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?
Showing posts with label Samantha Winsor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samantha Winsor. Show all posts
Sunday, March 25, 2012
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?
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?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Popcorn: Poems
Bibliographic Information: Stevenson, J. (1998) Popcorn: Poems. New York: Greenwillow Books
Annotation: This is a book composed of short poems. There is a variety of poems to read. Many are fun and interesting. Some are sad, while others are funny. The poetry is simple and perfect for primary students.
Genre: Poetry
Grade Level: K-5 (read aloud for younger grades)
Readers who will like this book: I think most primary students would enjoy this book of poetry. There are many different topics, most students would be able to connect with at least 2 or 3.
Response/Rating: I haven't read poetry in years and this was a fun way to get back into poetry. The poems are fun and the illustrations are simple. This book made me smile. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what poetry is? Do you have a favorite poem? Are all poems the same? What were some differences in the poems we read?
Annotation: This is a book composed of short poems. There is a variety of poems to read. Many are fun and interesting. Some are sad, while others are funny. The poetry is simple and perfect for primary students.
Genre: Poetry
Grade Level: K-5 (read aloud for younger grades)
Readers who will like this book: I think most primary students would enjoy this book of poetry. There are many different topics, most students would be able to connect with at least 2 or 3.
Response/Rating: I haven't read poetry in years and this was a fun way to get back into poetry. The poems are fun and the illustrations are simple. This book made me smile. 4
Classroom questions: Do you know what poetry is? Do you have a favorite poem? Are all poems the same? What were some differences in the poems we read?
Persephone
Bibliographic Information: Hutton, W. (1994) Persephone. New York: M.K. McElderry Books
Annotation: This is the retelling of the Greek Myth of Persephone. Persephone has to spend six months of every year below the Earth in Hades. During her time away her mother misses her and the Earth becomes dark. When Persephone returns light returns. Persephone is knows as the goddess of vegetation.
Genre: Myth
Grade Level: 3-6
Readers who will like this: Any reader interested in mythology.
Response/Rating: The language in this version was simple and easy to understand. The illustrations were nice, I enjoy watercolor. 3
Classroom questions: Have you heard of Zeus? Have you heard of his daughter, Persephone? Do you know what Myths are? Was there a message being presented in this book?
Annotation: This is the retelling of the Greek Myth of Persephone. Persephone has to spend six months of every year below the Earth in Hades. During her time away her mother misses her and the Earth becomes dark. When Persephone returns light returns. Persephone is knows as the goddess of vegetation.
Genre: Myth
Grade Level: 3-6
Readers who will like this: Any reader interested in mythology.
Response/Rating: The language in this version was simple and easy to understand. The illustrations were nice, I enjoy watercolor. 3
Classroom questions: Have you heard of Zeus? Have you heard of his daughter, Persephone? Do you know what Myths are? Was there a message being presented in this book?
Jack and the Beanstalk
Bibliographic Information: Galdone, P. (1974) Jack and the Beanstalk. New York: Houghton Mifflin/Clarion books
Annotation: This the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack is to go to the market to buy a fat goose but returns with magic beans. A beanstalk grows and Jack is contronted by a giant. Jack must outsmart the giant in order to have a fortune for his mother.
Genre: Picturebook/Folktale
Grade Level: Nursery-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy folktales or traditional Jack and the Beanstalk stories.
Response/Rating: I enjoyed this version of the story. The illustrations were dark and outdated. 3
Classroom questions: Have you heard of this story? Do you know any of the characters? Does this story have a meaning? What is the same or different from what you read before? What do you think would happen next in the story?
Annotation: This the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack is to go to the market to buy a fat goose but returns with magic beans. A beanstalk grows and Jack is contronted by a giant. Jack must outsmart the giant in order to have a fortune for his mother.
Genre: Picturebook/Folktale
Grade Level: Nursery-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy folktales or traditional Jack and the Beanstalk stories.
Response/Rating: I enjoyed this version of the story. The illustrations were dark and outdated. 3
Classroom questions: Have you heard of this story? Do you know any of the characters? Does this story have a meaning? What is the same or different from what you read before? What do you think would happen next in the story?
Jim and the Beanstalk
Bibliographic information: Briggs, R. Jim and the Beanstalk (1970) New York: Coward-McCann
Annotation: Jim helps the giant in new and interesting ways. The giant is growing old and needs help. He has lost his teeth and is losing his eyesight as well. Jim helps the giant get fake teeth and glasses. Jim and the Beanstalk takes a classic tale and makes it something new.
Genre: Picturebook/Folktale
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children that enjoy folktales, especially Jack and the Beanstalk.
Response/Rating: I enjoyed this book. The story is more modern and much easier to follow than the classic tale. 3
Classroom questions: Have you ever heard of Jack and the Beanstalk? (opening) Why do you think this story is different? Which story do you prefer? (closing)
Annotation: Jim helps the giant in new and interesting ways. The giant is growing old and needs help. He has lost his teeth and is losing his eyesight as well. Jim helps the giant get fake teeth and glasses. Jim and the Beanstalk takes a classic tale and makes it something new.
Genre: Picturebook/Folktale
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children that enjoy folktales, especially Jack and the Beanstalk.
Response/Rating: I enjoyed this book. The story is more modern and much easier to follow than the classic tale. 3
Classroom questions: Have you ever heard of Jack and the Beanstalk? (opening) Why do you think this story is different? Which story do you prefer? (closing)
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