Shining [Hardcover]

Julius Lester (Author), John Clapp (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

In a small mountain village, a young girl named Shining is born. As she grows, Shining runs, plays, and smiles like other children, but she does so silently. The villagers fear and shun her, but Shining remains silent and waits for the right moment, and for the right sound, to come--a sound so true, it will win the hearts of her people . . . and win Shining her rightful place as their leader.
Newbery Honor author Julius Lester has created a powerful tale about the importance of remaining true to one's self and finding one's voice. John Clapp's luminous paintings add a breathtaking dimension to Shining, a character as distinct and enchanting as the world she inhabits.
Notes by the author and the illustrator supplement the text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This elemental tale has power." (The Horn Book )

About the Author

JULIUS LESTER is the author of more than twenty books for young readers. He writes and teaches in western Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1ST edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152007733
• ISBN-13: 978-0152007737
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,502,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in 1939, Julius Lester spent his youth in the Midwest and the South and received a B.A. in English from Fisk University in 1960.Since 1968 he has published 25 books of fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and poetry. Among the awards these books have received are the Newbery Honor Medal, American Library Association Notable Book, National Jewish Book Award Finalist, The New York Times Outstanding Book, National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, Caldecott Honor Book, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and a National Book Award Finalist. His books have been translated into eight languages.He has published more than one hundred essays and reviews in such publications The New York Times Book Review, The New York Times Op-Ed Page, The Boston Globe, The Village Voice, The New Republic, Katallagete, Moment, Forward, and Dissent.He has recorded two albums of original songs, hosted and produced a radio show on WBAI-FM in New York City for eight years, and hosted a live television show on WNET in New York for two years. A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, his photographs of that movement are included in an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution and are part of the permanent photographic collection at Howard University.After teaching at the New School for Social Research for two years, Mr. Lester joined the faculty of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst in 1971 where he is presently a full professor in the Judaic and Near Eastern Studies Department, and adjunct professor in the English and History departments. He also serves as lay religious leader of Beth El Synagogue in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.He has been awarded all four of the university's most prestigious faculty awards: The Distinguished Teacher's Award; the Faculty Fellowship Award for Distinguished Research and Scholarship; Distinguished Faculty Lecturer; and recipient of the Chancellor's Medal, the University's highest honor. In 1986 the Council for Advancement and Support of Education selected him as the Massachusetts State Professor of the Year.Mr. Lester's biography has appeared in Who's Who In America since 1970. He has given lectures and papers at more than 100 colleges and universities.His most recent books are John Henry, And All Our Wounds Forgiven, a novel about the civil rights movement, and Othello, a novel based on the Shakespeare play.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Message, June 5, 2005

By 

Amber L. Moreau (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shining (Hardcover)

This book uses wonderful artwork and good wording to tell a story that ends with a message that shows a need for tolerance. The book is a great book to read to children to start a conversation about the value of tolerance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful premise and artwork, January 8, 2011

By 

Monique A. Gordon "mg" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shining (Hardcover)

I originally bought this for a friend's child, but after reading it I decided to keep it. I love the illustrations and story. You don't have to read it in one sitting. You can read it to a child at your leisure. It gives a child something to look forward to, because it contains suspense.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit to mature, October 19, 2008

By 

scit71 "pat" (new york) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shining (Hardcover)

I bought this book for a second grade student in my class who is a select mute. It is a beautiful story, but is above grade level for my children. I have offered it to the parents to read one on one to their child.