New and Noteworthy

Abstract

New and Noteworthy Marilyn Apseloff The Bumblebee Flies Anyway, by Robert Cormier (Pantheon, 1983). Comier;s new novel, set in an experimental hospital called the Complex, is a fascinating, slowly unraveling tale. Baney Snow, 16, a patient who is undergoing memory experiments, gets to know some of the terminally ill patients well, despite being warned not to. The novel has a well-structured plot and a strong, hopeful theme. Later Reading. (MA.) The Lucky Piece, by Francelia Butler (Van Vactor & Goodheart, 1984). In this autobiographical novel Susan, three when the story begins, suffers physical and mental abuse from her parents, especially from her mother, the instigator of most of her distress. The lives and actions of the various townspeople (the setting is northeastern Ohio early in this century) are observed by precocious Susan, intellectually brilliant but starved for love. When she finds it elsewhere a few years later, she welcomes it. Characters are reminiscent of Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio, seething under an outer layer of propriety and respectability. This is a gripping novel, unrelenting in its abuse. Advanced Reading. (M.A.) Prank, by Kathryn Lasky (Macmillan, 1984). Birdie Flynn's life and attitudes change when her brother Timmy is arrested for desecrating a synagogue. Perceiving her family more clearly, she struggles to improve their relationships and self images. Although Birdie acts and writes at times as if she were older than her teenage years, the novel is well written and thought-provoking. Later Reading. (M.A.) Poetspeak: In Their Work, About Their Work, selected by Paul B. Janeczko (Bradbury, 1983). This collection of contemporary poetry for older children contains commentaries in which the poets reveal difficulties they confront when [End Page 203] writing. Some speak about themselves, their likes and dislikes, as well as their work. The poems often have connections with each other in terms of subject matter in this excellent collection. Later Reading. (M.A.) The Random House Book of Poetry for Children, selected by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Arnold Lobel (Random House, 1983). Here is a fine collection of poems for elementary school children, delightfully illustrated. Most of the poets are from the twentieth century, and humor abounds. The poems are excellently arranged under fourteen subject headings. In addition to the usual author/title/first line indices, there is also one for subjects. Middle Reading. (M.A.) Holding Up the Sky: Young People in China, by Margaret Rau (Dutton, 1983). Life in China is presented through quite brief chapters illustrated with photographs, as various families are shown during ordinary and special times (working in a factory; a wedding; an earthquake). The information is interestingly presented, and dispel many stereotypes. Later Reading. (M.A.) Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About It, by Margaret O. Hyde (Westminster, 1984). A timely book, this slim volume answers many questions about sexual abuse and provides some solutions. It contains an extensive list of Child Abuse Treatment Centers, plus bibliographical information for further reading. Hyde stresses the need to tell very young children, and puts concentrated emphasis on the fact that it is not the child's fault. The one drawback is that the book deals mostly with the abuse of girls. Later Reading. (M.A.) Jonah and the Great Fish, retold and illustrated by Warwick Hutton (Atheneum, 1983). This simple retelling of the Biblical story has beautiful, expressive pen and watercolor illustrations that capture the drama of the tale. All Readers. (M.A.) The Short Life of Sophie Scholl, by Hermann Vinke, translated from the German by Hedwig Pachter (Harper, 1984). Through conversations with Sophie's sister and others, and through letters and excerpts from Sophie's diary, Vinke has created a memorable portrait of a girl, her family, and her friends up to and including World War II. Sophie and her brother Hans were among the founders of The White Rose, a group who distributed anti-Nazi leaflets throughout Germany during the war. At the age of 21, she was caught and executed along with others, including her brother. Later Reading. (M.A.) Look! The Land Is Growing Giants, by Joan Finnigan, illustrated by Richard Pelham (Tundra, 1983). The giant Joe Montferrand goes west to seek his fortune and finds it...