Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing

Angel, A. (2010). Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing. New York, NY:  Amulet. This book chronicles the life, obstacles and music career of Janis Joplin. The book is divided into 10 different chapters that highlight specific times in her life. The heartfelt Introduction was written by Sam Andrew, who says she was his best friend. Chapters include: “Spreading Her Wings”, this chapter gives details about Janis’ demeanor in High School compared to her fellow classmates’. “Out of Port Arthur” tells of Janis’ desire to leave her hometown of Port Arthur, TX. She didn’t feel like she fit in with the norms of the small town. “Looking for Love” tells of how she starved for affection and acceptance. “Pearl” goes on to tell of Janis returning to Port Arthur for her High School reunion, again being rejected by her peers. The book includes a Time Line of her life, notes of each chapter, acknowledgements and an index. This book would be appropriate for High School students. History or Music teachers could use this book as a part of a history lesson. The major strengths of the book include the Time Line and Notes of each chapter. Students could easily refer to these sections to gather specific information. One lesson that students may learn is to not look to others for approval. This book could also help students with their Emotional Development. Some students could be able to identify with Janis and some of the struggles she experienced as a young adult.

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas

Saenz, B. (2009). The Dog Who Loved Tortillas. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. Sophie is the new dog of siblings, Little Diego and Gabriela. The siblings both longed to have a dog all their own and did not have intentions of sharing a dog before they got one. Mr. Dominguez, their father said if they did not share a dog, they would get no dog at all. The siblings did not like this but reluctantly agreed. After they realized that Sophie likes tortillas, the dog became known throughout the neighborhood for loving tortillas. Soon, Sophie becomes ill and the siblings are heartbroken over the dog’s illness. But her illness helps to make the siblings become closer as they both mourn over the possible chance that they may lose their dog. Once Sophie is all better, the siblings both love, cherish and share the dog. Although this book is intended for children in grades Kindergarten – 3^rd grade, English speaking students may not understand the Spanish in the book until they have taken it in Middle School or a higher grade.  However, the story is translated in English throughout the book so younger children or non-Spanish speakers are able to enjoy it independently. I personally like the author’s style in this aspect. A Spanish teacher could use this book in a lesson for Beginning Spanish classes. The story meets the criteria of emotional development. The way the siblings come together after their dog is sick shows emotional growth and maturity.