Empowering Education: "The Red Pencil" by Andrea Davis Pinkney

 

"The Red Pencil" by Andrea Davis Pinkney, follows the poignant journey of 12-year-old Sudanese girl Amira over nearly ten months, from the blissful simplicity of her life on a farm to the devastating impact of war. Amira's dreams of education are shattered when her village is brutally attacked by the Janjaweed Militia, resulting in the loss of her father. Forced to flee to a refugee camp, Amira falls into despair until a kind woman named Miss Sabine gives her a red pencil, reigniting her passion for drawing. Through her art, Amira begins to heal and, with the support of Old Anwar, secretly starts learning to read and write. Despite societal norms opposing girls' education, Amira's determination leads her to embark on a perilous journey to pursue her dream of attending school in Nyala. This powerful story explores themes of resilience, the healing power of creativity, and the pursuit of education against all odds.

This story stands out because it excellently embodies the qualities of a great story. The places in the story, like the farm and the camp, vividly support the events, making them feel real and relatable. Amira, the main character, is portrayed in a way that goes beyond stereotypes; she undergoes meaningful changes and developments as she faces the challenges brought by the war. The problems presented in the story are believable and are resolved in realistic, culturally grounded ways, making the narrative impactful and genuine. The story is accessible to its intended age group, ensuring that the readers can understand and connect with the plot structure. Moreover, the overarching theme of resilience and the transformative power of education underscores the author's purpose, making this novel a meaningful and thought-provoking read for young adults readers. The dialogue and thoughts of the characters are natural, reflecting the setting and characters without overwhelming the reader, contributing to the overall authenticity of the narrative.

I recommend this book to Seventh-day Adventist schools due to its inspiring tale that highlights the incredible strength people show when facing tough times. It beautifully illustrates the importance of education, showing how it can be a beacon of hope during difficult circumstances. The characters in the story navigate challenges with resilience, emphasizing the enduring power of education as a source of strength and a pathway to a brighter future. The universal themes in the book make it relatable across diverse backgrounds, allowing students to connect with the characters' resilience and hope for the future. This makes it a valuable addition to school curriculums, delivering impactful lessons in an accessible and engaging way.

 

Weaving Bonds of Friendship in "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White is a captivating story that revolves around Fern Arable, an eight-year-old girl living on a farm with her family. The story begins when Fern stops her father from killing a runt pig, which she names Wilbur. The tale unfolds as Wilbur grows, faces the threat of being sold, and forms an unexpected friendship with Charlotte, a spider living in the barn. As Wilbur's fate at the county fair approaches, Charlotte uses her web to display extraordinary words, creating a spectacle that amazes everyone. The narrative takes an emotional turn when Charlotte reveals her impending death after laying an egg sac. Despite the sorrowful farewell, the story concludes with hope as Wilbur guards and nurtures Charlotte's offspring. The tale celebrates themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.

 

This is an amazing story because it's really good at telling the story parts like where everything happens, the characters and what they do, how the story goes, what it's all about, and the way it's written. The places in the story, like the farm and fair, are described so well that it feels like you're right there. The characters, like Fern, Wilbur, and Charlotte, are special and interesting. They act in ways that make sense, and you can connect with them. The events in the story happen one after another in a way that makes sense, keeping you interested. The story has cool and imaginative things, like a spider doing amazing stuff, but it all fits together without being confusing. The characters in the story are not just simple; they're like real people with feelings and actions that make sense. They stay the same throughout the story, so you can understand them better.

Lastly, the story talks about important stuff like life, friendship, and things that make you think. It's not just for fun; it makes you wonder about life and how things work. That's what makes "Charlotte's Web" a really good and special story

 

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for Seventh-day Adventist because it stands out by steering clear of any profane language, making it a safe and enriching read for students. The portrayal of animal characters with human-like behavior creates a unique and engaging narrative that captures the imagination. It shows how having good friends is important that leads us to learn about trust. As you read, you'll notice little hints that encourage you to find friends you can trust. It helps you see that the most important trust is in God, which is something Adventists believe. It also talks about how we should appreciate life and accept each other's differences like that of Wilbur and Charlotte. The way how Charlotte value their friendship with Wilbur weaves a lasting impact. This means that what we do can really matter to others. This book is like a reminder that even small things we do can make a big difference in other people's lives.

Identity and Justice in "Patron Saints of Nothing" by Randy Ribay

"Patron Saints of Nothing" by Randy Ribay is about a Michigan high school senior named Jay who finds out his Filipino cousin, Jun, died because of the government's war on drugs in the Philippines. Jay, struggling with his identity, travels to the Philippines to learn the truth. The story, written by Randy Ribay, talks about family, identity, and the challenges in the Philippines. It's not just a regular story; it makes you think about important things like justice and how politics affect real people. The author wants young readers to reflect on these issues. The characters are well-described, and the plot connects to bigger historical problems, making it interesting and relevant. Even without pictures, the writing helps you imagine the scenes and understand the characters. Overall, "Patron Saints of Nothing" is a good book for young adults, teaching them about different cultures and important issues in an engaging way.

The story is honest about the challenges in the Philippines, especially with President Duterte's war on drugs. It talks about social issues without being unfair to any group. Even without pictures, the writing helps you picture the scenes and understand the characters. The characters are well-developed, and you can understand their feelings and actions. The plot includes real facts that connect to bigger historical issues, making it interesting and relevant. Furthermore, The author wants to tell a story that makes readers think about important things about the world and their place in it—who they are and where they belong. The book is not just a regular story; it's meant to make young people reflect on justice, right and wrong, and how politics can affect real people.

I will not recommend this book for Seventh-day Adventist schools because it includes themes like drugs, violence, and family disagreements, which might not align with the values of a Christian school. Additionally, it touches on sensitive topics such as the Philippines' war on drugs and explores perspectives that some schools might find challenging to address in their teaching. The book's content may be considered unsuitable for a Christian educational environment due to its portrayal of socio-political affairs, language, and potential normalization of certain behaviors.

Hard Work and Resilience in "Thomas Edison Graphic Biography" by Saddleback Educational Publishing

 

"Thomas Edison: Graphic Biography” by Saddleback Educational Publishing narrates the life and achievements of Thomas Edison, a brilliant inventor known for his groundbreaking work in electricity and technology. He turned darkness into light; made a machine talk; brought pictures to life—through the magic of electricity and hard work. From his early days as a telegraph operator to his iconic invention of the electric light bulb and phonograph, Edison's story showcases his dedication to solving problems and pushing the boundaries of science and engineering. The book highlights his numerous patents, his relentless pursuit of innovation and the impact of his inventions on society and his remarkable contributions to modern life.

 

The story is based on real facts, and the author mentions where they got the information. The facts and the story are mixed together well, making it a lively and accurate tale of Thomas Edison's life. The book shows Thomas Edison as a person with many different sides, not just one way, and the author avoids using stereotypes, giving us a good picture of who Edison really was. The writing style is easy to understand and interesting, making it good for many readers. The book has a main idea that highlights what makes Thomas Edison special, focusing on how he was committed to learning and faced challenges with determination.

 The pictures make the story even better. They show you what things looked like back when Thomas Edison was alive. You can see where he lived and the time he lived in. These pictures help you understand his early problems and the cool stuff he invented. It's like a visual journey through his life. Plus, the pictures don't just stop at showing places—they also bring Thomas Edison to life. You can see how he was and what he went through. Every little detail in the pictures helps you get to know him better, from his challenges to his successes. So, these illustrations aren't just there for looks; they're like a special guide that makes the story more exciting and helps you really connect with Thomas Edison's amazing journey.

 

I will  recommend this book to Seventh-Day Adventist schools for the fact that it acknowledges God as the sustainer of knowledge and wisdom. The story refrains from the use of inappropriate content and profane words but simply offers a valuable lesson to the readers about the importance of hard work and resilience. It emphasizes building the character to persevere even amidst enduring trials and challenges with patience and unwavering faith. Despite the story is practical and scientific, Edison's dedication to making the world better through his inventions reflects the ideal of service to others. Ultimately, Edison's life story, with its numerous failures and ultimate successes, can inspire students to overcome challenges, exhibit resilience, and pursue their goals with unwavering faith, making the story a recommended choice for people of different cultural and religious backgrounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlocking Self-Acceptance: Embracing Uniqueness with "Ang Mahiyaing Manok" by Rebecca T. Añonuevo

 https://themedchildrensbooks.afcc.com.sg/library/book/ang-mahiyaing-manok-the-shy-rooster

"Ang Mahiyaing Manok" or also known as "Shy Rooster" in English is a story by Rebecca T. Añonuevo and illustrated by Ruben De Jesus is a story about a timid young rooster named Onyok who is too shy to crow like the other chickens. However, with the encouragement and support of his friends, particularly Kokok, Onyok learns to embrace his unique voice and ultimately finds his confidence to crow proudly. 

As you traverse the pages, the very names of the characters echo with the resonance of tradition; their lives are painted with strokes that breathe authenticity into the canvas. Picture the rural landscapes, where roosters herald the dawn, their crowing not just a call to wakefulness but a symphony of time itself that made the story's artwork folk art. The medium being use by the illustrator is color pens  to emphasize the outlines of an abstract patterns and color pencil to add highlights. Paint is also present to provide brilliant colors that accentuate the artwork creating a wonderful experience. The text and illustration have a symmetrical and complementary relationship. The use of varying fonts, sizes, clever composition and tension accentuates essential aspects of the story, enhancing the reader's connection to the narrative. 

 

I will recommend this story for Seventh-Day Adventist Schools because it serves as a powerful tool for illustrating God's creativity and the diversity of His creations. It beautifully teaches children to appreciate the uniqueness of every being, much like the journey of Onyok—a shy, one-of-a-kind rooster who discovers the courage to express himself through his crowing. This story, at its core, emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and the celebration of individuality. It eloquently reminds us that each person possesses special qualities and talents, deserving of recognition and appreciation. Moreover, the story skillfully highlights important character-building themes, including overcoming shyness, self-acceptance, and the profound value of support and friendship. It's a heartwarming tale that can also serve as a model for fostering mutual support within a community.

 

 

Humor and Wisdom in "Ang Pitong Tanga" by Severino Reyes

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16060456-ang-pitong-tanga

"Ang Pitong Tanga" or known as "The Seven Idiots" by Severino Reyes, and illustrataed by Ruben De Jesus, tells the story of seven foolish young men who become friends by chance in a town in Cagayan, Luzon. They are named Huwan, Kanuto, Aleho, Heremias, Tiago, Kosme, and Nikolas, collectively known as "Ang Pitong Tanga." They mistakenly believe one of them has drowned during a river swim and engage in absurd attempts to help with household tasks. The story revolves around their comical and often misguided adventures, ultimately showcasing the difficulties of dealing with individuals who lack common sense and wisdom.

Given that it depicts the cultural environment of the Philippines, notably in the town of Cagayan in Luzon, the artwork style of this story is folk art. The narrative sheds light on the rural Filipino way of life, particularly on family mealtimes. It also depicts their routine chores, such as gathering water from the well, chopping wood, gathering food, and preparing meals. When it comes to the medium, the illustrator employs eye-friendly use of colors through the use of color pencil to enhance and give the landscape more life and vibrancy. Crayons are also visible in the character details, particularly in the skin tone. Additionally, there is symmetry, harmony, complementariness, and mutual support between the text and the illustration. 

This story is pregnant with wisdom that deserves a place in Seventh-Day Adventist schools or any other schools with different religious and cultural backgrounds. Beyond its role as entertainment, it subtly imparts crucial educational insights. The story serves as a poignant reminder that “If you keep doing what you used to do, you will keep getting the result you used to get.” The phrase serves as a reflection on a lack of personal development or growth. As they continue to do what they have always done, it leads to the same predictable and often the same consequences. It encourages the readers to consider the consequences of mindlessly following established patterns without questioning or seeking improvement. As Ellen G. White's teachings on stewardship, the story delicately weaves in the responsibility bestowed upon individuals, teaching readers how to handle entrusted matters with care and dedication. Moreover, it fosters character development and instills values, inspiring readers to embrace self-development and growth. This book, therefore, encourages readers of all ages to embark on a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery and to be proactive in seeking positive change and growth by breaking away from old patterns that may be limiting their potential.

Wonder and Faith: 'Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?' by Robert E. Wells

 

 

 https://www.amazon.com/Whale-Biggest-Thing-Knowledge-Science/dp/0807536563

 

"Is the Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?" by Robert E. Wells is a children's science book that explores the concept of size and scale in the natural world. The book takes readers on a journey to discover the relative sizes of various animals and objects, using the blue whale as a central point of comparison. Throughout the book, the author introduces readers to a variety of animals and even planets in the solar system. By comparing these different entities in terms of size and weight, the book helps children understand the concept of scale. The central message of the book is that size is relative, and what is "big" or "small" depends on what you compare it to.

The art style in this story leans towards realism and representation, because the illustrations seem so real and it contains presents factual information. While maintaining this realistic style, a subtle touch of cartoonish is evident as it strategically exaggerating certain elements to serve as helpful guides, reinforcing the core concept of relative size. This intentional exaggeration heightens the suspense, particularly in the revelation of the story's grandest elements. The illustrator employs water color to infuse vibrancy into the depiction of presented objects. Cross-hatching lines are applied to emphasize movement and intricate details of the objects. The strategic use of color hues becomes essential for enhancing small details, and color pastels contribute to the background's portrayal. These visual elements not only complement the text but also serve as a visual aid for young readers, offering a tangible means to grasp the concept of size comparisons. Careful choices in font size, style, and spacing enhance readability, ensuring accessibility and engagement for the audience.

 

In terms of recommendation, this story holds potential for Seventh-Day Adventist Schools, offering a valuable opportunity to introduce and underscore the concept of God as the creator of the universe. The educational aspect is purposefully woven into the storyline, sparking a sense of awe and a curiosity to delve deeper into the wonders of creation. This exploration aligns with the acknowledgment of our Creator, the vastness of the universe, and the marvels of existence. The narrative, in its profound examination of the universe's magnitude, stands as a testament to the belief in God as the ultimate creator, inviting both educators and parents to embrace its educational and spiritual value.