Book Cover
Justification
I chose A place for Pluto because was recognized as a recommended book on the Tejas 2x2 list. This list compiles outstanding books for readers between the ages of two and second grade. This book stuck out to me on the list, because our kids are fascinated by space. It’s easy to see why, it’s so vast and there is still so much to discover. I have also always felt a little sorry for Pluto; to be part of the planet club, only to have the title removed. This book walks through what they would have been like to Pluto, if a planet could have feelings.
Evaluation
The first thing that shines through when you read A place for Pluto are the characters. The characters of the story are primarily the planets in our solar system with some guest appearances by other objects found in space such as comets. Wade does a masterful job bringing the inanimate objects to life. Pluto, the protagonist, is given such real emotions that we emphasize with his plight. Pluto is emotionally adrift in space without a sense of belonging after being removed from the list of planets. Each time he meets a new space object he has a renewed hope that he will find a place where he belongs, only to be told that he can’t be part of their group. “Too small to be a planet, too big to be a rock. I used to fit in here, but now I do not” (Wade & Demmer, 2018, p. 19). The characterization of Pluto specifically is done so well that we can relate to his experiences in a real way. It leaves us forgetting that planets, don’t actually have emotions.
The next thing that captivates the reader are the unexpected insights the book provides. Though the characters are all inanimate objects, the struggles that they are facing are very human. Everyone has had an experience where they didn’t feel like they belonged. Or that they were different from the rest of the group. Pluto exemplifies these human struggles throughout the book. He was content to be part of the group of planets and had a strong sense of self, and then suddenly all of that is thrown into question. He’s no longer a planet and must figure out a new way to belong. As he is turned away time and again, we relate to his feelings of loneliness and rejection. Likewise, we celebrate with Pluto when he finds his group. “Pluto stared in wonder at the four dwarf planets. They were too small to be planets but too big to be rocks. They were not planets or comets or asteroids or meteoroids. They were just like him!” (Wade & Demmer, 2018, p. 24). The feeling of being known and accepted by others is an amazing experience and as readers, we celebrate with Pluto when he finds his place.
Finally, the illustrations in the book help to enhance the story. The expressions that the planets and space objects make throughout the book beautifully accompany the text and tone. They help to show the depth of Pluto’s sadness and loneliness, as well as show his delight when he finds his place among the dwarf planets. The illustrations also help to provide insight for us about our solar system. They show factual information that help to provide background knowledge for the reader. They show us Pluto’s size relative to various objects in space, as well as the order of the planets in the solar system relative to the sun. The illustrations help us to further engage with the story in a meaningful way.
Response
(A) As I was reading A place for Pluto, I could relate to Pluto’s feeling like he didn’t belong. When I was in middle school, I struggled to find my “people”. Those who would see me for who I was and accept me. I tried to be who I thought groups of people wanted me to be instead of being who I was and feeling confident in that. As the years went on, I figured out who I was and knew that eventually I would find friends who liked me just the way I was. Like Pluto, I was able to find my place in the solar system.
(D) It is deeply important to feel connected to others. When that feeling is taken away or threatened in some way, it throws us for a loop. Like Pluto, it can leave us feeling lost and without a place to feel at home. This book speaks to the importance to be seen, known, and accepted by a group of others. Pluto’s whole demeaner changes when he finds the other dwarf planets and can belong with their group. Even his once strained relationship with the other planets can be restored now that he has a place to call his own.
(F) I was surprised by how much I liked this simple picture book. It has a lot of depth to it that shows what it means to be human. It has become a favorite read aloud among my children. They empathize deeply with Pluto and rejoice with him when he finds his place in the solar system. I also loved the way the book wove in factual information about space to the story. It provided a narrative context to science facts.
Conclusion
A place for Pluto is a great story to show the value of friendship. This would make an excellent read aloud to help build classroom and school community. It shows how important it is to belong. It also nicely incorporates some facts about Pluto and the planets. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers!
APA Citation
Wade. S. & Demmer, M. (2018). A place for Pluto. North Mankato, MN: Captone.
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