The Giver

The Giver
Written by: Lois Lowry

Unlike the majority of our Children's Lit class, this was the first time I have read The Giver.  I was never assigned to read it in Elementary School and I have no idea why!  I absolutely loved this book.  There were times when I found myself skimming quickly through the pages in order to find the exciting part I was looking for (for example:  I sped read for about 4-5 pages during the twelve ceremony.. I wanted to know what his assignment was sooo badly!)  There were multiple times throughout the story when the suspense was killing me... I couldn't wait to read more :)

I would recommend this book to be read by students in 5th or 6th grade.  There are some chapters, such as the nonchalant wet dream chapter, that younger kids may not pick up on.  So, in my opinion, to understand the story to its fullest an older audience is necessary.  Speaking of that 'wet dream' chapter... is that, like, "okay" to talk about in school?  I'm assuming it is, however, I don't even know how I would begin to discuss this with my students if questions arose.  Send them to the health teacher?  Ha! 

I really liked the reoccurring thoughts the main character, Jonas, had regarding whether or not he was using the "right" word.  Often this question would arise when he was trying to describe something.  This is an important concept that can be brought into the classroom and referred back to at during a mini-lesson.  I think it's important for students to see (or read in this case) another person's, of similar age, thinking process.  This book does a wonderful job of that, and really stresses the importance of using correct, descriptive language.  This would be an excellent way to utilize The Giver across the curriculum.    

Even though the main characters, Jonas and The Giver, are males, I believe this book is not gender-biased whatsoever.  I, being a female, was easily able to relate to the story.  There was never a point where I felt lost, offended, or confused during the story due to my gender.  HOWEVER, with that being said, a 5th or 6th grade female may be very confused when Jonas discusses his wet dreams.  In addition, this book is written in 1st P.O.V. which may help the audience create a bond and a better understanding of the main character.   

Lastly, this story was very abstract.  However, as distracting as that may sound, I was able to visualize what the world was like in Sameness.  I enjoyed the creative usage of the words Sameness and Elsewhere.  I believe this really relates to most people's lives.  There is always 'elsewhere'... as in something you don't understand, haven't been exposed to or experienced, or something you have waiting to discover.  I think this idea is important for everyone to wrap their heads around.  There's always more out there :)  

I would definitely recommend this book to my students (5th/6th grade would be perfect); however, I would always recommend this book to my friends, family, and co-workers of all ages.  The story is unique and captures your attention from front to back.  I think anyone who reads this book would be glad that they did, I know I am :)  

The New Baby

The New Baby

Written by: Fred Rogers

Having a new baby brother or sister can be difficult for children.  Often times parents aren't sure how to explain to their children what changes will occur once their sibling arrives.  In addition, when the new sibling arrives it hard for kids to understand why they are no longer receiving as much one on one time as they previously had.  A book may be a good way to introduce this topic to children and to younger students.  This book is recommended for kids between the ages of 2 and 7.  

This book supplies the reader with real-life photos of kids and their baby siblings.  The audience intended for this story would be the big brother/sister.  The author does a great job of giving children advice on how to deal with anger or frustration when things are 'different' than they used to be at home.  He also explains why it may seem like one child is receiving more attention than the other, and he discusses the possible reasons for that.       

This book is a great way to introduce the topic to children expecting a new baby brother or sister.  It's important for kids to know what is coming and help them prepare for it rather than throw them into the situation unprepared and confused.

365 Ways to Live Green

365 Ways to Live Green

Written by: Sheri Amsel

This book of facts is suggested for students between the ages of 9 and 12. However, the topic of the book: Ways to Stay Green, could be used by anyone!.  I wouldn't put an age limit on this particular book.  The information available is very doable by most anyone.  I would be surprised if someone couldn't find something within this book that they could do in order to 'live green'.  

As the title states, this book lists 365 ways that individuals can do in order to help save the environment.  These can be done in a variety of locations, such as school, home, or even during everyday play.  The 365 ways are broken down into subcategories.  These include, but are not limited to, Plant life, Energy and Power, Recycling, and much, much more.  

While I was flipping through the book I was shocked at how many things I noticed that I had not previous known or been aware of.  Simple things such as unplugging your t.v., alarm clock, fan, etc. when on vacation can help save a lot of energy.  I think it's important for students to know what they can do in order to 'live green'.  Often times individuals don't 'live green' because they are uneducated in how they can go go about accomplishing it.  I think it would be neat to introduce one way in this book to 'live green' to students each week.  Encourage the students to try and 'live green' by attempting to follow the book suggestions.  On each Friday, after the week is over, students can choose to write about their experiences in their writer's notebook.  What a great idea for a integrated lesson ;)  

Let's Talk About Race

Let’s Talk About Race

Written by: Julius Lester
Illustrated by: Karen Barbour

This book was one of my favorites to read this semester.  I actually talked about this story and author during our group presentation on the genre of Information.  This particular non-fiction book discusses the issue of race.  This topic can be very controversial and hard to approach, however, I feel that the book did a nice job discussing this topic.  The author, Julius Lester, focuses more heavily on the similarities of different races rather than their differences.  For example, on particular page he encourages the reader to touch their cheek bone (gently and carefully of course ;))... he then continues to inform the reader that those same bones are underneath everyone's skin.  Usually when diversity is talked about, the focus of the conversation is about difference -- different cultures, different races, etc.  I liked how the author took a different perspective on the topic of race.  This is a thoughtful picture book that may inspire some rich discussion within the classroom.  Something a teacher always loves :) 


The illustrations within the book are really neat.  As you can see from the cover, the illustrator, Karen Barbour, creates cartoon-like images by using bold black lines as outlines.  These illustrations often ran off the page and were bright and colorful.  Differences and sameness were portrayed throughout the illustrations and really helped the reader grasp the concept the author was trying to get across.  

Material World

Material World

Written by: Peter Menzel

Brief Summary: A variety of our world’s cultures are displayed through colorful photos throughout this book.  Statistics and other facts are available making for an easy comparison of cultures. Real images are shown of family home items laid out across their lawn.   

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This book was AWESOME.  I used this book for our genre presentation on Information.  Barb, in the curriculum lab, recommended this book for me and I am really glad she did!  This book is think and full of colorful, real images of families from all over our globe.  Each family present in this book was asked to lay out their home possessions on the front of their lawn.  As you can tell from the pictures on the front of the book, these pictures varied drastically.  

This would be a wonderful resource to use in order to emphasize diversity.  Any student within a classroom would be able to relate to at least one image with this book.  Next to each family, statistics and facts are available.  Because of the diverse material present, I feel all age ranges would find this book interesting and useful.  A student who couldn't read would be able to view the photos whereas a student who could read would be able to view the photos and read the facts.  Furthermore, the book could easily be used across the curriculum: geography, language arts, and reading (and possibly more!)   


Some photos within the book:

Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude

Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude
Written and Illustrated by: Kevin O'Malley
Illustrated by: Carol Heyer and Scott Goto


This book is so unique!  It creatively intertwines stereotypical boy and girl story qualities into one.  Both boys and girls would love this story.  The author uses two characters, a young boy and girl.  Throughout the book the boy and girl create a story together.  The girl begins their story by focusing on a fairy tale about a lady stuck in a castle waiting for her prince charming to come rescue her; the boy focuses on the cool superhero that fights the big, bad green monster.  They begin to play off each others view points and by doing so their own viewpoints shift.. as does the plot of the story.  


This story is recommended for students between the ages of 6 and 10.  The illustrations within the book are comic-strip like.  The author's did a fantastic job of creating visuals that accurately aid the words of the book.  In addition, within the illustrations the characters have 'word bubbles'.  Due to this, this story would be great to use in order to introduce the idea of putting dialogue into writing.  (A great idea for a mini-lesson for a Writer's Notebook!).            


I really enjoyed reading this book.  I was always interested about what was going to happen when I turned the page.  The relationship between the two characters is comical.  Furthermore, both of the characters are easy to relate to.  I would recommend this book to my students as an individual read or for a group activity.  I would also consider reading it out loud to the class.    

Karate Hour

Karate Hour
Written by: Carol Nevius
Illustrated by: Bill Thomson


The first thing I noticed about this book was its appearance.  The main colors, shown throughout the entire book, are black and red (<-- take a glimpse at the cover).  Seldomly other colors, like yellow and purple, are used to show the color of a students karate belt.  This color scheme allows the author to decide which parts of his illustrations he would like to stand out.  It really adds a strong dynamic to the book and makes the book much more appealing.  In addition, frequently the illustrations run off the page.  This allows the audience to create an image outside of the pages of the books.  I have rarely seen this done in other picture books I have read.  Really neat. Furthermore, throughout the illustrations the author incorporates different races into the characters.  Also, both genders are equally represented.


Throughout the story, the author creatively describes what typically happens during an hour of karate.  


We energize.  Our muscles flex.  We raise our arms, protect our necks.  We yell "Hai-ya!" and feel the our power, Growing in karate hour.


As you may have noticed, a rhyming scheme is used.  This appears throughout the book.  The author uses the last 5 pages of the book to discuss karate and its origin more in detail.  My favorite page displays the 8 belts that can be obtained in karate through practice and discipline.  I had no idea that in the Japanese culture the red belt is seen as 'better' than the black belt.  However, the author states that the red belt is rarely given out.  Overall, in most cultures, the darker belts indicate advanced skills.

A Very Big Bunny

A Very Big Bunny
Written by: Marisabina Russo 


This book is recommended for students in Kindergarten or 1st grade.  The plot of the story is simple but powerful.  There is a very big bunny (hence the title) in an elementary classroom.  She constantly feels left out and because of this she often stands by herself next to the playground fence during recess.  A new student, a very small bunny, joins the class midway through the school year.  This very small bunny takes a liking toward the big bunny.  The big bunny is reluctant at first to hang out with the small bunny but as time continued they become the best-est of friends.  In fact, they even decide to dress up the same for school pictures... they were the center of attention!  This simple story line is great for the younger students.  This book would be important to read during the first few weeks of class.  It would allow children to realize that their classmates are all different and different doesn't necessarily mean 'bad'.  


The illustrations within the book are cartoon like and often fill the page; the colors are very bright and quite detailed.  In addition, the illustrations do a very nice job aiding the words of the story.  A child who didn't know how to read, or couldn't read all the words in the book, would be able to have an understanding of the story-line by looking at the pictures.

Long Shot

Long Shot

Written by: Chris Paul

Illustrated by: Frank Morrison

I chose this book so I could add a little variety to my blog. I am just starting to read sport picture books. I want to make sure that I read a little bit of everything while I am taking this course.

One neat aspect of this book is that it is written by a NBA All-Star. A student who is interested in sports, perhaps basketball in particular, would more than likely find this book to be a really fun read. Although the story is fiction, the plot of the book directly relates to NBA All-star Chris Paul himself. In fact the main character within the story is named Chris.

The main theme of the story is that one is never too small to dream big. Chris is the smallest boy trying out for the varsity basketball team. Most everyone told him that he was too small to play basketball, however, his name ends up on the final roster for the varsity basketball team. This book really hit home for me because my fiance has told me a story about himself that it very similar to this story. He was small in high school, I'm talking like 100lbs, and he tried out for the Varsity Soccer Team. NO ONE, including his mother, thought he had a chance to make it. As luck had it, he made the team and was the smallest player on the team for 3 years! (And from I hear he was pretty good ;) but I may just be biased!) In conclusion, I'm thinking that students would also make a connection to this story.

The illustrations within the book are so fun. The are page-filling, colorful, and realistic cartoon-like. I have never seen illustrations like these before and I was instantly drawn to them. They nicely help aid the words of the book. This book is recommended for students between the ages of 4 and 8. I would extend this age range to 4+. The language within the story is simple but plentiful. I feel as if any middle schooler, high schooler, or adult could easily relate to this story.

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La Perrita que le Encantaban las Tortillas

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La Perrita que le Encantaban las 
Tortillas

Written by: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Illustrated by: Geronimo Garcia

This book is wonderful for a diverse classroom! It's like a 2 for 1 
special; one book written in two different languages: English and 
Spanish. The two languages are seperated by a squiggly 
playdough-looking line. Sometimes the 2 languages are on the same 
page together and other times they each have their own page. It's very easy to switch over English to Spanish, or vise a versa, and see how the opposite language spells/says a
word.

The illustrations are very unique. Everything within the illustrations appears to be made out of 
playdough, however, it's all very realistic looking. This gives the book a interesting twist. Interestingly, for a English/Spanish book, the illustrations portray a white family however the names within the book 
seem to be from a hispanic origin, for example: Mr. Dominguez. I suppose the author did this so aspects of both cultures could be intertwined within the story.

The book recommends its audience be between 6 and 10 years old. The plot of the story is very cute 
and relatable. The story is about a brother and sister who constantly fight and always wants what the other sibling wants. In this case, both siblings want a dog. The parents agreed buy a puppy for them but 
explained that they had to share the ownership and responsibility. Over time the brother and sister create a bond and friendship by taking care of their new puppy.

The Jungle Baseball Game

The Jungle Baseball Game

Written by: Tom Paxton

Illustrated by: Karen Lee Schmidt

I chose this book to begin with for my second grade Block A buddy. She adores animals and I thought this book would suit her interests well. Unfortunately I didn't fall in love with the story. Because of this I decided not to share this particular book with my buddy. The words have a rhyming scheme to them, and in my opinion that often makes it hard to read for understanding. While reading I found myself simply keeping a rhythm using the words instead of comprehending what the plot of the story was.

Additionally, sheet music is available on the front and back inside covers of the book with the words of the story as the lyrics. The lesson present within the story is an important one: don't give up. The illustrations are nicely done. Each page appears to be in a picture frame/boarder. Dancing, baseball monkeys surround the outside of the picture frame.

The book is recommended for children 3+. Both the male and female gender are represented through the baseball teams players. This will allow both genders to relate with the story. I hesitate saying that, because a girl or boy may relate with a character of their opposite gender, however, more often than not children tend to drift themselves toward books more stereotypically geared toward their sex. I would recommend this book to my students as an individual read.

Lost in the Woods

Lost in the Woods

Written by: Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

I'm struggling as to which genre I would place this book into. The illustrations with the book are actual photographed images of animals in nature, however, the animals within the story talk to one another. Perhaps realistic fiction? Who knows! I'll probably figure it out right after I post this ;). I am a huge nature buff so I naturally loved this book. The fawn, shown on the cover, fell asleep in the beginning of the story and upon waking up he is in search for his mother. Animals friends, such as an owl, chipmunk, and bird, help the fawn and talk him through the process of finding his mother. The book is recommend for students between the ages of 5 and 10, and I feel that both boys and girls may find this book interesting. This story would be wonderful for a classroom read-aloud or an individual read. The photographs are vivid and colorful and due to this a student who couldn't read may find this book enjoyable by simply viewing the images. Additionally, a game is found on the last page... the author asks the reader to turn back through the pages and find certain animals. This book could be used nicely as a way to open a unit on nature or animals.

Inside Out

Inside Out

Written by: Nadia Shivack

The book recommend’s its audience to be at least 12 years old. I would extend this age range to 9+. A statistic stated in the book says that 42% of students between the first and third grades want to be thinner. The story is a graphic novel so it’s very easy to follow, it is fun to look at, and its content is interesting and important. I think it’s important for a child to read this book and understand the material as soon as possible, because the earlier an eating disorder is treated the better the outcome will be. The book’s content is extremely important for both genders to read because eating disorders occur in both males and females. A student that has an interest in eating disorders, counseling, or feeling lost/confused may find this graphic novel enjoyable.

This book is very worthy of my recommendation. I would recommend this book to all of my students, my co-workers, my peers, and my family/friends. The material that is covered in the book is extremely important for everyone to read. This graphic novel does a great job with its illustrations to help bring the words on the page to life. The book is easily relatable to the audience as well. I would recommend this book to the students in my classroom as an individual read, and I would consider assigning this book to an entire classroom. 


The topic of eating disorders is often hard to approach so this book would be an excellent and efficient way to frontload the discussion. Also, by approaching the class with the issue of eating disorders it may allow students to identify an eating disorder in a friend, classmate, a family member, or even in themselves. The topic of eating disorders may be controversial for some families. Some families may feel uncomfortable if their children are learning about the issue; however, it may help if a note from the teacher is written and sent home prior to the class reading this book. The overall appearance of the book (title, cover, content) is very appealing and attractive. The only negative aspect I can think of is that some boys and girls may feel uncomfortable carrying around a book that focuses on eating disorders, because some may feel that students are judging them and suspecting them of having an eating disorder if they're reading about them. Students should be able to relate well to the story because the book has multiple points of views and is written in 1^st person.

Crackback

Crackback

Written by: John Coy


I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would be happy to recommend it to my students. I think it would be a great book to read as a class as well as an individual read or group assignment. The book addresses situations that more than likely my entire class will hear about or may already be informed about. I think it’s critical that students realize that the use of steroids and the ‘benefits’ one receives from using them does not over-power the negative and long-term affects one also will receive from using these drugs. This topic may be sensitive and controversial to some students and parents. Due to this, it would be a good idea to send home a note to the parents informing them of the material the students will be encountering.


 I feel that the book is somewhat gender biased. I often view football as a masculine sport so I had a difficult time following along when football plays were being explained. Overall I would classify this book as more masculine than feminine, because football is focused on so in depth and also because there are only two female characters mentioned briefly within the story. The cover of the book contains a large image of a football and the title, Crackback, refers to a specific name the football players call out during a play. All of these aspects may be a turn off for females and also possibly some males. However, just because football mostly consists of boys doesn’t mean that girls will not take interest in it. 


The opening paragraph and chapter would be very appealing to someone who is interested in the game of football. The first chapter goes into great detail of Miles Manning’s high school football team’s practice. It definitely keeps your attention and moves along quickly. The story is written in first person from Miles P.O.V, and because of this it will allow the reader to have a deeper connection to Miles. The book as a whole moves quickly and gives great detail. It is easy for someone, like myself, who doesn’t understand the game of football to get lost and confused. However, the book focuses on more than just football and it touches base with the subjects of romantic relationships and family relationships. It is possible to understand the themes of the book without understanding the football plays.  


 
John Coy is an award-winning author. 

My Teacher for President

My Teacher for President

Written by: Kay Winters

Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus

Brief Summary: Who wouldn't want to nominate their teacher for president! Oliver certainly believes that his teacher meets the presidential qualifications. She can act quickly when there is an emergency, she likes to go on trips, and she is always signing important papers in the classroom. According to Oliver, she would be a perfect president!

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I adored this book. What teacher wouldn't want their students to think that they were skilled enough to be the president. The illustrations are beautifully done; they are page-filling, very detailed, and helped aid the words of the book. For example:

Left page: "She deals with the media every day." The illustration shows the teacher placing a broken tape into a VCR.

Right page: Illustration shows the teacher as the president. Here the teacher is dealing with the press and has 15 microphones placed in front of her as she talking out to reporters and cameras.

This book is clever and unique. I enjoyed reading it and I'm sure my students would as well. I think I'm going to take this book with me to my 2nd grade 'school buddy' and see what she thinks of it. I have a feeling that she is going to love it :)

Not A Box

Not a Box

Written by: Antoinette Portis

I skipped over the 'Brief Summary' that I usually include in my blogs due to the fact that I'm not sure how I would even begin to summarize this book. So instead I will do my best by writing down my thoughts of the book, Not a Box. This book definitely promotes creativity and I think that's wonderful. For example, on one page it will show the main character, a rabbit, standing on top of a box.

What are you doing on top of that box? (the illustration shows the rabbit standing on top of a black box)

The rabbit responds with: It's not a box! (the illustration shows the rabbit standing on top of the black box, but now a mountain is surrounding the box in red crayon)

Every page shows the rabbit sitting, standing, or even squirting the box, and then on the next page a red crayon (his 'imagination') will be surrounding this box... turning the box into a car, boat, or jet. The author's illustrations really aid the story and without the pictures the story wouldn't make much sense.

The book suggests that it's audience be between the ages of 4 and 8. I think that children as young as 2 would find this book enjoyable. However, due to the fact that we will all be Elementary teachers.. this book may be a good choice if you are in a Pre-K through 2nd grade classroom. Although, in addition, I would recommend this book to parent's of toddlers as well.

Check out the link below to view an animation of this book.

Not A Box.

Animation by: Jessenia Nauta
Narration by: Luis J. Jarrin

The Secret Plan

The Secret Plan

Written by: Julia Sarcome-Roach

Brief Summary: No one seems to enjoy being told when they should go to bed, and this includes Milo, Henry, Harriet, and Hildy. These four friends decided that they have been pushed around long enough! After attempting many unsuccessful methods to avoid bedtime, these four friends decided to come up with a fail-proof, super-secret plan on how they can get together and hang out instead of going to bed.

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I feel that all students can relate to the idea of disliking being told when bedtime was. The book is recommended to students in Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade, and I think this age range is appropriate. The language and plot in the story are simple. The illustrations are cartoonish and bright. On several pages the words and illustrations are played off one another (similarly to a graphic novel). This makes the story even more attractive and draws the reader's attention. The book isn't gender-biased and because of this both boys and girls may find this book attractive. A student who is interested in animals may also find this book enjoyable.

In conclusion, I thought this book was charming and unique. The animals within the story form a unique friendship over 'sneaking around'. I would be up for the idea of reading this book as a read a-loud and also recommend it to students as an individual read.

First the Egg

First the Egg

Written by: Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Brief Summary: This book is about transformations...from egg to chicken, seed to flower, and caterpillar to butterfly. But it's also a book about creativity -- as paint becomes picture, word becomes story... and commonplace becomes extraordinary.

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I checked this book out of the curriculum lab after our Tuesday, 2/2/10 class presentation. The book is quite colorful and displays large, page-filling illustrations. Personally, I think that the best part of this book is the fact that it is non-fiction. Normally when I think of non-fiction, I think of hard, cold, solid facts that are boring to read and hear. I don't think of big, colorful illustrations, and I don't think of it being fun to read. However, Seeger does a great job of making learning facts fun! If the information itself doesn't keep the kids attention than the cut-outs within the book will. Every time I turned the page I wondered what surprise I would find on the other side. This is a very attractive quality of the book and I feel that readers of all abilities will find this book appealing.

Arthur and the Crunch Cereal Contest

Arthur and the Crunch Cereal Contest

Written by: Marc Brown

Brief Summary: Arthur wants to participate in a contest in order to win a year's supply of his favorite cereal, Captain Crunch. In order to win all he needs to do is create a perfect commercial jingle for the cereal. Unfortunately Arthur is experiencing writer's block and can't seem to find a way to clear his head.

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First of all, I hadn't known that Arthur was available as a chapter book! This particular book consisted of 61 pages and 10 chapters. A few pictures were available but most of the time words filled up the entire page. The recommended audience for this particular book is students in grades 2nd through 4th grade. I agree with this age range; the language is appropriate as well as the font size. The book is rather thin and this may be appealing for students who are hesitant to read a chapter book.

The plot of the story moves fairly quickly and keeps the reader's attention. I have previously seen Arthur on television, and due to that I was able to hear arthur and his sister's voice whenever dialogue was used within the story. For me, personally, this aspect also helped keep my attention throughout reading the book.

I would definitely recommend the Arthur chapter books to my students. These books are appropriate for school and they're entertaining.

Waiting to Sing

Waiting to Sing

Written by: Howard Kaplan

Illustrated by: Herve Blondon

Brief Summary: A story of a boy, his family, a piano, and how music comes to help when he needs it the most.

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This book is recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 9. I actually would extend this recommendation to 5+... I am 21 years old and I found this book to be enjoyable. The story is powerful and moving; the subject of death is present and music is used as an outlet for the family's sadness and anger. The illustrations are unique: they are large and run off the page; the pictures are colored with different tints of yellow, red, and brown. A student who enjoys music may find this book appealing. Overall I enjoyed reading this story. The idea of healthily expressing your emotions through music is a powerful message and an important message to learn. I would recommend this book to students as an individual read; the subject of death may be difficult for some children to handle/grasp and due to this I wouldn't want to read this book out-loud to an entire classroom.