Why this book? Why will it matter to kids?

As a former literacy teacher who worked with struggling high school students, I know it’s a challenge to spark an interest in books in those who have a history of facing challenges with the written word. These kids need–and deserve–books that will engage them while allowing them to access well-written stories without struggle. The best hi/lo books open doors to other worlds and experiences; they are a welcome mat beckoning reluctant readers to come in and stay awhile. Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows has added value in that it gently treats an important, though tough, timely topic in a way that that open discussions about predatory adult encounters.

Levels and Layers of Learning

Grade level: 5-7

Reading level: Grade 3

Social-Emotional Learning Themes

Compassion, concern, connection, courage, creativity, curiosity, dedication, diligence, effort, empathy, empowerment, encouragement, fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, helpfulness, hope,  inspiration, integrity, kindness, loyalty, perseverance, persistence, perspective, resilience, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, responsible decision-making, relationship building, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-management, self-reliance, social awareness, tenacity, understanding

Content Area Connections: Social-Emotional Learning. ELA, Science

Using This Book in the Classroom

Hit the Ground Running Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents

West 44 Books™ is the hi-lo middle grade and young adult fiction imprint of educational publisher Enslow Publishing. Middle grade titles are written on a 2-3rd grade reading level and target readers 8-13 years in age. The books  explore topics ranging from the paranormal to sports and the themes reflect common challenges of middle school and family dynamics.

Publisher’s book description

Visit D. J. Brandon’s website to learn more about her books.

Write Away! Ideas to prompt writing

Meadow has a disturbing encounter with an adult stranger. Though she is deeply troubled by it, she chooses to keep the experience to herself. Do you agree or disagree with Meadow’s decision? Explain. If you were a friend Meadow confided in, what advice would you offer to her?

Meadow forms a connection to the chickens she cares for, especially one named Buttercup. Her involvement in a 4-H project gives Meadow solace and allows her to escape from burdening thoughts. Have you ever experienced a close connection to an animal? Have you ever belonged to a group or organization with which you formed a deep connection? Explain.

Nanna helps Meadow face down her fears and open up about her experience with the man in the lime green car. Tell about a person in your life who has helped you overcome a trial you faced.

What is your favorite verse in the book? Why?

Poetry Break Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into brief moments in the school day—from opening or closing exercises to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to transitioning from one subject to the next. Reading a poem typically takes less than a minute; yet, it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding of a concept, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.

“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” ~  Elena Aguilar

The following poetry books, suitable for middle grades and up, center on feelings and emotions:

•  Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits; see “A Chart of My Emotional Day”
• This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort selected by Georgia Heard, illustrated by Eighteen Renowned Picture Book Artists
• What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, & Blessings by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

New in Poetry Books

Imagine A Garden: Stories of Courage Changing the World by Rina Singh, illustrated with cut-paper art by Hoda Hadadi, offers true stories told in brief free verse poems about everyday people around the world who have found ways, despite serious challenges, to make their community a better place. Further background on each story is offered in the back matter, which also includes an author’s note.

And Then There’s This…
Enrichment activities, related books, online resources, craft projects, and ideas for further study

Read Deb’s post “How Characters Control the Narrative”

Learn more about jack pine.

View “Beleaf It or Not! Ugly but Interesting!” YouTube video about jack pine.

Learn more about 4-H.

Stop It Now! is a nonprofit organization committed to preventing child sexual abuse. They offer helpful information and tips: Tip Sheet: Talking to Children and Teens.

RAINN ( Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. It also operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. See “Talking to Kids About Sexual Assault” for helpful tips.

Related Books of Interest

Find other novels in verse featured on this blog here, here, and here. Each post includes a comprehensive list of novels in verse.

About Chickens:

• Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens: How to Raise a Happy Backyard Flock by Anne Kuo
• A Chicken Followed Me Home: Questions and Answers about a Familiar Fowl by Robin Page
• How to Speak Chicken: Why Your Chickens Do What They Do & Say What They Say by Melissa Caughey
• A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens: Best Breeds, Creating a Home, Care and Handling, Outdoor Fun, Crafts and Treats by Melissa Caughey

Deb with a chicken friend  

Meet the Author

Closing out a long career as a pediatric nurse, D. J. Brandon set out to turn her dream of writing stories for kids into a new career. West 44 Books’ Graveyard Gruber chapter book series followed. Now, with Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows, Brandon has written her first novel in verse for middle grade.

Residing with her husband in the small western New York town where she grew up, Brandon is the mother of two grown children and the grandmother of five, who inspire her writing every day. Visit her website and follow her on Instagram.

Backstory: Q & A with D. J. Brandon

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Deb! I came to know her through our local area SCBWI (children’s writing and illustrating) group, and when I read The Legend of Graveyard Gruber I knew we were destined to become writing pals. We have forged a friendship grounded in similar experiences and outlooks, writing for children, all things bookish, in-depth conversations, and mutual respect. We critique each other’s work, share tasty food, and best of all we laugh together. I am delighted to introduce this thoughtful, earnest author to you.

Judy Bradbury: Tell us about this project: the call for pitches, how you landed on the idea for the storyline, and how Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows evolved from pitch to finished manuscript.

DJ Brandon: My previous published works, the three-book Graveyard Gruber chapter book series, are West 44 publications as well.

As a West 44 author, I, along with other authors, received an email from our editor inviting us to submit pitches for Young Adult or Middle Grade hi-low verse novels, as there is a growing niche for these books in the educational market. Never having written in verse before, I initially tried to put the pitch invite out of my mind, determined that it wasn’t for me. But it kept niggling at me. And then my main character, Meadow, presented herself, and the next thing I knew, I was pitching this book. The storyline chose me right from the beginning, rather than the other way around, with Meadow right there at the helm.

JB: Tell us about the significance of the title, Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows.

DJB: Meadow refers to the jack pine growing from the cliff wall as her “kindred spirit,” both of them abandoned: the jack pine by the wayward wind, and Meadow by her own mother. She imagines the small tree feeling the same betrayal and isolation that she feels. Those feelings leave Meadow wanting never to grow up even as she wonders why on earth the jack pine is growing, given its bleak and lonely circumstances. So the title is a metaphor for Meadow’s internal struggles.

JB: Share one hurdle you experienced in the creation of Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows, or provide a memorable (or humorous!) anecdote related to the writing of the book.

DJB: Ah, well, given the mostly serious nature of this book, I am choosing to relate a humorous anecdote here. Meadow’s everyday life involves caring for her 4-H chickens. Now mind you, I had zero experience with either chickens or 4-H when I started this project.

Meadow insisted, however, that this was an important aspect of her life. So I dug in. Knowing that my friend, Michelle and her family were raising chickens, I immediately enlisted their help. Michelle and her daughter taught me so much about the care of chickens, their behaviors, and their language.  “Chicken talk” became very important in the telling of this story. The “fowl” language needed to be written phonetically, so during this time anyone at all might have seen me (and probably did) driving around town on my errands, clucking to myself, as I tried to master the tone and inflection of chickens’ layered language. Were the chickens saying, “dok-dok-dok” or “Buh-dup” or shrieking, “Buk-buk-buk-BUK-GAW!” – I tried them all as I drove, over and over again. Thank goodness it was winter and my car windows were closed!

JB: What is one unexpected joy that resulted from the creation of Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows?

DJB: Because I also needed to learn about 4-H in order to write accurately about Meadow’s experiences, I introduced myself and my project to the 4-H coordinators at my local county extension office. They immediately enlisted me as a volunteer evaluator at the 4-H Public Presentations. The unexpected joy was meeting and observing the incredible 4-H youth, witnessing their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge on subjects dear to their hearts, and being wowed by their poise and self-expression. The experience was truly a privilege.

JB: What would surprise readers to learn about you or about the writing of Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows?

DJB: Perhaps that, like Meadow, I never told anyone until I was an adult about a similar incident that happened to me when I was twelve. That I, too, felt alone and confused, unable to talk about the stranger who stopped beside me on the road and made an uncomfortable request.

JB: Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows deals with a tough topic, that of predatory adult behavior toward children. One of the elements of the writing that I most was impressed with was your ability to convey the danger and fright of a man’s inappropriate actions toward twelve-year-old Meadow without being graphic. You offer details of the man’s behavior, physical attributes, and telling mannerisms that allow the reader to imagine the terror Meadow feels without describing disturbing actions. Tell about the process of writing this aspect of the novel, given your personal experience.

DJB: Well, this definitely was a challenge that required some time and thought. My editor and I discussed it, both determined that I should get this right. Once we decided what I shouldn’t say, I was able, by closing my eyes and recalling my own similar experience, to walk my way through the details of what Meadow saw that afternoon and the uncomfortable way it made her feel.

JB: This is your first novel in verse. Tell us about the process of writing in this format and why you feel Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows lends itself to being written in verse.

DJB: Oddly, once I started writing, it all seemed to flow in a very natural way for me. The hard part was making each word count so as not to exceed the predetermined word-limit per page. This story seemed a good match for this style of writing because it is very introspective, dealing so much with Meadow’s internal conflicts.

JB: Who do you perceive your target audience to be and why?

DJB: The book is being marketed to Grades 5-8. I think it is well-suited for a target audience of kids 10-12, as this is an age of increasing independence and world-widening experiences, an age at which exposure to and recognition of inappropriate adult behavior is increasingly likely due to decreased supervision. The wide range of confusing emotions that kids this age experience as they try to understand themselves and their place in a more adult world makes them vulnerable to predatory behavior.

JB: What do you hope readers will take away from Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows?

DJB: I hope kids take away the understanding that as we grow and the world opens up before us, we are all exposed at some time or other to uncomfortable truths, to realities of the adult world that are scary–and wrong. And when such things happen, I want kids to know that they are not alone. Nor are they to blame. I want them to know that the uncomfortable, intrinsically wrong things they may have experienced have been experienced by others, too. And that it’s not only okay to talk about these experiences, it’s also important to do so. There is strength in numbers.

JB: What need(s) does this story satisfy?

DJB: It is my hope that Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows will validate kids’ experiences and initiate conversations.

JB: How do you see Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows connecting to curriculum or being used in schools or other learning/counseling settings?

DJB: I see a strong connection to the social-emotional learning benchmarks employed in schools today. One of the standards for this age group applies to the understanding of one’s emotions and how those emotions relate to one’s actions, including the learning of coping strategies. In the book, Meadow is dealing with many confusing emotions—about her mother, about having been “abandoned,” about her fear of the cliff wall versus her new-found independence–and, most especially, about her first encounter with scary, inappropriate adult behavior. Kids this age are also being asked to “demonstrate intentional decision-making skills” that take into account “social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being.” (Goal #3,  New York State Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks) Meadow’s decision-making, from her initial decision not to tell anyone about the encounter to her final choice to speak out about what happened, directly addresses this standard. I hope that the book will encourage classroom discussion of these topics and lend support to kids who have found themselves thrust into encounters that they didn’t know how to handle.

JB:  What is one question you wish I had asked, and what is your answer?

DJB: Let’s lighten the mood again. How about: Did your chicken research convince you to raise chickens?

The answer: Almost. I actually thought about it. I found my friend’s hens to be delightful. The idea of fresh, free eggs every morning was extremely appealing; they are noticeably different from those you buy at the grocery store. Delicious! It was the thought of having to care for the chickens and their coop through harsh, snowy winters that made me hit “pause.” Perhaps, my younger self. . .!

JB: What project(s) are you currently working on?

DJB: I currently have two full-length middle grade novels in the works: one is submission-ready, and the other is in the revision process.

JB: And we should mention that you have a book launch event coming up! Those in the Western New York area are welcome to attend. Here’s the flyer with all the information.

 Books 2 and 3 in the Graveyard Gruber series:

Sidebar Spotlight New releases of note

Each month I receive several boxes of books to review from various publishers. As I read and peruse the books, I place them in two piles: those that I will consider featuring on the blog, and those that don’t fit the mission or theme of Children’s Book Corner blog for whatever reason. I highlight some of the books in the “possible” pile on Mondays (most weeks) on Instagram. Ultimately, I choose the one new release I will feature on my monthly blog post. Yet there are many terrific books I wish I could give a shout-out to, even if I can’t write an entire post about each one. So, Sidebar Spotlight is a means of giving a nod to new releases that, in my opinion, are noteworthy. I’ve linked each title to Bookshop so you can learn more. Happy reading, friends! And feel free to comment on these or other new books below.

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis is the second in a series of early chapter books that celebrates the core of true friendship in a simple, enjoyable, accessible way. Perfect for newly independent readers.

Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith was my first 2024 Monday morning recommended read-aloud from recent releases received for review. In this tender picture book gorgeously rendered in watercolor and gouache, we move from a conversation between a mother and child (simply identified by two colors) to wordless spreads. Memories made and treasured as well as emotions felt are conjured and move gracefully and gratefully toward the hope of new memories to be made, with the constant being love and care and connection.

Other Words for Nonno by Dave Cameron and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang is a sweet, warmhearted story about a girl whose much-anticipated weekly visits with her grandfather, in which they play a silly word game as they enjoy their surroundings, are becoming overshadowed by his memory loss. How she helps him with his words is both heartwarming and reassuring. Highly recommend this picture book as a read aloud choice for Grades 1-3.

What You Need to Be Warm: A poem of welcome by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by thirteen artists grew from memories about being warm collected from thousands of people and woven into a poem. Subsequently, it was made into a film, given to UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), and now this book “in the hope that it can help keep some people who have lost their homes, even their countries, warm this winter and in winters to come.”

News, Updates, & Items of Interest

Read-aloud of a portion of Cayuga Island Kids Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek

Readers Theater, complete with props! 

Kindness Rock Craft Activity for Cayuga Island Kids Book 3, Case of the Messy Message and the Missing Facts 

The Cayuga Island Kids series is now packaged as a set! Find it at your favorite bookshop or purchase it directly from the publisher. Individual titles are also available in hardcover, softcover, and e-book versions.

Find where my books and I will be on my Events page.

Kindness tip: If you read and like a book, consider posting a review on GoodReads, social media, or on Amazon (if you bought it there). Authors and illustrators appreciate the shout-out. Even a one-sentence comment increases visibility of a book. Also consider placing a request with your local library to purchase a copy–another free way to support a book you recommend!

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes “children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.”  A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice make the choices each year.  Thirteen finalist titles were chosen for the 2024 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award in the Picture Book category. Winners and honor books were announced on January 12, 2024.

To celebrate kindness throughout the year, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is offering free for download a set of kindness calendars suitable for school, home, and office. Each day offers an idea to help make kindness the norm® in 2024.

Reading Rainbow is celebrating their 40th anniversary by sharing 40 full episodes of Reading Rainbow on their YouTube channel. Episodes are made available to stream one at a time, released every Tuesday and Thursday through February 2024. For more details, visit the Reading Rainbow website.

Children’s Book Council / Every Child a Reader is kicking off the new year with a new fun poster! Fill out the simple form and receive three free copies of the Get Caught Reading poster featuring Pizza & Taco by author/illustrator Stephen Shaskan.

Over to You…

Join the conversation! Offer your thoughts on the featured prompt related to this month’s post:

What recently published hi/low novel for middle graders do you recommend? Share the title and author of the book in the comments section.

You are also welcome to post a general comment.

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Thanks for sharing!

Final Thought