Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by Nathan Hale

1.    BIBLIOGRAHY

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL”S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN: 159990070.

2.    SUMMARY

Hale creates a different twist on the famous tale of Rapunzel.  After discovering the woman that has been raising her behind a wall is not her mother and is wicked, Rapunzel plots her escape. Captured, she is placed in a tower where her hair grows considerably long…long enough to escape her prison and end up meeting Jack (of the beanstalk fable).  There adventures take them through the wild west avoiding outlaws and witch’s henchmen in an attempt to dethrone her wicked adopted mother and free her own mother and the rest of the people throughout the land.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Illustrator, Nathan Hale, who is no relation to the authors, matches his art to the story wonderfully. The setting is prominently depicted with the comic style drawings of the old west and Gothel’s castle. Just by viewing the cover, the reader can tell that this isn’t the traditional tale, as Repunzel is decked out in western wear. Characters are expressive and when the story requires no text, Hales drawings are depicted in a way that allows the reader to keep up with what is going on in the story.

Both authors did a wonderful job collaborating on this unique take on a classic.  Rapunzel is spunky and full of “girl power”.  Giving her a witty male “sidekick” adds to her strong character. Braiding her long hair and using it as rope to lasso evil-doers, adds to the mystique of this heroine. The writing is neatly written and conveys the emotions felt by each character and the role they play in the story.  Hidden suprises can be found in the story as the reader discoveres Jack is the lad from Jack and the Beanstalk.  The authors also included other hints of fairy tales and legends,The format of a graphic novel makes it fun and easy to read. Fast moving, action and scoundrals plus the hint of romance will entice Middle School age students to take a look at this tale.

4.    AWARDS/REVIEWS

ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens (2009)
Booklist’s Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth (2009)
Cybils Award (2008)
Eisner Award nominee (2009)
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young  Adults (2010)

BOOKLIST review- “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”  --Tina Coleman

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review “…the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.”–Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

5.    CONNECTIONS

Teaching guide- http://www.squeetus.com/stage/Rapunzel_TG.pdf

Paper Dolls- http://spacestationnathan.com/rapunzeldolls.pdf

Reader’s theater script- http://www.squeetus.com/stage/rap_script-rt.html

Read- A-Likes

Spider-Girl by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

No Girls Allowed by Susan Hughes.

Children can write and develop their own fractured style fairy tell.

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hardback Book:
Zusak, Markus. 2006. THE BOOK THIEF. New York, NY.
Knopf Books for Young Readers Publishing.  ISBN 0375831002

Audio:
Zusak, Markus. 2006. THE BOOK THIEF. Read by Allan Corduner. Random House Audio Publishing Group. ISBN 0739398005

2.    SUMMARY

The Book Thief tells the story of Liesal Meminger, a young German girl, growing up in Nazi Germany. Death narrates the story of how Liesal became known as the Book Thief.  Death finds the girl intriguing. He witnesses the first book theft at the burial of Liesal's younger brother, which takes place on the way to Molching. This is the primary setting of the story, where Liesal is taken to a foster family, the Hubermann’s, to stay during the war. Death continues his narration through several more book thefts by Liesal, as well as the story of Max "the Jewish fist fighter", who hides in the basement to avoid being caught by the Nazis. Death, if possible, may have a soft spot for Liesal's friend Rudy, who has an unending obsession with Olympic medalist Jessie Owens.  One of the most enigmatic characters include the reclusive mayor's wife who leaves her window open to allow Liesal to steal from her own personal library. Death see’s it all …love, hate….life, death…happiness and tragedy…and reports it in a way only Death can.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Zusak grabs the reader’s attention quickly in this book by having Death tell the story. You want to make Death your friend because of his charming and sometimes witty explanations. Every character in this novel is so well described you feel that you know them and could recognize them if they passed you by.

Symbolism runs rampant in this book beginning with the jacket cover of falling dominoes, which to me represents people. The accordion is used as a symbol of happiness, love and comfort. Death describes the world around him in terms of color, which helps to create a mood or setting for the story. 

Many of the passages read like poetry. For example, Death comments on the aftermath of a bombing: “Five hundred souls, I carried them in my fingers, like suitcases.” He describes Leisel and Rudy kissing: “Leisel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tastes dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees...”

I read and listened to this piece interchangeably.  The narrator of the unabridged audio edition, Allan Corduner, spoke with such clarity and with enough passion for the story to make you visualize yourself a dweller of Himmel Street.  Corduner has acted in 30 various films as well as performed on Broadway and London's West End.  Corduner, who hails from Sweden, and was raised in London has a smooth English accent, which adds to the validity of the narration. Accordion music opens the audio series, foreshadowing whats to come, and ends it, in remembrance of what was. Corduner keeps a steady, even pace and changes inflection to set moods, and changes voice when speaking as different characters. His voice, that of death, is the only sound you here except for the accordion lead-in and fade-out.  There were a total of 11 compact disks with a running time of 13 hours and 57 minutes. A very lengthy story, but so absorbing as well. The audio ends with the narrator of the Harry Potter books (Jim Dale) describing the importance of reading and listening to books with children and an advertisement for Random House Audio Publishing. The recommended age for listening is 12 to 17. It is my opinion that one would have to have a basic knowledge of Nazi Germany to understand the protagonist’s plight. I think the book would be better suited for 15 and up.

I found myself more engrossed in the listening aspect than in the reading, as I seemed to wander away from the text. The narrator of the audio kept me intrigued and listening every free moment I could find.  Corduner's style of narrative help to make the book one of my all time favorites!

4.    AWARDS/HONORS/REVIEWS

Nominee 2006 - Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book (South East Asia & South Pacific)
Winner 2007 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults
Winner 2007 - Michael L. Printz Honor Book
Winner 2007 - Book Sense Book of the Year
Winner 2006 - Horn Book Fanfare
Winner 2006 - Kirkus Reviews Editor Choice Award
Winner 2006 - School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Winner 2006 - Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year
Winner 2006 - Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
Winner 2006 - Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
Winner 2009 - Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Master List

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers…An extraordinary narrative.” –Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

KIRKUS review: "Elegant, philosophical and moving...Beautiful and important."

HORN BOOK MAGAZINE review: "Exquisitely written and memorably populated, Zusak's poignant tribute to words, survival, and their curiously inevitable entwinement is a tour de force to be not just read but inhabited."

5.    CONNECTIONS

Lesson plan for creating an abstract poem using the book for inspiration.

http://www.writingfix.com/Chapter_Book_Prompts/bookthief3.htm

Read Alikes

Dream Merchant by Isabel Hoving

An Innocent Soldier by Josuf Holub

Hear My Sorrow: The Diary of Angela Denoto, A Shirtwaist Worker, New York City, 1909 by Deborah Hopkinson

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by Joyne Boyne

Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95s8GlKY40o&feature=player_embedded

Reading Group Discussion Questions

http://www.readinggroupguides.com/guides_B/book_thief1.asp

THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE by Jacqueline Kelly

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE. New York, NY. Henry Holt and Company LLC. ISBN 0805088415

2.    SUMMARY

Calpurnia Virginia Tate, known as Callie Vee, is an 11 year old girl growing up in Texas in 1899, right around the time, telephones, cars and Coca Cola are coming into existence. She is the middle child with three older brothers and three younger brothers. Calpurnia’s mother expects her to grow up into “a lady” and take on responsibilities such as cooking and keeping house. Calpurnia has other plans. Luckily for her, she has an escape. Her family also includes a cantankerous grandfather who dabbles in science and nature. Together they explore and gather data of the world around them. When they both discover a new plant excitement abounds to get the species officially registered. Thanks to her grandfather, a life-long love of science begins.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Just from viewing the book jacket art the reader can get a sense of the era the story inside was set. Black silhouetted Calpurnia “Callie” and science images on a yellow background will definitely catch the eye and set the time period up before the reader even opens the book.

Jacqueline Kelly uses Callie Vee to tell the story in first person, who is smart, determined feisty and on the cusp of leaving behind gender stereotypes. Coming of age in the turn of the century is easily conveyed through Kelly’s writing.  Callie's grandfather mentions talking to Alexander Graham Bell and wanting to ride in a newly invented automobile. You can also begin to see the plight of women’s suffrage as Callie is struggling with her own role, either the one her mother is pushing one her or the one her grandfather is encouraging. The reader can’t help but root for Callie and her grandfather’s unconventional ways.

The book breaks easily into two separate parts.  First, the book is easily woven with scientific terminology and theme. Each chapter opens with a quotation from ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES by Darwin. It is book Callie cannot check out of the library without permission but happened to bring her and her grandfather close together. The second tie in is the family bond. Callie’s siblings, the events, conversations and antidotes are all told with humor and love. When one of Callie’s little brothers is protecting a turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, your heart just melts at the links Callie and her grandfather go to help the family get through the turmoil of the day. Everyone wishes for family bonds so strong.

This novel is easy to read and would make a great read aloud or reader’s theater selection.

4.    AWARDS/HONORS

2010 Newbery Honor Book.

2010 ALA Notable Children's Book.

THE NEW YORKER review: “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” is the most delightful historical novel for tweens in many, many years. …Callie’s struggles to find a place in the world where she’ll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today. -  “Book Bench” section

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review: “Callie’s transformation into an adult and her unexpected bravery make for an exciting and enjoyable read. Kelly’s rich images and setting, believable relationships and a touch of magic take this story far.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review: “A charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century… there’s no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly’s debut novel

5.    CONNECTIONS

From libraryzest.blogspot.com:

Author's website: http://www.jacquelinekelly.com/index.html Macmillan website http://us.macmillan.com/theevolutionofcalpurniatate which has a video clip of a book talk, an excerpt of the first chapter and a downloadable discussion guide.

The GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Klages, Ellen. (2006). THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York, NY. Viking Publishing. ISBN 0670061344

2.    SUMMARY

In November 1943, 11 year old Dewey Kerrigan finds herself on a cross country train trip heading to live with her father in a remote area of New Mexico. Her father, a scientist is busy doing "war work" when he has Dewey join him on “The Hill”, a small, well guarded, off the map government community near Los Alamos. While on the train, Dewey works on her assortment of gadgets and gizmos and meets Dick Feynman, who is heading to the same location, and takes an interest in Dewey's inventions. Once she arrives, Dewey finds herself with plenty of unsupervised time as it seems all the adults are busy working on a secret project known as “the gadget". Secrets are a staple as Dewy has been briefed on what she can and cannot do or say to people outside the compound.

When Dewey's father is called away, she goes to live with another family. The Gordon’s and their daughter. Suze, Dewey's tormentor, are all but thrilled to have “Screwy Dewey” and her odd habits move in. Eventually the two draw closer as tension rises in the adults, the end of the project draws near and the impact of it’s implications become questioned. What brings the whole family even closer is the death of Dewey's dad, while in Washington D.C. working on a special assignment. Time begins healing the wound, and Dewey becomes part of the unconventional family.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although the story told by Klages is fiction, the events, places and events did indeed take place. The attention to historic details really preserves this period in time and opens up many avenues for the reader to explore more if they wish. Klages recreates the 1940's era vividly with the use of tone and language. From the references to World War II all the way down to the mentioning of the cost of a soda, the authenticity of this book rings true.

The writing is neat and draws you into the unconventional time and place. The reader is pulled through the events just as the two girls are, with many small clues opening up, until you eventually realize you are reading about the development and testing of the atomic bomb. The author leaves you begging for a sequel as questions have arose as to Dewey's family situation and the ethical use of such a powerful weapon.

The character development of Dewey makes her character easy to sympathize with. Abandoned by her mother, Dewey lives with her grandmother until she suffers a stroke and is then uprooted and sent to live with her father behind a locked fence. His untimely death makes the readers heart ache for the perils this child endures. Occasionally the story shifts to first person as Dewey deals with some of her most agonizing moments.

Dewey busies herself with inventions and her need to develop and create gives the reader an idea of just how unconventional she is for her time, including not conforming to gender roles of the time.  Surrounded by scientist's, several women, gives you hope that Dewy can find her niche.

The development of the story around the creation and testing of the atomic bomb is revealed cleverly giving the reader a slow build until you realize just exactly what the author is leading toward. I found myself surprised while reading as this is one area of history I was not knowledgeable about. I think all readers will have "light bulb" moments when reading this book.

THE GREEN GLASS SEA is a superb historical fiction novel to spark the interest of anyone, at any age.

4.    AWARDS/HONORS/REVIEWS

Winner, 2007 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Winner, 2007 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature
Winner, 2007 New Mexico State Book Award (YA)
Finalist, 2007 Quill Awards (Young Adult)
Finalist, Northern California Book Awards, 2007 (Children's)
Finalist, Locus Awards, 2007 (Best First Novel)
Book Sense #1 Children's Pick - Winter 2006/2007
One Book, One Nebraska for Kids - 2009
2009 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award Master List, (Illinois)
2008 NeNe Award List (Hawaii)
2008 Bluegrass Award Master List (Kentucky)
2007-08 Maine Student Book Award List
2007-08 Isinglass Teen Read List (New Hampshire)
2009 Rhode Island Teen Book Award List
2008-09 South Carolina Junior Book Award List
Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly
Starred Review in The Horn Book
A Horn Book Fanfare selection
A Junior Library Guild selection
A Scholastic Book Club selection

BOOKLIST review: The novel occasionally gets mired down in detail, but the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes. John Green

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way. Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR

5.    CONNECTIONS

A few teaching activities from Scholastic.

1. Reread the letter on page 190 that Jimmy Kerrigan writes to Dewey from Washington, D.C. Then reread the passage on page 199 in which Dewey explains to Suze what the letter really says. Exchange letters with a classmate, using a code like the one Jimmy Kerrigan used. See if you can break your classmate's code. What information did you try to pass along in secret?

2. Using descriptions from the text, draw a map of the Hill. Include as many places as you can remember from the book. Possible locations to plot on your map might be the Tech PX, the dump, Morganville
      
3. Dewey and Suze like to read comic books. Some of their favorite characters are Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and Captain America. Use a blank sheet of paper and colored pencils or crayons to create your own comic book hero or heroine. Give your character a name. What special powers does he or she have?

References to comic books and comic book characters can be found on pages 87, 151, 181, 195, 202, 242, and 257.

Authors website: http://www.ellenklages.com/

I Googled “Green Glass” or “Trinity Glass” to view pieces of the actual glass.  You can even own your own piece, which I felt would be a nice addition to have if you were using this book in the classroom.

ALL THE WAY HOME By Patricia Reilly Giff

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2001. ALL THE WAY HOME. New York, NY. Random House. ISBN  0440411823

2.    SUMMARY

Two young characters begin Giff's work of historical fiction set in 1941. One is Mariel, a girl living with the nurse, Loretta, who took care of her when she was stricken with Polio. They make their home in Brooklyn near Ebbets Field, where the Dodgers play baseball. Brick, the other person in this story, lives on an apple orchard in upstate New York. When a fire destroys the apple orchard Brick's parents must find work elsewhere and send him to live with Loretta, a friend of the family, and Mariel. Loretta became acquainted with Brick's family while working in Brick's hometown as a nurse when Mariel was in the hospital. Brick, although excited to see his beloved Dodgers play, he longs to return back to Windy Hill to help his former neighbors, the Claude's, harvest their crop. Mariel encourages him to go and takes the opportunity to catch up to runaway Brick and find out more information from the hospital about her birth mother and what happened to her.

At the Claude's apple orchard both children work, to get the crop in, after notifying Loretta of their whereabouts. Mariel spends time finding out the truth about her mother and her past. When she is satisfied with her discoveries she returns to Brooklyn, Loretta and the much loved Dodgers.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Two time Newbery Honor winner, Patricia Reilly Giff does a dynamic job weaving the two main characters lives together to bring this piece of historical fiction to life. The author ties in historical events (Mariel's polio with that of President Roosevelt's, the Dodgers winning the pennant, migrant workers) which gives the reader a sense of being in the post depression time period along with the characters. As I was reading I could picture Mariel in her page-boy haircut, 1940's wardrobe and her noticeable limp. Even though the problems each character encounter get solved a little to easily, this book runs the gamete of emotions. The reader can easily sympathize with Mariel and her desire to learn the truth about her beginnings, when polio ran rampant and to also understand Brick's desire to be in the orchard helping get the harvest in.  A much needed source of income after coming out of the great depression.  It was evident in the writing, that these children had lived through some dark times in American history and persevered.

The writing is simple enough to keep the reader interested and enough eluding to facts without sounding like a textbook. Minimal on historic content, readers are introduced to bits and can research more for facts if they wish. Mariel's polio is the main focus, while others may want to know about the Dodgers, Roosevelt or the time of the great depression. The description used by Giff to paint a picture for the reader of the Back To School party hosted by Mariel's teacher, really set the tone for the era. How girls dressed, behaved and the teachers description really made you feel like you were right their with Mariel in 1941, hiding behind a table to try and stay invisible in your pressed and starched party dress and neatly groomed hair with a bow. Polio may have kept her from running and playing with the rest of the children, but what she lacked in physical strength, her caring ways and inquisitive mind made up for. A great, quick read for the World War II area genre.





4.    AWARDS/REVIEWS

WINNER 2002 - Maine Student Book Award
WINNER 2003 - Kentucky Bluegrass Award

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: Giff's writing is filled with wonderful details that appeal to all of the senses. Readers experience the treacherous fire just as realistically as they cheer when Mariel catches a fly ball. A compelling story of two unforgettable youngsters, their strength, and their friendship.
Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools.

BOOKLIST review: Giff delivers a memorable picture of 1940s America, painted with colorful, telling details; believable dialogue; and crisp, flowing language. In her tightly woven, inspirational story, every character counts…. Ellen Mandel

5.    CONNECTIONS

The publisher includes an excellent guide for teachers as well as read alikes and other websites of interest.

http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780440411826&view=tg

Students could spend time researching polio, its affects on the body as well as President Franklin Roosevelt and his life with the disease.

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS by Gennifer Choldenko

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Choldenko, Gennifer. 2004. AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 0399238611

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The year is 1935 and Moose, his parents and his sister, Natalie, move to a tiny island in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, that houses many notorious criminals inside the prison. Moose’s father has taken a job, as an electrician, at the prison while his mother spends most of her time caring for Natalie, who suffers from autism. At the time little was known about autism, which lead to others misunderstanding Natalie’s peculiar behavior. When she is rejected from a special school, Moose must give up his baseball games to help take care of her. Piper, the warden’s daughter, is no help to Moose’s woe as she is often scheming, to get moose into trouble, and is often successful.

With the tension rising inside his family, Moose asks the warden to speak to Al Capone, Alcatraz' most famous inmate, about pulling some strings to get his sister into the special school. The warden is no help so he must sneak a letter to Capone. Shortly after, Natalie is invited to attend a new branch of the school for older kids. When clean laundry is returned from the prison facility, Moose finds a note from Capone in his shirt-sleeve.  “Done” it says, underlined and in Capon’s handwriting.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Choldenko, has made this unusual setting for a book into a wonderful representation of historic fiction. While it is true that families of prison guards and other auxiliary workers lived at the prison, Choldenko has also included notes explaining facts about life on “The Rock” as well as including a note about autism.

What makes this novel riveting is not just the setting, but it’s main character. The narrator, Moose, has a lot to deal with at such a young age. He is uprooted and moved to a prison, as well as becoming a caregiver for his sister Natalie, who suffers from autism.  The book develops the brother-sister relationship and the reader can genuinely feel the love Moose has for Natalie, despite the frustrations she causes, the family dynamic also shines through,  Moose’s hardworking father and determined mother are wholesome and dynamic.

Including Al Capone, even in such a small way, gives the book an edge. Although, shown in a positive, caring light, Capone could easily become a character one would want to research more about, to become acquainted with his mobster persona.  This book may have worked without including the mention of the notorious outlaw, but with his inclusion, readers interested in the criminal aspect are hooked in this delightful story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

A Newbery Honor Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Notable Book
People Magazine Best Kids’ Book
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Editor’s Choice
A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
A Junior Library Guild selection
A Children’s BOMC selection

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review:  “The story, told with humor and skill, will fascinate readers with an interest in what it was like for the children of prison guards and other workers to actually grow up on Alcatraz Island.”--Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

BOOKLIST review: “With its unique setting and well-developed characters, this warm, engaging coming-of-age story has plenty of appeal, and Choldenko offers some fascinating historical background on Alcatraz Island in an afterword.” Ed Sullivan

KIRKUS review: “Choldenko's pacing is exquisite. . . . [A] great read.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Life continues on “The Rock” with a second book by Choldenko,  AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES.

Recommended Reads

THE FIRE EATERS by David Almond
IF A TREE FALLS AT LUNCH PERIOD by Gennifer Choldenko
BUCKING THE SARGE by Christopher Paul Curtis
TALL TALES by Karen Day
PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS by Patricia Reilly Giff
WORLDS APART by Lindsay Lee Johnson
RULES by Cynthia Lloyd
NOBODY’S PERFECT by Marlee Matlin
LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY BY Gary Schmidt
SO B. IT by Sarah Weeks

A look more into the life of Al Capone.

http://www.chicagohs.org/history/capone.html

Author website related to the book.

http://www.alcaponedoesmyshirts.com/alcatraz/about.html

Information can be found at the below link concerning autism,

http://www.autismspeaks.org/