Bibliographic Information: Yolen, J. (2007). How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?. Illus. Mark Teague. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Brief Annotation: This Book shows how if Dinosaurs were able to be at school, they'd probably be disruptive but then again, they could probably control themselves. The disruptive behaviors the dinosaurs portrayed are the typical disruptive behaviors you see in classrooms. Then the dinosaurs are portrayed as following the rule and behaving properly at school.
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Kids who love dinosaurs!
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I really liked the rhyming which made this book a very smooth read and the illustrations were very eye catching!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you think would happen if dinosaurs really did go to school?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a. Reading Strategy: Poetic Response
b. Strategy Description: Have the students write a poetic response to the book by creating a poem arguing how they think school would be like if dinosaurs did come to school. Their poem must take one side of the argument, either the positive or the negative side of allowing dinosaurs to be at school.
c. Rationale: This would be a good strategy to show they comprehended the story of the book. Then they will also get a chance to use their creative writing skills to write a poem in response to either it is a good idea of allowing or not allowing dinosaurs at school.
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Principal's New Clothes
Bibliographic Information: Clamenson, S. (1989). The Principal's New Clothes. Illus. Illustrator Denise Brunkus. Broadway, NY: Scholastics.
Brief Annotation: Mr. Bundy was the sharpest dressing principal, he had enough clothes that he would go a whole month without repeating his outfits. Then one day, a couple of tricksters came to sell Mr. Bundy some new clothes made out of special fabric. This Fabric was so special that only smart people or people who are fit for their jobs could see it. When no one, not even Mr. Bundy, could see the clothes everyone pretended to see it. No one wanted to tell the truth because they didn't want to seem stupid until a kindergartner pointed out the truth. Then Mr. Bundy awarded the student a golden star for her honesty.
Genre: Trickster tale, fractured fairy tale
Grade Level:K-3
Readers who will like this: Anyone who enjoys an entertaining and comical book.
Response/Rating (1-4): 3, The message of the book is a great message to use with primary grades. It really teaches kids to be honest, even if you're afraid of how other might think of you!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What kind of clothes do you think the principal is getting?
a. Reading Strategy: Open-Minded Portraits
b. Strategy Description: The students will choose one character from the book and draw a portrait of that character. Then on the second page, they will draw an open-minded portrait of what they think that character was thinking during a specific moment in the book. They will get to choose which moment they want to draw about. Once they've decided which moment they are doing, they will write a brief description of that event before they draw that character's open-minded portrait.
c. Rationale: This strategy will allow the students to think deeply an reflect on some of the small moments in the book. It will also allow the students to look at the moment from the chosen character's perspective.
Brief Annotation: Mr. Bundy was the sharpest dressing principal, he had enough clothes that he would go a whole month without repeating his outfits. Then one day, a couple of tricksters came to sell Mr. Bundy some new clothes made out of special fabric. This Fabric was so special that only smart people or people who are fit for their jobs could see it. When no one, not even Mr. Bundy, could see the clothes everyone pretended to see it. No one wanted to tell the truth because they didn't want to seem stupid until a kindergartner pointed out the truth. Then Mr. Bundy awarded the student a golden star for her honesty.
Genre: Trickster tale, fractured fairy tale
Grade Level:K-3
Readers who will like this: Anyone who enjoys an entertaining and comical book.
Response/Rating (1-4): 3, The message of the book is a great message to use with primary grades. It really teaches kids to be honest, even if you're afraid of how other might think of you!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What kind of clothes do you think the principal is getting?
a. Reading Strategy: Open-Minded Portraits
b. Strategy Description: The students will choose one character from the book and draw a portrait of that character. Then on the second page, they will draw an open-minded portrait of what they think that character was thinking during a specific moment in the book. They will get to choose which moment they want to draw about. Once they've decided which moment they are doing, they will write a brief description of that event before they draw that character's open-minded portrait.
c. Rationale: This strategy will allow the students to think deeply an reflect on some of the small moments in the book. It will also allow the students to look at the moment from the chosen character's perspective.
Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella
Bibliographic Information: Lowell, S. (2000). Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella. Illus. Illustrator Jane Manning. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Brief Annotation: A Western version of Cinderella, Cindy Ellen is forced to put up with her lazy step sisters. Instead of wanting to go to a ball, Cindy Ellen wishes to attend the rodeo! When everyone leaves Cindy Ellen behind, her fairy godmother appears with her fancy, golden pistol and uses magic to fancy up Cindy Ellen for her big debut at the rodeo. Cindy Ellen attends the rodeo and wows Joe Prince, a rich rancher's son, who falls in love with her. Racing to get home before midnight, Cindy Ellen loses one of her sparkling diamond spurs in front of Joe Prince! Collecting the diamond spur, Joe Prince goes searching for his dream girl and comes upon Cindy Ellen and they lived happily every after!
Genre: Fractured Fairy Tale
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Anyone who enjoys a playful version of famous fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I loved the colorful illustrations and the playful western style use of language
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What other versions of Cinderella have you heard?
Brief Annotation: A Western version of Cinderella, Cindy Ellen is forced to put up with her lazy step sisters. Instead of wanting to go to a ball, Cindy Ellen wishes to attend the rodeo! When everyone leaves Cindy Ellen behind, her fairy godmother appears with her fancy, golden pistol and uses magic to fancy up Cindy Ellen for her big debut at the rodeo. Cindy Ellen attends the rodeo and wows Joe Prince, a rich rancher's son, who falls in love with her. Racing to get home before midnight, Cindy Ellen loses one of her sparkling diamond spurs in front of Joe Prince! Collecting the diamond spur, Joe Prince goes searching for his dream girl and comes upon Cindy Ellen and they lived happily every after!
Genre: Fractured Fairy Tale
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Anyone who enjoys a playful version of famous fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I loved the colorful illustrations and the playful western style use of language
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What other versions of Cinderella have you heard?
The Boy Who was Raised By Librarians
Bibliographic Information: Morris, C. (2007). The Boy Who was Raised By Librarians. Illus. Illustrator Brad Sneed. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.
Brief Annotation: Melvin develops an interest in the library, where he can find information about anything! With the time he spends at the library, he develops close relationships with the librarians. They become his mentors and help him throughout his school years. After he graduates, his love for the library brings him to become one of the new librarians.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: K-5
Readers who will like this: Students who enjoy visiting and exploring the library!
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I absolutely love this book! Working in the library, I appreciate how this book illustrates just how resourceful the library and the librarians can be!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What is your favorite thing about your library?
a. Reading Strategy: Collaborative Books
b. Strategy Description: The students will work together in groups to write a book about a fictional student who enjoys to go to the library. They will each include their own personal experiences at a library. Then they will work together to try and fit each experiences into their book. Then they will add their illustrations and present the finished product to their classmates.
c. Rationale: This strategy will allow the students to work collaboratively and think creatively to produce a book. In order to do so, the students must know the characteristics of a book and be sure to include all parts that make up a book. Then once they are done, they will gain a sense of ownership, as well experience as an author when they present their books to their classmates.
Brief Annotation: Melvin develops an interest in the library, where he can find information about anything! With the time he spends at the library, he develops close relationships with the librarians. They become his mentors and help him throughout his school years. After he graduates, his love for the library brings him to become one of the new librarians.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: K-5
Readers who will like this: Students who enjoy visiting and exploring the library!
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I absolutely love this book! Working in the library, I appreciate how this book illustrates just how resourceful the library and the librarians can be!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What is your favorite thing about your library?
a. Reading Strategy: Collaborative Books
b. Strategy Description: The students will work together in groups to write a book about a fictional student who enjoys to go to the library. They will each include their own personal experiences at a library. Then they will work together to try and fit each experiences into their book. Then they will add their illustrations and present the finished product to their classmates.
c. Rationale: This strategy will allow the students to work collaboratively and think creatively to produce a book. In order to do so, the students must know the characteristics of a book and be sure to include all parts that make up a book. Then once they are done, they will gain a sense of ownership, as well experience as an author when they present their books to their classmates.
Three Cool Kids
Bibliographic Information: Emberly, R. (1995). Three Cool Kids. New York, NY: Little, Brown Company.
Brief Annotation: Three kids (young goats) lives in a big, busy city. The lot they've lived in for as long as they can remember is quickly running out of grass to eat so they are in search of a new place. Having spotted a new place across the street, with plenty of green grass, they are a little weary to cross because of the big, bad rat in the sewer that guards the street. Big Cool, the oldest of the kids, convinces his siblings to cross and they come across the rat who threatens to eat them. Big Cool fearlessly defeats the rat and the kids live happily ever after in their new lot.
Genre: Animal Fantasy Folktale
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Students who are studying fractured fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I absolutely love the illustrations and the play with words.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who do you think are the three cool kids?
Brief Annotation: Three kids (young goats) lives in a big, busy city. The lot they've lived in for as long as they can remember is quickly running out of grass to eat so they are in search of a new place. Having spotted a new place across the street, with plenty of green grass, they are a little weary to cross because of the big, bad rat in the sewer that guards the street. Big Cool, the oldest of the kids, convinces his siblings to cross and they come across the rat who threatens to eat them. Big Cool fearlessly defeats the rat and the kids live happily ever after in their new lot.
Genre: Animal Fantasy Folktale
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Students who are studying fractured fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I absolutely love the illustrations and the play with words.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who do you think are the three cool kids?
The Girl Who Spun Gold
Bibliographic Information: Hamilton, V. (2000). The Girl Who Spun Gold. Illus. Leo and Diane Dillon. New York, NY published: The Blue Sky Press.
Brief Annotation: An African version of Rumpelstiltskin, Quashiba was rumored by her mother to be able to spin golden thread. Impressed by her rumored skill, the King married her as his wife and then locked her up until she could spin golden thread for him. Desperate, Quashiba allowed a magical little man to help spin the gold for her, under one condition, that if she can't guess his name, he will make her small and take her to his land. After several wrong guesses, she miraculously comes across his name and is freed from the little man. Then the King finally lets her out and they lived happily ever after.
Genre: Culturally Diverse Folktale
Grade Level: K-5th
Readers who will like this: anyone who enjoys folktales
Response/Rating (1-4): 3, The illustrations were great but I lost interest half way through the story.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What other folktale does the title remind you of?
Brief Annotation: An African version of Rumpelstiltskin, Quashiba was rumored by her mother to be able to spin golden thread. Impressed by her rumored skill, the King married her as his wife and then locked her up until she could spin golden thread for him. Desperate, Quashiba allowed a magical little man to help spin the gold for her, under one condition, that if she can't guess his name, he will make her small and take her to his land. After several wrong guesses, she miraculously comes across his name and is freed from the little man. Then the King finally lets her out and they lived happily ever after.
Genre: Culturally Diverse Folktale
Grade Level: K-5th
Readers who will like this: anyone who enjoys folktales
Response/Rating (1-4): 3, The illustrations were great but I lost interest half way through the story.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What other folktale does the title remind you of?
Kate and the Beanstalk
Bibliographic Information: Osborne, M. P. (2000). Kate and the Beanstalk. Illus. Giselle Potter. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: A Kate is put through a series of goodness test to see if she can retrieve what was stolen from a good knight by a greedy giant. Completing all tests, she then learns that the good Knight was actually her father who was slain by the giant. With the giant dead from his fall off the beanstalk, Kate and her mother could return back their father's castle.
Genre: Fractured Fairy Tales
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Children who enjoys fairy tales.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I really liked the twist at the ending, it was very surprising.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who can summarize the story of Jack and the Beanstalk?
a. Reading Strategy: Reader's Theatre
b. Strategy Description: The story of the book will be broken down into a script for a play. There would be a part for each character in the book. Students will get a chance to take turns having each part. Then they will read their lines, making sure they include the appropriate tone and expression for their line.
c. Rationale: This is a great strategy to use for improving and practicing fluency. With the book being transformed into a play, the students will get to add a voice and character to each part. They will also get a chance to practice the use of tone and expression as they read their line.
Brief Annotation: A Kate is put through a series of goodness test to see if she can retrieve what was stolen from a good knight by a greedy giant. Completing all tests, she then learns that the good Knight was actually her father who was slain by the giant. With the giant dead from his fall off the beanstalk, Kate and her mother could return back their father's castle.
Genre: Fractured Fairy Tales
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Children who enjoys fairy tales.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I really liked the twist at the ending, it was very surprising.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who can summarize the story of Jack and the Beanstalk?
a. Reading Strategy: Reader's Theatre
b. Strategy Description: The story of the book will be broken down into a script for a play. There would be a part for each character in the book. Students will get a chance to take turns having each part. Then they will read their lines, making sure they include the appropriate tone and expression for their line.
c. Rationale: This is a great strategy to use for improving and practicing fluency. With the book being transformed into a play, the students will get to add a voice and character to each part. They will also get a chance to practice the use of tone and expression as they read their line.
The Princess and the Pizza
Bibliographic Information: Auch, M. J. and Auch, H. (2002). The Princess and the Pizza. New York, NY: Holiday House.
Brief Annotation: Princess Paulina who use to be a princess decided to enter a competition to become the princess bride of Prince Drupert. The competition consisted of many tests to find a real princess. Princess Paulina pass all the test until the last one, which was a cooking contest. With odd ingredients, she didn't have know what to make but she managed to complete a dish which the queen and prince loved! That dish gained the name, "Pizza!" Seeing how everyone loved her pizza dish, Princess Paulina decided not to marry Prince Drupert and lived happily ever after making Pizzas!
Genre: Fractured Fairy tales
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Students who are familiar with fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, This was a very entertaining and comical take on the Princess and the Pea. This would be a great book to use when teaching about fractured fairy tale!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who has read or heard the tale of the Princess and the Pea?
Brief Annotation: Princess Paulina who use to be a princess decided to enter a competition to become the princess bride of Prince Drupert. The competition consisted of many tests to find a real princess. Princess Paulina pass all the test until the last one, which was a cooking contest. With odd ingredients, she didn't have know what to make but she managed to complete a dish which the queen and prince loved! That dish gained the name, "Pizza!" Seeing how everyone loved her pizza dish, Princess Paulina decided not to marry Prince Drupert and lived happily ever after making Pizzas!
Genre: Fractured Fairy tales
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Students who are familiar with fairy tales
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, This was a very entertaining and comical take on the Princess and the Pea. This would be a great book to use when teaching about fractured fairy tale!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who has read or heard the tale of the Princess and the Pea?
On My Honor
Bibliographic Information: Bauer, M. (1987). On My Honor. New York, NY: Yearling.
Brief Annotation: Joel and Tony are friends but Tony is way more daring than Joel. Taking a biking trip to a place Joel didn't even feel like going, the boys' trip turns into a nightmare. Joel ends up daring Tony to swim across the river to the sandbar even though Tony wasn't a good swimmer. Unfortunately, Tony ends up drowning and Joel is left figuring out how he is going to tell their parents.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 4th-5th
Readers who will like this: Readers who like an adventure with a good lesson.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I liked how there is action right away. This is a good book to recommend to struggling readers in higher grades. It is a short read and the action occurs within the first few chapters, which will hook the reader.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever lied about something and that little lie just turns into a bigger problem?
a. Reading Strategy: Hot Seat
b. Strategy Description: Have the students take turns sitting in the hot seat. In the hot seat, the students will take on the identity of one of the characters in the book. Then the other students will ask the student, in the hot seat, questions relating to the story of the book. If the there is a definite answer, they student in the hot seat must answer to their best abilities. If the answer is based on what they character could have been thinking, the student can improvise what they thought.
c. Rationale: This is a great strategy for retelling in a creative way. This strategy is also great for the students to show their comprehension of the book.
Brief Annotation: Joel and Tony are friends but Tony is way more daring than Joel. Taking a biking trip to a place Joel didn't even feel like going, the boys' trip turns into a nightmare. Joel ends up daring Tony to swim across the river to the sandbar even though Tony wasn't a good swimmer. Unfortunately, Tony ends up drowning and Joel is left figuring out how he is going to tell their parents.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 4th-5th
Readers who will like this: Readers who like an adventure with a good lesson.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I liked how there is action right away. This is a good book to recommend to struggling readers in higher grades. It is a short read and the action occurs within the first few chapters, which will hook the reader.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever lied about something and that little lie just turns into a bigger problem?
a. Reading Strategy: Hot Seat
b. Strategy Description: Have the students take turns sitting in the hot seat. In the hot seat, the students will take on the identity of one of the characters in the book. Then the other students will ask the student, in the hot seat, questions relating to the story of the book. If the there is a definite answer, they student in the hot seat must answer to their best abilities. If the answer is based on what they character could have been thinking, the student can improvise what they thought.
c. Rationale: This is a great strategy for retelling in a creative way. This strategy is also great for the students to show their comprehension of the book.
Jazz
Myers, W. (2008). Jazz. Illus. Christoph Myers. New York, New York: Holiday House, Inc.
Annotation: This is a poem book compiled of 15 different poems. The poems depict the history of jazz as well as making the reading feel like they can hear the music by the beeps and bops that are in the book.
Genre: Children's Poetry (Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award 2007)
Grade Level: 2nd-5th
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for teachers to keep in their library, because it is a fun way of presenting poetry to students. A lot of kids are pursuing band the beginning of 5th grade, so it presents a way to show poetry in a different light than Romeo and Juliet.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. I am not a huge fan of poetry, but the illustrations and unique structure of this poetry book is outstanding.
Question: Do you play an instrument?
Annotation: This is a poem book compiled of 15 different poems. The poems depict the history of jazz as well as making the reading feel like they can hear the music by the beeps and bops that are in the book.
Genre: Children's Poetry (Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award 2007)
Grade Level: 2nd-5th
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for teachers to keep in their library, because it is a fun way of presenting poetry to students. A lot of kids are pursuing band the beginning of 5th grade, so it presents a way to show poetry in a different light than Romeo and Juliet.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. I am not a huge fan of poetry, but the illustrations and unique structure of this poetry book is outstanding.
Question: Do you play an instrument?
Good Enough to Eat
Cole, B. (2007). Good Enough to Eat. Illus. Brock Cole. New York, New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Annotation: This is about a homeless girl that the people in town would love to get rid of. When an ogre shows up to town one day they pawn her off on him. She is able to outwit the townspeople and the ogre.
Genre: Theme paper book (fairytale and fantasy)
Grade Level: K-5th
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute bedtime story for a little girl to read or have read to her.
Response/Rating: I give this book a 3. The illustrations weren't my cup of tea. I like more vivid colors and more modern illustrations. The story line was well written.
Question: Do you know what an ogre is?
Annotation: This is about a homeless girl that the people in town would love to get rid of. When an ogre shows up to town one day they pawn her off on him. She is able to outwit the townspeople and the ogre.
Genre: Theme paper book (fairytale and fantasy)
Grade Level: K-5th
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute bedtime story for a little girl to read or have read to her.
Response/Rating: I give this book a 3. The illustrations weren't my cup of tea. I like more vivid colors and more modern illustrations. The story line was well written.
Question: Do you know what an ogre is?
The Lightning Thief
Bibliographic Information (APA): Riordan, Rick. (2006). The Lightning Thief. New York, NY: Disney-Hyperion.
Brief Annotation: This is a book about a boy that has been raised by a single mother. He has never met his father but when a strange set of events happen on a school field trip he learns that his father is much more powerful than he knew.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction
Grade Level: 5th and up
Readers who will like this: Children that enjoy books with action or a hero main character. Children that enjoy fantasy novels. Children that enjoyed Harry Potter.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I loved this book for many reasons. I loved that this drew a lot of Greek history and knowledge about greek gods. This books shows a lot of growth in Percy when he has to go on a quest to find his father's lightning bolt in order to save the world. This book has a great plot that drives the book. Many children will become interested in Greek history when they read this book.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever wished one of your parents was a super hero or a god?
The Sorceror's Stone
Bibliographic Information (APA): Rowling, J.K. (1998). Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Illus Mary GrandPré. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Brief Annotation: This is about a young boy named Harry that becomes a wizard and is sent to wizarding school. He finds that he is welcomed by many but not by all.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction
Grade Level: 4th and up
Readers who will like this: Children that enjoy fantasy books or books about wizards.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; This is a wonderful book for children. Rowling writes beautifully and engages the reader on every page. The characters are well rounded and deep. The plot is wonderfully written and easy to follow. I would recommend this book for avid readers or children that don't seem to enjoy reading. Harry grows through this book ans discovers a lot about himself.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Do you ever wish that you were a wizard?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Whole World's Crazy
Bibliographic Information: Gownley, J. (2006) Amelia Rules: The Whole World's Crazy. Harrisburg, Penn: Renaissance Press
Annotation: This is the story of Amelia. She begins to wonder if the whole world is crazy, or maybe it's her. She is experiencing many new things, and her friends are along for the ride.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Grade Level: 2-6
Readers who will enjoy this book: Students who have expierenced change including moving and divorce
Response/Rating: This was a great introduction to graphic novels. I loved the book and it really made me laugh! 4
Classroom question: Have you ever moved away and had to find new friends? Do you know somebody who has?
Annotation: This is the story of Amelia. She begins to wonder if the whole world is crazy, or maybe it's her. She is experiencing many new things, and her friends are along for the ride.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Grade Level: 2-6
Readers who will enjoy this book: Students who have expierenced change including moving and divorce
Response/Rating: This was a great introduction to graphic novels. I loved the book and it really made me laugh! 4
Classroom question: Have you ever moved away and had to find new friends? Do you know somebody who has?
Chester
Bibliographic Information: Watts, M. (2007) Chester. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press
Annotation: This book will keep you on your toes! This is the story of a mouse that lives out in the country. At least that's what it starts as. Chester the cat takes over, rewriting the story, to make it about him.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: young readers that like mice and cats.
Response/Rating: I think this book would be difficult for young readers to follow. The illustrations were great. 2
Classroom question: Has anybody tried to change something you were making?
Annotation: This book will keep you on your toes! This is the story of a mouse that lives out in the country. At least that's what it starts as. Chester the cat takes over, rewriting the story, to make it about him.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: young readers that like mice and cats.
Response/Rating: I think this book would be difficult for young readers to follow. The illustrations were great. 2
Classroom question: Has anybody tried to change something you were making?
Kitten's First Full Moon
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (2004) Kitten's First Full Moon. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: Kitten sees the full moon and thinks its a bowl of milk. Kitten tries to get it, instead ends up with a bug in her mouth. Kittens keeps trying to get the bowl of milk in the sky but has no luck. Finally, kitten returns to the porch and finds a bowl of milk waiting.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, students who like cats
Response/Rating: Instantly one of my favorite books! I love the kitten and the illustrations. 4
Classroom questions: Have you ever noticed that the moon can have different shapes? What does a full moon look like?
Annotation: Kitten sees the full moon and thinks its a bowl of milk. Kitten tries to get it, instead ends up with a bug in her mouth. Kittens keeps trying to get the bowl of milk in the sky but has no luck. Finally, kitten returns to the porch and finds a bowl of milk waiting.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, students who like cats
Response/Rating: Instantly one of my favorite books! I love the kitten and the illustrations. 4
Classroom questions: Have you ever noticed that the moon can have different shapes? What does a full moon look like?
The Biggest Boy
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (1995) The Biggest Boy. Illus. Nancy Tafuri. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: This is the story of how Billy is growing. Billy is a big boy and can do many things on his own. Billy imagines what it would be like to be the biggest boy in the world.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Parents teaching about growing up. Beginning readers, especialy young boys
Response/ Rating: Not one of my favorite Kevin Henkes books. I prefer when he illustrates his own books. 2
Classroom questions: What can you do on your own that you couldn't before?
Annotation: This is the story of how Billy is growing. Billy is a big boy and can do many things on his own. Billy imagines what it would be like to be the biggest boy in the world.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Parents teaching about growing up. Beginning readers, especialy young boys
Response/ Rating: Not one of my favorite Kevin Henkes books. I prefer when he illustrates his own books. 2
Classroom questions: What can you do on your own that you couldn't before?
Old Bear
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (2008) Old Bear. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: Old bear falls asleep and hibernates for the winter. While he is sleeping he dreams of the season and of when we was a bear cub.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Most beginning readers would enjoy this book, teachers teachers the seasons
Response/Rating: Illustrations are simple but beautiful. This book is very simple and great for beginning readers. 3
Classroom questions: Do you know what hibernation is? Do you know what the seasons are?
Annotation: Old bear falls asleep and hibernates for the winter. While he is sleeping he dreams of the season and of when we was a bear cub.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who will like this book: Most beginning readers would enjoy this book, teachers teachers the seasons
Response/Rating: Illustrations are simple but beautiful. This book is very simple and great for beginning readers. 3
Classroom questions: Do you know what hibernation is? Do you know what the seasons are?
Wemberly Worried
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (2000) Wemberly Worried. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: Wemberly worried about everything. It is her first day of school and she worries more than ever. When she gets to school she finds another student that is just like her. She isn't so worried by the end of the day.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: Pre-k- K
Reader who will like this book: Children starting school will be able to relate to the book. Parents who have children about to go to school for the first time.
Response/Rating: I think this is a great book, and not just for students starting school. Children and adults go through many changes and worry as each one arrives. I like that almost everybody can relate to this book. 4
Classroom question: Have you ever worried about something?
Annotation: Wemberly worried about everything. It is her first day of school and she worries more than ever. When she gets to school she finds another student that is just like her. She isn't so worried by the end of the day.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: Pre-k- K
Reader who will like this book: Children starting school will be able to relate to the book. Parents who have children about to go to school for the first time.
Response/Rating: I think this is a great book, and not just for students starting school. Children and adults go through many changes and worry as each one arrives. I like that almost everybody can relate to this book. 4
Classroom question: Have you ever worried about something?
Lily's Purple Plastic Purse
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (1996) Lily's Purple Plastic Purse. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: Lily loves going to school and loves he teacher. He asks her to wait to show her new purse to the class. He is not her favorite anymore. Lily interupts the class and has her purse taken away! Lily is very upset and draws a nasty picture of her teacher. He returns he stuff later with a treat for her. Lily feels bad for what she did and apologizes to her teacher.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Response/Rating: The message in this book stands out strong! I liked that there were consequences for her actions and that she showed remorse for her wrong doing. 4
Classroom questions: Do you get excited when you get new things?
Annotation: Lily loves going to school and loves he teacher. He asks her to wait to show her new purse to the class. He is not her favorite anymore. Lily interupts the class and has her purse taken away! Lily is very upset and draws a nasty picture of her teacher. He returns he stuff later with a treat for her. Lily feels bad for what she did and apologizes to her teacher.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Response/Rating: The message in this book stands out strong! I liked that there were consequences for her actions and that she showed remorse for her wrong doing. 4
Classroom questions: Do you get excited when you get new things?
Too Many Tamales
Bibliographic Information: Soto, G. (1993) Too Many Tamales. Illus. Ed Martinez. New York: Putnam
Annotation: It is Christmas time and Maria is helping her mother make tamales. She can't resist when she sees her mother's diamond ring on the counter, she tries it on. Later when the family arrives she realizes the ring is missing. With the help of her cousins they eat all the tamales and still don't find the ring. Maria confesses to her mother and finds out she had the ring the entire time!
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Students who have ever been faced with telling the truth in difficult situations.
Response/Rating: I really enjoyed this story. It reminds me of my childhood and the adventures I had with my cousins. I think many students can relate to this story. 4
Classroom questions: Do you have family traditions during holidays? Have you ever lost anything that was very important to somebody?
Annotation: It is Christmas time and Maria is helping her mother make tamales. She can't resist when she sees her mother's diamond ring on the counter, she tries it on. Later when the family arrives she realizes the ring is missing. With the help of her cousins they eat all the tamales and still don't find the ring. Maria confesses to her mother and finds out she had the ring the entire time!
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Students who have ever been faced with telling the truth in difficult situations.
Response/Rating: I really enjoyed this story. It reminds me of my childhood and the adventures I had with my cousins. I think many students can relate to this story. 4
Classroom questions: Do you have family traditions during holidays? Have you ever lost anything that was very important to somebody?
Grandfather's Journey
Bibliographic Information: Say, A. (1993) Grandfather's Journey. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin
Annotation: This is the story of Allen Say's grandfather. His grandfather traveled from Japan to the US when he was a child. Throughout his life he travels back and forth between the two places. When he is in Japan he misses California and when he is in California he misses Japan. When Allen gets older he travels to California and loves it as much as his granfather did.
Genre: Culturally Diverse
Grade Level: 3-12
Readers who will like this book: Students with strong connection to grandfather, students who have ever moved and become homesick
Response/Rating: After reading all I could think about what the song bird that he had. The watercolor illustrations really added to the story! 3
Classroom questions: Have you ever moved far away or know somebody who has?
Annotation: This is the story of Allen Say's grandfather. His grandfather traveled from Japan to the US when he was a child. Throughout his life he travels back and forth between the two places. When he is in Japan he misses California and when he is in California he misses Japan. When Allen gets older he travels to California and loves it as much as his granfather did.
Genre: Culturally Diverse
Grade Level: 3-12
Readers who will like this book: Students with strong connection to grandfather, students who have ever moved and become homesick
Response/Rating: After reading all I could think about what the song bird that he had. The watercolor illustrations really added to the story! 3
Classroom questions: Have you ever moved far away or know somebody who has?
Henry's Freedom Box
Bibliographic Information: Levine, E. (2007) Henry's Freedom Box. Illus. Kadir Nelson. New York: Scholastic Press
Annotation: This story is about Henry Brown and his journey from being a slave as a child to freedom as an adult. Henry was seperated from his family and sent away to work. Henry got married and had three children. The same thing happened to them, his wife and children were sold. Henry tried to think of the happy times. With help, Henry decided he was going to be free. He was sent to the north in a crate and became a free man.
Genre: Picturebook, Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 2-5
Readers who will like this book: Teachers teaching about slavery and children interested in history
Response/Rating: I thought this was a good informational book. It is sad but important to learning about slavery. The illustrations are bold, strong pictures that really enhance the reading. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what slavery is? Have you heard of the underground railroad?
Annotation: This story is about Henry Brown and his journey from being a slave as a child to freedom as an adult. Henry was seperated from his family and sent away to work. Henry got married and had three children. The same thing happened to them, his wife and children were sold. Henry tried to think of the happy times. With help, Henry decided he was going to be free. He was sent to the north in a crate and became a free man.
Genre: Picturebook, Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 2-5
Readers who will like this book: Teachers teaching about slavery and children interested in history
Response/Rating: I thought this was a good informational book. It is sad but important to learning about slavery. The illustrations are bold, strong pictures that really enhance the reading. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what slavery is? Have you heard of the underground railroad?
Blue Chameleon
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2010). Blue Chameleon. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Lonely chameleon changes his color to try to find a friend.
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever felt lonely and tried to find a friend.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. As with so many of Gravett's other books, the front and back endpages tell more of the story. Sparse text with vividly colored illustrations help the reader to discern chameleon's feelings.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What does it feel like to be lonely?
Brief Annotation: Lonely chameleon changes his color to try to find a friend.
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever felt lonely and tried to find a friend.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. As with so many of Gravett's other books, the front and back endpages tell more of the story. Sparse text with vividly colored illustrations help the reader to discern chameleon's feelings.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What does it feel like to be lonely?
Orange Pear Apple Bear
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2005). Orange Pear Apple Bear. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: The story of an orange, a pear, an apple, and a bear, told with only those words and illustrations.
Genre: Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 1
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, and those who like books where the illustrations provide meaning to the words.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. With minimal language, Gravett changes the story through the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Does it matter what order words are written in?
Brief Annotation: The story of an orange, a pear, an apple, and a bear, told with only those words and illustrations.
Genre: Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 1
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, and those who like books where the illustrations provide meaning to the words.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. With minimal language, Gravett changes the story through the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Does it matter what order words are written in?
Dogs
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2009). Dogs. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Describes all the different kinds of dogs the narrator loves, with a twist ending.
Genre: Concept Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: All dog lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Gravett's illustrations provide more information than the sparse text in this book. Adults won't be able to keep themselves from laughing at the surprise ending.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: If you like dogs, what is your favorite kind of dog?
Brief Annotation: Describes all the different kinds of dogs the narrator loves, with a twist ending.
Genre: Concept Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: All dog lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Gravett's illustrations provide more information than the sparse text in this book. Adults won't be able to keep themselves from laughing at the surprise ending.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: If you like dogs, what is your favorite kind of dog?
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2007). Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Little Mouse has lots of fears. Follow him as he records his fears in a book designed to help him get over those fears.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever been afraid of something.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Like Gravett's other postmodern picturebooks, there are lots of things to look at and read in this book. Fun and humorous.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What are you afraid of?
Brief Annotation: Little Mouse has lots of fears. Follow him as he records his fears in a book designed to help him get over those fears.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever been afraid of something.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Like Gravett's other postmodern picturebooks, there are lots of things to look at and read in this book. Fun and humorous.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What are you afraid of?
Spells
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2008). Spells. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Frog finds a book of spells, but he's torn the pages up. Follow frog, and create your own spells, as he tries to piece together the page that will turn him into a handsome prince.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes spells, and wishes they could cast some of their own.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful interactive book, where kids can make crazy creations. The pages with the spells are split in half horizontally, and the pictures and text make some funny animals out of frog.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would the words in a spell be? What kind of spell would you like to cast?
Brief Annotation: Frog finds a book of spells, but he's torn the pages up. Follow frog, and create your own spells, as he tries to piece together the page that will turn him into a handsome prince.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes spells, and wishes they could cast some of their own.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful interactive book, where kids can make crazy creations. The pages with the spells are split in half horizontally, and the pictures and text make some funny animals out of frog.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would the words in a spell be? What kind of spell would you like to cast?
The Rabbit Problem
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2009). The Rabbit Problem. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Follow these rabbits through the months of a year, as they battle with hunger, boredom, and an ever-growing population.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves bunnies, and/or math.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. An ingenious way to look at the mathematical concept of Fibonacci's sequence, despite the fact that the author swears it is not a book about math. Fun and funny, no matter how you look at it!
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What happens when there are too many rabbits in one place?
Brief Annotation: Follow these rabbits through the months of a year, as they battle with hunger, boredom, and an ever-growing population.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves bunnies, and/or math.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. An ingenious way to look at the mathematical concept of Fibonacci's sequence, despite the fact that the author swears it is not a book about math. Fun and funny, no matter how you look at it!
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What happens when there are too many rabbits in one place?
The Little Red And and the Great Big Crumb
Bibliographic Information: Climo, Shirley. (1995). The little red ant and the great big crumb. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Annotation: A little ant thinks she is too little to carry the crumb, but when she scares El Hombre, who is the strongest of all, she realizes she can carry the crumb herself.
Genre: Fable
Grade Level: P
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Someone who has experienced being the smallest one and learned that they were able to do a task they previously thought they couldn't.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. This is a fun story to encourage children that if they think they can do something, they probably can.
Prereading Question: Have you ever realized you could do something you previously thought you couldn't?
Annotation: A little ant thinks she is too little to carry the crumb, but when she scares El Hombre, who is the strongest of all, she realizes she can carry the crumb herself.
Genre: Fable
Grade Level: P
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Someone who has experienced being the smallest one and learned that they were able to do a task they previously thought they couldn't.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. This is a fun story to encourage children that if they think they can do something, they probably can.
Prereading Question: Have you ever realized you could do something you previously thought you couldn't?
A Summer to Die
Bibliographic Information: Lowry, Lois. (1977). A summer to die. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Annotation: This is a highly fictionalized story of the death of Lois Lowry's sister. Meg is envious of her older and more beautiful sister. Her family temporarily moves to a more quiet area so her father can finish his book. During this time her sister is stricken with cancer, though Meg's parents don't share this information with her. As with all of Lois Lowry's books, it is the human relationships that are the focus of the story.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who have ever lost someone they love as well as struggled with jealousy and envy.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. This was the first book Lois Lowry wrote for children. Meg, the protagonist, forms several complex relationships which are actually quite mature for a 13 year old girl. Even as an adult I enjoyed this book and was touched by the humanity in it.
Prereading Question: Have you ever been jealous of someone?
Annotation: This is a highly fictionalized story of the death of Lois Lowry's sister. Meg is envious of her older and more beautiful sister. Her family temporarily moves to a more quiet area so her father can finish his book. During this time her sister is stricken with cancer, though Meg's parents don't share this information with her. As with all of Lois Lowry's books, it is the human relationships that are the focus of the story.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who have ever lost someone they love as well as struggled with jealousy and envy.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. This was the first book Lois Lowry wrote for children. Meg, the protagonist, forms several complex relationships which are actually quite mature for a 13 year old girl. Even as an adult I enjoyed this book and was touched by the humanity in it.
Prereading Question: Have you ever been jealous of someone?
Gossamer
Bibliographic Information: Lowry, Lois. (2006). Gossamer. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Annotation: How can an old woman help a young angry boy who has been hurt and damaged by those who were supposed to love him? The woman, with the secret aid from the dreamgivers, helps the boy heal and learn to love again.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested is stories in which those who have become damaged are able to heal and grow as well as those interested in dreams and how those dreams might affect you.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. If you have read A Child Called It, this is a much tamer version, but deals with a similar situation. I liked how Lowry used the explanation of the dreamgivers and the sinisteeds and their purposes. It is a powerful story and one of redemption.
Prereading Question: Why do you think we dream what we dream?
Annotation: How can an old woman help a young angry boy who has been hurt and damaged by those who were supposed to love him? The woman, with the secret aid from the dreamgivers, helps the boy heal and learn to love again.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested is stories in which those who have become damaged are able to heal and grow as well as those interested in dreams and how those dreams might affect you.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. If you have read A Child Called It, this is a much tamer version, but deals with a similar situation. I liked how Lowry used the explanation of the dreamgivers and the sinisteeds and their purposes. It is a powerful story and one of redemption.
Prereading Question: Why do you think we dream what we dream?
The Silent Boy
Bibliographic Information: Lowry, Lois. (2003). The silent boy. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company.
Annotation: This is the story of a young girl, Katy Thatcher, who was able to understand a boy others considered "touched". Though Jacob never spoke to her, with the help of her father, Katy learned to understand Jacob and considered him a friend. Unfortunately, that friendship was not enough to help him in the end.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested in stories that have some unexpected twists and the relationships of the people experiencing those twists.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. I took from this book a message that justice is not always served and sometimes adults do not know what is best or what is right.
Prereading Question: Do adults always know what is best?
Annotation: This is the story of a young girl, Katy Thatcher, who was able to understand a boy others considered "touched". Though Jacob never spoke to her, with the help of her father, Katy learned to understand Jacob and considered him a friend. Unfortunately, that friendship was not enough to help him in the end.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested in stories that have some unexpected twists and the relationships of the people experiencing those twists.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. I took from this book a message that justice is not always served and sometimes adults do not know what is best or what is right.
Prereading Question: Do adults always know what is best?
The Birthday Ball
Bibliographic Information: Lowry, Lois. (2010). The birthday ball. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Annotation: Princess Patricia Priscilla is about to celebrate her 16th birthday and with that will choose her suitor! However, she is extremely bored and wants to experience life like her servant before she must settle down. This is a twist on the Prince and the Pauper tale.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who enjoy princess stories and happily ever afters.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. Lowry has created a whimsical look and the idea that the grass is always greener somewhere else. What I did like is she shared points of view from the servants and their stories as well as the princess. The princess also became appreciative of those less fortunate, and so she became more aware of others rather than only focusing on herself.
Prereading Question: Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone?
Annotation: Princess Patricia Priscilla is about to celebrate her 16th birthday and with that will choose her suitor! However, she is extremely bored and wants to experience life like her servant before she must settle down. This is a twist on the Prince and the Pauper tale.
Genre: Author Study
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who enjoy princess stories and happily ever afters.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. Lowry has created a whimsical look and the idea that the grass is always greener somewhere else. What I did like is she shared points of view from the servants and their stories as well as the princess. The princess also became appreciative of those less fortunate, and so she became more aware of others rather than only focusing on herself.
Prereading Question: Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone?
Bird Lake Moon
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, Kevin. (2010). Bird Lake Moon. New York, New York: HarperCollins.
Annotation: This is a story about two boys who meet purely by chance. One, Mitch, is dealing with his father having just left to live with another woman and Spencer, who lost his brother from drowning in Bird Lake six years earlier.
Genre: Audio Book
Grade Level: 4th to 7th
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who have been touched by divorce or the death of a loved one as well as stories where chance meetings are the beginning of an unlikely friendship.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. Kevin Henkes writes at a level that is easy to understand. I liked how it was almost two stories in one. One was told from Mitch's perspective and the other from Spencer's. It is the boys who are the focus, not the adults, though the adults have certainly influenced the events that led up to the two boys meeting.
Prereading Question: Have you ever experienced the loss of someone in your life, not necessarily because they died?
Annotation: This is a story about two boys who meet purely by chance. One, Mitch, is dealing with his father having just left to live with another woman and Spencer, who lost his brother from drowning in Bird Lake six years earlier.
Genre: Audio Book
Grade Level: 4th to 7th
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who have been touched by divorce or the death of a loved one as well as stories where chance meetings are the beginning of an unlikely friendship.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 3. Kevin Henkes writes at a level that is easy to understand. I liked how it was almost two stories in one. One was told from Mitch's perspective and the other from Spencer's. It is the boys who are the focus, not the adults, though the adults have certainly influenced the events that led up to the two boys meeting.
Prereading Question: Have you ever experienced the loss of someone in your life, not necessarily because they died?
The Book Thief
Bibliographic Information: Zusak, M. (2005). The book thief. New York, New York: Random House.
Annotation: This is the tale of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. The story is told from Death's point of view.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 6th to 12th
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested in WWII stories and stories about the intricacies of personal relationships.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. Death as narrator is an interesting addition about a young girl who deals with more adult types of challenges. It gave a unique perspective of what some of Germany's citizens must have gone through because of Hitler and the regime.
Prereading Question: Do you think all Germans believed it was appropriate to persecute Jews?
Annotation: This is the tale of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. The story is told from Death's point of view.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 6th to 12th
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who are interested in WWII stories and stories about the intricacies of personal relationships.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this a 4. Death as narrator is an interesting addition about a young girl who deals with more adult types of challenges. It gave a unique perspective of what some of Germany's citizens must have gone through because of Hitler and the regime.
Prereading Question: Do you think all Germans believed it was appropriate to persecute Jews?
The Odd Egg
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2008). The Odd Egg. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Every bird had an egg, except Duck, until he finds the most beautiful egg. Duck's egg is the last to hatch and - watch out!
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes surprise endings! And anyone who has ever been laughed at for being different.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful story that relates the idea differences sometimes being a wonderful surprise! The back endpages continue the story, as many of books by this author also use the front and back endpages to help tell the story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Is it ok to laugh at someone for being different?
10/40: Guided Reading from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
I would use this book in small group guided reading instruction. The goal of guided reading is to boost students' fluency and comprehension. I would introduce the book; have the students take turns reading pages out loud; ask questions of the students as we read, encouraging them to respond; and place copies of the book in each student's book bag for independent reading. I believe that this book would work well for this strategy, especially in first grade, because the sentences are simple, the text and story are fun and entertaining, and I believe that students would enjoy rereading it on their own.
Brief Annotation: Every bird had an egg, except Duck, until he finds the most beautiful egg. Duck's egg is the last to hatch and - watch out!
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes surprise endings! And anyone who has ever been laughed at for being different.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful story that relates the idea differences sometimes being a wonderful surprise! The back endpages continue the story, as many of books by this author also use the front and back endpages to help tell the story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Is it ok to laugh at someone for being different?
10/40: Guided Reading from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
I would use this book in small group guided reading instruction. The goal of guided reading is to boost students' fluency and comprehension. I would introduce the book; have the students take turns reading pages out loud; ask questions of the students as we read, encouraging them to respond; and place copies of the book in each student's book bag for independent reading. I believe that this book would work well for this strategy, especially in first grade, because the sentences are simple, the text and story are fun and entertaining, and I believe that students would enjoy rereading it on their own.
Monkey and Me
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2007). Monkey and Me. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: A little girl and her stuffed monkey imitate the animals they see.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has a toy that they bring with them everywhere, and play fun games with.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Absolutely fun to try to guess what animal they will see next. Loads of subtle humor (primarily for the adults reading this book) in the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can you imitate different animals? What can you do that animals also do?
Brief Annotation: A little girl and her stuffed monkey imitate the animals they see.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has a toy that they bring with them everywhere, and play fun games with.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Absolutely fun to try to guess what animal they will see next. Loads of subtle humor (primarily for the adults reading this book) in the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can you imitate different animals? What can you do that animals also do?
Hoot
Bibliographic Information: Hiaasen, C. (2002). Hoot. New York, NY: Yearling, an imprint of Random House Children's Books.
A 2002 Newbery Honor Book: Distinguished contribution to American literature in a book for children, the following criteria are considered for the award: interpretation of the theme or concept; presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization; development of a plot; delineation of characters; delineation of setting; appropriateness of style; excellence of presentation for a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in town, battling bullies and trailing after a mysterious boy on a mission to save some owls.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves nature, zany characters and mysterious plots.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A real hoot! Brings up some delightful discussion topics about preserving nature, bullying, and being a true believer.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How far would you go to protect something you believe in?
10/40: Plot Profiles from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This strategy is used to focus on the plot development of a story. The teacher creates a profile chart, introduces that chart after the class has read and discussed the first chapter, then charts the tension and excitement of the plot in that chapter. The class will continue to chart the plot development after each chapter. Once the book and profile chart are completed, the class will engage in a grand conversation about the overall plot development of the book. This book lends itself very well to the use of plot profiling, as it has many tense and exciting moments that all build up to the conclusion of the story.
A 2002 Newbery Honor Book: Distinguished contribution to American literature in a book for children, the following criteria are considered for the award: interpretation of the theme or concept; presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization; development of a plot; delineation of characters; delineation of setting; appropriateness of style; excellence of presentation for a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in town, battling bullies and trailing after a mysterious boy on a mission to save some owls.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves nature, zany characters and mysterious plots.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A real hoot! Brings up some delightful discussion topics about preserving nature, bullying, and being a true believer.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How far would you go to protect something you believe in?
10/40: Plot Profiles from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This strategy is used to focus on the plot development of a story. The teacher creates a profile chart, introduces that chart after the class has read and discussed the first chapter, then charts the tension and excitement of the plot in that chapter. The class will continue to chart the plot development after each chapter. Once the book and profile chart are completed, the class will engage in a grand conversation about the overall plot development of the book. This book lends itself very well to the use of plot profiling, as it has many tense and exciting moments that all build up to the conclusion of the story.
Tuesday
Bibliographic Information: Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. Illus. David Wiesner. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Winner of the 1992 Caldecott Medal: Criteria for award in illustration as follows:
Excellence of execution in artistic technique employed; excellence in pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures; excellence in presentation in recognition of a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: The story of what happens on Tuesday night, after we go to sleep.
Genre: Wordless Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever wondered what happens while they're sleeping.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderfully imaginative story! It opens up the possibility of many conversations with children; and shows that imagination matters.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What do you think happens after you fall asleep? Does everything and everyone else sleep at the same time you do?
Winner of the 1992 Caldecott Medal: Criteria for award in illustration as follows:
Excellence of execution in artistic technique employed; excellence in pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures; excellence in presentation in recognition of a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: The story of what happens on Tuesday night, after we go to sleep.
Genre: Wordless Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever wondered what happens while they're sleeping.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderfully imaginative story! It opens up the possibility of many conversations with children; and shows that imagination matters.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What do you think happens after you fall asleep? Does everything and everyone else sleep at the same time you do?
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
Bibliographic Information: Goble, P. (1978). The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. Illus. Paul Goble. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Brief Annotation: A young girl takes care of her tribe's horses. One day a storm comes upon the herd, causing them to run. The herd, and the girl, discover a large herd of wild horses, where they remain. One day, the girl becomes a horse, to forever live among them.
Genre: Native American Fok Legend
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever loved something so much, they wanted to become it; and those who enjoy stories from other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Goble retells a wonderful legend, using beautiful, vibrant illustrations that contain true, meaningful symbols and patterns of the culture.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever loved something (other than another person) so much that you wished you could become that thing?
Brief Annotation: A young girl takes care of her tribe's horses. One day a storm comes upon the herd, causing them to run. The herd, and the girl, discover a large herd of wild horses, where they remain. One day, the girl becomes a horse, to forever live among them.
Genre: Native American Fok Legend
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever loved something so much, they wanted to become it; and those who enjoy stories from other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Goble retells a wonderful legend, using beautiful, vibrant illustrations that contain true, meaningful symbols and patterns of the culture.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever loved something (other than another person) so much that you wished you could become that thing?
The Game of Silence
Bibliographic Information: Erdrich, L. (2005). The Game of Silence. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books.
Brief Annotation: In this sequel to The Birchbark House, Omakayas and her family receive visitors who have been forced from their land. Through the year, she will struggle with her own emotions, and learn that she must leave her beloved home, an island in Lake Superior.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Readers who have previously read The Birchbark House, and those who enjoy glimpses into other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I have long been a reader of Louise Erdrich's novels. In this novel for young readers, she has not forfeited any of her ability to compose prose in a poetic and lyrical manner. It is a heart-wrenching story, with fictional characters, yet based on true information. I love her use of Objiwe words, and the inclusion of a dictionary of these words at the end of the book.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to have to leave your home and move somewhere unknown? Would you be able to live off the world around you, without supermarkets, television, or computers?
10/40: Quickwrites from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
As my class, or small group, moves through the chapters of this book, I would provide them with prompts related to the book. I would ask them to spend 5 - 10 minutes writing their ideas, then have them share these ideas. I believe this would allow my students to consider some to the big concepts contained in this book, such as westward expansion, white settlers invasion of tribal lands, and conflict between European settlers and native peoples.
Brief Annotation: In this sequel to The Birchbark House, Omakayas and her family receive visitors who have been forced from their land. Through the year, she will struggle with her own emotions, and learn that she must leave her beloved home, an island in Lake Superior.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Readers who have previously read The Birchbark House, and those who enjoy glimpses into other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I have long been a reader of Louise Erdrich's novels. In this novel for young readers, she has not forfeited any of her ability to compose prose in a poetic and lyrical manner. It is a heart-wrenching story, with fictional characters, yet based on true information. I love her use of Objiwe words, and the inclusion of a dictionary of these words at the end of the book.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to have to leave your home and move somewhere unknown? Would you be able to live off the world around you, without supermarkets, television, or computers?
10/40: Quickwrites from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
As my class, or small group, moves through the chapters of this book, I would provide them with prompts related to the book. I would ask them to spend 5 - 10 minutes writing their ideas, then have them share these ideas. I believe this would allow my students to consider some to the big concepts contained in this book, such as westward expansion, white settlers invasion of tribal lands, and conflict between European settlers and native peoples.
Henry's Freedom Box
Bibliographic Information: Levine, E. (2007). Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. Illus. Kadir Nelson. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Brief Annotation: Henry was a slave. When his family is sold and taken away from him, with help he devises a plan for freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves inspirational stories; and anyone who believes in freedom.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I think this book presents a poignant portrait of one man's struggle through slavery, and the power of freedom.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: In what ways did slavery affect the lives of slaves? What does freedom mean?
Brief Annotation: Henry was a slave. When his family is sold and taken away from him, with help he devises a plan for freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves inspirational stories; and anyone who believes in freedom.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I think this book presents a poignant portrait of one man's struggle through slavery, and the power of freedom.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: In what ways did slavery affect the lives of slaves? What does freedom mean?
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Birchbark House
Bibliographic Information (APA): Erdrich, L. (2002). The Birchbark House. New York, NY: Hyperion.
Brief Annotation: This is a great novel about a little girl Omakayas that is an Ojibwa Native American living on Lake superior. She talks about her family and goes through the four seasons and they things they have to do to live.
Genre: Historical Fiction Novel
Grade Level: 4 and up
Readers who will like this: Children that enjoy novels about Native Americans. Children that enjoy a girl main character. Children that enjoy learning about history and the way people used to live.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I love this book. This book is wonderful because it is from the perspective of the little girl. It is also set in Minnesota so kids will be able to relate if they have ever traveled to Lake Superior. Omakayas tells of gathering the harvest and building the home. It is a totally different experience than most children have with literature. Many of the classrooms I am in I notice a lot of science fiction and fantasy novels.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you think it would be like living near Lake Superior in the late 1800s?
Chrysanthemum
Henkes, K. (1996). Chrysanthemum. Illus. Kevin Henkes. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Annoation: This is a book about a little mouse that gets made fun of for her name. All the kids in class tease her until they realize that their teacher also is named after a flower.
Genre: Kevin Henkes children's picture book
Grade Level: PreK
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for children to read with their parents before they go off to school. There is a lot of unknowns that the child worries about and they also are concerned with how kids are going to respond to them.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I think the moral of the story is fantastic and the written language is adorable.
Question: Are you named after someone?
Annoation: This is a book about a little mouse that gets made fun of for her name. All the kids in class tease her until they realize that their teacher also is named after a flower.
Genre: Kevin Henkes children's picture book
Grade Level: PreK
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for children to read with their parents before they go off to school. There is a lot of unknowns that the child worries about and they also are concerned with how kids are going to respond to them.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I think the moral of the story is fantastic and the written language is adorable.
Question: Are you named after someone?
The Butterfly
Bibliographic Information (APA): Polacco, P. (2000). The Butterfly. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Brief Annotation: This story is about two little girls in France in the midst of World War II. It is a story of bravery and passion.
Genre: Historical Fiction PictureBook
Grade Level: 1st-3rd
Readers who will like this: Children that are learning about WWII will enjoy this story. Children that are Jewish or have any link to the war can also relate.
Response/Rating (1-4): 3; I liked this book about the invasion on France during WWII. It is a sort of sad book but true to life. It would be a wonderful idea to use this book during a history lesson or when talking about the war. It is important to use historical fiction picture books during a history lesson because it often times gives children a different and more visual perspective.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: If someone was accused of something that wasn't true, would you hide them in your house in order to help them escape jail?
Boo and Baa Have Company
Landstrom, L. (2006). Boo and Baa Have Company. Illus. Olof Landstrom. New York, New York: R & S Books.
Annotation: This is a book about two sheep that notice a stranded cat in their tree when they are raking leaves. They try to help the cat get down and they only end up getting stranded in the tree themselves. The books ends with the sheep sleeping in the house and the cat on the floor.
Genre: Theme paper book
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute bedtime story for parents to read with their children.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I think the depiction and reality of how stubborn cats are is funny. I also like boo and baa as the main characters in the book. They are quite the pair.
Question: Have you ever rescued someone or something?
Annotation: This is a book about two sheep that notice a stranded cat in their tree when they are raking leaves. They try to help the cat get down and they only end up getting stranded in the tree themselves. The books ends with the sheep sleeping in the house and the cat on the floor.
Genre: Theme paper book
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute bedtime story for parents to read with their children.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I think the depiction and reality of how stubborn cats are is funny. I also like boo and baa as the main characters in the book. They are quite the pair.
Question: Have you ever rescued someone or something?
Too Many Tamales
Soto, G. (1993). Too Many Tamales. Illus. Ed Martinez. New York, New York: Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Annotation: This is a book about a Mexican family preparing a Mexican dish of Tamales before Christmas. The little girl in this book tries on her mother's diamond ring and loses it. She thinks it fell into one of the tamales, but luckily she realizes that her mother is wearing it.
Genre: Culturally Diverse Picture Book
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for a teacher to have to in order to introduce how every culture has a different way of celebrating holidays. They could do a Venn comparing and contrast this culture and the traditional Christmas meal.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. I think this book is relate able to many kids. Some point in our life we have felt the same rush and wondered how we were going to dig our way out of a certain situation.
Question: How do you celebrate Christmas?
Annotation: This is a book about a Mexican family preparing a Mexican dish of Tamales before Christmas. The little girl in this book tries on her mother's diamond ring and loses it. She thinks it fell into one of the tamales, but luckily she realizes that her mother is wearing it.
Genre: Culturally Diverse Picture Book
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This is a good book for a teacher to have to in order to introduce how every culture has a different way of celebrating holidays. They could do a Venn comparing and contrast this culture and the traditional Christmas meal.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. I think this book is relate able to many kids. Some point in our life we have felt the same rush and wondered how we were going to dig our way out of a certain situation.
Question: How do you celebrate Christmas?
One Potato Two Potato
De Felice, C. (2006). One Potato Two Potato. Illus. Andrea U'Ren. New York, New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Annotation: This book is about two elderly people that are married and don't have a whole lot of anything. They end up digging up this black, magical pot that ends up doubling everything they have. One day the wife falls in and doubles and so the old man doubles himself as well so they both have a friend to talk to.
Genre: Theme Paper Book (Magic and Mystery)
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a good book for children to have at home or in the class room. It would pair well with reading strategies as well.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I thought the fantasy of it was cute, but also shared a lesson in being thankful for what you have.
Question: Would you be a twin if you could?
Annotation: This book is about two elderly people that are married and don't have a whole lot of anything. They end up digging up this black, magical pot that ends up doubling everything they have. One day the wife falls in and doubles and so the old man doubles himself as well so they both have a friend to talk to.
Genre: Theme Paper Book (Magic and Mystery)
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a good book for children to have at home or in the class room. It would pair well with reading strategies as well.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. I thought the fantasy of it was cute, but also shared a lesson in being thankful for what you have.
Question: Would you be a twin if you could?
Shapes Shapes Shapes
Hoban, T. (1996). Shapes Shapes Shapes. Tana Hoban. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Annoation: This books uses picture images that children see in every day life. This books shows all the different ways in which we see shapes on a daily basis. There are certain shapes that the children are asked to look for when looking at the pictures.
Genre: Concept book
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a great book for parents in order to help their children learn shapes and be able to find shapes around them.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 3. I like how the author/illustrator uses real life images to depict shapes. It steps away from drawings and painted images.
Question: Do you see a square anywhere in this room?
Annoation: This books uses picture images that children see in every day life. This books shows all the different ways in which we see shapes on a daily basis. There are certain shapes that the children are asked to look for when looking at the pictures.
Genre: Concept book
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a great book for parents in order to help their children learn shapes and be able to find shapes around them.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 3. I like how the author/illustrator uses real life images to depict shapes. It steps away from drawings and painted images.
Question: Do you see a square anywhere in this room?
The Whole World's Crazy
Gownley, J. (2009). The Whole World's Crazy. Illus. Jimmy Gownley. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Annotation: This is a book about a girl named Amelia that has a hard time transitioning after her parents split up. She is in a whole new world. She has moved towns and is in a new school and tries to find enjoyment in the things around her.
Genre: Free choice (graphica novel)
Grade Level: 1st-6th
Readers who would like this: This would be a good book for a young student who is making some sort of transition in their life. This book could help them relate to their individual situation.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 2. I think the illustrations and well displayed and the moral of the story is presented well, but I really have a hard time with a lot of the language in the book and the layout of the text.
Annotation: This is a book about a girl named Amelia that has a hard time transitioning after her parents split up. She is in a whole new world. She has moved towns and is in a new school and tries to find enjoyment in the things around her.
Genre: Free choice (graphica novel)
Grade Level: 1st-6th
Readers who would like this: This would be a good book for a young student who is making some sort of transition in their life. This book could help them relate to their individual situation.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 2. I think the illustrations and well displayed and the moral of the story is presented well, but I really have a hard time with a lot of the language in the book and the layout of the text.
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster
Willems, M. (2005). Leonardo, the Terrible Monster. Illus. Mo Willems. New York, New York: Hyperion Books.
Annotation: I chose this Mo Willems book to complete the author study, because it is outside of the Piggy and Elephant series and also the pigeon series that Mo Willems has. In this book, this monster is anything but that. He is not good at being a monster and can't seem to scare anyone.
Genre: Author study
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute gift for a young child and a book for parents to read to their children.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. The language and phrasing is really funny and it is a refreshing book aside from all of the other great books Mo Willems has illustrated and written.
Question: Do you believe in monsters?
Annotation: I chose this Mo Willems book to complete the author study, because it is outside of the Piggy and Elephant series and also the pigeon series that Mo Willems has. In this book, this monster is anything but that. He is not good at being a monster and can't seem to scare anyone.
Genre: Author study
Grade Level: PreK-K
Readers who would like this: This would be a cute gift for a young child and a book for parents to read to their children.
Ratings/Response: I give this book a 4. The language and phrasing is really funny and it is a refreshing book aside from all of the other great books Mo Willems has illustrated and written.
Question: Do you believe in monsters?
I Broke My Trunk!
Willems, M. (2011). I Broke My Trunk! Illus. Mo Willems. New York, New York: Hyperion Books.
Annotation: This is a cute story about Gerald who broke his trunk. He was retelling the story to Piggy about how he broke his trunk. He was holding a couple hippos and a rhino, nothing that would be too heavy. :)
Genre: Author study
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a nice collaborative book for teachers to keep in their personal library. I think having a section completely dedicated to Mo Willems would be a great idea. His books really captivate readers.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. Like I have said before, Mo Willems brings simplicity to his illustrations and dialogue but he still puts on a grand display of what a children's book should look like.
Question: Have you ever broken a bone in your body?
Annotation: This is a cute story about Gerald who broke his trunk. He was retelling the story to Piggy about how he broke his trunk. He was holding a couple hippos and a rhino, nothing that would be too heavy. :)
Genre: Author study
Grade Level: PreK-2nd
Readers who would like this: This would be a nice collaborative book for teachers to keep in their personal library. I think having a section completely dedicated to Mo Willems would be a great idea. His books really captivate readers.
Rating/Response: I give this book a 4. Like I have said before, Mo Willems brings simplicity to his illustrations and dialogue but he still puts on a grand display of what a children's book should look like.
Question: Have you ever broken a bone in your body?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears
Bibliographic Information (APA): Aardema, Verna. (1975). Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears. Illus. Illustrator Leo and Diane Dillon. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Brief Annotation: This is a west African folk tale that describes why Mosquitos buzz in people's ears. It's a cute story that goes through all the animals of the jungle.
Genre: PictureBook, Folktale
Grade Level: K-3rd
Readers who will like this: Children that enjoy folktales or have ever wondered why mosquitos buzz in peoples ears.
Response/Rating (1-4): 3; I really like this book and it could be so great to use in a Folktale unit to bring in diversity. This book is a great book to use for cause and effect also. It begins with a mosquito talking to an iguana and telling him a story. After that a series of events eventually causes a baby owl to die.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Do you know what a folktale is?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Free at Last
Bibliographic Info: Adler, D. (2000). Martin Luther King, Jr.: Free at Last. Illus. Robert Casilla. New York, New York: Holiday House Inc.
Annotation: This book tells the story of the struggles Martin Luther King, Jr. faced during the 1950's and 1960's. We read about the troubles with the Jim Crow laws, the marches organized to fight violence with nonviolence and all of this accompanied by great illustrations.
Genre: Historical fiction/picturebook
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children learning about King and those with an interest in book about actual past events. Teachers and parents may want to use this book while talking about Dr. King.
Personal response: I like how this book was laid out and it is fairly easy to read and follow. The author certainly gets the message across through text, while the illustrator adds to the importance through pictures. I rate this book at a 3, some issues may need to be further explained to such young children, but it is a good starting point.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Please tell me what you know about him.
Annotation: This book tells the story of the struggles Martin Luther King, Jr. faced during the 1950's and 1960's. We read about the troubles with the Jim Crow laws, the marches organized to fight violence with nonviolence and all of this accompanied by great illustrations.
Genre: Historical fiction/picturebook
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children learning about King and those with an interest in book about actual past events. Teachers and parents may want to use this book while talking about Dr. King.
Personal response: I like how this book was laid out and it is fairly easy to read and follow. The author certainly gets the message across through text, while the illustrator adds to the importance through pictures. I rate this book at a 3, some issues may need to be further explained to such young children, but it is a good starting point.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Please tell me what you know about him.
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine
Bibliographic Info: Silverman, E. (2009). Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine. Illus. Betsy Lewin. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation:
Genre: Animal Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes horses will love the stories about Kate and Cocoa. Although it seems slightly aimed at young girls, I think boys would enjoy it just as much.
Personal response: Until this class, I had not heard of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series, but after reading this book I think I will go purchase the series for my daughter. The story was silly and endearing and was an easier read for second graders to early third grade. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you could have any animal in the world to join you on adventures, what would it be?
Annotation:
Genre: Animal Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes horses will love the stories about Kate and Cocoa. Although it seems slightly aimed at young girls, I think boys would enjoy it just as much.
Personal response: Until this class, I had not heard of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series, but after reading this book I think I will go purchase the series for my daughter. The story was silly and endearing and was an easier read for second graders to early third grade. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you could have any animal in the world to join you on adventures, what would it be?
Best Friends
Bibliographic Info: Kellogg, S. (1992). Best Friends. Illus. Steven Kellogg. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc (USA).
Annotation: This book follows best friends Louise and Kathy and how they are inseparable, that is until Louise goes away for the summer. Kathy is left feeling abandoned without her and when she receives a postcard from Louise detailing how much fun she is having, Kathy is hurt, sad and angry! Once the girls reunite, they are able to raise a new puppy together solidifying what true friends are all about.
Genre: Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Young girls are probably going to be drawn to this book the most. Parents will enjoy the authors details about emotion involving a friendship and how it will always turn out for the best with a true friend.
Personal response: I like how Kellogg brought the reader through both the ups and downs of a friendship (particularly a young girls). The book is so colorful and there is a great lesson in it. I rate this book at a 3, only because it is mainly directed toward girls.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever missed someone so much it made you angry that they were gone?
Annotation: This book follows best friends Louise and Kathy and how they are inseparable, that is until Louise goes away for the summer. Kathy is left feeling abandoned without her and when she receives a postcard from Louise detailing how much fun she is having, Kathy is hurt, sad and angry! Once the girls reunite, they are able to raise a new puppy together solidifying what true friends are all about.
Genre: Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Young girls are probably going to be drawn to this book the most. Parents will enjoy the authors details about emotion involving a friendship and how it will always turn out for the best with a true friend.
Personal response: I like how Kellogg brought the reader through both the ups and downs of a friendship (particularly a young girls). The book is so colorful and there is a great lesson in it. I rate this book at a 3, only because it is mainly directed toward girls.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever missed someone so much it made you angry that they were gone?
Frog and Toad Are Friends
Bibliographic Info: Lobel, A. (1979). Frog and Toad Are Friends. Illus. Arnold Lobel. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Annotation: In this adventure of Frog and Toad we see how they have come to be such great friends. Throughout the five stories Frog and Toad go swimming, look for a lost button together and await the arrival of spring. All while creating an everlasting bond.
Genre: Animal Fiction/Beginning reader
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who are just beginning to read independently will enjoy the easy lay out and silly adventures that Frog and Toad take them on.
Personal response: I have always been a fan of the Frog and Toad series and will always be sure to include at least a handful of them in my classroom library. The stories are entertaining, colorful and easy to read. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: Tell me about a silly adventure you and a friend have been on.
Annotation: In this adventure of Frog and Toad we see how they have come to be such great friends. Throughout the five stories Frog and Toad go swimming, look for a lost button together and await the arrival of spring. All while creating an everlasting bond.
Genre: Animal Fiction/Beginning reader
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who are just beginning to read independently will enjoy the easy lay out and silly adventures that Frog and Toad take them on.
Personal response: I have always been a fan of the Frog and Toad series and will always be sure to include at least a handful of them in my classroom library. The stories are entertaining, colorful and easy to read. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: Tell me about a silly adventure you and a friend have been on.
The Fisherman and His Wife
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2008). The Fisherman and His Wife. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: Based on the old fairytale of the fisherman and his greedy wife, the tale tell of a kind hearted fisherman and how his wife is always after more and more, never happy with what she has. One day the fisherman catches an enchanted fish and even after the wishes it grants to the wife... she is still unhappy.
Genre: Children's folklore/fiction
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will like this book because of the illustrations and the outrageous demands of the fisherman's wife. Parents and teachers can use this book to show how being greedy will only leave you with an empty feeling.
Personal response: Yet another book by Rachel Isadora that is set in Africa and does not disappoint. The colorful collage like artwork is extremely appealing and the central message/moral of the story is one worth being retold over and over. I rate this at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
Annotation: Based on the old fairytale of the fisherman and his greedy wife, the tale tell of a kind hearted fisherman and how his wife is always after more and more, never happy with what she has. One day the fisherman catches an enchanted fish and even after the wishes it grants to the wife... she is still unhappy.
Genre: Children's folklore/fiction
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will like this book because of the illustrations and the outrageous demands of the fisherman's wife. Parents and teachers can use this book to show how being greedy will only leave you with an empty feeling.
Personal response: Yet another book by Rachel Isadora that is set in Africa and does not disappoint. The colorful collage like artwork is extremely appealing and the central message/moral of the story is one worth being retold over and over. I rate this at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
What A Family!
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2006). What A Family!. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: Ollie starts to wonder where exactly he came from and he looks to his Grandpa Max to help him unravel his families past. Grandpa and Ollie look through their family tree and Ollie begins to see just where he gets some of his attributes and even sees what things he didn't inherit.
Genre: Fiction/Family Life
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who may wonder about their families past and teachers who are beginning a unit in ancestry or family trees in general.
Personal response: I come from a very large family, so this book was fun to think of all of my relatives and what we have (or don't!) in common. I love the colors used in the book and how she talks about certain inheritable traits. I rate this book a 4 because it is fun and can peak a child's interest in their personal pasts.
A question you would ask before reading: Do you ever wonder where you get your blond hair...freckles...?
Annotation: Ollie starts to wonder where exactly he came from and he looks to his Grandpa Max to help him unravel his families past. Grandpa and Ollie look through their family tree and Ollie begins to see just where he gets some of his attributes and even sees what things he didn't inherit.
Genre: Fiction/Family Life
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who may wonder about their families past and teachers who are beginning a unit in ancestry or family trees in general.
Personal response: I come from a very large family, so this book was fun to think of all of my relatives and what we have (or don't!) in common. I love the colors used in the book and how she talks about certain inheritable traits. I rate this book a 4 because it is fun and can peak a child's interest in their personal pasts.
A question you would ask before reading: Do you ever wonder where you get your blond hair...freckles...?
Yo, Jo!
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2007). Yo, Jo!. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: In an African-American urban suburb two brothers are followed as we explore the life of the city. The boys wait outside for their Grandpa to return home and while they do so we are introduced to the culture that surrounds them. Jomar, one of the brothers, meets up with a few friends and Isadora emphasizes the way they interact.
Genre: African-American Fiction
Grade Level: Pk-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will have fun with the "slang" Jomar uses with everyone on the street and educators may find this book useful to relate to an urban culture.
Personal response: Another great book from Rachel Isadora. The way she celebrates slang talk in the book can be comforting to a child and allow others that are unfamiliar with it to reach an understanding. I really like how open younger brother Jomar was, you really get to like him quite a bit by the end of the book. Another 4 rating!
A question you would ask: Do any of you live in an area that feels like your own separate community? With your own talk, ideas, etc...?
Annotation: In an African-American urban suburb two brothers are followed as we explore the life of the city. The boys wait outside for their Grandpa to return home and while they do so we are introduced to the culture that surrounds them. Jomar, one of the brothers, meets up with a few friends and Isadora emphasizes the way they interact.
Genre: African-American Fiction
Grade Level: Pk-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will have fun with the "slang" Jomar uses with everyone on the street and educators may find this book useful to relate to an urban culture.
Personal response: Another great book from Rachel Isadora. The way she celebrates slang talk in the book can be comforting to a child and allow others that are unfamiliar with it to reach an understanding. I really like how open younger brother Jomar was, you really get to like him quite a bit by the end of the book. Another 4 rating!
A question you would ask: Do any of you live in an area that feels like your own separate community? With your own talk, ideas, etc...?
Listen to the City
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2000). Listen to the City. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc (USA).
Annotation: A book full of sound and color! This is a great book to use for a read aloud because it takes you through a city and all of the noises that can be found there. From babies crying, car horns honking and crowd noise it is fun and exciting.
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picturebook
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes to make noise. Teachers will find this to be a fun read aloud as it keeps children interested while mimicking the sounds.
Personal response: I like the color in this book and it would be a lot of fun to create classroom activities surrounding it. It is not as "in-depth" as some of Isadora's other books, but it certainly follows the likes of 1 2 3 Pop!. I would give this book a 4 for young readers.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever stayed absolutely quiet and just listened to the noises outside of your home? What do you hear?
Annotation: A book full of sound and color! This is a great book to use for a read aloud because it takes you through a city and all of the noises that can be found there. From babies crying, car horns honking and crowd noise it is fun and exciting.
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picturebook
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes to make noise. Teachers will find this to be a fun read aloud as it keeps children interested while mimicking the sounds.
Personal response: I like the color in this book and it would be a lot of fun to create classroom activities surrounding it. It is not as "in-depth" as some of Isadora's other books, but it certainly follows the likes of 1 2 3 Pop!. I would give this book a 4 for young readers.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever stayed absolutely quiet and just listened to the noises outside of your home? What do you hear?
The Princess and the Pea
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2007). The Princess and the Pea. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc. (USA).
Annotation: This is the classic tale of The Princess and the Pea with a twist. Isadora tells the tale of a young African Prince and his journey to find his Princess. The Prince travels the world and is suprised to find his true Princess literally knocking at his door. The tale follows the original wih the Princess sleeping on a bed of tweny matresses and twenty feather beds with a pea at the very bottom.
Genre: African Fiction/Fairytales
Grade Level: PK-1
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy fairytales and wonderfully bold illustrations. Educators will delight in the cutural twist from the "original" tale.
Personal response: I love this book. Rachel Isadora has become one of my favorite children's book authors and that is why I have choosen to do the author study on her. The illustrationsare beauriful and she does a great job retelling an old story with a personal touch. I rate this book at a well deserved 4.
A question you would ask: What makes a Princess a true Princess?
Annotation: This is the classic tale of The Princess and the Pea with a twist. Isadora tells the tale of a young African Prince and his journey to find his Princess. The Prince travels the world and is suprised to find his true Princess literally knocking at his door. The tale follows the original wih the Princess sleeping on a bed of tweny matresses and twenty feather beds with a pea at the very bottom.
Genre: African Fiction/Fairytales
Grade Level: PK-1
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy fairytales and wonderfully bold illustrations. Educators will delight in the cutural twist from the "original" tale.
Personal response: I love this book. Rachel Isadora has become one of my favorite children's book authors and that is why I have choosen to do the author study on her. The illustrationsare beauriful and she does a great job retelling an old story with a personal touch. I rate this book at a well deserved 4.
A question you would ask: What makes a Princess a true Princess?
The Real Mother Goose
Bibliographic Info: Wright, B. F. (1944). The Real Mother Goose. Illus. Blanche Fisher Wright. New York, New York: Checkerboard Press.
Annotation: This book is full of 128 pages of Mother Goose rhymes accompanied by illustrations. It has all of the classics including, "Little Bo-Peep", "Three Blind Mice" and "Jack and Jill" and many more not so mainstream rhymes such as "Lengthening Days" and "Young Lambs to Sell".
Genre: Nursery Rhymes
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Adults will enjoy revisiting some forgotten rhymes while children will love hearing the new rhymes and putting illustrations to them.
Personal response: This is a nice book because it has such a large selection of nursery rhymes, but it is not my taste. The illustrations are a little too much for a children's nursery rhyme book. I have had this book since a child and it has never really appealed to me, past or present. I rate this book at a 2, only because of the amount of selection.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard the tale of ______? (Whichever rhyme you decide to read aloud).
Annotation: This book is full of 128 pages of Mother Goose rhymes accompanied by illustrations. It has all of the classics including, "Little Bo-Peep", "Three Blind Mice" and "Jack and Jill" and many more not so mainstream rhymes such as "Lengthening Days" and "Young Lambs to Sell".
Genre: Nursery Rhymes
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Adults will enjoy revisiting some forgotten rhymes while children will love hearing the new rhymes and putting illustrations to them.
Personal response: This is a nice book because it has such a large selection of nursery rhymes, but it is not my taste. The illustrations are a little too much for a children's nursery rhyme book. I have had this book since a child and it has never really appealed to me, past or present. I rate this book at a 2, only because of the amount of selection.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard the tale of ______? (Whichever rhyme you decide to read aloud).
Jumanji
Bibliographic Info: Van Allsburg, C. (1995). Jumanji. Illus. Chris Van Allsburg. Read by Robin Williams. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: Peter and Judy find themseleves in the middle of an unreal adventure when they stumble across an old boardgame. Once they begin to play they are unable to stop the visitis from a wild lion, monsoons and a herd of angry rhinos. But thats not all!
Genre: Children's Fiction/adventure
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Unless a child has a real fear of jungle animals in their home, I cant think of a child who will not love this book, especially listening to the audio.
Personal response: Jumanji is a wonderful story that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next players roll. I love the illustrations in this book and having Robin Williams narrate the story was absolutely perfect! I rate the book and audio at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: What is your favorite boardgame? Why?
Annotation: Peter and Judy find themseleves in the middle of an unreal adventure when they stumble across an old boardgame. Once they begin to play they are unable to stop the visitis from a wild lion, monsoons and a herd of angry rhinos. But thats not all!
Genre: Children's Fiction/adventure
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Unless a child has a real fear of jungle animals in their home, I cant think of a child who will not love this book, especially listening to the audio.
Personal response: Jumanji is a wonderful story that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next players roll. I love the illustrations in this book and having Robin Williams narrate the story was absolutely perfect! I rate the book and audio at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: What is your favorite boardgame? Why?
The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows
Bibliographic Information (APA): West, J. (2010). The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows. Illus. Illustrator Poly Bernatene. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
Brief Annotation: Something strange is happening in Olive's new house. She discovers a pair of glasses that allows her to enter the many paintings that line the walls.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction
Grade Level: 5th-12th
Readers who will like this: Children that enjoy fantasy fiction will really enjoy this book.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; If I could give it a 5 or more I would. Jacqueline lives in our backyard and is always willing to come to schools and libraries for talks or workshops. This is a beautifully written book about paintings that come to life when she puts on a pair of classes she finds. She soon meets three cats that act as guardians to the paintings. This book is beautifully written and I highly recommend it.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever wished you could climb into a painting?
Reading Strategies Connection:
Artist workshop:
Have the children study different paintings and artists. When the children have had some time to explore different paintings provide the children with a canvas and some different art medias. Allow the children to create their own paintings to "put inside Olive's House". When the paintings are complete ask the children to write a story about what it would be like to enter their painting. Have them include what it would be like and who they would encounter. Allow the children's imaginations to run wild.
Uncle Andy's: A faabbbulous visit with Andy Warhol
Bibliographic Information: Warhola, J. (2003). Uncle Andy's: a faabbbulous visit with Andy Warhol. New York, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
Annotation: This is a story told from the point of view of James, Andy Warhol's nephew, who is also the author. James tells of one of his families many trips to visit their uncle in New York City.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picture Book
Grade Level: K-P
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Someone who is interested in art or someone who would like to know more about Andy Warhol.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book a 3. This books shows how famous people can come from humble beginnings and what a person can accomplish with the support of family and friends.
Prereading Question: Who was Andy Warhol?
Annotation: This is a story told from the point of view of James, Andy Warhol's nephew, who is also the author. James tells of one of his families many trips to visit their uncle in New York City.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picture Book
Grade Level: K-P
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Someone who is interested in art or someone who would like to know more about Andy Warhol.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book a 3. This books shows how famous people can come from humble beginnings and what a person can accomplish with the support of family and friends.
Prereading Question: Who was Andy Warhol?
The Talented Clementine
Bibliographic Information (APA): Pennypacker, S. (2007). The Talented Clementine. Illus. Marla Frazee. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks.
Brief Annotation: Clementine's class is having a talent show but Clementine has no talent. This hilarious book takes you through Clementines many ideas for her talent show until she discovers her true talent.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 3rd-4th
Readers who will like this: Most children will enjoy this book. Any child who has worried about not being good enough or has a friend that seems so much better than them will easily relate to this book.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; This book is wonderful! Clementine searches through the entire book to discover her true talent. She gets down on herself and is jealous of her friend Margaret. Her teacher and principle finally help her discover her true talent. She realizes how unique she actually is.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever felt like you didn't have a talent or wasn't good enough?
Lilly's Big Day
Bibliographic Information (APA): Henkes, K. (2006). Lilly's Big Day. New York, NY: Harper Collins.
Brief Annotation: Lilly's teacher is getting married and she has always dreamed of being a flower girl.
Genre: Children's Picture book, Animal,
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this: Girls will love this book because it is about a wedding. Boys may enjoy this book because it is about growing up.
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; This is such an adorable book about a little girl named Lilly who wants to be in her teachers wedding really bad. This is a cute little book about learning about yourself and wanting something really bad. I would recommend this book for little girls especially.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever wanted something really bad and you got it but it wasn't quite what you expected?
The Willoughbys
Bibliographic Information: Lowry, L. (2008). The Willoughbys. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Annotation: This is an odd story about four children and their parents, neither set liking the other, and how these old fashioned children are able to have their happy ending.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who enjoy seeing the underdog persevere as well as those who appreciate interesting twists of fate.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book a 3. It is an interesting take on orphan stories and uses some interesting vocabulary, including one word I wasn't even sure on its meaning. At the end of the book the author includes a glossary of the words, in language suitable for the target age group, and also provides brief summaries of stories that characters reference throughout the book.
Prereading Question: What does it mean to be an orphan?
Annotation: This is an odd story about four children and their parents, neither set liking the other, and how these old fashioned children are able to have their happy ending.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: I
Readers Who Will Like This Book: Readers who enjoy seeing the underdog persevere as well as those who appreciate interesting twists of fate.
Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book a 3. It is an interesting take on orphan stories and uses some interesting vocabulary, including one word I wasn't even sure on its meaning. At the end of the book the author includes a glossary of the words, in language suitable for the target age group, and also provides brief summaries of stories that characters reference throughout the book.
Prereading Question: What does it mean to be an orphan?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
When Sophie gets angry--really, really, angry...
Bibliographic Information: Brang, M. (1999) When Sophie gets angry--really, really angry... New York: Blue Sky Press
Annotation: This is the story of what happens when Sophie gets angry. Sophie gets upset and doesn't know how to express her feelings. She runs from them and with time she is able to cool down and return to what she was doing.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Young readers will like this book. Children with siblings (rivalry).
Response/Rating: The illustrations grab the readers attention. The warm to cool colors is a great way to show what Sophie is feeling. This book is doesn't use a lot of text but is able to show meaning very easily. 4
Classroom question: What do you do when somebody upsets you?
Annotation: This is the story of what happens when Sophie gets angry. Sophie gets upset and doesn't know how to express her feelings. She runs from them and with time she is able to cool down and return to what she was doing.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Young readers will like this book. Children with siblings (rivalry).
Response/Rating: The illustrations grab the readers attention. The warm to cool colors is a great way to show what Sophie is feeling. This book is doesn't use a lot of text but is able to show meaning very easily. 4
Classroom question: What do you do when somebody upsets you?
Pete's a Pizza
Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1998) Pete's a Pizza. New York: HarperCollins Publishers
Annotation: Pete is upset because it is raining and he can't play ball outside. His dad decides to cheer him up, and turning Pete into a pizza is the perfect way. Pete is the dough and checkers are tomatoes. Pete cheers up and has fun playing with his father.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers that will like this book: Young readers will enjoy this book. Children that like pizza. Children that have been disapointed by the weather.
Response/Rating: I didn't think the illustrations were that exciting. The story was cute and fun. 3
Classroom question: Have you ever had plans changed because of the weather?
Annotation: Pete is upset because it is raining and he can't play ball outside. His dad decides to cheer him up, and turning Pete into a pizza is the perfect way. Pete is the dough and checkers are tomatoes. Pete cheers up and has fun playing with his father.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers that will like this book: Young readers will enjoy this book. Children that like pizza. Children that have been disapointed by the weather.
Response/Rating: I didn't think the illustrations were that exciting. The story was cute and fun. 3
Classroom question: Have you ever had plans changed because of the weather?
A Good Day
Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (2007) A Good Day. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: This is the story of four animals that start out having a bad day. The bird, fox, dog and squirrel are determined to have a good day. They are persistant and show that a bad day does not have to stay bad. You can decide to make it good.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Most young children will like this book. The animals are fun for younger children and the older children will be able to make connections about feelings.
Response/Rating: Not the typical Keven Henkes "mouse" book. I like the simplicity of this book. The full pages illustrations are great and have the perfect amount of detail. 4
Classroom question: Have you ever had a bad day?
Annotation: This is the story of four animals that start out having a bad day. The bird, fox, dog and squirrel are determined to have a good day. They are persistant and show that a bad day does not have to stay bad. You can decide to make it good.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Most young children will like this book. The animals are fun for younger children and the older children will be able to make connections about feelings.
Response/Rating: Not the typical Keven Henkes "mouse" book. I like the simplicity of this book. The full pages illustrations are great and have the perfect amount of detail. 4
Classroom question: Have you ever had a bad day?
No, David!
Bibliographic Information: Shannon, D. (1998) No, David! New York: Blue Sky Press
Annotation: David is a young boy who has does many naughty things. All David ever heard his mother say was, "No!" David finally hears "Yes!" from his mother and gets a hug at the end.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: This is a good book for beginning readers. Most children will find this book funny and may connect with David. Teachers/Parents will like this book for teaching about feelings.
Response/Rating: As a parent I really connected with this book. I think my children could relate to David. The book uses humor but is also serious at the end when David gets the hug from his mother. I really enjoyed the colors and illustrations used. 4
Classroom questions: What do you think happens in this book? Why do you think it is called No, David? What happens when you do things that you are not supposed to do?
Annotation: David is a young boy who has does many naughty things. All David ever heard his mother say was, "No!" David finally hears "Yes!" from his mother and gets a hug at the end.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: This is a good book for beginning readers. Most children will find this book funny and may connect with David. Teachers/Parents will like this book for teaching about feelings.
Response/Rating: As a parent I really connected with this book. I think my children could relate to David. The book uses humor but is also serious at the end when David gets the hug from his mother. I really enjoyed the colors and illustrations used. 4
Classroom questions: What do you think happens in this book? Why do you think it is called No, David? What happens when you do things that you are not supposed to do?
Feelings
Bibliographic Information: Aliki (1984) Feelings. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: This book uses different methods to show emotions. Some of the books uses pictures while other parts use poetry and stories.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Parents/teachers of young children will like this book. It can help teach children how to express their emotions.
Rating/Response: This book is simple. It does a great job showing that it is difficult for children to show emotion. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what emotions are? What do you do when you feel happy/sad/upset?
Annotation: This book uses different methods to show emotions. Some of the books uses pictures while other parts use poetry and stories.
Genre: Picturebook
Grade level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Parents/teachers of young children will like this book. It can help teach children how to express their emotions.
Rating/Response: This book is simple. It does a great job showing that it is difficult for children to show emotion. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what emotions are? What do you do when you feel happy/sad/upset?
Hatchet
Bibliographic Information: Paulsen, G. (1987) Hatchet. New York: Simon & Schuster
Annotation: This is the story of 13 year old Brian. His parents recently got divorced. Brian is flying to northern Canada to visit his father when his plan crashes. Brian encounters many tough decisions along his journey. He only has a hatchet that his mother gave him and must survive on his own.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: Varies (4-12th grade)
Readers who will like this book: Any reader that is interested in the outdoors and/or survival techniques. Children who have experienced struggles or have had difficult decisions to make.
Response/Rating: I think many children can make connections from this book. Survival techniques without technology may be hard for kids to believe but I think this story really shows that anything is possible. 3
Classroom questions: (opening) Have you ever been camping before? What resources did you have? (closing) Do you think you could have survived? Is there anything you would have done different? Do you think there was a theme in this novel?
Annotation: This is the story of 13 year old Brian. His parents recently got divorced. Brian is flying to northern Canada to visit his father when his plan crashes. Brian encounters many tough decisions along his journey. He only has a hatchet that his mother gave him and must survive on his own.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: Varies (4-12th grade)
Readers who will like this book: Any reader that is interested in the outdoors and/or survival techniques. Children who have experienced struggles or have had difficult decisions to make.
Response/Rating: I think many children can make connections from this book. Survival techniques without technology may be hard for kids to believe but I think this story really shows that anything is possible. 3
Classroom questions: (opening) Have you ever been camping before? What resources did you have? (closing) Do you think you could have survived? Is there anything you would have done different? Do you think there was a theme in this novel?
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Bibliographic Information: Stead, P.C. (2010). A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Illus. Erin E. Stead. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press.
Brief Annotation: Amos McGee is a wonderful zookeeper, who has many close friends at the zoo. When he gets sick and can't make it to work, his friends hop on a bus and visit him.
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever had to stay home sick, and missed their friends.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderful little story about friendship. I love the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What does it feel like when you have to stay home sick?
10/40: Story Boards from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This is a wonderful strategy for Kindergarten through second grade. In this strategy, I would create storyboards by cutting out the illustrations from two copies of the book, attaching these to tagboard, and laminating them. I would ask the students to use the storyboards to sequence the story after a read aloud. This strategy helps students to grasp the concept of story sequence. As there are several pages of pure illustration in this book, I believe it would be an ideal story for story boarding.
Star Boy
Bibliographic Information: Goble, P. (1983). Star Boy. Illus. Paul Goble. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks, in imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Brief Annotation: Star Boy, the son of Morning Star and a human woman, is banished from Sky World. As he grows, he finds the strength and courage, with the help of the chief's daughter, to make peace with the Sun, who passes on the sacred Sun Dance.
Genre: Porquoi Tale (Native American)
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in cultures other than their own, or stories of the origins of things.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The illustrations are bright, vivid and authentic, representing the culture well. It is a beautiful story of the origin of a very important ceremony.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Are stories from other cultures just as important as those of your culture? Do stories tell us anything important about other cultures?
Brief Annotation: Star Boy, the son of Morning Star and a human woman, is banished from Sky World. As he grows, he finds the strength and courage, with the help of the chief's daughter, to make peace with the Sun, who passes on the sacred Sun Dance.
Genre: Porquoi Tale (Native American)
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in cultures other than their own, or stories of the origins of things.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The illustrations are bright, vivid and authentic, representing the culture well. It is a beautiful story of the origin of a very important ceremony.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Are stories from other cultures just as important as those of your culture? Do stories tell us anything important about other cultures?
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