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FAHRENHEIT 451
by Ray Bradbury
A
new book out: Bradbury, an Illustrated Life: A Journey to Far
Metaphor, by Jerry Weist, Donn Albright and Ray Bradbury.
William Morrow & Co.; 2002
Book Description: In this lavishly illustrated labor of love,
Jerry Weist -- Sotheby's fantasy and science fiction collectibles
expert and longtime Ray Bradbury friend and collector -- gives
us a unique "visual biography," a one-of-a-kind celebration of
the life, career, and genius of one of America's most beloved
literary giants.
The works of Ray Bradbury have been
read and revered for more than half a century. The winner of countless
awards and accolades, including a Medal for Distinguished Contribution
to American Letters from the National Book Foundation, he has
left a deeper, more enduring imprint on our times than most writers
of his or any generation. The source of The Martian Chronicles,
father of The Illustrated Man, and master brewer of Dandelion
Wine, Bradbury has penned stories, novels, stage plays, and
screenplays that have long demonstrated the limitlessness of the
human imagination and pure power of the word.
Bradbury: An Illustrated Life
features magazine illustrations, movie stills and posters, comic
book art, letters, scripts, book jackets, and paintings -- all
expertly selected and insightfully explained -- that trace an
incomparable artist's journey through the twentieth century and
into the twenty-first. Here also are rare and illuminating gems
from some of his renowned compatriots and collaborators, including
excerpts from the journal of legendary director Francois Truffaut,
written during the making of the motion picture version of Bradbury's
classic Fahrenheit 451.
From his groundbreaking involvement
with EC Comics -- which would ultimately inspire generations of
comic book creators and graphic novel artists -- through his many
decades of literary success, as well as his award-winning work
in films, theater, and television, to the present day, the world
of the incomparable Ray Bradbury comes vibrantly alive in words
and pictures, in photo and ink, in conceptual art and bold living
color. Bradbury: An Illustrated Life belongs in the collection
of anyone who has ever been moved, astounded, elated, terrified,
or inspired by the tales, ideas, dreams, and magnificent visions
of America's preeminent storyteller. Another
couple of works of fiction of his that give a glimpse into his
life are:
Death Is a Lonely Business, by Ray Bradbury. Knopf, 1985
A Graveyard for Lunatics: Another Tale of Two Cities, Knopf,
1990
Both of the above books are quasi-autobiographical / memoir-ish
of his early days in Los Angeles as a writer. Web
Links from the Fahrenheit 451 RESOURCE GUIDE:
Ray Bradbury receives Star on Hollywood
Boulevard, April 2002
http://www.planetary.org/html/news/articlearchive/headlines/2002/HollywoodHonorsRayBradbury.htm
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AMONG THE HIDDEN
by Margaret Peterson Haddix & Illustrated by Mark Ulriksen
In a society where only two children per family are allowed, Luke
is a shadow child, his parents� third son. Luke must remain hidden
from the Population Police, who strictly enforce the law. One
day Luke makes a dangerous discovery that will test his courage
and threaten his very existence.
Booktalk
He had never disobeyed the order
to hide. Even as a toddler, barely able to walk in the backyard�s
tall grass, he had somehow understood the fear in his mother�s
voice. But on this day, the day they began taking the woods away,
he hesitated. He took one extra breath of fresh air, and savored
one last moment of feeling warm soil beneath his feet. He reminded
himself, "I will never be allowed outside again. Maybe never again
as long as I live."
There was a law against Luke. Not
him personally, but everyone like him, kids who were born after
their parents already had two children. Actually, Luke didn�t
know if there was anyone else like him. The only people he had
ever met were his parents and his two brothers, Matthew and Mark.
It was too dangerous for anyone else to know about Luke. The Population
Police had ways of finding out everything, and they would do anything
to enforce the law.
Now that the Government started
building houses on the property behind Luke�s house, he had to
stay inside at all times. He had to stay away from all of the
windows, and he wasn�t even allowed meals at the kitchen table
anymore, just in case someone noticed five shadows instead of
four through the drawn blinds. Luke�s main form of entertainment
became watching the new construction through a heating vent in
his attic room. The new houses were mansions - they were being
built for Barons, who were unbelievably rich. Luke studied every
foundation, every wooden frame. He watched all the workmen, and
he observed the potential buyers pulling up in their expensive
cars.
When families began to move into
the new houses, Luke studied their every movement. Each morning
he watched his new neighbors leave for school or for work. He
kept track by scratching a mark in the wall. Twenty-eight marks
meant everyone was gone, and Luke breathed a little bit easier.
One day Luke stormed up to his room
after an argument with his father. He climbed up to his perch
by the back vents and looked out on the quiet neighborhood. All
the driveways were empty. Nothing moved, not even the flag across
the way. And then, out of the corner of his eye, Luke caught a
glimpse of something behind a window in his new neighbor�s house.
A face. A girl�s face. In a house where two boys already lived.
From
Among the Hidden, by Margaret Peterson Haddix
PROGRAM
IDEA - BOOK DISCUSSION THE
NOVEL'S SETTING IS NOT COMPLETELY DEFINED.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU THINK IT TAKES PLACE?
What could Luke's family have done to make his life easier?
What books would you choose if reading were your only form of
entertainment?
Luke and Jen are both third children. Why are their lives so different?
Was Jen's decision to plan the rally a good one? What were her
other options, do you think?
If you were a shadow child, would you have gone to the rally with
Jen?
Should the government have the right to place limits on population
growth?
Do you agree that "people seem to work the hardest when they�re
right on the edge of survival." (p. 136)?
Do you think that Luke will be able to change history with his
new identity?
PROGRAM SUGGESTION - READING MARATHON
Reading
was one of Luke�s only forms of entertainment. Celebrate a day
in the life of Luke with a reading marathon at your library! Designate
a set number of hours for the program, and make the program space
as comfortable as possible. Participants may bring sleeping bags,
backrests, or pillows. Serve Luke�s favorite forbidden junk food,
potato chips and soda during the program, and consider having
a wrap-up ice cream or pizza party for those who make it through
the long haul. Throughout the program space, display a variety
of reading materials: books, magazines, graphic novels, etc. (See
the list of Among the Hidden read-alikes for display ideas.)
At the start of the marathon, announce
the rules to the participants, designating contraband articles
(books-ontape, radios, computers, notebooks) and behaviors (talking,
doodling, note-passing, etc.), allowing each participant one warning
before disqualification. Warn them that going near windows will
result in immediate disqualification! Divide the participants
equally into small groups, and have them select their reading
materials and settle in for silent reading. Allow each group to
take a 5-minute break each hour. Post a countdown sign to let
participants know how much time has elapsed. Provide alternatives
such as board games or use of the library computers for those
who decide to quit reading or become disqualified. At the end
of the reading period, announce the winners, award small prizes,
and eat!
Books by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among
the Barons (June 2003)
Among the Betrayed (2002)
Among the Imposters (2001)
The Girl with 500 Middle Names (2001)
Takeoffs and Landings (2001)
Turnabout (2000)
Just Ella (1999)
Among the Hidden (1998)
Leaving Fishers (1997)
Running Out of Time (1995)
Don�t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (1996)
If you like AMONG THE HIDDEN, you might also like:
The
Baby and Fly Pie
by Melvin Burgess Grades. 6-10 (1996)
When a kidnapper dies, Fly Pie and
his older sister, Jane, team up with Sham, another orphan, to
take care of the baby. The three impoverished kids hatch a scheme
to get rich quick with the baby, but can anything go right in
this nasty world? Brave
New World by Aldous Huxley. A/YA (1931)
In a futuristic society controlled
by genetic engineering and social programming, John, an outsider,
must choose between his life and his humanity. A
Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. A/YA (1964)
In this (in)famous futuristic novel,
Burgess weaves a violent fable that touches on what it means to
be human. Be ready to learn a new language! The
Copper Elephant by Adam Rapp. Grades 9+ (1999)
Whensday has managed to avoid being sent underground as a slave.
But how long can she survive in a world where she is hunted daily
and where burning rain constantly falls from the sky? The
Cure by Sonia Levitin. Grades 7-10 (1999)
In order to be cured of his feelings
and emotions, Gemm 16884 travels back to the 14th century, where
he experiences the horrors of anti-Semitism during the Black Plague.
The
Exchange Student by Kate Gilmore. Grades 6+ (1999)
Daria is a budding animal breeder
in 2094 where many animals are threatened with extinction. Daria's
mom has signed their family up to host an interplanetary exchange
student who seems to have an ulterior motive for being on Earth.
Fahrenheit
451 by Ray Bradbury. A/YA (1953)
In this classic novel set in the
future, books forbidden by a totalitarian regime are burned. The
hero, a book burner, suddenly discovers that books are flesh and
blood ideas that cry out when put to the torch. Feed
by M. T. Anderson. Grades 8+ (2002)
When Titus meets Violet, they connect
instantly. One problem: both teens are already connected - to
Feeds. The Feeds, which are computers that hook into humans' brains,
provide everyone with up-to-the-minute info on the coolest products
and styles. When Violet's Feed starts to malfunction, she may
be in more danger than anyone could imagine. Found
by June Oldham. Grades 6-8 (1996)
In a post-apocalyptic world, Ren�s
mother cannot afford to keep her, so she tries to survive with
other homeless teens that are united in their determination to
care for an abandoned baby. Gathering
Blue by Lois Lowry. Grades 5-9 (2000)
Kira's life within the community
is in danger after her mother dies. Only her skills as a weaver
can save her, if she is willing to use them. The
Giver by Lois Lowry. Grades 6-9 (1993)
Jonas seems to live in an ideal
world. But can things really be so great? Who's paying the price
for all of this happiness? Hole
in the Sky by Pete Hautman. Grades 7-10 (2001)
After a deadly flu virus decimates
the earth's population, Ceej and three friends seek the portal
to an untainted world as they fend off a dangerous cult of Survivors.
The
House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. Grades 6-10 (2002)
For El Patr�n, lord of a country
called Opium -- a strip of poppy fields lying between the U.S.
and what was once called Mexico -- Matt is a guarantee of eternal
life. El Patr�n loves Matt as he loves himself for Matt is himself.
They share identical DNA. The
Kindling (Fire-Us Trilogy, Book 1) by Jennifer Armstrong
and Nancy Holder. Grades 5-9 (2002)
In 2007, a small band of children
have joined together in a Florida town, trying to survive in a
world where it seems that all the adults have been killed off
by a catastrophic virus. Sequel: The Keepers of the Flame.
The
Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick. Grades
5-8 (2001)
Spaz embarks on a dangerous journey
after learning that his foster sister, Bean, is dying. Along the
way, Spaz is assisted by a strange group of companions including
an old man, Ryter, a genetically improved girl named Lanaya, and
another orphan named Little Face. Memory
Boy by Will Weaver. Grades 8-10 (2001)
Sixteen-year-old Miles and his family
must flee their Minneapolis home and begin a new life in the wilderness
after a chain of cataclysmic volcanic explosions creates dangerous
conditions in their city. 1984
by George Orwell. A/YA (1949)
In this chilling world of absolute
governmental control, Winston Smith attempts to resist Big Brother.
On
the Beach by Neville Shute. A/YA (1957)
A suspenseful, apocalyptic novel
in which Australia becomes the last haven in a world devastated
by nuclear holocaust. Parable
of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Grades 8+ (1991)
Forced to flee an America where
anarchy and violence have completely taken over, empath Lauren
Olamina - who can feel the pain of others and is crippled by it
- becomes a prophet carrying the hope of a new world and a new
faith christened "Earthseed." Sequel: Parable of the Talents.
River
Rats by Caroline Stevermer. Grades 7-12 (1991)
Nearly twenty years after the holocaust
called the Flash has destroyed modern civilization, Tomcat and
a group of other orphans face danger as they steer an old steamboat
over the toxic waters of the Mississippi River. Tomorrow
When the War Began by John Marsden. Grades 8-12 (1996)
When Ellie and six of her friends
return home from a camping trip deep in the Australian bush, they
find that their country has been invaded and everyone in town
has been taken prisoner. Tomorrowland:
Ten Stories About the Future by Michael Cart. Grades 6-10
(1999)
Ten stories on a wide range of topics
all based in the future. Writers include Jon Scieszka, Lois Lowry,
Katherine Paterson, and Ron Koertge. Z
for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien. Grades 7-12 (1975)
In the aftermath of a nuclear blast,
Ann waits alone, cut off from all human contact, until a stranger
arrives in her valley.
Web Links from the Among the Hidden
RESOURCE GUIDE:
Simon
& Schuster�s Reading Guide for Among the Hidden
http://www.simonsays.com/subs/readingguide.cfm?isbn=0689817002&areaid=33
Margaret
Peterson Haddix�s Reading Recommendations
http://www.teenreads.com/features/010619-haddix-margaret.asp
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REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN
by Kate Klise & Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise
Activities
� Create a skit based on Regarding the Fountain.
� Have a book discussion group.
� Hold a party with food from the different places that Flo Waters
visits.
� Create a mural-size map based on the worldwide travels of Florence
Waters.
� Create a clue map that shows how the mystery was solved in the
book. Use diagrams, pictures, arrows, etc. on a blackboard or
mural size paper.
� Design a fountain program or contest. Have children submit drawings
of a fountain that they design. Post the designs around the library.
If having a contest, create categories for silliest, biggest,
smallest, etc. so that all entries will get prizes.
� Have the children create their own group story. Propose a beginning
and have each child add to the story. Ask each child to illustrate
their section of the story and compile the results into a 'book'.
�What�s in a Name - The children can look up and discuss descriptive
and/or weird and wacky place names. Name their own "town" and
come up with a travel brochure or slogan to entice vacationers
to visit their "town". Crafts
�
Build a fountain using cardboard, clay, craft sticks, etc. This
could be an individual or group project.
Web Links from the Regarding the Fountain
RESOURCE GUIDE:
A selection of additional Programming ideas and resources
www.eduplace.com/tview/
www.maslibraries.org/infolit/samplers/fountain.html
www.multcolib.org/talk/guides~regarding.html
www.rebeccacaudill.org/2002/Klise/Klisecurr.htm
www.rebeccacaudill.org/2002/Klise/KlisePuzz.htm
www.rebeccacaudill.org/2002/Klise/KliseStudy.htm
www.st-charles.lib.il.us/youth_services/read_alikes/fountain.htm
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TACKY THE PENGUIN
by Helen Lester illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Activities �
Creative Dramatics - Read the story to children. Explain that
you will act out the story as a group. Let children volunteer
for the role(s) they would like to play. It is not necessary to
use the exact dialog from the story. Guide the children as they
act out the story. If you wish, supply simple props or have the
children make them as a craft activity.
� Skit - Write the dialog from the story and add stage directions
as necessary. The skit could be performed for an audience of parents,
students, etc. or just have the children take turns playing the
roles and perform for each other.
� Penguin visit - A penguin visit to the library can be arranged
through either the New Jersey State Aquarium, www.njaquarium.org,
Camden, or Jenkinson�s Aquarium, www.jenkinsons.com, Pt. Pleasant.
Resources are limited, so book well in advance.
� Have a story hour and read other Tacky the Penguin books, penguin,
arctic or winter themed stories and songs.
� Have the children write other adventures for Tacky.
� Hold a Dreadful Singing Contest.
� Hold a tacky dress-up contest or party where everyone wears
their tackiest clothing or all wear Hawaiian shirts.
� Have a Tacky Day! - Ask everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts!
� Penguin Day - Ask everyone to dress up like a penguin, wear
a tuxedo, a penguin costume, wear only black and white, or make
your own penguin outfit.
� Penguin Egg Race - Decorate large Styrofoam eggs. Hold a relay
race with children trying to keep the egg on top of their feet.
� Penguin Parade - Have children waddle like a penguin.
� Penguin Scavenger Hunt - Hide small paper penguins and have
children look for them. Variations include having one penguin
that looks like Tacky and have children work in teams using clues
to find the penguins.
� Serve penguin snacks - Give children fish-shaped candies, black
and white food, or make your own snow cones for a special treat.
� Create Tacky matching games, crossword puzzles, mazes and word
searches using websites such as www.puzzlemaker.com. Crafts
�
Make penguin paper bag puppets or pictures including a tacky shirt
made from scrap construction paper.
� Create "magic" penguin pictures. Glue on penguins and white
paper for snow. Paint over the picture with a mixture of water
and Epsom salts. When dry, the mixture turns white and creates
sparkles like glitter. To make the "magic" mixture combine equal
parts water and Epsom salt and bring to a boil. Allow to cool
before using with children.
Additional penguin craft ideas are found in the following books:
Overend by Jennifer, ed. Creative Crafts for Year-Round
Fun Grades K - 6, The Education Center, Inc., 1993.
Paper Plate Animals. INSTRUCTO/McGraw-Hill, 1982.
Totten by Kathryn. Storytime Crafts. Alleyside Press, 1998.
Penguin chapter which lists fingerplays, craft and additional
books to share. Web
Links from the
Tacky the Penguin
RESOURCE GUIDE:
Penguin
Crafts
www.dltk-kids.com/animals/ Another
Penguin Craft idea
www.kidsartscrafts.about.com More
Penguin Crafts
www.preschooleducation.com Make
a Giant igloo from plastic milk jugs
www.azfamily.com/family/kidscrafts/KTVKTerri20010415.b3cd4d6.html
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GENERAL INFO
"What if everyone in New Jersey read the same book at
the same time?"
One Book New Jersey
is an exciting program that libraries and their partners
across the state will promote in the spring of 2003. The goal
is to bring people together through literature by encouraging
them to read the same book, then participate in discussions and
other events centered on that book.
The New Jersey Library Association�s Public Relations Committee
and Children�s Services and Young Adult Sections have worked with
the New Jersey State Library and the Secretary of State�s office
to develop this collaborative effort. The First Lady of New Jersey,
Mrs. Dina Matos McGreevey, is the program's spokesperson. One
Book New Jersey (OBNJ) will focus public interest
and awareness on books, reading and literacy, and will celebrate
all that New Jersey�s libraries do. Our primary goal is simply
to encourage people to obtain the book and read it.
The book selected for adult readers in this inaugural year of
OBNJ is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 2003
marks the fiftieth anniversary of its publication, and the book
is still as fresh and intriguing as when it was first published.
Available in many languages, Fahrenheit 451 addresses the issues
of knowledge and freedom vs. ignorance and censorship. It�s also
a powerful story of human nature and the desire to learn and think
independently.
The OBNJ selected titles for younger readers include:
Among the Hidden by Margaret
Peterson Haddix. A wonderful book for young adult readers.
Regarding the Fountain: A Tale,
in Letters, of Liars and Leaks by Kate Klise. This delightful
book is appropriate for elementary school age readers.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen
Lester, a heartwarming "read-to-me" selection, ideal for very
young book lovers.
On January 21, 2003, the selected books were announced to the
public at a Press Conference with Mrs. McGreevey. Between January
and April, 2003, people all over New Jersey will read the selected
books and OBNJ will help libraries and other organizations
organize book discussion groups.
Still other local and statewide events will occur, with major
events planned for National Library Week, April 6 through 12.
Promotional materials, statewide marketing and "how-to-do-it"
resource guides will make participation easy for libraries and
their partner organizations.
Our biggest hope is simply that New Jersey�s residents will participate
and come to libraries and other community venues to celebrate
reading, literacy and books.
The program�s website, www.OneBookNewJersey.org is now operational
and frequently updated with additional information. Dan Weiss
(Director of the Fanwood Memorial Library) serves as Public Relations
Committee Chair and leads the activities. Stephen Maynard is the
Program Manager. Jon Cuevas is the program�s Graphic Artist and
our website is generously being hosted by the Burlington County
Library.
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Sample Press Release
"Click here
to download!"
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Please
visit your local library and be a part of One Book New Jersey!
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