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The Time-Traveling Fashionista |
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What You Need to Know:
• Fashion, time-travel and a touch of history are the highlights of this story about growing up and feeling comfortable
with who you are.
• There are interesting facts and details about the famously doomed steamship, the Titanic, as well as many
references to old Hollywood.
• The girls are interested in boys but have little interaction with them other than brief conversations.
• The book contains 25 gorgeous, full-color fashion Illustrations to further capture the essence of the story.
• The Time-Traveling Fashionista is Bianca Turetsky's first novel. A second in the series is expected in April 2012.
• To learn more about this series and the author and to shop and play, visit The Time-Traveling Fashionista website.
It's also a place to talk about fashion and connect to other fashionistas.
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Sweet
Book Summary:
A love of vintage clothing draws 7th-grader, Louise, into an unexpected adventure. She's living in 21st century Connecticut, but she dreams of Old Hollywood and high fashion. She's "waiting for something to be different" and she's coping with the changes that come with growing up. Struggling with the prospect of finding an outfit for her first school dance, she is thrilled to get a timely invitation to a vintage clothing sale. She hopes to find the perfect dress, but Louise discovers so much more that day. Suddenly, she is transported back to a 1912 cruise ship and finds herself in the body of a famous movie star, Alice Baxter. At first this situation is a bit frightening, but then Louise sees the gorgeous clothing and decides to have some fun with it. it's all good until she realizes that she's on the Titanic!!
Being a glamorous star and wearing designer outfits suddenly loses its appeal. She longs for her real life. Things like reading Teen Vogue, visiting vintage shops in New York City, worrying if Todd, who must be using Proactiv because his skin has cleared up, will ask her out, and hanging with her best friend, Brooke, no longer seem so boring. Louise has a new-found appreciation for her life, and readers are sure to have an appreciation for Louise. While the story stays mostly on the surface of her emotions, girls will relate to Louise's insecurities and concerns and they will enjoy going through the process with her as she recognizes the positives in her life and gains confidence about her fashion sense.
There are a lot of references to fashion icons like Coco Chanel and celebrities from the past, like Cary Grant, and from the present, like George Clooney. Readers will also get a little peak at what life was like in 1912 and at the beauty and extravagance of the Titanic. The captivating illustrations add a unique, dramatic element to the book. The release of this book was well-timed, coming out just prior to the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
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Author:
Bianca Turetsky
Illustrator:
Sandra Suy
Published:
2011, 272 pages
Themes:
Adventure, Fashion, Friendship, History, Identity, Magic
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Sweet
Discussion Questions:
• Is fashion important to you? Why or why not?
• Are there circumstances when fashion can become too important to someone? When?
• What would you have done if you had been stranded on the Titanic?
• Should Louise try to fit in and dress like the other kids in her school?
• How has life changed for women since the time of the Titanic?
• Do you ever wish you were someone else? Why?
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This recommendation was written by:
Melissa G.
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What You Need to Know:
• Invisible Inkling is a charming, zany, funny, and warm story about a boy and his imaginary friend.
• Hank is being bullied and his imaginary friend saves him; this may sound heavy, but really it's not.
• This story is a great vehicle for the discussion of friendship, imaginary or otherwise.
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Sweet
Book Summary:
Meet Hank: He lives in Brooklyn, and it is the summer time. September is looming because Hank's best friend is moving away to Iowa City, and Hank is going to have to face fourth grade all by himself. If that's not bad enough, when school starts, a bully sets his sights on Hank after Hank scores a soccer goal for the opposite team (oops!). The bully, Gillicut, steals his lunch, makes him throw out his garbage and generally scares the wits out of him.
Enter Inkling: Inkling is a bandapat, Hank's imaginary friend. He shows up just as things start to spiral out of control for Hank. Hank initially saves Inkling from Rootbeer, the English Bulldog who lives down the hall. At that point, Hank and Inkling become instant friends. Inkling has come to Brooklyn in search of squash (it's what bandapats live on), and it just so happens Hank's family owns The Big Round Pumpkin. Unfortunately for Inkling, it's actually an ice cream shop. He still sticks around because he believes in the Hetsnickle Debt. "Hetsnickle was a famous bandapat. The debt of honor is named after her." Hank has saved his life and Inkling will have to remain until he can return the favor. When the bullying reaches a head, that chance comes, as Inkling scares Gillicut off.
This story is so wonderfully creative - I just loved it. Hank is a really likable character who's in a really tough spot. He has model parents, but they are pacifists and not much help with the bullying situation. Neither, it seems, are the teachers and staff at Hank's school. As adults, we can only hope this isn't really the case in our schools. For the kids being bullied, I think this tale represents an authentic depiction of the isolation they must feel. I believe that Jenkins has handled a very real and serious situation with humor and sensitivity. Kids being bullied will definitely relate, and kids not being bullied will empathize. Most importantly, young readers will just enjoy this lively story filled with wonderful characters. Right now, it is a perfect choice as we slide into the end of summer and the new school year rapidly approaches.
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Author:
Emily Jenkins
Illustrator:
Harry Bliss
Published:
2011, 160 pages
Themes:
Friendship, Humor, Family Life, School, Imagination, Bullying, Urban
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Sweet
Discussion Questions:
• Have you ever been bullied? What happened? How did it stop?
• Who is around to help you if you find yourself in Hank's situation? Whom can you go to for advice?
• What would you do if you saw someone else being bullied? Would you help? How?
• Did you think Gillicut bullied Hank for a reason? If so, what do you think was going through Gillicut's mind?
• Have you ever had an imaginary friend? What was he/she/it like?
•Why do you think Hank created Inkling?
• Do you think there was any chance Inkling was real? Why or why not?
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This recommendation was written by:
Melissa Y.
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