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.

Don't Say That Word!

Bibliographic Information: Katz, A. (2007). Don't Say That Word!. Illus. David Catrow. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Brief Annotation: Michael comes home from school and his mother asks him about his day. He begins to tell her but is stopped every time he is about to say certain words that he should not say.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: K-5

Readers who will like this: Children who enjoys a funny and entertaining book.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I liked how the words rhyme so you can almost guess the inappropriate word that Michael isn't allowed to say. This is a great book to teach children about good etiquettes and manners.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: What are some good manners?

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Bibliographic Information: Blume, J. (1970). Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. New York, NY: Random House Children's Books.

Brief Annotation: When Margaret moves to a new house in the suburbs, she struggles with understanding her new friends, her body, and her religion.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: 5 - 8

Readers who will like this book: Preteen girls who are struggling with their identity, friendships and family life.

Rating/Response: 3 out of 4. While I appreciate the underlying meaning and the topics/issues raised by the book, some of the details seem outdated now.

One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to move to a new place? How would you present yourself to new people? Would you keep some things about yourself private, or share everything?