Afterthought About Al

Today when we were talking about our class reading, "Al Capone Does My Shirts", I was really kinds surprised to hear that people didn't like the book. I heard people mention that the book didn't represent Natalie as a person, that it wasn't fair to her, etc. To that I think-
1. The book was told from a 12 year olds point of view. I think that is something that is often over looked in the reading because there is so much pressure and responsibility put on Moose. But at the end of the day, he is a 12 year old boy. He also is younger then Natalie, meaning that he has never been without her in his life. Of course he loves her, and of course he doesn't understand it. But he loves Natalie, and takes pride (especially by the end of the book) in the close bond that he has with his sister.
2.This takes place in the 1930's- families didn't discuss situations like the Moose's family had. It was sometimes considered that the mother was an "icebox"- meaning that she had not been loving enough to her child while she was pregnant, or when the child was very young, hence why many mothers, such as Moose's, blamed themselves in one way or another. Also, many people felt that Natalie's condition was a punishment from God because someone in the family committed a sin. People didn't want to talk about it at all. That could have been a big reason that Moose was reluctant to tell people about his sister, or to openly talk about her. It might not have been because he didn't view her has a whole person, it was more to protect her and protect his family.
3. Natalie, while she is not a conventional character by any means, represents someone with autism. Autism is such an umbrella term- no one is the same-there is not line to cross to say "ok you have autism, ok you dont" Every child with autism is different, and their characteristics are all different too. While Natalie might not be what we think of a child with autism, her characteristics, from what we know, are ones that could fit under the autism spectrum.
4. Growing up on the island is not conventional at all. But, as far as a social life, there was social interaction between all the kids. And it seems to be more socialization then Natalie ever got before they were on the island. And the kids accept her for who she is- at first of course, they were a little worried- but they came to accept Natalie, and it was as if she was one of the gang-disability or not. That's part of what made this book good to use in a classroom I thought. The fact that the kids accepted her, and didn't isolate her is a really good thing-especially considering the times. In fact, the big push right now in special education is for inclusion, and one of the main pluses of inclusion is the social interaction between peers- and that is exactly what the Natalie is getting on the island. I would be willing to bet she is getting a lot more interaction there with peers then she would at the school her parents what her to go to.

Okay, I will step off my soap box now. But I just wonder, if you did not like this book, why? I know we didn't get to talk about it in class today, but I really would like to hear your side because maybe you are seeing something that I am not seeing. Thanks!

Sydney Taylor Award

Our group came upon the same places to find information about this award. The Sydney Taylor Award is given to honor Jewish literature for children or young adult. The award has been around since 1971, and has honored many different writers. Some of the most recent authors as well as their books are:

2007:
Title: Hanukkah at Valley Forge
Written by Stephen Krensky,
Illustrated by Greg Harlin

Title: Julia’s Kitchen
Written by Brenda A.Ferber

Title: The Book Thief
Written by Markus Zusak

Title: The White Ram: A Story of Abraham and Isaac
Written by Mordicai Gerstein

The rational behind this award is connecting Jewish children to children form other cultures, as well to build pride in culture. To be eligible, the books must be about Jewish customs, traditions, and/or experiences. Also, the book can be either fiction or non-fiction.

The books are judged on their significant contributions to Jewish literature, positive Jewish content and focus, as well as authentic details and accurate research. Also, the quality of writing and the ability to engage interest of the target age group is incorporated. One book is chosen for younger children, and one is also chosen for adolescents. A panel of Judaic Children's Librarians are who chose the winners, and to get on the committee you must be a Judaic Children's Librarian. The sponsor for the award is The Association of Jewish Libraries.

There were many sites about this award, and the ones that were the most helpful were:

This site is the most helpful when it came to finding the book list, as well as the history of the award, and current information about it.

This site was the most helpful when looking for books that have received the the award, as well as finding out what areas they received the award in.
http://www.jclla.org/awards.htm

Hopefully we will also have some of the books to share in class as well!