Binny for Short
Title: Binny for Short
Author: Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Micah Player
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York)
Year of Publication: 2013
Genre: Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: 1
Professional Review:
CLCD:
Lexile MetaMetrics, Inc
Lexile Measure 680L
Best Book
Choices, 2014Cooperative Children's Book Center
Kirkus book Review Stars, August 2013.
Summary: Binny and her family is displaced following the death of Binny's father and the consequent financial crisis that it imposes on them. This displacement brings with it the loss of Binny's puppy - Max. Binny never gets over the loss of her cute little dog and harbors rancor and hatred for Aunt Violet who she holds responsible for her pain. Aunt Violet soon passes away leaving behind her house for Binny and her family which brings respite to the family. Nevertheless, Aunt Violet continues to haunt Binny who suspects that Aunt Violet has not completely departed. Whether Aunt Violet haunts the house and whether Max is alive is revealed as the story unfolds.
Review by Shadab Ashraf: Though characterized by the theme of recurring events such as death, the story never has a dull moment neither is it overpowered by hopelessness. The characters and situations are real to life. The characters suffer from human weaknesses which lends realism to the story. There are misunderstandings, fights, and drama. The language in the Rock Post sections of the story is slightly more complicated than the rest of the text. The black and white cartoonish illustrations lend humor to the story.
There is a subtle element of feminism in the story. The women are all strong, independent, and take charge of their own lives.
This book would be useful when teaching…
Teachers can use the text to explain that sometimes our views and opinions about others may not be true. Students will learn not to judge others on face value.
Author: Hilary McKay
Illustrator: Micah Player
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York)
Year of Publication: 2013
Genre: Fiction
Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: 1
Professional Review:
CLCD:
Lexile MetaMetrics, Inc
Lexile Measure 680L
Best Book
Choices, 2014Cooperative Children's Book Center
Kirkus book Review Stars, August 2013.
Summary: Binny and her family is displaced following the death of Binny's father and the consequent financial crisis that it imposes on them. This displacement brings with it the loss of Binny's puppy - Max. Binny never gets over the loss of her cute little dog and harbors rancor and hatred for Aunt Violet who she holds responsible for her pain. Aunt Violet soon passes away leaving behind her house for Binny and her family which brings respite to the family. Nevertheless, Aunt Violet continues to haunt Binny who suspects that Aunt Violet has not completely departed. Whether Aunt Violet haunts the house and whether Max is alive is revealed as the story unfolds.
Review by Shadab Ashraf: Though characterized by the theme of recurring events such as death, the story never has a dull moment neither is it overpowered by hopelessness. The characters and situations are real to life. The characters suffer from human weaknesses which lends realism to the story. There are misunderstandings, fights, and drama. The language in the Rock Post sections of the story is slightly more complicated than the rest of the text. The black and white cartoonish illustrations lend humor to the story.
There is a subtle element of feminism in the story. The women are all strong, independent, and take charge of their own lives.
This book would be useful when teaching…
Teachers can use the text to explain that sometimes our views and opinions about others may not be true. Students will learn not to judge others on face value.