Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
By: Judy Blume
Copyright 1972
Dutton Children's Book
Author Study
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
As the oldest child, it can be easy to feel neglected by your parents. Younger siblings always seem to be cuter, funnier, and need to be supervised more. In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Peter feels overshadowed by his 3 year old brother, Fudge. The book tells events that prove why Peter would feel like this. I really enjoyed this book because the characters are very relate-able, which makes the events even funnier. I would definitely recommend this book.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Freckle Juice
Freckle Juice
By: Judy Blume
Illustrated by: Sonia O. Lisker
Copyright 1971
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Author Genre
Freckle Juice
I love this book so much. The idea that you can get or get rid of freckles from a homemade and nasty juice is really quite funny. I think readers of all ages would agree, and for that reason I would recommend this book for anyone. It's about a boy, Andrew who really wants to get freckles. After making a juice out of mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and other kitchen items, in hopes of getting freckles, Andrew gets really sick. What I love most about this book is that it teaches readers to love who they are and what makes them unique.
By: Judy Blume
Illustrated by: Sonia O. Lisker
Copyright 1971
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Author Genre
Freckle Juice
I love this book so much. The idea that you can get or get rid of freckles from a homemade and nasty juice is really quite funny. I think readers of all ages would agree, and for that reason I would recommend this book for anyone. It's about a boy, Andrew who really wants to get freckles. After making a juice out of mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and other kitchen items, in hopes of getting freckles, Andrew gets really sick. What I love most about this book is that it teaches readers to love who they are and what makes them unique.
Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One
Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One
By: Judy Blume
Illustrations by: James Stevenson
Copyright 2007
Delacorte Press
Author Genre
Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One
This book is a fun read for any age. It's a fast read about a young brother and sister. They take turns narrating what's going on in the day and comment on the other sibling. It's a funny relationship they have. It involves aggravation, teasing, helping, and support. Students with siblings would especially appreciate this book. There is not a particular plot in the book. It's similar to diary entries. I would reccomend this book to younger readers. I think they would enjoy the sibling humor.
By: Judy Blume
Illustrations by: James Stevenson
Copyright 2007
Delacorte Press
Author Genre
Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One
This book is a fun read for any age. It's a fast read about a young brother and sister. They take turns narrating what's going on in the day and comment on the other sibling. It's a funny relationship they have. It involves aggravation, teasing, helping, and support. Students with siblings would especially appreciate this book. There is not a particular plot in the book. It's similar to diary entries. I would reccomend this book to younger readers. I think they would enjoy the sibling humor.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Boy Who Invented TV (The Story of Philo Farnsworth)
The Boy Who Invented TV (The Story of Philo Farnsworth)
By: Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by: Greg Couch
Copyright 2009
Alfred A. Knopf
Biography Genre
The Boy Who Invented TV (The Story of Philo Farnsworth)
It is safe to say that most people enjoy watching television. This book would be such a fun read for students because it is a biography about a man they may know little or nothing about. There are so many things I love about this book. The illustrations are beautiful and make the story even better. Since Philo Farnsworth is not as well known as other influential men, telling his biography in the form of a story is great for any age. The only reason this biography would not be as useful in researching Farnsworth is because the story ends with his success as an inventor. If someone were interested in using this book for research the author leaves a nice bibliography and notes page. The notes pages gives so much more detail into Farnsworth's life and death. I really like this book.
By: Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by: Greg Couch
Copyright 2009
Alfred A. Knopf
Biography Genre
The Boy Who Invented TV (The Story of Philo Farnsworth)
It is safe to say that most people enjoy watching television. This book would be such a fun read for students because it is a biography about a man they may know little or nothing about. There are so many things I love about this book. The illustrations are beautiful and make the story even better. Since Philo Farnsworth is not as well known as other influential men, telling his biography in the form of a story is great for any age. The only reason this biography would not be as useful in researching Farnsworth is because the story ends with his success as an inventor. If someone were interested in using this book for research the author leaves a nice bibliography and notes page. The notes pages gives so much more detail into Farnsworth's life and death. I really like this book.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
By: Amy L. Cohn and Suzy Schmidt
Pictures by: David A. Johnson
Copyright 2002
Scholastic Press
Biography Genre
Abraham Lincoln
This biography tells the life of Abraham Lincoln as a story. While it begins by telling about Lincoln's childhood and ends with the story of his death, it is very vague. This book is similar to an outline of Lincoln's life. It has ink and water-colored illustrations, which I found kept the book interesting. The lack of detail during the events of Lincoln's life makes the book less interesting, in my opinion. This would a good book to read to very young students to explain in a simpler way about what Lincoln did for the United States. At the end of the book there is a timeline of important dates in Lincoln's life. I think this is a great addition to the book.
By: Amy L. Cohn and Suzy Schmidt
Pictures by: David A. Johnson
Copyright 2002
Scholastic Press
Biography Genre
Abraham Lincoln
This biography tells the life of Abraham Lincoln as a story. While it begins by telling about Lincoln's childhood and ends with the story of his death, it is very vague. This book is similar to an outline of Lincoln's life. It has ink and water-colored illustrations, which I found kept the book interesting. The lack of detail during the events of Lincoln's life makes the book less interesting, in my opinion. This would a good book to read to very young students to explain in a simpler way about what Lincoln did for the United States. At the end of the book there is a timeline of important dates in Lincoln's life. I think this is a great addition to the book.
Ella Fitzgerald (The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa)
Ella Fitzgerald (The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa)
By: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney
Copyright 2002
Hyperion Books for Children
Biography Genre
Ella Fitzgerald (The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa)
This book is not like the typical biography. There are quite a few things I love about this book. Mainly I love the detail in Ella's biography. While this is a picture book of a biography, it provides a lot of information about Ella's success as a musician. Although it does not begin with the day and place of Ella's birth, it goes into great detail about how Ella always loved music and how she became a successful singer. I would not recommend this book as a biography, because it does not provide information about Ella's entire life and death. I really appreciated the illustrations in this book and the fact that it is told from the perspective of a character, Scat Cat Monroe.
At the end of the book, the author provides a more detailed biography, under the title "A Note From the Author". I wish theses facts would have been put in throughout the entire book, but I think the main goal of this book is to tell how Ella began her success. This was a fun read, but I would not read it with my students because the story does not give students the entire life of Ella Fitzgerald. It would still leave the students with a lot of questions.
By: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrated by: Brian Pinkney
Copyright 2002
Hyperion Books for Children
Biography Genre
Ella Fitzgerald (The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa)
This book is not like the typical biography. There are quite a few things I love about this book. Mainly I love the detail in Ella's biography. While this is a picture book of a biography, it provides a lot of information about Ella's success as a musician. Although it does not begin with the day and place of Ella's birth, it goes into great detail about how Ella always loved music and how she became a successful singer. I would not recommend this book as a biography, because it does not provide information about Ella's entire life and death. I really appreciated the illustrations in this book and the fact that it is told from the perspective of a character, Scat Cat Monroe.
At the end of the book, the author provides a more detailed biography, under the title "A Note From the Author". I wish theses facts would have been put in throughout the entire book, but I think the main goal of this book is to tell how Ella began her success. This was a fun read, but I would not read it with my students because the story does not give students the entire life of Ella Fitzgerald. It would still leave the students with a lot of questions.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama
By: Jill C. Wheeler
Copyright 2010
ABDO Publishing Company
Biography Genre
Michelle Obama
When most people think of important American political figures, they are more likely to think of a President before they think of first lady. As students learn about the American government, I think that it is important for students to also have a background about the president's family. This is one reason I really love this book, Michelle Obama. It provides its readers about Michelle's childhood, education, career success, how she met President Obama, being a mother, and a wife to such a successful political figure in America. The photographs in the book are interesting because they include ones from her childhood and wedding. I think this book would be great to read with young students, because it is a quick read, has a lot of photographs, and provides young readers with enough information to understand who Michelle Obama is.
By: Jill C. Wheeler
Copyright 2010
ABDO Publishing Company
Biography Genre
Michelle Obama
When most people think of important American political figures, they are more likely to think of a President before they think of first lady. As students learn about the American government, I think that it is important for students to also have a background about the president's family. This is one reason I really love this book, Michelle Obama. It provides its readers about Michelle's childhood, education, career success, how she met President Obama, being a mother, and a wife to such a successful political figure in America. The photographs in the book are interesting because they include ones from her childhood and wedding. I think this book would be great to read with young students, because it is a quick read, has a lot of photographs, and provides young readers with enough information to understand who Michelle Obama is.
Betsy Ross
Betsy Ross
Written and Illustrated by: Alexandra Wallner
Copyright 1994
Holiday House
Biography Genre
Betsy Ross
Betsy Ross is the woman that the United States of America gives credit for making the first American flag. This book is a biography of Betsy's life. It begins with a brief description of her life as a child. It then goes into how she became involved with sewing and working as an upholsterer. Betsy Ross, the book, describes Ross' three marriages, how President George Washington proposed the idea of the American flag, and Ross' death.
What I like about this book it that it provides an overall summary and story of Betsy Ross' life. It has colorful illustrations and a "how to" section at the end of the book, teaching readers how to make a star with five points. Overall, I think this would be a fun book for students to read as they learn about the important of the American flag.
Written and Illustrated by: Alexandra Wallner
Copyright 1994
Holiday House
Biography Genre
Betsy Ross
Betsy Ross is the woman that the United States of America gives credit for making the first American flag. This book is a biography of Betsy's life. It begins with a brief description of her life as a child. It then goes into how she became involved with sewing and working as an upholsterer. Betsy Ross, the book, describes Ross' three marriages, how President George Washington proposed the idea of the American flag, and Ross' death.
What I like about this book it that it provides an overall summary and story of Betsy Ross' life. It has colorful illustrations and a "how to" section at the end of the book, teaching readers how to make a star with five points. Overall, I think this would be a fun book for students to read as they learn about the important of the American flag.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet
By: Lisa Desimini
Copyright 2005
The Blue Sky Publishers
Fantasy Genre
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet is one of the few books that I have read this semester and laughed out loud. It is about twin witches that cast a spell on trick-or-treaters so when they go trick-or-treating at the different houses they say "smell my feet". To make the spell they use dirty socks, but the spell goes wrong when a clean baby sock is thrown into the cauldron. The spell ends up turning the twins into babies.
I would love to read this to my students during Halloween. It was very cute and silly. I think a lot of the humor comes from the illustrations. Overall this was an excellent book.
By: Lisa Desimini
Copyright 2005
The Blue Sky Publishers
Fantasy Genre
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet
Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet is one of the few books that I have read this semester and laughed out loud. It is about twin witches that cast a spell on trick-or-treaters so when they go trick-or-treating at the different houses they say "smell my feet". To make the spell they use dirty socks, but the spell goes wrong when a clean baby sock is thrown into the cauldron. The spell ends up turning the twins into babies.
I would love to read this to my students during Halloween. It was very cute and silly. I think a lot of the humor comes from the illustrations. Overall this was an excellent book.
Martha Speaks
Martha Speaks
By: Susan Meddaugh
Copyright 1992
Sandpiper
Fantasy Genre
Martha Speaks
There are a lot of children who seem to love animals and animal stories. This is one reason I think students would really enjoy this book. Martha Speaks is about a dog that acquires the ability to speak after eating alphabet soup. At first Martha's owners find it impressive that she can speak. They begin asking her all kinds of questions. However, after a while, Martha's family gets embarrassed by Martha's lack of social skills and aggravated by her chattering. The book ends with Martha saving her family's home from begin robbed. While this has not been my favorite book I have read this semester, I do think that students would enjoy the humor and fantasy of a speaking dog. I know that this book is also part of a series. It would be great if the students got interested in this book and wanted to continue reading, especially with the other Martha books.
By: Susan Meddaugh
Copyright 1992
Sandpiper
Fantasy Genre
Martha Speaks
There are a lot of children who seem to love animals and animal stories. This is one reason I think students would really enjoy this book. Martha Speaks is about a dog that acquires the ability to speak after eating alphabet soup. At first Martha's owners find it impressive that she can speak. They begin asking her all kinds of questions. However, after a while, Martha's family gets embarrassed by Martha's lack of social skills and aggravated by her chattering. The book ends with Martha saving her family's home from begin robbed. While this has not been my favorite book I have read this semester, I do think that students would enjoy the humor and fantasy of a speaking dog. I know that this book is also part of a series. It would be great if the students got interested in this book and wanted to continue reading, especially with the other Martha books.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Love From Your Friend Hannah
Love From Your Friend Hannah
By: Mindy Warshaw Skolsky
Copyright 1998
HarperCollins Publishers
Historical Fiction Genre
Love From Your Friend Hannah
Love From Your Friend Hannah is such a fun and fast read. The story is told through a collection of letters that 9 year old Hannah writes and receives. Hannah begins writing letters to her best friend, Angie, who has moved away, but Angie never writes back. Her teacher suggests that Hannah chooses a pen pal from drawing on her desk. Hannah picks a boy, Edward, but he is not as interested in being a pen pal as Hannah is. In her efforts to use writing letters as a hobby, Hannah writes to her grandma, aunt, President Roosevelt, Mrs. Roosevelt, and the president's secretary (Missy LeHand). The best part of the book is when the Roosevelts write back to Hannah. I think readers of all ages would feel so excited for Hannah to receive letters from them. Through the course of the book, Hannah and the Roosevelts build a solid friendship that includes discussions of FDR's radio shows and exchange of his stamp collection.
While this is a fictional book, it tells the story of what life was like in 1937. This was the time of The Great Depression. Hannah did not have a television to watch, so she would listen to the radio. She especially liked the radio talks by President Roosevelt. Hannah talks about some of the shows in the book. I think this would be a great read for students to have fun while learning what life was like during this time.
By: Mindy Warshaw Skolsky
Copyright 1998
HarperCollins Publishers
Historical Fiction Genre
Love From Your Friend Hannah
Love From Your Friend Hannah is such a fun and fast read. The story is told through a collection of letters that 9 year old Hannah writes and receives. Hannah begins writing letters to her best friend, Angie, who has moved away, but Angie never writes back. Her teacher suggests that Hannah chooses a pen pal from drawing on her desk. Hannah picks a boy, Edward, but he is not as interested in being a pen pal as Hannah is. In her efforts to use writing letters as a hobby, Hannah writes to her grandma, aunt, President Roosevelt, Mrs. Roosevelt, and the president's secretary (Missy LeHand). The best part of the book is when the Roosevelts write back to Hannah. I think readers of all ages would feel so excited for Hannah to receive letters from them. Through the course of the book, Hannah and the Roosevelts build a solid friendship that includes discussions of FDR's radio shows and exchange of his stamp collection.
While this is a fictional book, it tells the story of what life was like in 1937. This was the time of The Great Depression. Hannah did not have a television to watch, so she would listen to the radio. She especially liked the radio talks by President Roosevelt. Hannah talks about some of the shows in the book. I think this would be a great read for students to have fun while learning what life was like during this time.
Meet Felicity
Meet Felicity
By: Valerie Tripp
Illustrations By: Dan Andreasen
Copyright 1991
Pleasant Company
Historical Fiction Genre
Meet Felicity (An American Girl)
This is a fun book for children to read. While it is an adventurous story about 9 year old Felicity, it sets the image of what life was like in America during 1774. Felicity is expected to be prim and proper like the other girls her age, however, she very much dislikes wearing dresses, corsets, and sewing. What Felicity does like are horses. In Meet Felicity, Felicity grows fondly of a horse she names Penny. This horse is neglected and abused by Mr. Nye, a "cold-hearted scoundrel (Tripp 8)". Felicity ends up setting Penny free at the end of the book by dressing in the clothes of her father's apprentice.
What I love about this book is how driven Felicity is. It brings a connection that readers from any era can relate to. I would definitely recommend this book to my students. It's easy to build a connection with Felicity and I really like that at the end of the book they have a section that talks about what life was like in America during the 1770s. They even include some illustrations and photographs which are beautiful. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
By: Valerie Tripp
Illustrations By: Dan Andreasen
Copyright 1991
Pleasant Company
Historical Fiction Genre
Meet Felicity (An American Girl)
This is a fun book for children to read. While it is an adventurous story about 9 year old Felicity, it sets the image of what life was like in America during 1774. Felicity is expected to be prim and proper like the other girls her age, however, she very much dislikes wearing dresses, corsets, and sewing. What Felicity does like are horses. In Meet Felicity, Felicity grows fondly of a horse she names Penny. This horse is neglected and abused by Mr. Nye, a "cold-hearted scoundrel (Tripp 8)". Felicity ends up setting Penny free at the end of the book by dressing in the clothes of her father's apprentice.
What I love about this book is how driven Felicity is. It brings a connection that readers from any era can relate to. I would definitely recommend this book to my students. It's easy to build a connection with Felicity and I really like that at the end of the book they have a section that talks about what life was like in America during the 1770s. They even include some illustrations and photographs which are beautiful. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Punctuation Takes a Vacation
Punctuation Takes a Vacation
By: Robin Pulver
Illustrated by: Lynn Rowe Reed
Scholastic Inc.
Copyright 2003
Informational Book Genre
Punctuation Takes a Vacation
This book is absolutely precious. I think it is the bright and acrylic illustrations that help make the story like this. It is a different kind of informational book. It tells the story of punctuation marks going on vacation and leaving Mr. Wright's to realize how important they are in order to make sense. It is informational in the way that it is organized. When the question mark speaks, it speaks with questions. When the commas speak, they use lots of commas. This drills the proper ways to use various punctuation marks while telling a story. Even the dedication page uses a variety of punctuations. The last page of the book lists the types of punctuations and the rules that go with them.
I really like this book. While it is not a traditional kind of informational book, it can be helpful to students in various ways. I would love to read this to my class after a long lesson of punctuation. It would be a good idea to read the rules, that are in the back, before reading the book. I would then have my older students read the book and discuss the ways in which the punctuations are being used.
The author of this book does not provide way in which he is credible for writing on this topic. However, any author needs to know the proper uses of the types of punctuations. For this reason, I would say that the author is credible. This book would be a great way to reinforce the correct ways to use punctuation.
By: Robin Pulver
Illustrated by: Lynn Rowe Reed
Scholastic Inc.
Copyright 2003
Informational Book Genre
Punctuation Takes a Vacation
This book is absolutely precious. I think it is the bright and acrylic illustrations that help make the story like this. It is a different kind of informational book. It tells the story of punctuation marks going on vacation and leaving Mr. Wright's to realize how important they are in order to make sense. It is informational in the way that it is organized. When the question mark speaks, it speaks with questions. When the commas speak, they use lots of commas. This drills the proper ways to use various punctuation marks while telling a story. Even the dedication page uses a variety of punctuations. The last page of the book lists the types of punctuations and the rules that go with them.
I really like this book. While it is not a traditional kind of informational book, it can be helpful to students in various ways. I would love to read this to my class after a long lesson of punctuation. It would be a good idea to read the rules, that are in the back, before reading the book. I would then have my older students read the book and discuss the ways in which the punctuations are being used.
The author of this book does not provide way in which he is credible for writing on this topic. However, any author needs to know the proper uses of the types of punctuations. For this reason, I would say that the author is credible. This book would be a great way to reinforce the correct ways to use punctuation.
Germs Make Me Sick
Germs Make Me Sick
By: Melvin Berger
Illustrated by: Marylin Hafner
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1985
Informational Book Genre
Germs Make Me Sick
This book is a factual book about how germs make you sick. It is told in a simple way but detailed enough for readers to learn a lot about bacteria. I really like this book because while it is very informative, the illustrations are cartoon-like and fun. Without the illustrations, I think that it would not hold children's interest as well.
The book does not specifically say in what ways the author has credibility for writing this book. However, it does say that the books in this series, Let's Read and Find Out Books, are checked for accuracy by experts in the specific fields. The information about germs covers, what they are, how you find germs, what germs do, and how you can get rid of germs. The information is presented like a story book, but very informational. I would definitely read this to my young students to explain why we need to wash our hands after going to the bathroom.
By: Melvin Berger
Illustrated by: Marylin Hafner
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1985
Informational Book Genre
Germs Make Me Sick
This book is a factual book about how germs make you sick. It is told in a simple way but detailed enough for readers to learn a lot about bacteria. I really like this book because while it is very informative, the illustrations are cartoon-like and fun. Without the illustrations, I think that it would not hold children's interest as well.
The book does not specifically say in what ways the author has credibility for writing this book. However, it does say that the books in this series, Let's Read and Find Out Books, are checked for accuracy by experts in the specific fields. The information about germs covers, what they are, how you find germs, what germs do, and how you can get rid of germs. The information is presented like a story book, but very informational. I would definitely read this to my young students to explain why we need to wash our hands after going to the bathroom.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
So You Want to be President
So You Want to be President
By: Judith St. George
Illustrated by: David Small
Scholastic Inc.
Copyright 2000
Informational Book Genre
So You Want to be President
This is a great book to provide young readers with some facts about the United States presidents. It does a lot of comparing and contrasting, between the presidents, to show the readers that anyone really could be president. I also like that at the end of the book, St. George includes more facts about each president. The way it is written is like traditional picture books, however this one is non-fiction. The illustrations create a sense of humor to facts. They are bright, colorful, and almost like cartoons.
The author of this book includes a bibliography at the end, with credible sources. Since this book was published, there have been two new presidents. The last president this book includes is Bill Clinton. This would make the book out of date. More contrasts and comparisons could be made.
By: Judith St. George
Illustrated by: David Small
Scholastic Inc.
Copyright 2000
Informational Book Genre
So You Want to be President
This is a great book to provide young readers with some facts about the United States presidents. It does a lot of comparing and contrasting, between the presidents, to show the readers that anyone really could be president. I also like that at the end of the book, St. George includes more facts about each president. The way it is written is like traditional picture books, however this one is non-fiction. The illustrations create a sense of humor to facts. They are bright, colorful, and almost like cartoons.
The author of this book includes a bibliography at the end, with credible sources. Since this book was published, there have been two new presidents. The last president this book includes is Bill Clinton. This would make the book out of date. More contrasts and comparisons could be made.
The Field Guide to Ocean Animals
The Field Guide to Ocean Animals
By: Phyllis Perry
Illustrated By: Roger Hall & Eddee Helms
Silver Dolphin Books
Copyright 2007
Informational Book Genre
The Field Guide to Ocean Animals
This book is written like a journal. The narrator, Warren Wilmott, is a marine biologist. This book is a collection of notes he has taken on the wildlife he saw while visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Each page is a new wildlife entry. It includes an illustration, facts and descriptions, and location found. Some have puzzles so the reader can assemble the creature on their own. I like this book because I think it is interactive and interesting.
Based on information in the book, I cannot identify credibility the author for writing this book. The introduction to the narrator gives a very detailed description of his credibility for telling the story, however, he is not the author of the book. The facts in this book are up to date. The entries for the wildlife is too challenging to read. It does not go into very much depth. I think for this reason, it would be a fantastic book to have in the classroom. The illustrations, diagrams, and puzzles will definitely interest students and foster inquiry.
By: Phyllis Perry
Illustrated By: Roger Hall & Eddee Helms
Silver Dolphin Books
Copyright 2007
Informational Book Genre
The Field Guide to Ocean Animals
This book is written like a journal. The narrator, Warren Wilmott, is a marine biologist. This book is a collection of notes he has taken on the wildlife he saw while visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Each page is a new wildlife entry. It includes an illustration, facts and descriptions, and location found. Some have puzzles so the reader can assemble the creature on their own. I like this book because I think it is interactive and interesting.
Based on information in the book, I cannot identify credibility the author for writing this book. The introduction to the narrator gives a very detailed description of his credibility for telling the story, however, he is not the author of the book. The facts in this book are up to date. The entries for the wildlife is too challenging to read. It does not go into very much depth. I think for this reason, it would be a fantastic book to have in the classroom. The illustrations, diagrams, and puzzles will definitely interest students and foster inquiry.
Washington, D.C. (A Scrapbook)
Washington, D.C. (A Scrapbook)
By: Laura Lee Benson
Illustrated by: Iris Van Rynbach
Charlesbridge Publishing
Copyright 1999
Information Book Genre
Washington, D.C. (A Scrapbook)
This book is teaches about Washington, D.C. through a narrative by the main character, Danny. It also is formed like a scrapbook. There are illustrations that are similar to photographs and souvenirs. Personally, I wish really photographs would have been included, but the illustrations are bright and colorful. Each page includes, not only Danny's narrative, but also blurbs with facts about the sites Danny visited. While the narrative tells of a fictional story, it is intriguing to read and learn about the district. I really like that way this book was written because it held my interest. I think it would certainly intrigue young readers to learn more about Washington, D.C.
The author of this book includes the resources she suggests for learning more about Washington, D.C. Benson did not include where she found her research from or why it is that she knows so much about the U.S. capital. Significant facts found in the book include a Washington, D.C. timeline, its history, and how the U.S. government works.
By: Laura Lee Benson
Illustrated by: Iris Van Rynbach
Charlesbridge Publishing
Copyright 1999
Information Book Genre
Washington, D.C. (A Scrapbook)
This book is teaches about Washington, D.C. through a narrative by the main character, Danny. It also is formed like a scrapbook. There are illustrations that are similar to photographs and souvenirs. Personally, I wish really photographs would have been included, but the illustrations are bright and colorful. Each page includes, not only Danny's narrative, but also blurbs with facts about the sites Danny visited. While the narrative tells of a fictional story, it is intriguing to read and learn about the district. I really like that way this book was written because it held my interest. I think it would certainly intrigue young readers to learn more about Washington, D.C.
The author of this book includes the resources she suggests for learning more about Washington, D.C. Benson did not include where she found her research from or why it is that she knows so much about the U.S. capital. Significant facts found in the book include a Washington, D.C. timeline, its history, and how the U.S. government works.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Grandma Chickenlegs
Grandma Chickenlegs
By: Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrated By: Moira Kemp
Carolrhoda Books
Copyright 2000
Traditional Genre Books
Grandma Chickenlegs
This is a fun Russian folktale of a young girl, Tatia whose stepmother sends her to get a sewing needle from Grandma Chickenlegs, while her father is away on work. While at Grandma Chickenleg's house, she is told by her doll, Drooga, that Grandma Chickenlegs is going to eat her. The animals at the house grow a liking for Tatia and help her escape. As she is running away from Grandma Chickenlegs, she finds her father. It ends with the father kicking the Stepmother and her daughters out of the house and spending the rest of his time with only Tatia.
I really enjoyed this story. I also thought that the illustrations in the book were fun, colorful, and made the characters in the story more interesting. It seemed like a different version of Hansel and Gretel to me because the wicked woman was going to eat the child that was sent away by the stepmother. I think that this would be a fun book for students to read and see if they recognize similarities in this story to others.
By: Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrated By: Moira Kemp
Carolrhoda Books
Copyright 2000
Traditional Genre Books
Grandma Chickenlegs
This is a fun Russian folktale of a young girl, Tatia whose stepmother sends her to get a sewing needle from Grandma Chickenlegs, while her father is away on work. While at Grandma Chickenleg's house, she is told by her doll, Drooga, that Grandma Chickenlegs is going to eat her. The animals at the house grow a liking for Tatia and help her escape. As she is running away from Grandma Chickenlegs, she finds her father. It ends with the father kicking the Stepmother and her daughters out of the house and spending the rest of his time with only Tatia.
I really enjoyed this story. I also thought that the illustrations in the book were fun, colorful, and made the characters in the story more interesting. It seemed like a different version of Hansel and Gretel to me because the wicked woman was going to eat the child that was sent away by the stepmother. I think that this would be a fun book for students to read and see if they recognize similarities in this story to others.
The Frog Princess
The Frog Princess
Retold By: Elizabeth Isele.
Illustrated by: Michael Hague
Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books
Copyright 1984
Traditional Genre Books
The Frog Princess
I have never read or heard the story of The Frog Princess, before recently. The only understanding I have, of a story similar to this Russian folk tale, is from watching Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I really enjoyed this story because it told of an "underdog" that rose to be a champion. I also like stories that tell of princes and princesses. I would love to share this story with my students.
This story is similar to the Disney movie. A major difference begins with the fact that in the movie, the frog is male and the princess falls in love with him. The princess goes through great lengths to turn him into a human. It begins with three princes that need to be married. In order to find their wife, they need to shoot an arrow and find who was the first to retrieve it. Two of the princes found their wives to be beautiful, however they were not as talented in making clothes and cakes for the king. The third prince found his wife to be a frog. She was the best baker and clothes maker of all the three wives. Sometimes she would take human form and be her beautiful self. The frog princess was only supposed to be a frog for three years, but when her husband thew away her frog skin, it was going to be forever. The prince had to go through great lengths to get her back into human form and live with her forever. It ends with them living happily ever after.
Retold By: Elizabeth Isele.
Illustrated by: Michael Hague
Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books
Copyright 1984
Traditional Genre Books
The Frog Princess
I have never read or heard the story of The Frog Princess, before recently. The only understanding I have, of a story similar to this Russian folk tale, is from watching Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I really enjoyed this story because it told of an "underdog" that rose to be a champion. I also like stories that tell of princes and princesses. I would love to share this story with my students.
This story is similar to the Disney movie. A major difference begins with the fact that in the movie, the frog is male and the princess falls in love with him. The princess goes through great lengths to turn him into a human. It begins with three princes that need to be married. In order to find their wife, they need to shoot an arrow and find who was the first to retrieve it. Two of the princes found their wives to be beautiful, however they were not as talented in making clothes and cakes for the king. The third prince found his wife to be a frog. She was the best baker and clothes maker of all the three wives. Sometimes she would take human form and be her beautiful self. The frog princess was only supposed to be a frog for three years, but when her husband thew away her frog skin, it was going to be forever. The prince had to go through great lengths to get her back into human form and live with her forever. It ends with them living happily ever after.
Clay Boy
Clay Boy
By: Mirra Ginsburg
Pictures By: Jos. A. Smith
Greenwillow Books
Copyright 1997
Traditional Genre Book
Clay Boy
Clay Boy is a Russian folktale that tells the story of a hungry clay boy who eats almost his entire village. It begins with an older couple who miss having children around, therefore, they decide to make a boy made of clay. It turns out that the clay boy grows so quickly and gets extremely hungry, so he eats his parents, neighbors, and animals. The story ends when a tricky goat tells the clay boy to close his eye as he eats him. Just as the clay boy's eyes are shut, the goats rams into the boy and shatters him into pieces. Everyone and everything that the boy had ever eaten were set free.
This was a fast read, but the illustrations were funny and added a lot of character to the story. They were done in aquarelle and gouache paints. I like that the characters are wearing traditional Russian outfits. It reminds the reader that this is a Russian folktale. I like this story because not only was it a fun and funny story, but it also gave a moral. No matter who you are, you can stop wrong things from happening if you take time to think things through. I would definitely have my students read this story.
By: Mirra Ginsburg
Pictures By: Jos. A. Smith
Greenwillow Books
Copyright 1997
Traditional Genre Book
Clay Boy
Clay Boy is a Russian folktale that tells the story of a hungry clay boy who eats almost his entire village. It begins with an older couple who miss having children around, therefore, they decide to make a boy made of clay. It turns out that the clay boy grows so quickly and gets extremely hungry, so he eats his parents, neighbors, and animals. The story ends when a tricky goat tells the clay boy to close his eye as he eats him. Just as the clay boy's eyes are shut, the goats rams into the boy and shatters him into pieces. Everyone and everything that the boy had ever eaten were set free.
This was a fast read, but the illustrations were funny and added a lot of character to the story. They were done in aquarelle and gouache paints. I like that the characters are wearing traditional Russian outfits. It reminds the reader that this is a Russian folktale. I like this story because not only was it a fun and funny story, but it also gave a moral. No matter who you are, you can stop wrong things from happening if you take time to think things through. I would definitely have my students read this story.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
It's job day in Junie B.'s kindergarten class and she struggles with what she wants to be. The thing is, she has to come up with something really good that combines painting, having a set of key, and saving people, because she ran her "big fat mouth" on the school bus and told people that's what she was going to do. At one point in the book Junie B. strengthens a type of friendship with the janitor after he saved her from eating a dirty piece of candy and finding her in the book Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. Junie B. decides that she wants to be a janitor for job day.
This book is funny and easy to relate to because it is so simple to think of a child who talks all the time. It would be so easy for kids to run their mouths where they set up expectations for themselves. What I really like about this book is that it reminds the reader that all jobs are important and to never give up on yourself. Deep down Junie B. knew that she would be able to find a job that included painting, carrying keys, and saving people and she was able to.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
It's job day in Junie B.'s kindergarten class and she struggles with what she wants to be. The thing is, she has to come up with something really good that combines painting, having a set of key, and saving people, because she ran her "big fat mouth" on the school bus and told people that's what she was going to do. At one point in the book Junie B. strengthens a type of friendship with the janitor after he saved her from eating a dirty piece of candy and finding her in the book Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. Junie B. decides that she wants to be a janitor for job day.
This book is funny and easy to relate to because it is so simple to think of a child who talks all the time. It would be so easy for kids to run their mouths where they set up expectations for themselves. What I really like about this book is that it reminds the reader that all jobs are important and to never give up on yourself. Deep down Junie B. knew that she would be able to find a job that included painting, carrying keys, and saving people and she was able to.
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. has a new baby brother! In Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. gets a little confused when her grandmother tells her that her new baby brother is "the cutest little monkey she has ever seen". Since Junie B. is only in kindergarten, she takes everything people say literally. Considering that her grandmother told her that her new brother is a cute little monkey, Junie B. thinks that he is actually a monkey. This gets her in trouble during show and tell time at school, when she tells the class that her new baby brother is a monkey. Things get even more messy when she starts making her friends give her things in order to see her monkey of a brother.
This is another fun Junie B. read. Some of the funniest parts in the Junie B. series is when she takes sayings literally. This is an entire book about that and how it got her in trouble. It makes the reader sympathize with Junie B. because she really did not understand that her grandmother was using an expression. I think any reader who knows a young child like this would really appreciate the book.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. has a new baby brother! In Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. gets a little confused when her grandmother tells her that her new baby brother is "the cutest little monkey she has ever seen". Since Junie B. is only in kindergarten, she takes everything people say literally. Considering that her grandmother told her that her new brother is a cute little monkey, Junie B. thinks that he is actually a monkey. This gets her in trouble during show and tell time at school, when she tells the class that her new baby brother is a monkey. Things get even more messy when she starts making her friends give her things in order to see her monkey of a brother.
This is another fun Junie B. read. Some of the funniest parts in the Junie B. series is when she takes sayings literally. This is an entire book about that and how it got her in trouble. It makes the reader sympathize with Junie B. because she really did not understand that her grandmother was using an expression. I think any reader who knows a young child like this would really appreciate the book.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House, Inc.
Copyright 1992
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
This book will make anyone of its readers laugh out loud. Junie B. starts her first day of kindergarten! The way she interacts with the teacher, Mrs., and other students is very funny. Junie B. just has a difficult time understanding the appropriate way to act in a classroom setting and find a filter about her hatred towards one of her classmates, Jim. The funniest part in this book is when she doesn't want to go back home on the school bus, because she is nervous that someone will pour chocolate milk on her head, so she hides all over the school.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is absolutely my favorite book in the series. It is a great way to introduce the series and understand Junie B.'s character. Young readers would love this book, especially if they are able to think of a kindergartener that they can compare Junie B. too. I think they would really find Junie B.'s language and the events she encounters while hiding in the school hilarious.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House, Inc.
Copyright 1992
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
This book will make anyone of its readers laugh out loud. Junie B. starts her first day of kindergarten! The way she interacts with the teacher, Mrs., and other students is very funny. Junie B. just has a difficult time understanding the appropriate way to act in a classroom setting and find a filter about her hatred towards one of her classmates, Jim. The funniest part in this book is when she doesn't want to go back home on the school bus, because she is nervous that someone will pour chocolate milk on her head, so she hides all over the school.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is absolutely my favorite book in the series. It is a great way to introduce the series and understand Junie B.'s character. Young readers would love this book, especially if they are able to think of a kindergartener that they can compare Junie B. too. I think they would really find Junie B.'s language and the events she encounters while hiding in the school hilarious.
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House
Copyright 1997
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
As parents start to have their children sleep in their rooms, on their own, it is very common for the children to fear that there is a monster hiding in their room. For this reason I think this book is relatable for many children and parents. In fact, any babysitter would laugh out loud at this book as they think of how many times they have put children to sleep and needed to explain that there are no such things as monsters.
Junie B. finds out from her friend that there is a monster that lives under her bed and leaves drool on her pillow in the morning. She tells Junie B. that the reason Junie B. cannot see the monster is because it turns invisible any time a human tries to look for it. It ends with the grandmother doing whatever it takes to get Junie B. to understand that there is no monster under the bed. This this case, she needed to vacuum the monster up and run over the vacuum bag with her car.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House
Copyright 1997
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
As parents start to have their children sleep in their rooms, on their own, it is very common for the children to fear that there is a monster hiding in their room. For this reason I think this book is relatable for many children and parents. In fact, any babysitter would laugh out loud at this book as they think of how many times they have put children to sleep and needed to explain that there are no such things as monsters.
Junie B. finds out from her friend that there is a monster that lives under her bed and leaves drool on her pillow in the morning. She tells Junie B. that the reason Junie B. cannot see the monster is because it turns invisible any time a human tries to look for it. It ends with the grandmother doing whatever it takes to get Junie B. to understand that there is no monster under the bed. This this case, she needed to vacuum the monster up and run over the vacuum bag with her car.
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1994
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. loves to spy in this book. As all Junie B. books, the story is told in the first person. She begins by boasting about how good of a spier she is. However, Junie B's spying gets her into trouble when she spies on her teacher, Mrs., at the grocery store. This is when she sees Mrs. eating some grapes before buying them. Junie B. knows that this is stealing, so she has a very difficult time trying to keep the secret to herself so Mrs. won't go to jail.
At the end of the book Mrs. and Junie B. have a talk about what Junie B. saw. It is during their talk that the moral of the story is revealed. If you are not sure if what you are doing is wrong, you should ask someone before doing it. For example, Mrs. should have asked the grocery clerk if it is ok that she may sample some grapes before she buys them.
I liked this book because it was funny the way Junie B. tried so hard to keep her secret in. I really like the Junie B. Jones book series because they make me laugh. Since they are told in the first person of a kindergartener, the language that is used will make anyone laugh out loud. I also find it excellent the Barbara Parks begins each book with a short introduction to who Junie B. and the characters are. This allows you to pick up any one of the books to read , even if it was not next in the series.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1994
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. loves to spy in this book. As all Junie B. books, the story is told in the first person. She begins by boasting about how good of a spier she is. However, Junie B's spying gets her into trouble when she spies on her teacher, Mrs., at the grocery store. This is when she sees Mrs. eating some grapes before buying them. Junie B. knows that this is stealing, so she has a very difficult time trying to keep the secret to herself so Mrs. won't go to jail.
At the end of the book Mrs. and Junie B. have a talk about what Junie B. saw. It is during their talk that the moral of the story is revealed. If you are not sure if what you are doing is wrong, you should ask someone before doing it. For example, Mrs. should have asked the grocery clerk if it is ok that she may sample some grapes before she buys them.
I liked this book because it was funny the way Junie B. tried so hard to keep her secret in. I really like the Junie B. Jones book series because they make me laugh. Since they are told in the first person of a kindergartener, the language that is used will make anyone laugh out loud. I also find it excellent the Barbara Parks begins each book with a short introduction to who Junie B. and the characters are. This allows you to pick up any one of the books to read , even if it was not next in the series.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By: Sherman Alexie
Art by: Ellen Forney
Little, Brown and Company
Copyright 2007
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
There are not many books that I have read in my lifetime that I have laughed out loud while reading. This book is one of the few exceptions. I absolutely have fallen in love with this book, because of the language the author chose to write it with. Arnold, the main character, tells his experiences of living on an Indian reservation as a high school freshman. With bravery and commitment Arnold decides he wants to go to school at the "white" school outside of the reservation. No Indian has ever broke free from the "rez" and I think this is why I find Arnold to be such an inspirational and loveable character.
The way Arnold tells his stories is very blunt and straightforward. I love this about the book. I can just imagine being next to Arnold as he is experiencing everything he talks about. He really lets you inside his head to experience what he is thinking. Not only did I like the language, but I also loved the graphics. I think that they added to the humor of the story and made the text less intimidating.
I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat. For me, it was a fast read. I was so drawn in that it was hard to put down. I think this book has such a great moral to it. I know that this book can inspire so many people to just believe in themselves, to have courage to go after what you want, and to stay strong during the most difficult times of your life. If a boy with mental disabilities and racial limitations can find hope, so can many other people.
By: Sherman Alexie
Art by: Ellen Forney
Little, Brown and Company
Copyright 2007
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
There are not many books that I have read in my lifetime that I have laughed out loud while reading. This book is one of the few exceptions. I absolutely have fallen in love with this book, because of the language the author chose to write it with. Arnold, the main character, tells his experiences of living on an Indian reservation as a high school freshman. With bravery and commitment Arnold decides he wants to go to school at the "white" school outside of the reservation. No Indian has ever broke free from the "rez" and I think this is why I find Arnold to be such an inspirational and loveable character.
The way Arnold tells his stories is very blunt and straightforward. I love this about the book. I can just imagine being next to Arnold as he is experiencing everything he talks about. He really lets you inside his head to experience what he is thinking. Not only did I like the language, but I also loved the graphics. I think that they added to the humor of the story and made the text less intimidating.
I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat. For me, it was a fast read. I was so drawn in that it was hard to put down. I think this book has such a great moral to it. I know that this book can inspire so many people to just believe in themselves, to have courage to go after what you want, and to stay strong during the most difficult times of your life. If a boy with mental disabilities and racial limitations can find hope, so can many other people.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Scholastic Incoperated
Copyright 2000
Esperanza Rising
When I think about California the first thing I think of is the Hollywood lifestyle and surfing. I never think about California in the 1920s and 1930s. Esperanza Rising is about Mexican labor workers for California during this time. What I really liked about this book was that the main character, Esperanza, was very easy to relate to. As Esperanza tells of her struggles transitioning from living a wealthy lifestyle in Mexico to a laborer's lifestyle in the United States, she speaks with sincere honesty. I enjoyed her snappy and "big headed" comments she made throughout the book, because that is what a child in real life would do. Not only was I able to connect with the character through her realistic image, but I also found a place for her in my heart right as the begins with Esperanza's father being murdered.
I would recommend my students to read this book. I think that it would be a great way to begin discussing immigration and immigration issues that are currently going on in the United States and that it would help students to realize how much of their lives they take for granted everyday. It could turn into an interesting discussion to see what my students would do if they were thrown into a situation similar to Esperanza's.
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Scholastic Incoperated
Copyright 2000
Esperanza Rising
When I think about California the first thing I think of is the Hollywood lifestyle and surfing. I never think about California in the 1920s and 1930s. Esperanza Rising is about Mexican labor workers for California during this time. What I really liked about this book was that the main character, Esperanza, was very easy to relate to. As Esperanza tells of her struggles transitioning from living a wealthy lifestyle in Mexico to a laborer's lifestyle in the United States, she speaks with sincere honesty. I enjoyed her snappy and "big headed" comments she made throughout the book, because that is what a child in real life would do. Not only was I able to connect with the character through her realistic image, but I also found a place for her in my heart right as the begins with Esperanza's father being murdered.
I would recommend my students to read this book. I think that it would be a great way to begin discussing immigration and immigration issues that are currently going on in the United States and that it would help students to realize how much of their lives they take for granted everyday. It could turn into an interesting discussion to see what my students would do if they were thrown into a situation similar to Esperanza's.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Yellow Star
Yellow Star
By: Jennifer Roy
Marshall Cavendish Coporation
Copyright 2006
Yellow Star
This was a very hard book to put down. I am not one to read for fun, but I really feel in love with this book and was sad when I got to the very end. What I loved about it was that it was an account of a survivor from the Holocaust. In fact, I found it more interesting that it was from the perspective of a Polish-Jewish child. I often think about how horrible the Holocaust was, but never what it would have been like to live through it as a Jew, let alone be a survivor.
Throughout my read I was so impressed with how driven and clever Syvia's father was. It made me wonder if my own father could have tricked the Nazis as much as Papa did. The fact that it was told in poems made it a faster and less intense read. I really appreciated that. I also found it really helpful that Roy began each "part" with an introduction to what was going on, during the war, at that time. The end was very moving. I would use this book to teach the Holocaust with older elementary students. It's very vivid and younger students may feel overwhelmed, however, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It left me with a lot of questions that if I ever had the opportunity to ask a survivor, I would.
By: Jennifer Roy
Marshall Cavendish Coporation
Copyright 2006
Yellow Star
This was a very hard book to put down. I am not one to read for fun, but I really feel in love with this book and was sad when I got to the very end. What I loved about it was that it was an account of a survivor from the Holocaust. In fact, I found it more interesting that it was from the perspective of a Polish-Jewish child. I often think about how horrible the Holocaust was, but never what it would have been like to live through it as a Jew, let alone be a survivor.
Throughout my read I was so impressed with how driven and clever Syvia's father was. It made me wonder if my own father could have tricked the Nazis as much as Papa did. The fact that it was told in poems made it a faster and less intense read. I really appreciated that. I also found it really helpful that Roy began each "part" with an introduction to what was going on, during the war, at that time. The end was very moving. I would use this book to teach the Holocaust with older elementary students. It's very vivid and younger students may feel overwhelmed, however, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It left me with a lot of questions that if I ever had the opportunity to ask a survivor, I would.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Weedflower
Weedflower
By: Cynthia Kadohata
Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright 2006
Weedflower
This is the kind of book I would recommend anyone to read. Before reading it, if someone were to tell me it was about Japanese internment camps and one Japanese American's experience, I would not have chosen to read it on my own. I am not as interested in history as I am other areas. Although I am not into history, I feel in love with the main character, Sumiko. I was able to really connect with her after she was uninvited to the birthday party she was really looking forward to. From then on I felt the pain, boredom, and confusion she struggled with throughout the book.
During my reading, I found myself to be mostly curious as to how I would have felt if I were Sumiko. Knowing that she is a born American, while being raised with her Japanese culture, made me wonder what "side" I would feel closest to if I were her and being moved onto a reservation and away from home. As a Caucasian American, I do not struggle with identity as much as Sumiko had to. During the reading I made another note. I wondered why the Mohaves on the reservation were so offended with the Japanese for being forced to live with them. I kind of was hoping that they would be able to sympathize with the Japanese, because they know how it feels to have been moved to a reservation. Since they were not sympathetic, I began to realize that maybe it was because they felt so offended by the government that they would send "potential threats" to their reservation.
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches a lot about experiences in Japanese internment camps while incorporating friendship, some laughs, and relate-able characters. I think it would be a great way to get students to realize the impact that Pearl Harbor made on our nation.
By: Cynthia Kadohata
Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright 2006
Weedflower
This is the kind of book I would recommend anyone to read. Before reading it, if someone were to tell me it was about Japanese internment camps and one Japanese American's experience, I would not have chosen to read it on my own. I am not as interested in history as I am other areas. Although I am not into history, I feel in love with the main character, Sumiko. I was able to really connect with her after she was uninvited to the birthday party she was really looking forward to. From then on I felt the pain, boredom, and confusion she struggled with throughout the book.
During my reading, I found myself to be mostly curious as to how I would have felt if I were Sumiko. Knowing that she is a born American, while being raised with her Japanese culture, made me wonder what "side" I would feel closest to if I were her and being moved onto a reservation and away from home. As a Caucasian American, I do not struggle with identity as much as Sumiko had to. During the reading I made another note. I wondered why the Mohaves on the reservation were so offended with the Japanese for being forced to live with them. I kind of was hoping that they would be able to sympathize with the Japanese, because they know how it feels to have been moved to a reservation. Since they were not sympathetic, I began to realize that maybe it was because they felt so offended by the government that they would send "potential threats" to their reservation.
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches a lot about experiences in Japanese internment camps while incorporating friendship, some laughs, and relate-able characters. I think it would be a great way to get students to realize the impact that Pearl Harbor made on our nation.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Knock On Wood
Knock On Wood
By: Janet S. Wong
Illustrations by: Julie Paschkis
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Copyright 2003
Poetry Genre
Knock On Wood
This book includes seventeen poems about seventeen different superstitions. It caught my attention, because when I was little I was very superstitious. In fact the day before I rented this book I stopped my car to let a black cat cross, in front of me, on the street. I found the book to be very fitting.
Each poem is short, but talks about the superstition. Some of my favorite poems were about the superstitions of the black cat, itching ears, salt, the number thirteen, and horseshoes. I always liked these superstitions growing up. In fact, Wong did write poems about some superstitions I had not heard of before. These include the superstitions about ladybugs, potatoes, roosters, and burying mirrors. As I was reading these superstitions, that I had not heard of before, I was getting a little frustrated because I did not know the superstition even after reading the poem. I was very excited to see that the last few pages of the book explain the origin of each superstition and what the superstition is.
The illustration in this book are absolutely beautiful. They are so many rich colors and the illustrations fill up the entire page. This definitely adds to the pleasure of reading each poem. I can see myself using this book in the classroom to teach my students how poems can be informative and about anything you want to write about. I think that the students would also enjoy reading about superstitions, especially if they are younger in age.
By: Janet S. Wong
Illustrations by: Julie Paschkis
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Copyright 2003
Poetry Genre
Knock On Wood
This book includes seventeen poems about seventeen different superstitions. It caught my attention, because when I was little I was very superstitious. In fact the day before I rented this book I stopped my car to let a black cat cross, in front of me, on the street. I found the book to be very fitting.
Each poem is short, but talks about the superstition. Some of my favorite poems were about the superstitions of the black cat, itching ears, salt, the number thirteen, and horseshoes. I always liked these superstitions growing up. In fact, Wong did write poems about some superstitions I had not heard of before. These include the superstitions about ladybugs, potatoes, roosters, and burying mirrors. As I was reading these superstitions, that I had not heard of before, I was getting a little frustrated because I did not know the superstition even after reading the poem. I was very excited to see that the last few pages of the book explain the origin of each superstition and what the superstition is.
The illustration in this book are absolutely beautiful. They are so many rich colors and the illustrations fill up the entire page. This definitely adds to the pleasure of reading each poem. I can see myself using this book in the classroom to teach my students how poems can be informative and about anything you want to write about. I think that the students would also enjoy reading about superstitions, especially if they are younger in age.
Dirty Laundry Pile
Dirty Laundry Pile
Poems Selected By: Paul B. Janeczko
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2001
Poem Genre
Dirty Laundry Pile
This book is a fun collection of poems by various authors. Every poem is spoken from the voice of something other than a humans. For example, my favorite poem, which also happens to be the title of the book, is Dirty Laundry Pile. It is a funny and sarcastic poem from the voice of a dirty and smelly pile of laundry. The illustrations in this book add to some of the humor the poems have. They are bright ad very colorful, which helped me to enjoy the reading more. The poems are short and the entire book is a fast read. I would like to use this in my own classroom. I think the students would laugh at some of the poems because people rarely take time to think about what it must be like to be, for example, a dirty laundry pile or sky blue crayon. It would be such a fun way to teacher students, especially young students, to try to imagine what you would experience as something other than a human. Then it would be fun and probably give you a laugh to have the student write their own poems spoken in different voices.
Poems Selected By: Paul B. Janeczko
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2001
Poem Genre
Dirty Laundry Pile
This book is a fun collection of poems by various authors. Every poem is spoken from the voice of something other than a humans. For example, my favorite poem, which also happens to be the title of the book, is Dirty Laundry Pile. It is a funny and sarcastic poem from the voice of a dirty and smelly pile of laundry. The illustrations in this book add to some of the humor the poems have. They are bright ad very colorful, which helped me to enjoy the reading more. The poems are short and the entire book is a fast read. I would like to use this in my own classroom. I think the students would laugh at some of the poems because people rarely take time to think about what it must be like to be, for example, a dirty laundry pile or sky blue crayon. It would be such a fun way to teacher students, especially young students, to try to imagine what you would experience as something other than a human. Then it would be fun and probably give you a laugh to have the student write their own poems spoken in different voices.
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1963
Book to Movie Comparison
Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1963
Book to Movie Comparison
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are, written by Maurice Sendak, and published in 1963
by Harper Collins Publishers was made into a movie in 2009. It was a movie made
extremely similar to the book and directed by Spike Jones. In fact, the
costumes, the “wild things”, and the settings in the movie are visually
identical to the book. For example, the scenes where the “wild things” are
creating “rumpus” looks exactly like they do in the book. Jones even made sure
to have “Max” carved on the boat that Max uses to sail to and from the place
where the “wild things” are. Jones made the character use exact quotes from the
book and it flowed very naturally with the rest of the dialogue. At the end of
the movie, Max decides to go home for the same reason he leaves the place at
which the “wild things” are. He decides to go home because he is homesick.
Even
though the movie was so similar to the book, there were differences as well.
Most of these differences did not have to do with the storyline, but were
additions to the story. This provided length for making the movie. Right at the
beginning of the movie, Max’s sister and her friends, who are not in the book,
avoid and tease Max. This upsets him so much that it begins to build up and
eventually cause Max to run away from home. In the book, Max doesn’t literally
run away from home. Max just goes to his room and it turns into the forest.
Unlike the book, in the movie, Max builds a strong relationship with Carol, one
of the “wild things”. In fact he helps the wild things build a fort. The reason
he left where the wild things live, in the movie, is because he realized when
the “wild things” were arguing, that he missed arguing and feeling upset with
his own family. In the book it just says he left and that he knew he wanted to
go home because he smelt food reminding him of home.
When it comes
to the casting selections, I was very impressed. Max Records, who played the
main character, Max, is very talented. He exuded confidence, innocence, fright,
and a wild side. These are all characteristics I imagined Max having in the
book. I was very impressed with the casting of the “wild things”. The part of
the movie where Max is “where the wild things are” is mostly computer animated
and use of puppeteering. I think that it would be challenging to naturally act
out the role of an animated, or puppet, character through voiceovers. These
actors did a great job making the characters’ personalities less unrealistic
and more natural. The animation
and use of puppeteers was very well done, by making the scenes and “wild
things” seem realistic. It was only used while Max was “where the wild things
are”. If I were to do things differently, I would have taken another approach
and made it very obvious that “where the wild things are” and the actual “wild
things” were animated. I would take a similar approach to the movie James and the Giant Peach, so that when
Max went into his imagination it was very obvious that it was not the real
world.
Personally, I
prefer to watch the movie Where the Wild
Things Are to reading the book. The movie was easier to follow in terms of
understanding what is going on with Max and why he is being a “wild thing”.
While I was reading the book I had a difficult time trying to understand why
Max acted wild and how is room grew into a forest. In the movie it is simpler
to understand because it begins by showing how he felt like the world and his
family was being unkind to him. This made more sense to understanding why Max
was wild. The movie seemed to explain that it was his way of expressing
himself. Max running away from home, in the movie, made more sense to me than
his room turning into a forest, like in the book. It felt more realistic and
less like a fantasy. I have a difficult time understanding fantasy books, so
the more realistic adaptation to the movie was more enjoyable to me.
I gave this
movie thumbs up because I really appreciated that the director, Spike Jones, did
nothing noticeable to change the story line. It seemed very direct to the book.
The only reason that it was long enough to be made as a movie is because the
director expanded the part of the book where Max and the “wild things” started
a “wild rumpus”. The entire movie I was very impressed that Jones had the
characters look and say everything identical to the book. My prediction as to
why Jones decided to make the Where the
Wild Things Are a movie, is because of its popularity since it was
published in 1963. I think that Jones realizes how important technology and
movies are to this generation of children and that making a movie from a book
would be a great way to keep the story alive for generations to come. Where the Wild Things Are is the perfect
book to do that with, especially since it is fun for children to be able to
relate with having a wild side.
Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes
By: Langston Hughes
Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Rampersad
Illustrated by: Ben Andrews
Sterling Publishing Company
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre
Langston Hughes
This is an absolutely wonderful book to introduce Langston Hughes poetry to students. I chose to read this book in hopes that I would get to experience a collection of Hughes poetry and the African American culture in poems. This book definitely succeeded my hopes and certainly taught me more than I have already heard about Hughes.
The first four pages of the book give an excellent biography of Langston Hughes. It includes twenty-six of Hughes poems. Before reading each poem, there is a quick introduction of what the poem is about, for whom and why it was written, and a little information on Hughes life/experiences as an African American. My favorite poem is called Danse Africaine because I love that it is about African dancing. I also love the illustration of the the dancer wearing such a colorful costume. The added bonus is the beautiful illustrations by Benny Andrews. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and simple while still being very detailed.
I absolutely loved this book and will most certainly use it in my classroom. I am already excited to use it for different reasons. It will teach my students about poetry, history, and Langston Hughes. I can definitely see myself using this book during February for Black History Month. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
By: Langston Hughes
Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Rampersad
Illustrated by: Ben Andrews
Sterling Publishing Company
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre
Langston Hughes
This is an absolutely wonderful book to introduce Langston Hughes poetry to students. I chose to read this book in hopes that I would get to experience a collection of Hughes poetry and the African American culture in poems. This book definitely succeeded my hopes and certainly taught me more than I have already heard about Hughes.
The first four pages of the book give an excellent biography of Langston Hughes. It includes twenty-six of Hughes poems. Before reading each poem, there is a quick introduction of what the poem is about, for whom and why it was written, and a little information on Hughes life/experiences as an African American. My favorite poem is called Danse Africaine because I love that it is about African dancing. I also love the illustration of the the dancer wearing such a colorful costume. The added bonus is the beautiful illustrations by Benny Andrews. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and simple while still being very detailed.
I absolutely loved this book and will most certainly use it in my classroom. I am already excited to use it for different reasons. It will teach my students about poetry, history, and Langston Hughes. I can definitely see myself using this book during February for Black History Month. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright 2009
Graphic Novel
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
This is a graphic novel about two lunch ladies and three students that work to stop the league of librarians from dominating the world, starting with the destruction of all video games. It is a fast read, but in my opinion, not a very good one. When I decided to read this book as my graphic novel, I was hoping that it would be a little funny and full of more action. In my reading I found it to be very "watered down". For this reason, I think that it would be a book that young readers, between the ages of six and nine. The only reason I would suggest it for children older than this, would be because there are large words in it that young readers may not understand.
Personally, I did not enjoy this book mostly because, I did not like the plot of the book. Although I did like the graphics, they were in black, white, and yellow. The graphics did not aid in making my read more enjoyable. The reason I would not share this book with my students is because it has a negative connotation about librarians. In the book, the librarians only want students to read and do nothing else. The make them evil. I think this would interest students who do not like to read, however I do not think that it would make them like reading and librarians more than they do already.
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright 2009
Graphic Novel
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
This is a graphic novel about two lunch ladies and three students that work to stop the league of librarians from dominating the world, starting with the destruction of all video games. It is a fast read, but in my opinion, not a very good one. When I decided to read this book as my graphic novel, I was hoping that it would be a little funny and full of more action. In my reading I found it to be very "watered down". For this reason, I think that it would be a book that young readers, between the ages of six and nine. The only reason I would suggest it for children older than this, would be because there are large words in it that young readers may not understand.
Personally, I did not enjoy this book mostly because, I did not like the plot of the book. Although I did like the graphics, they were in black, white, and yellow. The graphics did not aid in making my read more enjoyable. The reason I would not share this book with my students is because it has a negative connotation about librarians. In the book, the librarians only want students to read and do nothing else. The make them evil. I think this would interest students who do not like to read, however I do not think that it would make them like reading and librarians more than they do already.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Umbrella Queen
The Umbrella Queen
By: Shirin Yim Bridges
Illustrated by: Taeeun Yoo
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Picture Books
The Umbrella Queen
The Umbrella Queen is an excellent book because it tells a story that has not already been told. It is something different. Every year in Thailand there is an actual umbrella festival where thousands of umbrellas and lanterns line the streets. This book tells the story of this festival at a smaller scale where the winner of the best umbrella becomes the "Umbrella Queen".
I do not recognize the author or illustrator of this book, however they wrote a beautiful story and created beautiful, yet simple illustrations. The illustration were created on linoleum prints with pencil. The colors are only variations of blacks, greys, whites, yellows, blues, greens, and oranges. The covers of this book have umbrellas all over them with elephants on them. This does foreshadow the ending of the story.
The pictures really do make the story more enjoyable and meaningful. It is difficult to live in the United States and picture, authentically, what a Thailand Umbrella Festival would look like. The illustrations help create the imagery. I would love to have this book in my classroom, however, there is nothing that stood out to me that made me think it would help build reading skills.
By: Shirin Yim Bridges
Illustrated by: Taeeun Yoo
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Picture Books
The Umbrella Queen
The Umbrella Queen is an excellent book because it tells a story that has not already been told. It is something different. Every year in Thailand there is an actual umbrella festival where thousands of umbrellas and lanterns line the streets. This book tells the story of this festival at a smaller scale where the winner of the best umbrella becomes the "Umbrella Queen".
I do not recognize the author or illustrator of this book, however they wrote a beautiful story and created beautiful, yet simple illustrations. The illustration were created on linoleum prints with pencil. The colors are only variations of blacks, greys, whites, yellows, blues, greens, and oranges. The covers of this book have umbrellas all over them with elephants on them. This does foreshadow the ending of the story.
The pictures really do make the story more enjoyable and meaningful. It is difficult to live in the United States and picture, authentically, what a Thailand Umbrella Festival would look like. The illustrations help create the imagery. I would love to have this book in my classroom, however, there is nothing that stood out to me that made me think it would help build reading skills.
The Yellow Balloon
The Yellow Balloon
By: Charlotte Dematons
Published by: Lemniscaat b.v. Rotterdam
Picture Books
The Yellow Balloon
The Yellow Balloon is a wordless picture book that takes the reader on a journey. As the reader you are taken to various time periods, places, and legends around the world. I do not recognize the author but it is obvious that the illustrations are done in some kind of painting.
The illustrations are very small and detailed. To be honest, I think that too much is going on in each page. For example on one page there is a highway, a Native American community, farm fields, horse ranch, and a castle. Personally I wish the author would have stuck with one place in different periods or one period in different places for each page. What is cool about the illustrations is that the view is from an Arial perspective. It makes you feel as if you are the yellow balloon that is flying in the sky.
I would not say that this book builds reading skills, however, I would like to have it in my library. I think that students like to look at pictures and would have fun trying to find the reappearing blue car, yellow balloon, flying carpet, and prisoner in the pages. I also think that there is a lot for them to look at, since there is so much detail in each page. It may even prompt interest in learning about one of the time periods or places they find in the book.
By: Charlotte Dematons
Published by: Lemniscaat b.v. Rotterdam
Picture Books
The Yellow Balloon
The Yellow Balloon is a wordless picture book that takes the reader on a journey. As the reader you are taken to various time periods, places, and legends around the world. I do not recognize the author but it is obvious that the illustrations are done in some kind of painting.
The illustrations are very small and detailed. To be honest, I think that too much is going on in each page. For example on one page there is a highway, a Native American community, farm fields, horse ranch, and a castle. Personally I wish the author would have stuck with one place in different periods or one period in different places for each page. What is cool about the illustrations is that the view is from an Arial perspective. It makes you feel as if you are the yellow balloon that is flying in the sky.
I would not say that this book builds reading skills, however, I would like to have it in my library. I think that students like to look at pictures and would have fun trying to find the reappearing blue car, yellow balloon, flying carpet, and prisoner in the pages. I also think that there is a lot for them to look at, since there is so much detail in each page. It may even prompt interest in learning about one of the time periods or places they find in the book.
Balloons Over Broadway
Balloons Over Broadway
By: Melissa Sweet
Published by: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Picture Books
Balloons Over Broadway
This book caught my attention because Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year and I always watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. The book did, in fact, live up to my expectations. I really liked that it gave a lot of information that was very new to me.
I did not recognize this author/illustrator but I was very impressed how well this book was done. Not only was the book/information excellent, but the illustrations were very creative and captivating. I loved that they were a mix of collages and pencil drawings. This helped keep my attention. The collages captivated me into Tony Sarg's (the creator of the Macy's Parade) creativity with his balloons and marionette dolls.
Balloons Over Broadway is a book that I would definitely like to have in my library. It would help build reading skills because the more challenging and important words are written in a different text. For example, some are in larger font size and some are italicize. I also think that if I was interested in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a child, others may be as well. I think it would be cool to read this story to the students before they go on Thanksgiving break. Then when they watch the parade they will know some facts about it.
By: Melissa Sweet
Published by: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Picture Books
Balloons Over Broadway
This book caught my attention because Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year and I always watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. The book did, in fact, live up to my expectations. I really liked that it gave a lot of information that was very new to me.
I did not recognize this author/illustrator but I was very impressed how well this book was done. Not only was the book/information excellent, but the illustrations were very creative and captivating. I loved that they were a mix of collages and pencil drawings. This helped keep my attention. The collages captivated me into Tony Sarg's (the creator of the Macy's Parade) creativity with his balloons and marionette dolls.
Balloons Over Broadway is a book that I would definitely like to have in my library. It would help build reading skills because the more challenging and important words are written in a different text. For example, some are in larger font size and some are italicize. I also think that if I was interested in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a child, others may be as well. I think it would be cool to read this story to the students before they go on Thanksgiving break. Then when they watch the parade they will know some facts about it.
Falling For Rapunzel
Falling for Rapunzel
By: Leah Wilcox
Illustrated by: Lydia Monks
Published by: G.P. Putnam Sons
Picture Books
Falling for Rapunzel
Falling for Rapunzel is such a cute book because the story it not what you expect when you hear "Rapunzel". In fact it has a completely different ending than the Rapunzel fairytale. It was a laugh out loud story because of the miscommunication between Rapunzel and the prince.
I did not recognize neither the author or the illustrator. As stated before, I am not an expert in art, but my best guess is that the illustration are of water color paintings. It was interesting because the colors used in this book are bright and happy. It very much enhanced the text because it demonstrated and emphasized the silliness of the miscommunication. For example, seeing the maid thrown out the window and landing on the prince made the idea more funny. The beginning and ending pages of the book foreshadow what is going to be thrown out of the window. It motivates the reader to continue reading because of the color it uses. I think that it is interesting that these pages colors are blue and pink. It almost seems as though they did it on purpose to cover the "typical" colors of boys and girls. This way boy would be more likely to read a book with the name Rapunzel in it.
I would absolutely love to have this in my library because it was a funny story with a twist from the original. It would also definitely help build reading skills because it uses words that sound alike. For example "lock" and "sock" they sound the same but are obviously very different.
By: Leah Wilcox
Illustrated by: Lydia Monks
Published by: G.P. Putnam Sons
Picture Books
Falling for Rapunzel
Falling for Rapunzel is such a cute book because the story it not what you expect when you hear "Rapunzel". In fact it has a completely different ending than the Rapunzel fairytale. It was a laugh out loud story because of the miscommunication between Rapunzel and the prince.
I did not recognize neither the author or the illustrator. As stated before, I am not an expert in art, but my best guess is that the illustration are of water color paintings. It was interesting because the colors used in this book are bright and happy. It very much enhanced the text because it demonstrated and emphasized the silliness of the miscommunication. For example, seeing the maid thrown out the window and landing on the prince made the idea more funny. The beginning and ending pages of the book foreshadow what is going to be thrown out of the window. It motivates the reader to continue reading because of the color it uses. I think that it is interesting that these pages colors are blue and pink. It almost seems as though they did it on purpose to cover the "typical" colors of boys and girls. This way boy would be more likely to read a book with the name Rapunzel in it.
I would absolutely love to have this in my library because it was a funny story with a twist from the original. It would also definitely help build reading skills because it uses words that sound alike. For example "lock" and "sock" they sound the same but are obviously very different.
Big Kicks
Big Kicks
By: Bob Kolar
Published By: Candlewick Press
Picture Books
Big Kicks
This is not the best picture book I have ever read, however I did find the illustrations to be the best part of the book. The story is about a big bear that was asked to play on the soccer team, even though he had never played before. It turns out that by accident Biggie, the big bear, scores the winning goal for the team.
I did not recognize this author, but I think it is really cool that he is also the illustrator. I am not an expert in identifying types of artwork, but I know that Kolar's illustrations are some kind of paintings. They are interesting to me because their simplicity is eye catching with lots of colors. The illustrations are fairly large and easy to make out. The illustrations make the story seem so positive, even when Biggie is upset because he is not the greatest soccer player.
The inside of the book cover and back cover introduce the characters and themes of the story. For example Biggie plays the saxophone and eats sandwiches, so they are on the covers with the characters. This book can be used to build reading skills because it provides a lot of context clues for readers who may not understand what certain words are or mean. The pictures are included as context clues.
I personally did not enjoy this book so much. I thought the story line was not too creative and nothing made it stand out to me, therefore, I would not want it in my library.
By: Bob Kolar
Published By: Candlewick Press
Picture Books
Big Kicks
This is not the best picture book I have ever read, however I did find the illustrations to be the best part of the book. The story is about a big bear that was asked to play on the soccer team, even though he had never played before. It turns out that by accident Biggie, the big bear, scores the winning goal for the team.
I did not recognize this author, but I think it is really cool that he is also the illustrator. I am not an expert in identifying types of artwork, but I know that Kolar's illustrations are some kind of paintings. They are interesting to me because their simplicity is eye catching with lots of colors. The illustrations are fairly large and easy to make out. The illustrations make the story seem so positive, even when Biggie is upset because he is not the greatest soccer player.
The inside of the book cover and back cover introduce the characters and themes of the story. For example Biggie plays the saxophone and eats sandwiches, so they are on the covers with the characters. This book can be used to build reading skills because it provides a lot of context clues for readers who may not understand what certain words are or mean. The pictures are included as context clues.
I personally did not enjoy this book so much. I thought the story line was not too creative and nothing made it stand out to me, therefore, I would not want it in my library.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Leon's Story
Leon’s Story
By: Leon Walter
Tillage
Collage Art by:
Susan L. Roth
Sunburst Books
Leon's Story
This book has, without a doubt, been my favorite African
American book I have read in my life so far. It is a fast read; however the
emotion it stirred in me is long lasting. What I really liked most about this
book is that it is an autobiography about growing up in the 1930s through the 1950s
as an African American boy. Reading about slavery has always been hard for me
to connect with because it seems so long ago.
Hearing
what segregation was like from someone who has lived through it really makes a
difference. Leon Tillage makes the story sound so personal as he begins talking
about his family and childhood memories. Some of his memories I can even relate
too. For example, I like to go to the movies for fun and I also like the days
before and after Christmas best. These memories make me feel like I could be
Leon’s friend.
After
hearing the pleasant memories, Leon comes in with the deep and emotional
stories. I got very emotional hearing about his father and literally had my jaw
open the entire time I read about the dog attack. Hearing stories like these,
from the words of someone who experienced it first hand, made segregation more
realistic to me. I will absolutely never forget this book. It is one that I
will read to my older students when discussing segregation. Hopefully they will
feel the connection and emotion I experienced during the reading.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Where the Sidewalk Ends
By: Shel Silverstein
Harper Collins Publishers
pp. 166
Poem Genre
Where the Sidewalk Ends
This book is a collection of rhymes and other poems that will literally made you laugh out loud. Where the Sidewalk Ends has drawing for each poem that make the poem even funnier. An example of this is on page 107. It is a one sentence poem written on the neck of a giraffe, about the neck of a giraffe. The poems are creative and unrealistic. For example "My Beard" is a short rhyme about a man whose beard is so long he does not need to wear clothes. Silverstein also provides a picture of this, making it another laugh out loud poem.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people of all ages. The poems are quick, fun, and easy to read because of the humor and creativity. They are silly poems that will make you feel youthful. If I were to read this book to my class, I would not read it from beginning to end. I think it would be fun to read some of the poetry selected at the end of the day, based on topics discussed, funny things that happened, and the mood of the class. This is a great book to prove that rhymes can be enjoyed at any age and to get students of all ages into poetry.
By: Shel Silverstein
Harper Collins Publishers
pp. 166
Poem Genre
Where the Sidewalk Ends
This book is a collection of rhymes and other poems that will literally made you laugh out loud. Where the Sidewalk Ends has drawing for each poem that make the poem even funnier. An example of this is on page 107. It is a one sentence poem written on the neck of a giraffe, about the neck of a giraffe. The poems are creative and unrealistic. For example "My Beard" is a short rhyme about a man whose beard is so long he does not need to wear clothes. Silverstein also provides a picture of this, making it another laugh out loud poem.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people of all ages. The poems are quick, fun, and easy to read because of the humor and creativity. They are silly poems that will make you feel youthful. If I were to read this book to my class, I would not read it from beginning to end. I think it would be fun to read some of the poetry selected at the end of the day, based on topics discussed, funny things that happened, and the mood of the class. This is a great book to prove that rhymes can be enjoyed at any age and to get students of all ages into poetry.
Missing May
Missing May
By: Cynthia Rylant
Newbery Award
Orchard Books
Copyright 1992
pp. 89
Missing May
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqR7HPQqGEQ
(video blog)
By: Cynthia Rylant
Newbery Award
Orchard Books
Copyright 1992
pp. 89
Missing May
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqR7HPQqGEQ
(video blog)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
My Chinatown
My Chinatown
By: Kam Mak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2002
Poetry Genre Book
My Chinatown
Kam Mak did amazing illustratons for My Chinatown. When I first looked through illustrations, I thought they were photographs. They are so detailed. Some pictures, like the cover, really describe the importance of intricacy within the Chinese culture and how they continue to celebrate it in America. I love the way this book was written. The poetry is broken down for the entire year, by seasons.
I think this is important because readers, like myself, who are not familiar with the Chinese culture, can identify and imagine more clearly what it must be like to grow up in that culture, especially since America is so ethnically divers. This book is a great way to celebrate ethnic diversity. I would use this book to help celebrate the Chinese New Year, because it describe the life a young, Chinese boy. I live on the international floor of my residence hall and was hoping this book would give me a deeper insight to the Chinese culture. This book does not go deep into the culture. I would not use this book to teach the culture, but it is a great way to introduce a ethnic unit to young students.
By: Kam Mak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2002
Poetry Genre Book
My Chinatown
Kam Mak did amazing illustratons for My Chinatown. When I first looked through illustrations, I thought they were photographs. They are so detailed. Some pictures, like the cover, really describe the importance of intricacy within the Chinese culture and how they continue to celebrate it in America. I love the way this book was written. The poetry is broken down for the entire year, by seasons.
I think this is important because readers, like myself, who are not familiar with the Chinese culture, can identify and imagine more clearly what it must be like to grow up in that culture, especially since America is so ethnically divers. This book is a great way to celebrate ethnic diversity. I would use this book to help celebrate the Chinese New Year, because it describe the life a young, Chinese boy. I live on the international floor of my residence hall and was hoping this book would give me a deeper insight to the Chinese culture. This book does not go deep into the culture. I would not use this book to teach the culture, but it is a great way to introduce a ethnic unit to young students.
Once I Ate a Pie
Once I Ate a Pie
By: Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest
Illustrated by: Katy Schneider
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre Books
Once I Ate a Pie
I love dogs and therefore I really loved this book. It is a great was to show that every dog is unique, just like every child. For this reason, I think this book would be great to read to young children and discuss how every individual, dog or human, is unique.It is written in poetry where each of the 14 dogs describe themselves. The poems are written in a unique way. For example, if the word "tall" is used, the author used a font that made that word tall.
Once I Ate a Pie made me laugh a little, because it is easy to picture the "types" of dogs doing what they talk about doing. One example would be ringing a bell to tell the humans they have to go to the bathroom and waiting to ring it until he knows they are asleep. The illustrations of the dogs describe their personalities. I like that Schneider uses different "types" of dogs because I can picture children reading the book and picking out which ones they think are the cutest.
By: Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest
Illustrated by: Katy Schneider
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre Books
Once I Ate a Pie
I love dogs and therefore I really loved this book. It is a great was to show that every dog is unique, just like every child. For this reason, I think this book would be great to read to young children and discuss how every individual, dog or human, is unique.It is written in poetry where each of the 14 dogs describe themselves. The poems are written in a unique way. For example, if the word "tall" is used, the author used a font that made that word tall.
Once I Ate a Pie made me laugh a little, because it is easy to picture the "types" of dogs doing what they talk about doing. One example would be ringing a bell to tell the humans they have to go to the bathroom and waiting to ring it until he knows they are asleep. The illustrations of the dogs describe their personalities. I like that Schneider uses different "types" of dogs because I can picture children reading the book and picking out which ones they think are the cutest.
A Ball for Daisy
A Ball for Daisy
By: Chris Raschka
Schwartz & Wade Books
Copyright 2011
Caldecott Award
A Ball for Daisy
Every child has a toy or other item that they are very attached to. For me, I would need to bring my blanket everywhere I went. In A Ball for Daisy, Daisy is attached to her red ball. She sleeps, plays, and goes for walks with it. One day, at the park, her and another dog were playing fetch with the red ball. During this time the other dog makes a big mistake that crushes Daisy. A Ball for Daisy has a happy ending and two new friends at the end of the book, the other dog and a blue ball.
A Ball for Daisy is a picture book with simple illustrations. In my opinion, the illustrations are not intricate but they depict the juvenile character of Daisy very well. I would love to use this book in the classroom to discuss manners and how to deal with emotions. When the other dog made Daisy sad, she simply left the situation. The other Dog apologized by trying to make Daisy happy by continuing a friendship and bring her a new blue ball.
By: Chris Raschka
Schwartz & Wade Books
Copyright 2011
Caldecott Award
A Ball for Daisy
Every child has a toy or other item that they are very attached to. For me, I would need to bring my blanket everywhere I went. In A Ball for Daisy, Daisy is attached to her red ball. She sleeps, plays, and goes for walks with it. One day, at the park, her and another dog were playing fetch with the red ball. During this time the other dog makes a big mistake that crushes Daisy. A Ball for Daisy has a happy ending and two new friends at the end of the book, the other dog and a blue ball.
A Ball for Daisy is a picture book with simple illustrations. In my opinion, the illustrations are not intricate but they depict the juvenile character of Daisy very well. I would love to use this book in the classroom to discuss manners and how to deal with emotions. When the other dog made Daisy sad, she simply left the situation. The other Dog apologized by trying to make Daisy happy by continuing a friendship and bring her a new blue ball.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Everett Anderson's Goodbye
Everett Anderson's Goodbye
By: Lucille Clifton
Illustrated by: Ann Grifalconi
Coretta Scott King Award
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Copyright 1983
Everett Anderson's Goodbye
The passing away of a loved one is an emotional time for those left behind. During this time we experience grief and its five stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Everett Anderson's Goodbye is the story and poem of a young boy's grief after the death of his father. The story is written in the order of the grieving stages. For example Everette's story being with him denying that his father will no longer be at the park with him. It ends with Everette accepting that "love doesn't stop" with death.
I am absolutely in love with this book. As I was reading it all, I could think about was experiencing these same stages when I lost my friend to suicide in the fourth grade. He was the first person I was old enough to remember dying. It was extremely painful to share the same pain when thinking that my friend was no longer going to be able to be at recess with me. This would have been an excellent book for my fourth grade teachers to read to our class. It would have shown us what we can expect while going through the difficult time and helped us to realize everyone is feeling the same way.
Not only was I able to connect with this book, but I was also captivated by the illustrations. Grifalconi did a fascinating job depicting the stages of grief. Just by looking at the Everette's face, in her illustrations, it is easy to identify which stage of grief he is experiencing. I would read this book without hesitation to any child experiencing grief for whatever reason. It's hard to lose something you really care about, but I strongly believe this book would make a positive impact.
By: Lucille Clifton
Illustrated by: Ann Grifalconi
Coretta Scott King Award
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Copyright 1983
Everett Anderson's Goodbye
The passing away of a loved one is an emotional time for those left behind. During this time we experience grief and its five stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Everett Anderson's Goodbye is the story and poem of a young boy's grief after the death of his father. The story is written in the order of the grieving stages. For example Everette's story being with him denying that his father will no longer be at the park with him. It ends with Everette accepting that "love doesn't stop" with death.
I am absolutely in love with this book. As I was reading it all, I could think about was experiencing these same stages when I lost my friend to suicide in the fourth grade. He was the first person I was old enough to remember dying. It was extremely painful to share the same pain when thinking that my friend was no longer going to be able to be at recess with me. This would have been an excellent book for my fourth grade teachers to read to our class. It would have shown us what we can expect while going through the difficult time and helped us to realize everyone is feeling the same way.
Not only was I able to connect with this book, but I was also captivated by the illustrations. Grifalconi did a fascinating job depicting the stages of grief. Just by looking at the Everette's face, in her illustrations, it is easy to identify which stage of grief he is experiencing. I would read this book without hesitation to any child experiencing grief for whatever reason. It's hard to lose something you really care about, but I strongly believe this book would make a positive impact.
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
By: Phyllis Naylor
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 2007
Blue Stem Award Winner
pp. 280
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
Faith, Hope and Ivy June is about two seventh grade girls, who do an exchange program between their schools. Ivy June Mosley is from Thunder Creek, Kentucky and Catherine Combs is from Lexington, Kentucky. This book tells the stories of their experiences, mostly in the third person. After almost every chapter are entries from Ivy June's and Catherine's journals; therefore telling their own perspectives and making the book seem more personal. During the program the girls experience the very simple and basic living of Thunder Creek. They use outhouses instead of bathrooms and take "showers" once a week in a tub outside while rinsing with a hose. In Lexington, Ivy June attended an all girl private school, learned to ride horses, and went to a show.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the lessons it taught throughout its entire reading. Ivy June and Catherine learned to appreciate what they have in their lives. The book also emphasizes that it is important to never hold any prejudices on anyone, because everyone has something special to offer. Even though the two girls come from different lifestyles, in the end of the book they share a common fear for the safety and health of their family members, making them realize that they are not so different after all. I highly recommend this book mainly for middle school aged girls, mostly because there is never really a perspective from a guy's point of view. It is filled with great lessons and a heartfelt ending.
By: Phyllis Naylor
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright 2007
Blue Stem Award Winner
pp. 280
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
Faith, Hope and Ivy June is about two seventh grade girls, who do an exchange program between their schools. Ivy June Mosley is from Thunder Creek, Kentucky and Catherine Combs is from Lexington, Kentucky. This book tells the stories of their experiences, mostly in the third person. After almost every chapter are entries from Ivy June's and Catherine's journals; therefore telling their own perspectives and making the book seem more personal. During the program the girls experience the very simple and basic living of Thunder Creek. They use outhouses instead of bathrooms and take "showers" once a week in a tub outside while rinsing with a hose. In Lexington, Ivy June attended an all girl private school, learned to ride horses, and went to a show.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the lessons it taught throughout its entire reading. Ivy June and Catherine learned to appreciate what they have in their lives. The book also emphasizes that it is important to never hold any prejudices on anyone, because everyone has something special to offer. Even though the two girls come from different lifestyles, in the end of the book they share a common fear for the safety and health of their family members, making them realize that they are not so different after all. I highly recommend this book mainly for middle school aged girls, mostly because there is never really a perspective from a guy's point of view. It is filled with great lessons and a heartfelt ending.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories about growing up Scieszka
Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories about growing up Scieszka
By: Jon Scieszka
Penguin Group
Copyright 2008
Rebecca Caudill Award Winner
pp. 106
Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories
about growing up Scieszka
This is a fun and quick autobiography to read. Jon Scieszka tells childhood memories about having five brothers and the adventures they had. For example, Jon's brother, Jim, sold Jon his own shirt with his clever trickery. Each memory has its own chapter, making the book feel like you are reading short adventure stories about the author's school and home life. Jon also includes pictures of the memories along with some comic art. It makes the reading easier and more fun to have some visuals within the chapters.
This is a fun book for elementary students around the ages of fourth through sixth grade. Considering that it is an autobiography it would be a great introduction to having students learn to write their own autobiographies. It is not a heavy read because Jon tells stories that will make you laugh and smile. He makes you remember memories from your childhood. Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories about growing up Scieszka is a book that students and adults can relate to and enjoy.
By: Jon Scieszka
Penguin Group
Copyright 2008
Rebecca Caudill Award Winner
pp. 106
Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories
about growing up Scieszka
This is a fun and quick autobiography to read. Jon Scieszka tells childhood memories about having five brothers and the adventures they had. For example, Jon's brother, Jim, sold Jon his own shirt with his clever trickery. Each memory has its own chapter, making the book feel like you are reading short adventure stories about the author's school and home life. Jon also includes pictures of the memories along with some comic art. It makes the reading easier and more fun to have some visuals within the chapters.
This is a fun book for elementary students around the ages of fourth through sixth grade. Considering that it is an autobiography it would be a great introduction to having students learn to write their own autobiographies. It is not a heavy read because Jon tells stories that will make you laugh and smile. He makes you remember memories from your childhood. Knucklehead: tall tales & mostly true stories about growing up Scieszka is a book that students and adults can relate to and enjoy.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Birthday for Bear
A Birthday for Bear
By: Bonny Becker
Illustrated By: Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press
Copyright 2009
pp. 50
A Birthday for Bear
The Monarch Award
A Birthday for Bear is a fun read, for young children, looking forward to begin reading chapter books. I really enjoyed reading this book because the illustrations were adorable, funny, and told the story on their own. In each chapter, bear works on different house chores and trying to forget it's his birthday. Mouse always interrupts Bear's chores, because he will not let Bear go without celebrating his birthday. At the end of the book, Bear enjoys the birthday Mouse has thrown for him. This is a great book to discuss friendship with students. It would also be a fun way to explain the way chapter books work. A Birthday for Bear is a excellent choice for a young elementary class.
By: Bonny Becker
Illustrated By: Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick Press
Copyright 2009
pp. 50
A Birthday for Bear
The Monarch Award
A Birthday for Bear is a fun read, for young children, looking forward to begin reading chapter books. I really enjoyed reading this book because the illustrations were adorable, funny, and told the story on their own. In each chapter, bear works on different house chores and trying to forget it's his birthday. Mouse always interrupts Bear's chores, because he will not let Bear go without celebrating his birthday. At the end of the book, Bear enjoys the birthday Mouse has thrown for him. This is a great book to discuss friendship with students. It would also be a fun way to explain the way chapter books work. A Birthday for Bear is a excellent choice for a young elementary class.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)