Amelia Earhart:the legend of the lost Aviator.By Shelley Tanaka Illustrations by David Craig.ISBN978-08-1097095-3.Orbis Pictus Award Winner.Ages 8-12
This book focuses on Amelia's life instead of her disappearance. It does acknowledging the various theories and evidence that has arisen since 1937. The biography of Amelia Earhart is a celebration of her achievements and the inspiration she gave to boys and girls around the world. This book is one that is sure to intrigue young readers interested in tales of adventure. Included are numerous photographs of Amelia Earhart are complemented by David Craig's rich artwork that re-imagines several scenes from her life.
This book would be a great resource for young children who are learning to write biography's. With the beautiful art work to draw them in and the mystery of Amelia's disappearance to keep them reading it is a great way to introduce biography's to young readers.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
How Many Baby Pandas
How Many Baby Pandas.By Sandra Markle.ISBN978-0-80-279783-4.NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.Ages4-11
This beautiful Picture essay book is a great way to introduce the subject of endangered species to young children. The photographs really draw in the reader and will keep the attention of little readers. Using simple math as well as counting to tell the story of 16 pandas living in captivity this truly is a useful nonfiction book for younger children. It is also filled with facts about pandas who live in the wild as well as captivity to interest older readers who want to know about pandas. Readers of many different levels can read and enjoy passages in this book. For example on one page it will ask, "How many baby pandas are taking a nap. 3 Three" and on the opposite page the text is more in-depth and gives more information about them.
This is a great book that can be used in a wide range of classroom activities and grade levels.
This beautiful Picture essay book is a great way to introduce the subject of endangered species to young children. The photographs really draw in the reader and will keep the attention of little readers. Using simple math as well as counting to tell the story of 16 pandas living in captivity this truly is a useful nonfiction book for younger children. It is also filled with facts about pandas who live in the wild as well as captivity to interest older readers who want to know about pandas. Readers of many different levels can read and enjoy passages in this book. For example on one page it will ask, "How many baby pandas are taking a nap. 3 Three" and on the opposite page the text is more in-depth and gives more information about them.
This is a great book that can be used in a wide range of classroom activities and grade levels.
Scorpions
Scorpions.By Walter Dean Myers.ISBN978-0-06-440623-9.Newbery Honor.Ages 11-14
Scorpions deals with the friendship and loyalty of two twelve-year-old boys, one black and one Puerto Rican.Neither lives with his father. Jamal lives with his mother and sister, and Tito lives with his grandmother in an inner-city neighborhood filled with violence, gangs, poverty, and drugs. Both boys are put into a dangerous situation that will change their lives forever.
This book centers around one event and how Jamal must make the decision to do what is right or what he has always known. The Scorpions are a gun-toting Harlem gang, and Jamal is about to become tragically involved with them. Pushed by the bully, Dwayne, to fight, and problems with the principle Jamal has a difficult time staying in school. His home life is not much better, with his mother working all the time to try to earn money for an appeal for Jamal's older brother, Randy, who is in jail. Randy wants Jamal to take his place as the Scorpions leader until he is free, but the other gang members, especially Angel and Indian, don't like the idea. Only Mack thinks Jamal should be the leader, and it is Mack who gets Jamal a gun. Jamal wants to do the right thing and earn the money to free his brother by working, but he is afraid to go against the Scorpions. He longs to get rid of the gun, but part of him just can't bring himself to do it. As things heat up within the gang, it reaches new level when Mack kills Angel and Indian is thrown in jail. Jamal eventually pulls free of the gang's bad influence, but only through the narrowest of escapes.
Scorpions deals with a range of material The main one is the loss of innocence. It also deals with problems young people face in inner city living. Death and of course it also deals with different family Dynamics and how no family is exactly alike . This book is important because it allows teachers to bring to the classroom difficult topics.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins. ISBN978-0-06-440201-9By Katherine Paterson.Newbery Honor. Ages 11-14
The Great Gilly Hopkins is the Story of a girl named Galadriel "Gilly" Hopkins. At age 11 she has spent her life being bounced from one foster home to another. Gilly is a very independent and bright girl who throughout the story uses her intelligence to her benefit. When Gilly is placed in the Trotter household, the reader can sense that this place will be different for Ms. Trotter does not waver or respond to Gilly's poor actions. Ms. Trotter's only real response is ever love towards Gilly. She also continues to hold on to the idea the her birth mother Courtney Rutherford Hopkins will one day return to bring her home. She receives a postcard from her mother saying that she hoped that Gilly would one day be able to join her in California. This postcard has a return address. Gilly sees this as a way to find her mother all she needs is the money to get to California. First however she writes to Courtney telling about the horrible place she was living in and begging her to send money so she can go to California. When Gilly does not here from her mother she plots to get the money by stealing it from the neighbor Mr. Randolph, who is also apart of the Trotter extended family. When caught Gilly is faced with the reality that her mother will probably never come from her.
While she is working to pay Ms. Trotter back the money she stole something happens she realizes that the Trotter home might be the home and family she has always wanted. However it might be to late because as the flu takes over the home Gilly's grandmother appears to claim her and she is forced to leave the Trotter home. In the end Gilly realizes that what we imagaine and what is reality are rarely the same. Because in the end her mother never wanted to come get her and she will forever live with her grandmother and she must live with the fact that her actions are the reason she can not return to the home she always longed for.
The Great Gilly Hopkins is a wonderful book to show students the development of character. Also it is a way to show what we think is and what is are two different things.
The Great Gilly Hopkins is the Story of a girl named Galadriel "Gilly" Hopkins. At age 11 she has spent her life being bounced from one foster home to another. Gilly is a very independent and bright girl who throughout the story uses her intelligence to her benefit. When Gilly is placed in the Trotter household, the reader can sense that this place will be different for Ms. Trotter does not waver or respond to Gilly's poor actions. Ms. Trotter's only real response is ever love towards Gilly. She also continues to hold on to the idea the her birth mother Courtney Rutherford Hopkins will one day return to bring her home. She receives a postcard from her mother saying that she hoped that Gilly would one day be able to join her in California. This postcard has a return address. Gilly sees this as a way to find her mother all she needs is the money to get to California. First however she writes to Courtney telling about the horrible place she was living in and begging her to send money so she can go to California. When Gilly does not here from her mother she plots to get the money by stealing it from the neighbor Mr. Randolph, who is also apart of the Trotter extended family. When caught Gilly is faced with the reality that her mother will probably never come from her.
While she is working to pay Ms. Trotter back the money she stole something happens she realizes that the Trotter home might be the home and family she has always wanted. However it might be to late because as the flu takes over the home Gilly's grandmother appears to claim her and she is forced to leave the Trotter home. In the end Gilly realizes that what we imagaine and what is reality are rarely the same. Because in the end her mother never wanted to come get her and she will forever live with her grandmother and she must live with the fact that her actions are the reason she can not return to the home she always longed for.
The Great Gilly Hopkins is a wonderful book to show students the development of character. Also it is a way to show what we think is and what is are two different things.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Fox in a Trap
Fox in a Trap.ISBN0-89919-473-7.by Jane Resh Thomas, Drawings by Troy Howell.Ages 8-11
Fox in a Trap is a book that even if we have never farmed or hunted many of us can relate to. For many we want to escape what we have always known for something new and "exciting". Through this book Daniel discovers that sometimes new and exciting things are not what we imagaine them to be. His Uncle Pete travels constantly, writing, hunting, fishingand Daniel begs him to go trapping. But he is sickened by the baiting of the trap with dead kittens, suffocating the trapped fox to spare the pelt and finding the chewed-off leg of a fox that escaped. Daniel must also face the knowledge that his relationship with his father and uncle will forever be diffrent.Howell's pencil drawings enhance the dramatic tension created by the text. It was looking at snap shot photagrapghy that was a perfect match to the writting.
A true coming of age story this book would be an excellent fiction to use to show students that life may not be as glamerous as we think it will be. Also I want to note that for me I find it hard to find books for young boys to truly enjoy and I feel this is one as Many of Jane's books are that young boys will love to read.
Fox in a Trap is a book that even if we have never farmed or hunted many of us can relate to. For many we want to escape what we have always known for something new and "exciting". Through this book Daniel discovers that sometimes new and exciting things are not what we imagaine them to be. His Uncle Pete travels constantly, writing, hunting, fishingand Daniel begs him to go trapping. But he is sickened by the baiting of the trap with dead kittens, suffocating the trapped fox to spare the pelt and finding the chewed-off leg of a fox that escaped. Daniel must also face the knowledge that his relationship with his father and uncle will forever be diffrent.Howell's pencil drawings enhance the dramatic tension created by the text. It was looking at snap shot photagrapghy that was a perfect match to the writting.
A true coming of age story this book would be an excellent fiction to use to show students that life may not be as glamerous as we think it will be. Also I want to note that for me I find it hard to find books for young boys to truly enjoy and I feel this is one as Many of Jane's books are that young boys will love to read.
Kira-KIra
Kira-Kira.ISBN978-689-85640-2.Written by Cynthia Kadohata.The Newbery Medal. Ages 11-15
Kira-Kira is a story about two sisters and the bond they share. It takes place during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Though she lives in a harsh time, she is oblivious to everything around her except the security of her family's love. That cocoon of love is slowly shattered, however, beginning with a move that takes her family from the familiar cornfields of Iowa to Georgia. In this different environment Katie begins to understand the difficulties of the time. She is also stuck with another harsh reality when her sister becomes ill and eventually dies.
At the beginning of the story, Lynn taught Katie the word Kira-Kira and she uses it to describe everything meaning "glittering". At the end of the book as the family is trying to recover from all that has occurred Katie's parents attempt to cheer the family up by taking them all on a wonderful, beautiful vacation. Katie recommends California because that is where Lynn would have wanted to go; California is where the sea she loved is and it is where Lynn wanted to live when she got older. The family arrives and while Katie walked on the beach, she could hear Lynn's voice in the waves: "Kira-Kira, Kira-Kira" For me this is where Katie comes full circle with the phrase and understands the importance of seeing beauty in everything.
Another excellent book to help humanize historical events.
Kira-Kira is a story about two sisters and the bond they share. It takes place during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Though she lives in a harsh time, she is oblivious to everything around her except the security of her family's love. That cocoon of love is slowly shattered, however, beginning with a move that takes her family from the familiar cornfields of Iowa to Georgia. In this different environment Katie begins to understand the difficulties of the time. She is also stuck with another harsh reality when her sister becomes ill and eventually dies.
At the beginning of the story, Lynn taught Katie the word Kira-Kira and she uses it to describe everything meaning "glittering". At the end of the book as the family is trying to recover from all that has occurred Katie's parents attempt to cheer the family up by taking them all on a wonderful, beautiful vacation. Katie recommends California because that is where Lynn would have wanted to go; California is where the sea she loved is and it is where Lynn wanted to live when she got older. The family arrives and while Katie walked on the beach, she could hear Lynn's voice in the waves: "Kira-Kira, Kira-Kira" For me this is where Katie comes full circle with the phrase and understands the importance of seeing beauty in everything.
Another excellent book to help humanize historical events.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Number The Stars
Number The Stars.ISBN978-0-440-40327-2.By Lois Lowry.Ages 11-15
Number the Stars is told from the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen. The story is set in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark in September 1943, the third year of the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Annemarie tell how she became part of the resistence and helped families escape from the Nazis. The reader truly understands the importence of everyones part in the resisence when Annemarie must take an important package to her uncle before they can leave. On the way to the boat, soldiers with dogs stop her. They search her basket and discover the package. But when they rip it open it contains only a handkerchief, and they let her go. Annemarie makes it to the boat in time, to Henrik's evident relief. BeAfter dinner, Uncle Henrik takes Annemarie to learn how to milk the cow. They talk about the events of the day. He explains that he hid his passengers in the bottom of the boat, and the handkerchief was essential because it kept the Germans' dogs from smelling the human cargo. Uncle Henrik praises Annemarie for her bravery and reassures her that Ellen who is Annemarie's best friend is safe and they will meet again someday.Because this story is told from a child's point of view Students will find it easier to identify with the main character.
Number the starr is an excellent historical fiction book to use when discussing the events of WWII. It is a way students can relate and get into discussions about a very difficult topic.
Number the Stars is told from the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen. The story is set in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark in September 1943, the third year of the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Annemarie tell how she became part of the resistence and helped families escape from the Nazis. The reader truly understands the importence of everyones part in the resisence when Annemarie must take an important package to her uncle before they can leave. On the way to the boat, soldiers with dogs stop her. They search her basket and discover the package. But when they rip it open it contains only a handkerchief, and they let her go. Annemarie makes it to the boat in time, to Henrik's evident relief. BeAfter dinner, Uncle Henrik takes Annemarie to learn how to milk the cow. They talk about the events of the day. He explains that he hid his passengers in the bottom of the boat, and the handkerchief was essential because it kept the Germans' dogs from smelling the human cargo. Uncle Henrik praises Annemarie for her bravery and reassures her that Ellen who is Annemarie's best friend is safe and they will meet again someday.Because this story is told from a child's point of view Students will find it easier to identify with the main character.
Number the starr is an excellent historical fiction book to use when discussing the events of WWII. It is a way students can relate and get into discussions about a very difficult topic.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
People of Corn-A Mayan Story
People of Corn-A Mayan Story.ISBN0-316-30854-4.Retold byMary-Joan Gerson, Pictures by Carla Golembe. Parent's Choice Silver Honor. Ages 5-10
People of Corn- A Mayan Story tells the story of how the Mayan people came to be. How the gods wanted them to have heart and so they created them from corn. Thus the Mayan people see corn as more than just food, but a true life source of all things. With pictures done in bright traditional colors they enhance the story. The illustrations are done in what I would call a traditional fashion as the reader could imagaine them done on a cave wall. For younger students the pictures also tell what the Author is writing. For example the author writes of how Mayan women weaved stories that came to them in dreams. The picture shows a women dreaming of a beautiful woven scarf with a story on it.
This is a great book to use during a civilization unit of the Mayan people. It gives in a simple way that children would understand of how the Maya's came to be. It could also be used when discussing the religion aspect of the Mayan civilization. It is a great way to discuss a civilization without using a textbook.
People of Corn- A Mayan Story tells the story of how the Mayan people came to be. How the gods wanted them to have heart and so they created them from corn. Thus the Mayan people see corn as more than just food, but a true life source of all things. With pictures done in bright traditional colors they enhance the story. The illustrations are done in what I would call a traditional fashion as the reader could imagaine them done on a cave wall. For younger students the pictures also tell what the Author is writing. For example the author writes of how Mayan women weaved stories that came to them in dreams. The picture shows a women dreaming of a beautiful woven scarf with a story on it.
This is a great book to use during a civilization unit of the Mayan people. It gives in a simple way that children would understand of how the Maya's came to be. It could also be used when discussing the religion aspect of the Mayan civilization. It is a great way to discuss a civilization without using a textbook.
The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day.ISBN 0-670-65400-0.Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Ages 2-6
The Snowy Day is a charming tale of a boy named Peter and the adventures he has on one snowy day. The beautiful illustrations paint a wonderful visual of the story being told. The bright and cheerful colors are sure to draw in young children to Peter's world. The illustrations do a wonderful job at telling the story so even if a child can not read they would be able to create a story using the pictures.
This would be a great book to use for a winter unit about snow for young children. It can also be used as a tool to discuss imagination.
The Snowy Day is a charming tale of a boy named Peter and the adventures he has on one snowy day. The beautiful illustrations paint a wonderful visual of the story being told. The bright and cheerful colors are sure to draw in young children to Peter's world. The illustrations do a wonderful job at telling the story so even if a child can not read they would be able to create a story using the pictures.
This would be a great book to use for a winter unit about snow for young children. It can also be used as a tool to discuss imagination.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa
Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa. By . ISBN978-0-9814938-0-0.Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal. Ages 3-8.
Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa is a wonderful story about a girl name Emily and her visit to her grandparents. Though they live far apart she learns that no matter what the distance they will always be close. She learns to use the things around her like her imagination to be with her grandparents when ever misses them. This beautifully illustrated book shows how must Emily loves her grandparents and draws us in to her world.
This is a great book to read to anyone who has a loved one far away. It shows that by using our surroundings we can always be close to our loved ones. It also show the amazement ones imagination can be.
Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa is a wonderful story about a girl name Emily and her visit to her grandparents. Though they live far apart she learns that no matter what the distance they will always be close. She learns to use the things around her like her imagination to be with her grandparents when ever misses them. This beautifully illustrated book shows how must Emily loves her grandparents and draws us in to her world.
This is a great book to read to anyone who has a loved one far away. It shows that by using our surroundings we can always be close to our loved ones. It also show the amazement ones imagination can be.
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus. Written and Illustrated by M0 Willems. ISBN978-0-78-681988-1. Caldecott Honor. Ages 2-6
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus is a great story about a Pigeon who wants to drive the bus, when the driver takes his break he tries to convince the reader to allow him to continue to drive the route. When his sneakiness does not work and ends up in a full out tantrum. The illustrations are really simple, a gray pigeon outlined in black. With the movement of the pigeons eyes and eyebrows brings the pigeon to life.
Children will love to answer out loud as the Pigeon tries to be allowed to drive the bus!
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus is a great story about a Pigeon who wants to drive the bus, when the driver takes his break he tries to convince the reader to allow him to continue to drive the route. When his sneakiness does not work and ends up in a full out tantrum. The illustrations are really simple, a gray pigeon outlined in black. With the movement of the pigeons eyes and eyebrows brings the pigeon to life.
Children will love to answer out loud as the Pigeon tries to be allowed to drive the bus!
Papá, And Me
Papá And Me. By Arthur Dorros and Illustrated By Rudy Gutierrez. ISBN978-0-060-58156-5. Pura Belpré Honor Book and ALA Notable Children’s Book. Ages 3-7
Papá And Me is a great story about a boy and his father and how they spend the day together. A notable mention is the father only speaks Spanish, while the son is bilingual. Told mostly in English there are also Spanish beginning vocab words that have no transitions through out the story. Don't worry it is easy to understand what they mean.
The theme of this book is that of love. Through the amazing illustrations we see the love that the father and son have for one another. The swirling colors bring the pages and characters to life. The illustrations turn an ordinary day in to one of magic and adventure.
This is a great book for young children to learn about other languages.
Papá And Me is a great story about a boy and his father and how they spend the day together. A notable mention is the father only speaks Spanish, while the son is bilingual. Told mostly in English there are also Spanish beginning vocab words that have no transitions through out the story. Don't worry it is easy to understand what they mean.
The theme of this book is that of love. Through the amazing illustrations we see the love that the father and son have for one another. The swirling colors bring the pages and characters to life. The illustrations turn an ordinary day in to one of magic and adventure.
This is a great book for young children to learn about other languages.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Roll of Thunder,Hear My Cry.By Mildred D. Taylor.ISBN978-0-14-034893-4.John Newbery Medal.Ages 11-14.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of the Logan family and their struggles living in 1933 rural Mississippi as an African-American family. They are contently harassed, and bullied. The author really brings the reader in to the time period and what it was like to live in the south for an African-American not only for the adults, but also the children. The reader can feel the families pain as everything that they have worked for is threatened.
This is a great Historical fiction book that could be used to enhance the teaching of this time period .
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of the Logan family and their struggles living in 1933 rural Mississippi as an African-American family. They are contently harassed, and bullied. The author really brings the reader in to the time period and what it was like to live in the south for an African-American not only for the adults, but also the children. The reader can feel the families pain as everything that they have worked for is threatened.
This is a great Historical fiction book that could be used to enhance the teaching of this time period .
Bud, Not Buddy
Bud, Not Buddy. By Christopher Paul Curtis.ISBN978-0-440-41328-8.John Newbery Medal. Ages 11-14
Bud, not Buddy is set in 1936 during the Great Depression, The author tells the story of 10 year old orphan Bud and his search for a family. Having being place with a family that is anything , but kind to him he makes the decision to run away in search of the father he has never met. This well written story pulls us into not only Buds story but brings us in to that time period and the struggles that many faces. It also touches on the subject of racism.
This is a great book for older elementary school teachers to use not only for a language arts class but for a social studies class. It would be a great way to discuss the time period of the Great Depression and the subject of racism during that time.
Bud, not Buddy is set in 1936 during the Great Depression, The author tells the story of 10 year old orphan Bud and his search for a family. Having being place with a family that is anything , but kind to him he makes the decision to run away in search of the father he has never met. This well written story pulls us into not only Buds story but brings us in to that time period and the struggles that many faces. It also touches on the subject of racism.
This is a great book for older elementary school teachers to use not only for a language arts class but for a social studies class. It would be a great way to discuss the time period of the Great Depression and the subject of racism during that time.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The City of Ember
The City of Ember.ISBN978-0-375-82274-2. By Jeanne DuPrau. ALA Notable Book. Ages 10-13
The City of Ember tells the tale of two adventurous twelve year old's Lina and Doon who are determined to save the people of Ember from the darkness. It is a mystery why the lights go out and with supplies running more and more scarce a solution is needed and the sooner the better. Lina discovers the Key has been missing for many years. Along with Doon the two discover the way out of the city and send word for the rest to follow.
The City of Ember is a great mystery and adventure book. It would be great to use with a story telling or fantasy unit.
The City of Ember tells the tale of two adventurous twelve year old's Lina and Doon who are determined to save the people of Ember from the darkness. It is a mystery why the lights go out and with supplies running more and more scarce a solution is needed and the sooner the better. Lina discovers the Key has been missing for many years. Along with Doon the two discover the way out of the city and send word for the rest to follow.
The City of Ember is a great mystery and adventure book. It would be great to use with a story telling or fantasy unit.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte's Web. ISBN-Unknown.By E.B. White. Pictures By Garth Williams.Newbery Honor Book. Ages 9-13.
Charlotte's Web begins as a story about a girl named Fern who learns about responsibility by caring for a runt pig who she names Wilbur. When Wilbur becomes to large to live at Fern's family home he goes to live at her uncles farm. This is where the story becomes about Wilbur and his farm friends which includes a spider Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is soon threatened Charlotte devises a plain to save him. She spells out phrases to describe Wilbur in her web. When this draws crowds and Wilbur wins the blue ribbon at the fair Wilbur's life is spared. The illustrations are little but it give little snapshots of what the characters look like. They also help bring us into this imaginary world of talking animals.
This is a great book to use for discussions about friendship and responsibility. It can also be used to discuss the circle of life. Because the author uses animals and an imaginary world it allows younger children to understand such topics.
Charlotte's Web begins as a story about a girl named Fern who learns about responsibility by caring for a runt pig who she names Wilbur. When Wilbur becomes to large to live at Fern's family home he goes to live at her uncles farm. This is where the story becomes about Wilbur and his farm friends which includes a spider Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is soon threatened Charlotte devises a plain to save him. She spells out phrases to describe Wilbur in her web. When this draws crowds and Wilbur wins the blue ribbon at the fair Wilbur's life is spared. The illustrations are little but it give little snapshots of what the characters look like. They also help bring us into this imaginary world of talking animals.
This is a great book to use for discussions about friendship and responsibility. It can also be used to discuss the circle of life. Because the author uses animals and an imaginary world it allows younger children to understand such topics.
The Giver
The Giver. ISBN978-0-440-23768-6. By Lois Lowry. The John Newbery Medal. Ages 11-16
The book tell the story of a boy named Jonas and the events that surround his twelve birthday. He lives in a community where everything is the same and regulated to be so. The assignment in which he is assigned opens his mind to the possibilities to how the world can be when there are differences. Jonas learns that there are great consequences to regulating a world where nothing can be different.
This book would be great for 4th-7th grade teachers to use when teaching about the importance of celebrating our differences. It can also be used to begin discussions on government and how we should not just except what we know but learn to understand what we are taught.
The book tell the story of a boy named Jonas and the events that surround his twelve birthday. He lives in a community where everything is the same and regulated to be so. The assignment in which he is assigned opens his mind to the possibilities to how the world can be when there are differences. Jonas learns that there are great consequences to regulating a world where nothing can be different.
This book would be great for 4th-7th grade teachers to use when teaching about the importance of celebrating our differences. It can also be used to begin discussions on government and how we should not just except what we know but learn to understand what we are taught.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Stone Soup
Stone Soup.ISBN.0-439-33909-x.Retold and Illustrated by Jon J. Muth.2003.Ages5-10
This story teaches the beauty of sharing what we have with others. By three Monks tricking a community into thinking they have the power of making soup out of stones. By suggesting what might make this soup better the towns people begin to add things creating a wonderful meal. It brings the community that once was one where everyone kept what was theirs together. The Illustrations are so amazing I find it hard to find the word to describe them. Except to saythat they pull you into the story.
This book is a great way to teach about community and sharing. A great project would be to make stone soup in the classroom.
This story teaches the beauty of sharing what we have with others. By three Monks tricking a community into thinking they have the power of making soup out of stones. By suggesting what might make this soup better the towns people begin to add things creating a wonderful meal. It brings the community that once was one where everyone kept what was theirs together. The Illustrations are so amazing I find it hard to find the word to describe them. Except to saythat they pull you into the story.
This book is a great way to teach about community and sharing. A great project would be to make stone soup in the classroom.
Tales From Grimm
Tales From Grimm.ISBN0-8166-4936-7.Translated and Illustrated by Wanda Gag.1936.Ages8-12
This collection of classic tales tell how they were originally written. It also includes ones that are not as common or well known. By including these stories with the well known ones widens the readers experience of the the Grimm stories. The illustrations though limited add some visuals to the readings.
This collection of Folk Tales gives many examples of life lessons. It can be used to introduce classic stories to the classroom.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf.ISBN0-15-266197-2.Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert.1991.Ages 3-7. for all
This colorful book of dramatic pictures tells the story of how a leaf cam to be. The story is told by a child. At the end of the book it gives definitions of the parts of the tree described in the story.
THis book would be great for preschool or kindergartners learning about nature. I would encourage it's use for a fall unit because it is taking about a fall leaf and the vibrant colors in the book would enhance the unit.
This colorful book of dramatic pictures tells the story of how a leaf cam to be. The story is told by a child. At the end of the book it gives definitions of the parts of the tree described in the story.
THis book would be great for preschool or kindergartners learning about nature. I would encourage it's use for a fall unit because it is taking about a fall leaf and the vibrant colors in the book would enhance the unit.
Where The Wild Things Are
Where The Wild Things Are.ISBN978-0-06-443178-1.Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak.1991.The Caldecott Medel.Ages 5-12.
This imaginative book takes us into the world that only exists in the imagination. Though it is a cleaver story it is the illustrations that take us to this place of Wild Things. The magnificent drawings show the story of Max's adventures in this far off place. Max is a young boy who discovers that by leaving home and behaving as he wishes the best place to be is where you are loved.
This is a great book to teach little ones that leaving may not be as amazing as they may think. To be with those who love them is always best.
This imaginative book takes us into the world that only exists in the imagination. Though it is a cleaver story it is the illustrations that take us to this place of Wild Things. The magnificent drawings show the story of Max's adventures in this far off place. Max is a young boy who discovers that by leaving home and behaving as he wishes the best place to be is where you are loved.
This is a great book to teach little ones that leaving may not be as amazing as they may think. To be with those who love them is always best.
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