Bridge "The Movie"

I have to admit I wasn't very excited about going to see the movie version of Bridge to Terabithia. Even though I found the book to be well crafted, I had no interest in seeing the movie. I have to say that this is one of those rare instances when I liked the movie better than the book.
What I found so satisfying is that while the movie was true to the book it had a depth and richness I didn't really get from the novel. I thought the actors that played the parts of Jess and Leslie were perfect. I loved Jess' sister May Bell and the development of the relationship between them. I also liked the modern updates and extra touches of humor. It made me laugh out loud to see Jess wearing his sister's sneakers that were pink and trying to color the pink stripes over with a magic marker.
Additionally, the movie felt more honest and real to me than the novel, especially when Jess expresses guilt over Leslie's death; that element was missing from the novel and really bothered me. I think that that brief scene in the movie coupled with the upbeat ending changed my whole perception of the work as a whole.
The best part of the movie for me was the subtle changes at the end of the movie. I am glad the screen writer allowed us to see the finished bridge and that Jess took May Belle with him to be a princess.
It is fitting that the real life Jess would add his own touches to his mother's work and that those touches for me somehow made the story better and complete.

Bridge to Terabithia

When I went into my school library to check this book out, the librarian says "I can't handle this book". Of course, I quickly reply don't say anything I have to read it for a class I am taking. I can already feel a sense of dread welling up in my stomach. I read for escape from all the yuck in the world.
My daughter, Sarah, who is eleven decide she wanted to read all my books from Children's Lit class with me. So, she got a copy and started to read. When she got home school the following day, I asked her how was the book (I still hadn't finished the novel myself). Sarah replied, "I hate this author. I don't know why the book had to end that way. I started crying in school. How embarrassing."
At this point, I know for certain somebody is going to die and that it will probably be Leslie. I start reading again with a new purpose...looking for foreshadowing of a death...looking for a reason. Then, in chapter 9, I knew for sure what was going to happen as Jess lay in bed all night thinking about the swollen creek, knowing that Leslie would want to cross it, deciding he would tell her no.
But, then he wasn't there.
I have to say that the author's voice makes this book an engrossing read. The language of the book is sheer artistry. “Mama would be mad as flies in a fruit jar if they woke her up this time of day" or "the bottoms of his feet were as tough as worn out sneakers".
Then there are the characters, they are so well developed. They are real to the reader which makes what is to come more devastating.
At last, I finished the book. I cried. Then, I was mad. My daughter padded into the bedroom where I was reading. I looked up and all I could say is "why?".To which Sarah replied, "Well, Mom....Jess didn't need Leslie anymore. Leslie was Terabithia. Jess is no longer afraid...he's moved past that." Once again, I was almost speechless. "Wow." was all I could say.
I am still not sure that I can even say I liked the book. In fact, I know I didn't. After reading, the article on Bridge to Terabithia and knowing that it was based on a real event, and the author's need for healing and closure... I finally understood the "why".
Then on another level, I thought, life is senseless at times. It isn't always fair and it isn't always right.Katherine Patterson has captured life brilliantly in the novel and that is why it will continue to endure.

The Relatives Came By Cynthia Rylant

When I first opened up the book I was totally engrossed in the illustrations. Stephen Gammell's illustrations made the story a Caldecott Honor book. I love Gammell's attention to detail. His artwork compliments Rylant's simple text perfectly. The characters have such distinctive personalities created solely by the artwork. As I was looking through the book, I could imagine myself lying in the back of my parent's bananna yellow station wagon on a summer trip.
Upon closer inspection of the book, I started drawing connections to another one of Rylant's works When I Was Young in The Mountains. Both of these books were written by Rylant based on her memories of the four years she lived with her grandparents after her parents divorced. Her grandparents lived a simple life in the rural Appalachian Mountain region.
Both of these books paint a picture of a family we would all love to be a part of a warm, fun family full of love. A family that gives us a picture of Appalachian life contrary to all of the cultural stereotypes. When you are reading one of these books gone are the stereotypes associated with the Appalachian poor. The words redneck or hillbilly don't even pass through your mind. Rylant in these books defies the image of the poor, uneducated hillbilly by celebrating the beauty of these simple people.
All I can say is wow!
Does a picture book have the power to stop prejudices and streotypes from ever being created in the mind's of children? Can a picture book foster an attitude of acceptance of the differences that make us unique while embracing the similarities that make us human?
I am starting to think so.

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky By Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold wrote a sequal to the book "Tar Beach" called, "Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky". In this book, Faith brings the Underground Railroad to life for young readers through the experiences of Cassie and her brother BeBe. It is a great springboard for a discussion of slavery and Harriet Tubman's journey to freedom. Best of all it has the vibrant illustration that reader's of Ringgold works love.

Tar Beach By Faith Ringhold

Tar Beach is Faith Ringhold's first book. It is the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and was a Caldecott Honor Book. The first thing that captivates you about the book are the illustrations. The colors are so vibrant. The author is an artist and a quilt maker and the story was originally told on a quilt. The story is set in the 1930's and is about a little girl named Cassie who is growing up in Harlem. Tar Beach is the roof of an apartment building where her family gathers with friends to eat, play cards, and dream. Cassie's dream is too be free and the story shows Cassie flying through the city claiming it for herself and her family so that they may know what freedom truly is. The thing that is the most engaging about the book is the way the author breaks through traditional stereotypes with her characters and makes you feel as if it could be the story of any one of us. For after all don't we all long to be free!