Winn-Dixie. This well-crafted, realistic, and heartwarming story will be read and reread as a new favorite deserving a long-term place on library shelves.

James, H. F. (2000). Because of Winn-Dixie. School Library Journal, 46(6), 143.

· Library Uses:

In a library setting you could set up a display of the “Ten Things About Opal’s Mother” for the students to review. Have a whole group discussion about creating questions using Opal’s mother list to help learn more about themselves. One question could be, “Do you have a hobby or something you like to do?” just like Opal’s mother was good at gardening and making people laugh. As a class think about and list questions or sentence starters the students could use to come up with their ten things,.

Now pair the students into groups of two to talk first about “Ten Things about Me.” This could be done as a question and answer piece or as an interview. Both partners have to write ten things about themselves. To report out their ten things, make suggestions as to how to display their list. A powerpoint, diorama, poster of “My Ten Things” or a mobile are some suggestions for different displays or as a class decide on a uniform display for all the students to exhibit their work in the library.