The Eternal Smile by Gene Luen Yang & Derek Kirk Kim

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yang, Gene Luen. 2009. The Eternal Smile. Ill. by Derek Kirk Kim. New York: First Second. ISBN 1-59643-156-3

PLOT SUMMARY

This graphic novel contains three insightful stories. In the first, "Duncan's Kingdom," Duncan  is in love with a princess and has to go on a challenge to prove himself.  However, when he confronts a dragon who has something he wants, Duncan has to make a choice. "Gran'pa Greenbax and the Eternal Smile" is about a greedy, old frog whose dream is to have a “pool o’gold” so deep that when he jumps in, he never hits the bottom. He discovers that his dream wasn't what he thought, although it's still golden. In "Urgent Request" Janet receives an email from an African Prince requesting help; he needs her bank account information so he can send all his family’s wealth out of his country.  Here is her opportunity to prove her importance…and to meet a handsome prince. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
2010 Eisner Award Winner, American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults, CCBC Choice, Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth and Texas Maverick Graphic Novel List, The Eternal Smile was created by the award winning duo Gene Luen Yang (Printz and Eisner awards) and Derek Kirk Kim (Ignatz, Eisner and Harvey awards)

Yang has written three stories that delve into modern culture. The common theme is false reality; their lives are illusions.  He also touches on teenage angst, abuse, greed, and loneliness. Yang is connected to pop culture and writes with wit and insight. Although all three stories are set in different worlds, they all contain a positive note about being able to take control of their own lives instead of someone else controlling them.  In "Duncan's Kingdom," Duncan is offered the opportunity to be and to get anything he wants, but instead he decides "I owe my mom an apology" and chooses to go back (wake up) to his mother who is in an abusive relationship. "Gran'pa Greenbax" is about greed and materialism and how we can lose ourselves to feed the need for more.  However, when confronted with the eternal smile, Gran'pa drops to his knees and says "...you know what happened! You know my heart, don't you?"  His heart's desire is finally fulfilled by his being a real frog, not the celebrity he had become.  In "Urgent Request," Janet is called “insignificant” by her boss and is forgotten outside her apartment all night by her landlord. Depressed, she accepts an email from an African prince (actually a local college student), although she knows she's being mislead. Within her fantasy, however, she's gains self-confidence. 

Kim uses different styles of illustration for each story. “Duncan’s Kingdom” has two distinct looks; set in cartoon like frames, when Duncan is on his adventure, the background is bright, but in his dream state, it’s dark and gloomy.  "Gran'pa Greenbax" has bright, blocky illustrations which are defined and upfront –just like greed. In “Urgent Request” Janet appears small in her workplace.  However, once she begins to feel more in control, the illustrations zoom in giving the impression that she's bigger and becoming stronger emotionally and physically.  

The Eternal Smile is a crowd-pleaser for graphic novel enthusiasts who also like to think about the world around them.  Meant for 7th grade and up, there are hints of sexuality and themes that are inappropriate for younger readers. 



REVIEW EXCERPTS

A rousing and thought-provoking exploration of fantasy versus reality from the much-lauded comics veterans Yang and Kim...Readers looking for another American Born Chinese...may be pleasantly surprised: While a very different format both visually and thematically, this book offers similarly plotted ingenious twists. Begging for multiple readings, this exceptionally clever examination of fantasy and perception is one to be pored over and ruminated upon. - Kirkus Reviews

Yang and Kim are expert storytellers and work well together her to present three tales with fablelike takeaways...Artwork in each of the stories is stylistically different and wholly appropriate to the theme of the specific tale. Smart teens will enjoy this thoroughly and will push it into friends'-and hopefully even adults'-hands for discussions around topics ranging from political insights to how narrative creates personal identity. - School Library Journal 

These three modern-day fables all feature lead characters who live in escapist fantasies but then are jerked rudely awake.  Tragedy, angst, and anomie? Surprisingly, no...Kim's attractive color art varies for each story...Winning characters and unorthodox, compelling plot twists make this trio of tales highly recommended for teen and adult collections.  Excellent also for educators as case studies to teach comics and short story writing. With a few mild sexual references. - Library Journal

Comic book creators Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim offer three very different stories about the nature of reality and happiness..by turns humorous, poignant, and painful, manages to constantly surprise readers with its unexpected plot twists while also offering a fun exploration of existentialism. Comic fans will also appreciate...Kim's versatile artwork, which ranges from superhero-style art to animal cartoon drawings to picture-book quality illustrations.  Thought-provoking and wonderfully offbeat.  The Eternal Smile can encourage both repeat readings and group discussion. - Children's Literature

...Shattering the borders between our real and fantasy lives, these bold, masterfully crafted fables have real staying power. - Publishers Weekly

Visually, each story is a world unto itself, drastically different from the others but defined by a well-polished sensibility that works wonders in concert with the multiple-layered themes being explored.  Absolutely not to be missed by anyone who welcomes the leaps available solely to graphic storytelling. - Booklist


A trio of stories from Printz Award winning author Yang and Eisner Award winning author Kim make up this delightful graphic novel...The three tales are dark in tone, but they are leavened by hope. They never go exactly where the reader expects and the results are compelling. - VOYA



CONNECTIONS
- For students who would learn more about the creators of the book and the writing/illustration process,will enjoy reading a few of the interviews they gave.
Comic Book Resources:  http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21473
Graphic Novel Reporter: http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/smile-you-mean-it-interview
Inkstuds Podcast: http://www.inkstuds.org/derek-kirk-kim-and-gene-yang/

- Gene Yang offers questions he created for a book club or a book talk with the class. The questions he developed are excellent for class discussions about dishonesty, personal change, flaws, etc. Here is an example of one question offered by Yang.
1. In each story of the Eternal Smile, the main character makes a dishonorable choice that eventually leads to the truth. Duncan breaks his promise to the Frog King. Gran'pa Greenbax lets his temper get the better of him and murders Filbert. Janet manipulates Steve into going on a date with her.  In each case, do you believe the end result justifies the means?
 http://www.geneyang.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100518-014453

- If your school has an account for teachingbooks.net, here is a 5 minute audio of Gene Yang discussing the creation of the book. http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=3598&a=1

-In English class, students can create their own comic book and story using the Comic Master website:  www.comicmaster.org.uk

-In collaboration with the art teacher, have students create a short story using different art styles, for example, anime, storybook illustrations, comic book, etc.

-If students enjoyed this book, they may want to read others by the author and illustrator.
Books by Gene Luen Yang
   -American Born Chinese. ISBN 0312384483
   -Avatar: the last airbender (graphic novel series)
   -Level Up. ISBN 1596432357

Books by Derek Kirk Kim
   -Same Difference. ISBN 1596436573
   -Good as Lily. ISBN 1401213812

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. Read by Neil Gaiman. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781436158848

PLOT SUMMARY
After the murder of his family, toddler Nobody Owens (Bod), wonders into a graveyard where he's taken in by a childless, ghostly couple.  Bod finds it quite normal to be raised, educated and protected by witches, ghosts and Silas, who is not of the living or the dead. However, Bod must be careful never to leave the graveyard or he'll come under attack from the mysterious Jack, who killed his family.  Who is Jack and why is he after Bod?  Narrated by the author, this unabridged audio book will thrill you with its ghostly images about a young boy growing up in a very different world from our own. 


CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Graveyard Book is the first book to win both the Newbery (US) and Carnegie (UK) Medals. It also won the 2009 Hugo Award for Best Novel. In this 7 CD, unabridged audio book, the author himself is the narrator and is excellent narrating his own book.   His pacing is slow and menacing when telling Jacks story, yet speeds up in a youthful chatter when young Bod. On occasion, the character's accents aren't differentiated enough, but it may just be a case of an American listening to an English accent. 

This modern ghost story is about growing up in a graveyard, making friends, and solving the mystery of who killed his family and why.  Set somewhere in England, the ghosts, ghouls, witches and other beings speak in the linguistic English in which they died and Gaiman seems to have fun with a variety of accents.  The graveyard has been there since the time of the Druids and hasn't had any new inhabitants in over 100 years, and Bod is educated about events spanning from Pagan to Victorian times.    

Gaiman has created likable graveyard characters and each have an interesting back story to how they ended up in the graveyard.  Jack is both scary (the description of him murdering Jack's family) and comical (he still lives with his mother!) On occasion, Gaiman has Bod and his friend, Savannah, sound too mature for their age, but it doesn't distract from the story. Although the story ends somewhat predictably, the twist about Jack is fun and insightful.  

This is a horror story that is enjoyable for children 10+.   Although this reviewer's son wasn't interested in reading the book, he definitely enjoyed the audiobook. There are some vivid descriptions that may disturb younger readers/listeners, but nothing is prolonged and Gaiman quickly moves on to Bod's next adventure. Highly recommended. 


REVIEW EXCERPTS
The book's power lies in Gaiman's ability to bring to quirky life..the graveyard's many denizens, including a protective vampire and a feisty medieval witch. ...this novel proves rich, bittersweet and very satisfying. - The Washington Post

"The Graveyard Book, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form. In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment." - The New York Times Book Review

"Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality...this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age novel as readable as it is accomplished." - Horn Book, Starred review

"This is an utterly captivating take that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel's ultimate message is strong and life affirming...this is a rich story with broad appeal." - BookList, Starred review

"It's hard to think of a more delightful and scary place to spend 300 pages." - The Guardian 

"The graveyard book is suspenseful and exciting. It seems dark, but also has a strong message within the ghostly characters which is "listen to your guardians!" Nicholas G. Malanga - reviewer's son

CONNECTIONS

-Watch Neil Gaimon read the entire The Graveyard Book and answer questions while on a book tour.
http://www.mousecircus.com/videotour.aspx

-Neil Gaiman is well-known for his strange, creative, and often, creepy, books.  Here are just a few of his other books students may enjoy.
    -Coraline. 2002. ISBN 0-06-113937-8  
    -Stardust. 1999. ISBN 978-0-380-97728-4                              
    -Anansi Boys. 2005.  ISBN 0-06-051518-X        
    -M is for magic. 2009. ISBN 1439583447

-Here are two Neil Gaimon's websites which have many interesting links.
    - http://www.neilgaiman.com/   
    - http://www.mousecircus.com/  (for younger students)

- Neil Gaimon has created three games that correspond to the book.  Have students play the games after they've read the book to create new connections.
   -http://www.mousecircus.com/GraveyardSudoku.aspx (Sudoku)
   -http://www.mousecircus.com/CrypticConnection.aspx  (Cryptic Connections)
   -http://www.mousecircus.com/EternalWords.aspx (Scrambled words)

-There are many types of monsters mentioned in the book, including werewolves, vampires, witches, ghouls, etc.  Have books nearby on these topics for students to continue reading. Here are some suggestions.
    -Dell, Christopher. Monsters: a bestiary of devils, demons, vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures. ISBN 978-1-594-77394-5
   -Hawes, Jason. Ghost hunt: chilling tales of the unknown. ISBN  0316099597
   -Jeffrey, Gary. Werewolves. ISBN 1433960516

I am the messenger by Markus Zusak

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zusak, Markus.  2002. I am the messenger. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-83099-5

PLOT SUMMARY
Ed Kennedy - "taxi driver, local loser, cornerstone of mediocrity, sexual midget, pathetic card player...and weird shit magnet" is lonely and down on himself.  Even his mom doesn't seem to like him. Ed's life revolves around his stinky dog, driving a cab, yearning for a girl who doesn't notice him, and playing cards with his equally lonely and pathetic friends.  Then one day Ed mysteriously receives the Ace of Diamonds in the mail. When he continues to receive cards, Ed is afraid of the Ace of Spades, yet it's the Ace of Hearts that may change his life the most.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Winner of the 2006 Michael L. Printz Honor, 2006 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book, 2005 Publisher's Weekly Best Books of the Year: Children and the 2003 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Award in Australia, Zusak has created a touching story about an unmotivated, lonely guy who, through a series of events, discovers that by helping others, he's helping himself.  Set in a small Australian town, we can feel Ed and his friends apathy towards life. Zusak's characters are unflinchingly real in this story about growing up - even if you're mostly already grown.  Although the mood of the book starts off quite bleak, it ends on a positive note as Ed gains self-esteem and confidence.

Although the book leans towards realistic fiction, the plot is far-fetched and has a fantasy element. There is too much investment from the mysterious person who is sending the cards, unless it's a guardian angel who has knowledge of Ed's predetermined destiny.  The book could easily be turned into a screenplay and it would be a great, inspirational movie.  Plot aside, it's Ed's burgeoning self-awareness that moves the story along.  We can't help but root for Ed as he takes on each challenge and begins to see himself in a different light, "I see the pitiful nature of my life...But then I see my eyes become determined. I see a future version of myself..."

Zusak's writing is almost poetic.  Every sentence has meaning, and quite often, Ed comes out with powerful and insightful statements. Upon seeing a family, he shows how lonely he is by stating, "They look like the type of family who tell each other they love each other when they go to bed, and when they wake up, and before they go to work." In considering each task, Ed states that some of the events "hold me up," while others "strips me and hands shivers to my skin and to my flesh and bones." The reader is left in anticipation of the next card and the tasks Ed will need to complete - it's interesting to watch how it will change the other person's life and how it will affect Ed.

Although the ending is not really plausible, it doesn't really matter. The girl he loves states "You used to just be...now you're somebody, Ed."   It's a beautiful moment when Ed realizes that "...I feel like somehow I introduced myself. To myself. And here I am."  Teenagers need that type of reinforcement - that their lives are up to them and to make of it what they will.  In Zusak's book, they'll find out that through small, positive changes, they can become the person they want to be..or someone they never thought they could be.  Always a good message.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

"This book is a mystery in itself.  The organization is curious, the writing suspenseful, and the idea intriguing.  These make it a close-to-perfect book - if it weren't for the flawed ending.  Still, it is an engrossing read. - Children's Literature

This dense literary novel is heavy on plotting, secondary characters...and belated coming-of-age anguish, all pulled together with the dazzling first person, sometimes sentence-fragmented voice of Ed Kennedy...Although the curtain pulling at the book's finale is more of a whimper than a bang, Ed's journey into secret lives is so emotional and intellectually challenging that older readers will enjoy the trip.  - VOYA

...the true driving force behind the novel itself is reader's knowledge that behind every turn looms the unknown presence-either good or evil-of the person or persons sending the messages.  Zusak's characters, styling, and conversations are believably unpretentious, well conceived, and appropriately raw.  Together, these key elements fuse into an enigmatically dark, almost film-noir atmosphere where unknowingly lost Ed Kennedy stumbles onto a mystery-or series of mysteries-that could very well make or break his life. - School Library Journal

"Elegant, philosophical and moving...Beautiful and important. -Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"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." - The Horn Book Magazines, Starred

"One of the most highly anticipated young-adult books in years." - The Wall Street Journal

"Funny, engrossing, and suspenseful." - KLIATT, Starred

CONNECTIONS

-The author's website is interesting and students may want to learn more about the author and his books. http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/

-I am the messenger has great topics for class discussions.  Some questions you may want to consider discussing with the class.
   1.  Have you ever helped someone and it made you feel better?  What was the other person's response?
   2.  In what ways is responding to the challenges physical, intellectual and emotional?
   3.  What does the story say about responding to challenges?  Consider overcoming fear, positive/negative reactions to the challenge, and the different phases of meeting challenges.

-The book mentions a variety of books, music, and movies.  Have students listen, read or watch one of the sources mentioned in the book and discuss how it relates to the character and within the story. (Examples, Bob Dylan, Sylvia Path, Cool Hand Luke, Graham Greene...)

- Markus Zusak has created teacher notes which can be used when discussing the book.
http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/resources/MZ-MessengerRTC.pdf
http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/resources/MZ-Messengernotes.pdf

-Random House has created a Reader's Guide that is valuable for discussion points.
http://www.randomhouse.biz/booksellers/childrens/files/2010/03/IAmMessenger_RderGd_WEB.pdf

-Students may want to read Zusak's other award winning book The Book Thief.  ISBN 978-0-375-84220-7