Chapter Book 14: Notes from a Liar and Her Dog



Notes from a Liar and Her Dog
By Jennifer Choldenko

Genre: Juvenile Fiction     Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Coming-of-age, family, lying, friendship, misunderstanding, fantasy & escape, humor

Primary Characters: Antonia "Ant" MacPherson
Secondary Characters: Ant's best friend Harrison; her mother and father; her two sisters Katherine and Elizabeth

Awards:
IRA Book Award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
California Book Award
Junior Library Guild Selection
Published June 23, 2003 by Puffin Books

This book tells the story of young Antonia ("Ant") MacPherson. Ant appears to have a healthy dose of what is sometimes referred to as "middle child syndrome"; she has a younger sister and an older one, Katherine and Elizabeth, who seem to get all of their parents' attention. Meanwhile, Ant is left out most of the time and floats between clever ruses to get her mother and father to notice her and tiptoeing along in the shadows in hopes of never being noticed. She even keeps a diary of "letters" to her fantasy family that she has dreamed up for herself; a family that she often wishes she belonged to, rather than to her own. Her art teacher, Carol, decides to take Ant and her best friend, Harrison, under her wing and gets them to volunteer their time at the local zoo. This is an enjoyable task, although Ant's hijinks threaten to get her in trouble, and even danger, at times! I would use this coming-of-age novel as a literature circle book for an upper-elementary grade class; also, it could perhaps be an interesting whole-class read, as most students will be able to relate to having issues with their siblings when it comes to the attention of their parents.

Chapter Book 13: Money Hungry

 

Money Hungry
by Sharon G. Flake

Genre: Juvenile Fiction    Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Avarice, friendship, priorities, family, class discrimination, racism, urban life, determination

Primary Characters: Rasberry Hill
Secondary Characters: Rasberry's mother; her classmates at school; her friends Mai Kim and Ja'nae; her father (implied); and her neighbors, Check and Shoe.

Awards:

Coretta Scott King Honor Award

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh One Community One Book

Starred review in Booklist Magazine

New York Public Library Top Ten Books for the Teen Age

LA Times Recommended Books for Teens

Carolyn Field Honor Book

Published August 2007 by Perfection Learning

This is a sweet little story!! In this book, we meet saucy, thirteen-year-old Rasberry Hill. Some time ago, Rasberry's father was busted for drugs, a situation that forced her and her mother out into the streets. Since the two overcame their state of homelessness, Rasberry has been bound and determined not to find herself there again. Thus, she does everything she can think of to scrounge and save any money that she can get her hands on: She sells "discount" (i.e. outdated) holiday candy, does without lunch at school so she can save the funds instead, washes cars, cleans houses, etc. Her peers at school consider Rasberry to be somewhat stingy, a factor that puts a strain on her relationship with her friends at times. She stashes all of her cash in her bedroom; having it makes her feel "safe". Trouble strikes when her mother discovers the stash and believes it to be stolen; in a fit of rage at her daughter's alleged behavior, she throws the money out of their apartment window! Matters are complicated further when the more well-to-do residents of a neighborhood that the Hills were all set to move into complain about the pending arrival of the lower-class mother and daughter.
I would use this book as part of a unit on human equity or perhaps diversity; it would make a good literature circle read so that students could have close discussion with their peers about the book's colorful characters. It would be best suited for a class of upper-elementary grade students.

Chapter Book 12: Me, the Missing, and the Dead



Me, the Missing, and the Dead

by Jenny Valentine

Genre: Juvenile Fiction   Sub-Genre: Mystery

Themes: Coming-of-age, mystery, death, family, comedy, tragedy, supernatural

Primary Characters: Lucas Swain
Secondary Characters: A deceased lady named Violet (implied), Lucas's mother, sister, and grandfather; also, his missing father (implied)

Awards: William C. Morris Award finalist

Published on April 1, 2008 by Harper Teen

This book is about a boy named Lucas, a fifteen-year-old who lives in London, England. His father disappeared years ago, and he considers himself to be the only person in his family who cares much what happened to him. An odd thing about Lucas is his keen interest in the deceased; while waiting in an office lobby in the city, he spies an urn and feels a strong urge to "know" the person whose remains are inside. This turns out to be a lady named Violet Park, a once-famous piano player who oddly enough possessed a connection with Lucas's missing father. As Lucas sets about researching Violet's life, he discovers bits and pieces of his father's story. Finally, he is able to solve the mystery of his dad's disappearance and become at peace with the situation. I would use this novel in a class of upper-elementary grade students (sixth grade at youngest). It's a bittersweet, coming-of-age story that I think could be enjoyed by a class as a whole (both male and female students equally), or in separate literature circle groups.

Chapter Book 11: The Girl With a Baby



The Girl With a Baby
by Sylvia Olsen

Genre: Juvenile Fiction    Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Family, morality, personal choices, determination, strength of character, identity, purpose, coming-of-age

Primary Characters: Jane, Destiny (Jane's daughter), Tet (Jane's Indian grandmother)
Secondary Characters: Jane's classmates at school, her older brothers, her parents

Awards: nominee for Saskatchewan’s Silver Birch Award, B.C. Teen Readers' Choice Stellar Award
Published January 1, 2003 by Sono Nis Press

Jane is a 14-year-old girl who is a good student, popular at school, and a member of the school drama club; she is also a new mother. When Jane returns to high school with her new baby, who she has named Destiny, she fears that she will no longer be well-liked and respected due to the social stigma that surrounds teen motherhood. She is pleased to find, however, that her family offers her much support and encourages her to keep expecting the best from herself and others (Destiny included). Her Native American grandmother is particularly encouraging; she tells Jane that she (Jane) is a descendent of many very strong women, and that she, too, will overcome the obstacles of her life. Jane's determination to raise her baby with respect for Native American traditions as well as familiarity with modern life keeps her going during her trying times as Destiny's father deserts the two of them.
This would be a good choice for a literature circle group, perhaps containing mainly female students who could relate best to the story's main characters. I would use it in a class of only the oldest elementary-grade students due to its adult-like nature (teen motherhood, moral consequences, relationships, etc.).

Chapter Book 10: The Missing Manatee



The Missing Manatee
by Cynthia DeFelice

Genre: Juvenile Fiction     Sub-Genre: Mystery

Themes: Mystery, family, justice, ambition, determination & perseverence

Primary Characters: Skeet Waters
Secondary Characters: Skeet's mother and father, Dirty Dan (a fisherman), Blink (Dan's son), the Sheriff of Skeet's hometown

Awards: Nominated for the 2006 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery

Published March 24, 2005 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

In this book, an 11-year-old boy named Skeet Waters begins his first day of his long-anticipated spring break by overhearing a terrible fight between his mother and father. Mom eventually tells Dad to leave (permanently, so it would seem), and Skeet leaves the house to go fishing as a means of escape. His excursion offers little peace, however, as he comes upon a manatee floating in the water. The animal appears to have been shot in the head, and an upset Skeet quickly goes ashore and calls upon the local sheriff. The two return to the spot where Skeet found the manatee, only to find that the body is missing. Skeet's determination to solve the mystery of the animal's death is derailed briefly by a fisherman who goes by Dirty Dan; Dan offers to take Skeet fishing for tarpon and Skeet eagerly accepts. Once out on the water, Dirty Dan partakes of some adult beverages and lets slip to Skeet that he knows who is responsible for the manatee's death: His special-needs son, Blink.
This was a heart-wrenching story, but a good mystery nonetheless! I would use it with a class of older elementary-grade students; its content is probably suitable for those in the sixth grade and up, perhaps also for the more mature fifth-grader. It would be a good choice for a smaller literature circle; I would assign it to students who express an interest particularly in animals and mysteries when filling out an interest inventory.

Chapter Book 9: Invisible



Invisible
By Pete Hautman

Genre: Juvenile Fiction      Sub-Genre: Mystery

Themes: Mental instability, suspense, popularity, bullying

Primary Characters: Doug Hanson, his best friend Andy Morrow
Secondary Characters: Doug and Andy's classmates, Doug's psychiatrist, Doug's parents, Andy's parents

Awards: Iowa Teen Award 2009-2010

Published November 28, 2006 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

This book tells the story of a seventeen year-old boy named Doug Hanson. Doug is a lonely, non-sociable high-schooler with only one real friend and a limited grasp on reality. As the story unfolds, we realize more and more just how unstable his mental health is as we learn of his psychiatrist and medication that he refuses to take. It also becomes clear that he and his best friend Andy (ironically, one of the most popular boys at school) were involved in an accident with a fire when they were younger. The mystery of past events makes this dark book very suspenseful! Due to its intense nature I would only use this with the oldest elementary-grade students; sixth grade at the youngest. It would make for a good whole-class read, I think, because discussions on it would be most interesting!

Picture Book no. 26: "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate



"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate
Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham

Genre: Picture Book     Sub-Genre: Fiction
Themes: Family, pets, love, emotion, loss, humor

Primary Characters: Kate, her mother and father, the two dogs they adopt from the Rescue Center
Secondary Characters: Other dogs at the Center, Kate's cat who has died recently (implied)

Published July 14, 2003 by Candlewick Press

Awards:
Australian Children's Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book
Boston Globe Hornbook Award

In this heartwarming story, we meet Kate and her Mom and Dad. They have just lost Kate's beloved pet cat, but she is beginning to move on and has now decided that she would like for the family to get a new pet-- a pup! The family goes to the local animal shelter, where they visit with many dogs and finally decide on a particular puppy, Dave. Everyone is happy with their choice. However, on their way out the family sees another dog that "speaks" to them in a way; she is older and grayer than most of the dogs at the shelter. Once home, they can't stop thinking about her..so they go back and get her! As a lifelong animal lover, I was tearfully relieved when Kate and her parents returned to the shelter to adopt "Rosy". =) This sweet story would be a good storytime read-aloud for a class of young children because almost all of them will be able to relate to having (and, unfortunately, losing) pets at some time or another. One thing in particular that I liked about this book by John Graham was his illustrations; Kate's parents are made out to be somewhat unconventional (they each have peircings, and her mother even sports a small tattoo!). In spite of their appearances, however, they are perceived as a "normal" family as you read the book, going through "normal", everyday situations. I think showing/reading a book that depicts a family that appears some way other than "traditional" is a good thing, simply because times are changing and this type of personal appearance is becoming more accepted and prevalent in today's society. It is more than likely that some of the children's parents will, indeed, look this way; perhaps books like this will help to keep those children from being made to think that there is something not quite "okay" about their parents' personal appearances.

Picture Book no. 25: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type



Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
by Doreen Cronin
Illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Genre: Picture Book       Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Humor, strike, work unions, compromise
Primary Characters: The Cows
Secondary Characters: Farmer Brown, other farm animals

Awards: 2001 Caldecott Honor Book
Published on February 1, 2000 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type is a hilarious book! The story opens with Farmer Brown hearing the sound of the cows' typing, "all day long". Soon, he goes to the barn and finds a note from his bovine friends, requesting some electric blankets because "the barn is very cold at night". When he doesn't comply right away, the cows go on strike! He comes back to find a second note that reads: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." And so his plight continues! Eventually he and the cows come to an agreement. This book would be useful for teaching an invaluable lesson about compromise, an important concept for younger students to learn early on in elementary school. It could be used in conjunction with a guidance lesson on cooperation.

Picture Book 24: The Scallywags



The Scallywags
by David Melling
Illustrated by

Genre: Picture Book    Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Manners/social graces, friendship, identity, motivation to change
Primary characters: The Scallywag family (a family of wolves)
Secondary characters: Their friends (the sheep, the pigs, the bears, etc.)

Awards: Although this book does not appear to have won any awards, David Melling's works have been "shortlisted" for the Kate Greenway Medal and the Smarties Book Award

Published on October 1, 2006  by Barron's Educational Series

In this book, a family of wolves has such terrible manners and rude, rowdy ways that they are finally shunned for good by all of their friends! This social exile gets them to thinking about their troubling dispositions, and together they decide that they will learn good manners. After spying on their more polite and socially adept friends for awhile, the wolves return to town. They are hardly recognizable! The other animals, however, begin to wish that they had their "old" Scallywags back. This would be an adorable book to use with younger elementary grade students, particularly kindergarteners I believe, because at that early stage in life students will just be beginning to learn about behaving politely and in an acceptable manner when they are around their friends. This would offer a humorous example of how things could go wrong if we are not all on our "best behavior"! =)

Picture Book no. 23: How I Became a Pirate



How I Became a Pirate
by Melinda Long
Illustrated by David Shannon

Genre: Picture Book   Sub-Genre: Fiction/Fantasy

Themes: Imagination, adventure, family and friends, action

Primary Character: Jeremy
Secondary Characters: Jeremy's parents, Captain Braidbeard and his crew

Published on September 1, 2003 by Harcourt, Inc.
Awards: Booksense Best Picture Book

How I Became a Pirate is the story of a boy named Jeremy being inducted into a crew of pirates one day while he is making a sandcastle at the beach. As his parents look the other way, Jeremy goes aboard the ship of Captain Braidbeard. The crew needs someone who is a good digger, and he is the boy for the job! The pirates don't observe table manners or bedtime, which Jeremy is excited about, but they also don't do bedtime stories or "tucking in", which disappoints him. He is relieved when the crew returns to shore due to bad weather; he can go home! He convinces the pirates to take the treasure to his house, to be buried in the backyard, and even makes it home in time for soccer practice. =) I would use this in a class of younger elementary school students, as a fun read-aloud in a "storytime" setting. I could see this book being a good pick for a post-lunch read or perhaps in lieu of recess on a rainy day; its fun setting and storyline would be most entertaining!



Picture Book no. 22: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!





Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Genre: Picture Book  Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Humor, stubbornness, daily routine (bedtime is something most elementary students can relate to)

Primary Character: The Pigeon
Secondary Characters: The Bus Driver, Pigeon's Bunny

Awards: National Parenting Publications Award in 2006
Named one of the top three books for kindergarteners and first graders in a 2006 poll by Scholastic Books.

Published on February 28, 2006 by Hyperion Press

In this book, the Pigeon acts as typical young children tend to do when it is their bedtime; no matter how sleepy he might be beginning to feel, he is determined to stay up later! Just a bit later--even if it's only five minutes ("What's five minutes in the grand scheme of things?"). His antics are quite humorous, and never tiresome. This would be a perfect read-aloud book for a very young group of students, ideally kindergarteners. Young audiences will appreciate the "responsibility" of not letting Pigeon stay up past his bedtime, and can respond to his questions if they wish (most likely with a resounding "No!").

Picture Book no. 21: The Cow Who Clucked



The Cow Who Clucked
Written and Illustrated by Denise Fleming
Genre: Picture Book   Sub-Genre: Fiction

Themes: Persistence, frustration, identity
Primary Character: Cow
Secondary Characters: Various other farmyard animals, including a small flock of baby chicks who take to following Cow

Awards: 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Published August 8, 2006  by Henry Holt and Co.

This book follows Cow as she wakes up one morning to find that she is clucking instead of mooing! She sets out to find whoever has her moo, inquiring about it to the other animals in the barnyard and on the farm. Along the way, a group of baby chicks begins to follow her, as her clucking sounds just like their mother. As I began to suspect she would, Cow eventually locates her "moo".. the hen has it! The two "swap back" in a happy ending for cow. The Cow Who Clucked would be a good book for a younger class, perhaps kindergarten or first grade, because its rhyming style and repetition would be fun for students around this age to say along with their teacher as the book is read aloud.

Picture Book no. 20: A Visitor for Bear



A Visitor for Bear

by Bonny Becker
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Genre: Picture Book  Sub-Genre: Fiction

Themes: Friendship, loneliness, cheer, humor, persistence

Primary Characters: Bear and Mouse
Secondary Characters: n/a

Awards:

"A Visitor for Bear" won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award!

"A Visitor for Bear" won ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year for Picture Books!

"A Visitor for Bear" received a Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text. The Golden Kite Award is the only award presented to children's book authors and artists by their peers.

source: http://www.bonnybecker.com/

In the beginning of this book, we meet Bear, a grumpy loner who has a "No Visitors Allowed" sign on his front door! One day, a mouse comes along and asks to come in for a visit; Bear points out the sign and states in no uncertain terms that he doesn't care for company. The mouse, however, then "pops up" as Bear reaches in the cabinet to get a teacup! Each time Bear turns around, Mouse is somewhere new, waiting for him. Finally, Bear grudgingly agrees to let Mouse stay for tea, and a friendship is born as he appreciates Mouse's company at the table. This is a heartwarming story about making new friends, and letting other people share our lives. We all have our "comfort zones", but this book is a good, friendly reminder to us to come out of them once in awhile! I would use this book in a class of younger elementary-grade students, perhaps as part of a guidance lesson on making new friends, or at the beginning of school to emphasize to my class the importance of having friends.

Picture Book no. 19: Castaway Cats



Castaway Cats
by Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Ponder Goembel

Genre: Picture Book    Sub-Genre: Fiction/Adventure
Themes: Diversity, overcoming differences, teamwork, adventure

Primary Characters: The Angora cat, the "marmalade" tom cat, the alley cat
Secondary Characters: The seven kittens, various other adult cats

Awards: Starred review, School Library Journal
Published on June 1, 2006 by Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books

This story begins on a desert island, with 15 soggy kitties who have been shipwrecked! Consisting of eight adults and seven kittens, this is a very "colorful" group of characters. From the prissy angora to the tough alley tom, it's safe to say that the felines are quite aware of their differences. However, after waiting for some time with no hope of a ship coming to rescue them, the cats finally decide to build a boat of their own to escape the island. The task calls for them to all work together, and in doing so, they finally begin to discover that they can get along fairly well after all! By the story's end, they consider one another to be "family"; a very happy ending! Because this book is written in verse, I would likely use it as a read-aloud for my students as part of a literary unit on poetry. It might be good for practicing choral poetry.

Picture Book no. 18: Astro Bunnies



Astro Bunnies
by Christine Loomis
Illustrated by Ora Eitan

Genre: Picture Book   Sub-Genre: Fiction; Concept Book
Theme: Scientific discovery, space travel, adventure

Primary Characters: Multiple, unnamed "bunnies"
Secondary Characters: n/a

Awards:

Published in 2002 by Scholastic

This book was so cute!! It tells the story of a small rabbit who looks out his window at night, sees a star in the sky, and decides that although it's terribly far from his home he would like to go there! He and his friends put on little spacesuits, climb up into a rocket, and take off. Once in space, they perform scientific-research tasks like measuring comets and collecting space dust. Astro Bunnies is written in rhyme, at a level that would be appropriate for a very small child (aged three to five, approximately); also, its science concepts would likely be of interest for slightly older elementary grade students (such as those in kindergarten and first grade). I would use it in my classroom as a "story-time" book, preferably in concurrence with a science unit on outer space. This is a topic that seems to generally fascinate children, so I think this book would be very well-received in an elementary school class!

Picture Book no. 17: Ghosts in the House!



Ghosts in the House!
Written and Illustrated by Kazuno Kohara

Genre: Picture Book  Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: The supernatural, Halloween (implied)

Primary Characters: The little girl (who happens to be a witch), her cat, and the mischevious ghosts in their new house

Secondary Characters: n/a

Published on August 19, 2008 by Roaring Brook Press

This adorable picture book follows a little girl and her pet cat, as they move into their new home and make an alarming discovery -- the new house is haunted! We soon learn that the little girl herself is a witch, and as such, she knows "a thing or two" when it comes to dealing with the supernatural! The amusing hijinks that take place between the girl and her ghostly houseguests (for example, when she puts them in the washing machine and dryer with bedsheets and they become all wrapped up!) make for a charming read for younger audiences. Were I to read this book in my classroom, I would use it as a fun "storytime" read during late October, when kids are all geared up for Halloween. :) The book isn't of a truly frightening nature, so it would be perfectly acceptable (and probably best suited) for children in the youngest elementary grades.

Chapter Book no. 8: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe



The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis

Genre: Fiction
Subgenre: Fantasy, Magic

Published July 1, 1994 by Harper Collins
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

Themes: Good and evil, fantasy, adventure, danger, war

Primary Characters: Peter, Susan, Lucy, Edmund, Aslan (the Great Lion), the evil White Witch
Secondary Characters: Mr. Tumnus (the Faun), other magical creatures in Narnia, the childrens' reclusive uncle

This exciting story begins when four English children (sent to live with their less-than-friendly uncle during World War II) accidentally stumble upon a secret world called Narnia while playing a game of hide-and-seek. Lucy, the youngest (and the first one to find Narnia), befriends a Faun in an enchanted forest. The two become friends, and Lucy's siblings soon arrive. They learn that there is currently a war going on in Narnia, as well. The White Witch is casting her evil spells over all the land and her victims anxiously await the return of Aslan, the Great Lion. This book would be good for literature circles, sure to be a hit with students in the upper-elementary grades (due to the complexity of its content).

Chapter Book no. 7: The Road to Balinor



The Road to Balinor
written by Mary Stanton

Genre: Fantasy/Magic
Subgenre: Adventure

Themes: Adventure, mystery, suspense, friendships, loyalty, destiny, magic, battle between good and evil, responsibility

Primary Characters: Princess Arianna (Ari); her unicorn, Chase; a unicorn named Atalanta
Secondary Characters: Dr. Bohnes (Ari's nurse and Chase's vet), Lincoln (Ari's collie), a spoiled girl named Lori, Ann and Frank (Ari's foster parents)

Published May 1, 1999 by Scholastic
Awards: To my knowledge, this book has not won any awards; however, it appears Mary Stanton has won awards for some of her other works.

I first read this book as an upper-elementary student, and I immediately fell in love with the series and all its characters. As a child I read these books time and time again, never tiring of their adventurous plots. I would use this book in a literature circle. It would best be assigned to readers who express an appreciation for animals and/or adventure when filling out a reading interest inventory. These stories make for great "short-reads" for adults who are looking for a folkloric action-adventure tale with a modern twist! I've recovered the entire series from a box in my attic and am re-reading them currently as a treat. I'm happy to find that I enjoy them now as much as I ever did as an elementary school student! =)

Chapter Book no. 6: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone



Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Written by J.K. Rowling
Illustrations by Mary GrandPre

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Subgenre: Unusual Characters and Strange Situations (indeed!)

Themes: Friendship, coming of age, battles between good and evil, mystery, suspense

Primary Characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger
Secondary Characters: numerous! Rubeus Hagrid; Albus Dumbledore; Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley; Minerva McGonagoll, Severus Snape, Harry's other teachers and classmates and various persons in the wizarding community of England

Awards: New York Times Bestseller for 79 consecutive weeks

Published on September 8, 1999 by Scholastic

The Harry Potter series is one of my absolute favorites to read! Their status in the literary world needs no explanation. I would use this book for a whole class of upper elementary grade students, or as light read-aloud material for middle elementary graders. I first began reading them in the fourth grade and was captivated from beginning to end with Harry and his friends. Their adventures would undoubtedly make for a great read that any elementary student of the appropriate comprehension age for them would enjoy and remember for a very long time. A good time to read this novel might be after a class has read a novel that is of a more realistic nature; a "flight of fancy" with Harry and co. would be a nice escape for readers who have just come off a more serious topic.

Chapter Book no. 5: The Schwa Was Here



The Schwa Was Here
Author: Neal Shusterman
Illustrator: n/a

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subgenre: Fiction (although the book's characters are believable, some of its events are more fictious than realistic)
Themes: Coming-of-age, fitting in, blending in, families, change, emotions (such as grief and fear), humor

Primary Characters: Anthony "Antsy" Bonano, Calvin Schwa
Secondary Characters: Antsy's friends Howie and Ira, his parents, his brother Frank and sister Christina, Mr. Crawley (a neighborhood recluse), Mr. Crawley's granddaughter Lexie, the Night Butcher at a nearby grocery store, Calvin's father

Published March 2, 2006 by Puffin

Awards: 2005 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction
2007/2008 California Young Reader Medal Award - winner
2005 American Library Association – “Best Book”
2005 American Library Association – “Notable Book”
2006 International Reading Association – “Young Adult Choice” Award List
2007 Georgia Peach Award List
2008 Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award List
2007/2008 Indiana Young Hoosier Award List
2007 Oklahoma Sequoyah Award List
2007/2008 Nebraska Golden Sower Award List
2007 Rhode Island Teen Book Award
2005 Missouri Children’s Choice Award List
2007/2008 New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award List
2005/2006 Texas Lonestar Award
2006 Kentucky Bluegrass Book Award List
2006 Utah Beehive Award List
2006 Pennsylvania Young Readers Award List
2006 Tennessee Volunteer State Award List
2005/2006 Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award List
2006 California Readers: California Collection Award
2006 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens.
2010-2011 New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Reads Award List

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!  It's both incredibly hilarious and incredibly touching; I'm not exaggerating when I say that I laughed and cried as I read it. Calvin Schwa is a middle school student who feels invisible; and indeed, experiments performed by Anthony and his friends would appear to prove that he could be right! Anthony and "The Schwa" (as Calvin comes to be called) become close friends when they get into trouble together over a dare. Their punishment is to walk "Old Man Crawley" 's fourteen Afghans (cleverly named after the seven deadly sins and the seven virtues--literally, there's a dog named Charity, one named Gluttony, and so on!). As the book progresses we see both of them beginning to "grow up" before our very eyes, getting into arguments about everything from girls to their families. I really can't say enough good things about this book, and I'm having to restrain myself from writing EVERYTHING about it and giving away the ending! (I will say, though, that it's very bittersweet and I kind of saw it coming.) I would use this book in an upper-elementary grade classroom; I wouldn't limit it to only one literature circle, but rather would read it aloud to my entire class so that we could all enjoy it together. =) This is my new Favorite Book So Far that I've read for this class!! If you're looking for a good kids' book read, PICK THIS ONE! It's wonderful!

Picture Book 16: A Ball for Daisy



A Ball for Daisy
by Chris Rashcka

Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Wordless

Themes: Things that mean a lot to us (e.g. a special toy, like Daisy's beloved ball), loss, renewed optimism

Primary Character: Daisy
Secondary Characters: Daisy's owner (implied), other dogs

Awards: Winner of the Caldecott Medal 2012
Published May 10, 2011 by Schwartz & Wade

The pictures in this book tell the story of a dog (named Daisy) and her favorite toy (a ball). She loves playing with it day after day, but one day it gets destroyed by a bigger dog. She is disappointed (naturally), but the book has a happy ending! Because it is wordless, I would use this book to do a picture walk with young students, encouraging them to use their verbal and communication skills. The ideal grade level for an activity and purpose such as this would probably be kindergarten (in a recent placement in a kindergarten class I noted that the teacher used a significant amount of instruction time on communicating, use of complete sentences when speaking and writing, etc.).

Picture Book 15: Lilly's Big Day



Lilly's Big Day
Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Picture Storybook

Themes: Hopefulness, frustration, jealousy, relationships, confidence

Primary characters: Lilly, her teacher Mr. Slinger, her parents
Secondary characters: Ms. Shotwell (the school nurse), Ginger (Mr. Slinger's neice), a saleswoman, Lilly's Granny

Published on March 28, 2006 by Greenwillow Books
Awards:

School Library Journal Best Book Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book

ALA Notable Children’s Book ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

This book tells the story of Lilly being positive she will be included in her teacher's wedding-as a flower girl-and being disappointed in the actual outcome of the wedding plans! =( I would use this book in a classroom of younger elementary-grade students, to convey the point that as much as we might hope for something, that's not a guarantee that it will work out that way. Although we wish them the best, children have to learn to cope with disappointment at some point or another. I think the story of Lilly's expectations of being a flower girl not being realized would be a good, "soft" way to begin introducing such a concept to young children. Also, it conveys a valuable lesson in being happy for others and not only thinking of ourselves (sometimes a difficult concept for "little guys"!). The story's lighthearted and humorous nature makes for an adorable read!



Picture Book 14: See the Ocean



See the Ocean
written by Estelle Condra, illustrated by Linda Crockett-Blassingame

Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Picture Storybook

Themes: Diversity, challenges, appreciating nature

Primary Character: Nellie
Secondary Characters: Nellie's brothers, her parents

Published Nov. 1, 2002 by Eager Minds Press
Awards: Winner of the American Bookseller Pick of the Lists in 1994

This book tells the story of a little girl named Nellie who goes to the beach with her family. Nellie is blind, and her brothers make the remark that they don't know how she is going to enjoy going to beach, as she "can't even see". Nellie points out to them that although she doesn't have the sense of sight, her other senses allow her to "see" the world in a different way than most ordinary people. See the Ocean is moving and heart-warming; I got it for my mother for Christmas a few years ago, and we both love it. =) I would use this book in any early-elementary grade classroom (particularly an inclusion envioronment) as part of a lesson on diversity and acceptance.

Picture Book 13: Dolley Madison: First Lady (Spirit of America: Our People)

Dolley Madison: First Lady (Spirit of America: Our People)
by Cynthia Fitterer Klingel, Robert B. Noyed
Genre: Historical Literature
Subgenre: Biography
Themes: The life and times of Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth president of the United States of America

Primary character: Dolley Madison
Secondary characters: Dolley's first husband, her two children, James Madison, George & Martha Washington, British soldiers, the house servants

Published August 2002 by Child's World
Awards: According to my research, this book has not received any awards.

I enjoyed reading this simple, easy-to-understand account of Dolley Madison's life and accomplishments. Particularly emphasized is her reputation as a gracious hostess, and her heroic efforts in saving many artifacts from the presedential palace when British soldiers attempted to destroy the home. I would use this book in a class of middle-elementary grade students; it would be ideal for young readers to use in writing a report on a historical figure or as a supplementary part of a unit of study on past U.S. presidents!

Picture Book 12: Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?



Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?
by Jean Fritz
Illustrated by Margot Tomes

Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Historical Fiction, Biography
Themes: Destiny, monarchy, government, family, leadership, history, humor

Primary Character: King George III
Secondary Characters: King George's wife (Charlotte), his many children, his advisors and staff (particularly Lord Talbot), the American colonists

Published on Sept. 9, 1996 by Puffin 
Awards: School Library Journal Best Book of the Year award, IRA/CBC Children's Choice Book award

This humorous and witty account of the life and times of King George III was a highly enjoyable read! I would most likely use it with upper elementary-grade students because of its length (mainly) and slight complexity of subject matter. The book depicts King George as an awkward young boy who assumes the throne in his twenties after his father and grandfather die. His focus is on being a good king; he tries to be mannerly and run the castle efficiently. His main goal is to tame the rambunctious colonists across the ocean. I have read articles on this book that point out that Jean Fritz inserts a good amount of realism by making the Revolution out to be less than prominent in the minds of King George and his subjects; this was apparently true of the time, due to the Revolution taking place approximately 3000 miles from England. George and Charlotte's wedding and coronation was my favorite part of the book, because of all the hilarious mishaps by Lord Talbot! This would be a good book to read with older elementary students to give them a brief lesson in well-known history, but from a lighthearted, unbiased perspective that doesn't make George out to be some kind of tyrant. An excellent book! I loved it!

Picture Book 11: Officer Buckle and Gloria



Officer Buckle and Gloria
Written and Illustrated by Peggy Rathmann
Genre: Picture Book
Sub-genre: Picture Storybook
Themes: Teamwork, jobs, embarrassment, encouragement, humor!!

Primary Characters: Officer Buckle, his police dog Gloria
Secondary Characters: School children (particularly a little girl named Claire), the school principle, other police officers

Published on September 28, 1995 by Putnam Juvenile
Awards: Caldecott Medal, 1996

This book is simply ADORABLE!! When we read it in class, and later as I read it aloud with the little girl I babysit, I couldn't help but laugh out loud! Officer Buckle's trying times at work teach us that we all go through a rough patch from time to time, but the important thing is to believe in yourself and keep trying your best. Gloria's presence in the story makes for a light-hearted and terribly funny addition to the story of Officer Buckle's career in law enforcement. I would use this book in a class of early to middle elementary school grades, perhaps even just for a bit of "comic relief" after a long day. =)



Picture Book 10: The Good Little Bad Little Pig



The Good Little Bad Little Pig
by Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Picture Storybook
Themes: Pets, family, responsibility, learning, behavior

Primary Characters: Peter, his pet Pig
Secondary Characters: Peter's mother and father, a police officer, a motorist

Published on Sept. 2, 2002 by Hyperion  (originally published in 1939 as part of a collection)
Awards: Through my research I could not find any awards for this book, although both its author and illustrator have won multiple awards for other works of theirs.

This book tells the sweet story of a little boy named Peter who decides he wants a pet pig. His parents are hesitant to let him get one, especially since he insists it must be a "good little bad little pig"! Peter's point turns out to be that no one is completely good or completely bad; his pig tries her best to behave, but sometimes gets into mischief. This would be a fun, lighthearted book to read with younger children because it reminds us that everyone is human, no one is perfect, and trying your best is all anyone can really ask of you. The last page of the story reiterates that though she was no "angel", Peter's pig brought him much joy and was the best pet he ever had.

Picture Book 9: Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal



Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Retelling of Cinderella
Author: Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Genre: Picture Book; Traditional Literature; Variant
Sub-Genre: Folk Tale, Fairy Tale, Magic
Themes: Family, tragedy, royalty, subservience, happy ending

Primary Characters: Cinderella; her "helpers" (Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and various other takes on this character who appears during her hour of need)
Secondary Characters: Stepmother and stepsisters who are cruel to Cinderella

Published Sept. 4, 2007 by Henry Holt & Co.
Awards: This book is a Junior Library Guild Selection, and won the 2008 Bank Street "Best Children's Book of the Year".

This book is DELIGHTFUL! The illustrations are amazing, all extremely detailed and displaying a unique style that brings to life the different cultures contained within the pages. It ties together several different versions of the classic Cinderella story, telling the tale as it would be told in foreign countries such as Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Mexico (to name just a few of the many). I would use this book as part of a unit on classic traditional literature, or one on diversity. Its depictions of all the different cultures from around the world would be invaluable for children to see, as this will foster an appreciation for diversity and a basic familiarity with cultures in countries foreign to our own. Also, if there is a child in my class who happens to be from one of the countries shown in the book, this would be a great springboard for him or her to share some aspects of their native culture with our class!

Picture Book 8 When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry...

 

When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry...  Written and Illustrated by Molly Bang

Genre: Picture Book   Sub-genre: Fiction
Theme: Dealing with our emotions (specifically, anger)

Published March 1, 1999 by Blue Sky Press

Awards: Caldecott Honor, Jane Addams Honor Award and the Arbuthnot Award

Characters

Primary: Sophie

Secondary: Sophie's sister, mother, and father



          In the beginning of this vibrant children's picture book, a little girl named Sophie is interrupted by her sister as she plays with a toy gorilla. When she refuses to relinquish the toy to Sister, her mother chastises her for not sharing. In a small scuffle, she trips over another toy that is laying nearby. This incident sparks a temper tantrum, after which Sophie runs from inside her home to the woods and her favorite beech tree outside. As she runs, Sophie cries and fumes. When she reaches the top of the tree, she calms down as "The wide world comforts her". She climbs back down and returns to her house, feeling better after having worked through her torment of emotions.

         This story was so touching! As human beings, we all experience emotional ups and downs and may even feel out of control of our feelings at times. This book would be an invaluable tool for teaching young students that the emotions they feel are okay to experience, because everyone gets angry sometimes. The lesson Sophie teaches us by getting away from the situation that angers her so that she may calm down after some "quiet time" is priceless. I would use this book to teach my students about coping with their feelings, and to show them that getting upset with someone over an incident like this is not the end of the world.

Picture Book 7 Pocket Poems

 

Pocket Poems , anthology compiled/edited by Bobbi Katz and illustrated by Marilyn Hafner

Genre: Poetry   Sub-genre: Picture book
Theme: I think Bobbi Katz's purpose in compiling this collection of poetic works was to foster in young learners (and adults!) an appreciation for poems and the joy they can bring to our everyday lives.

Published March 8, 2004 by Dutton Juvenile

Awards: Parents' Magazine Best Book of 2004

Characters: Various young boys and girls, their pets/friends/teachers/etc.

                In this anthology of children's poems, editor Bobbi Katz provides young students with wonderful works of poetry to be enjoyed in an everyday setting (whether in the classroom or out). In her author's note, Katz explains that all the poems she selected for this volume are brief enough to be memorized for fun if the book's young readers feel compelled to do so. Topics featured in Pocket Poems are school, friends, pets, children, and everyday life. The poems are light, humorous, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable!

               I would use this book in a classroom of younger elementary school students as a means of introducing them to the poetic genre. The lighthearted, recitable nature of these poems would be a great way to get learners engaged and enthused about reading poetry. Depending on the grade level being taught, some of the poems could be read aloud by the class in unison, and memorizing one or two of the pieces from the book (perhaps with the help of a parent or guardian) could be a fun class enrichment project.

Chapter Book 4 Bridge to Terabithia

 

Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson

Published October 21, 1977 by Harper Collins

Genre: Fiction   Sub-Genre: Young-adult
Themes: Coming-of-age, imagination, relationships, family, economic disadvantage

 Awards:

Janusz Korczak Medal (Poland) 1981
Silver Pencil Award (Netherlands) 1981
Newbery Medal 1978
ALA Notable Children's Books 1977
School Library Journal Best Book of 1977
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, 1978
Le Grand Prix des Jeunes Lecturs (France), 1986
1986 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

Characters
Primary: Jesse (Jess) Aarons, Leslie Burke
Secondary: Jess's mother and father, and four sisters (Ellie, Brenda, Joyce Anne, and May Belle), Leslie's mother and father (Judy and Bill), their fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Meyers, their music teacher Ms. Edmunds, a school bully named Janice Avery, various other school children, a puppy (P.T., or "Prince Terrien")

                         This novel follows a ten year old boy named Jess Aarons as he befriends a girl his age (Leslie Burke) when she moves into a house across the field from his own. Hesitant at first to associate with the "odd" girl, Jess eventually overcomes his self-consciousness, not caring what anyone at school might say about this friendship. The two of them begin to spend time together every day and soon discover a somewhat hidden place to play outside, across a creek from the property they both live on. They name their newfound imaginary "magic kingdom" Terabithia. The story is told from the third person, but we mainly see everything that happens from Jess's perspective. Leslie teaches him to really open his mind to new ideas, "think outside the box", and be more creative (not surprisingly, Jess's parents scoff at Leslie and her family, regarding them as "hippies"). Jess's life is complicated by his home situation. The Aaronses don't have much money, and around the middle of the book Jess's father is laid off from his job. His mother is cold and impatient, and his sisters are a pain for Jess to deal with (with the exception of the second youngest, May Belle). Spending time in Terabithia is Jess's means of escape from his unsatisfactory home life, and as the story passes he and Leslie become closer and he, more grateful for his time spent with her and the puppy he gives her for Christmas. One day, tragedy strikes and Jess is left without his best, and perhaps, only friend in the entire world. He finds solace, though, in realizing what a difference Leslie has made in his life and comfort in the fact that he knows he will never forget her.This is a truly touching, wonderful example of a classic coming-of-age story that I have enjoyed the privilege of re-reading for this assignment.
**My first reading of Bridge to Terabithia was in the sixth grade, as part of a literature circle.

                           I would use Bridge to Terabithia in literature circles in a classroom of my own, or perhaps as the cornerstone of a literary unit in which the entire class would read the book. The discussions within small circles or with the class as a whole would undoubtedly be in-depth and most interesting. This would require proper facilitation, so as a teacher I would put great effort into preparing for such discussions. A story like this one should be taught thoroughly, with great care and precision, because its message of coming into one's own is an invaluable one for children who are around this age. I would most likely present this book to sixth graders only; students who are any younger could potentially become upset by the story's dramatic turn or "miss" some of the deeper concepts that make the book so special.

Chapter Book 3 The Ghost of Poplar Point

 

The Ghost of Poplar Point

Written by Cynthia DeFelice

Genre: Juvenile Fiction  Sub-genre: Mystery

Published on August 21, 2007 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Awards: Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award
Themes: Standing up for what you believe in, preserving history, determination and perseverance

Characters

Primary: Allie Nichols and her best friend, Dub Whitwell

Secondary: Michael (Allie's brother), Allie's mother and father, Uncle Hal (the uncle of a friend), Ms. Lunsford (director of the town pageant), Janelle (a girl Allie and Dub's age who has just moved to town), Mr. & Mrs. Kavanaugh (Janelle's parents and antagonists of Allie and Dub), Karen (the school bully, another antagonist), various friends of Allie and Dub's from school

                 In this book for older elementary students, Allie Nichols and Dub Whitwell set about solving the mystery surrounding the presence of a ghost that seems to be haunting Allie. As the two investigate, it becomes clear that the ghost is that of a young Seneca Indian girl whose people used to live at nearby Poplar Point. The two suspect that the girl's spirit is upset because of a hotel development backed by the newly-arrived Kavanaugh family, set to take place on the Senecas' sacred land. Allie and Dub's efforts to investigate are complicated by the fact that the ghost of the girl does not speak English, but rather an Indian language. Further thwarting their plans is the bullying nature of Janelle's father, Mr. Kavanaugh, and of Karen, a bully from school who consistently threatens to expose Allie and Dub's secret plan to stop the development of the hotel.

                I think students in the fourth or fifth grades would really enjoy reading this mystery novel by Cynthia DeFelice. A book like this one would be great for use in a book club or literature circle, in which the students reading it could make inferences about the characters and plot turns all while enjoying a well-written mystery. The relationships between most of the characters in the book are good examples for kids who are around Allie and Dub's age (e.g., that of Allie and little brother Michael, who are always looking out for one another, and that of Allie and Dub, who are best friends and make a great team).

Picture Book 6 The Big Snow

 

The Big Snow , Written and Illustrated by Berta and Elmer Hader

Genre: Picture Book     Sub-genre: Realistic Fiction
Published 1948 by Macmillon Publishers; appears to be currently published under Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Awarded the Caldecott Medal 1949

Theme: Nature; specifically, the survival of wild animals in the wintertime

Characters: The animals living in the woods; Mr. and Mrs. Hader

                      In this richly illustrated book by Berta and Elmer Hader, we see a variety of wild animals going about their daily "routines" of gathering food, leaving for the south in the cold months, hibernating, and "socializing" amongst each other in their habitats. The charming, simple story of a harsh snow that comes to the wooded area near the Hader's house ends with the elderly couple coming outside to leave food (breadcrumbs, etc.) for the wild animals to find. The animals are grateful because the thick snow on the ground had made it difficult for them to find their own food.

                    Although old, this story would be useful in an elementary classroom for teaching science lessons to young students about the coping and survival mechanisms of animals in the wild, and the hardships that they can sometimes face because of the weather. It would also be a good tool for teaching about migration, hibernation, and the food-storing habits of many common woodland animals. Using this book, I could integrate literature into a science lesson about animals.

Picture Book 5 Golem

 

Golem , Written and Illustrated by David Wisniewski

Published October 18, 1996 by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Company

Genre: Picture Book    Sub-Genre: Fiction

Awarded the 1997 Caldecott Medal.

Theme: Supernatural fantasy, Jewish legend, religious persecution

Characters

Primary: Rabbi Loew, Golem

Secondary: The Rabbi's two students; the leader of Prague who is responsible for the persecution of the Jews there

                        In this picture-book take on a Hebrew legend, Rabbi Loew creates a "monster" of sorts out of clay. The creature's name is Golem, the Hebrew word for "shapeless man". The story is set in Prague, a city in the Czech Republic. There, the Jewish population is being accused of mixing the blood of Christian children with flour and water to make matzo (this accusation was known as the Blood Lie, and it took place in the sixteenth century in the Jewish ghettos of Prague). To combat the persecution of his people, Rabbi Loew creates Golem to fight back. As readers, we develop sympathy for Golem because he appreciates the life given him by the Rabbi very much but is saddened when he learns that once the persecution has stopped he must be destroyed because he will no longer be needed. 

                         Reading this book to elementary school students will be a good way to incorporate some diversity of history in the classroom. Learning about old Hebrew legends will help broaden their historical perspective. Also, exposure to different types of religions is crucial to building tolerance for and acceptance of diversity in our society. I would use it in a class of middle elementary grade students rather than younger students, due to the story's and illustrations' potentially "dark" nature.

**The illustrations, made entirely of torn paper, are fantastic and beautiful! It's very clear why this book won a Caldecott Honor Medal. = )

Picture Book 4 All of Me!

   

All of Me!  Written and illustrated by Molly Bang

Genre: Picture Book       Sub-genre: Realism

Published Sept. 1, 2009 by The Blue Sky Press (an Imprint of Scholastic)

Awards: Although Molly Bang is a noted Caldecott-winning illustrator, this particular title does not appear to have been awarded the Caldecott. 

Theme: Appreciation of self

Characters: The primary character in this book is a small boy; he is accompanied by a cat.

                

                       This adorable picture book by Molly Bang (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite children's authors!) is narrated throught the eyes of a young child who is expressing how grateful he is for his physical body and how well it functions. He begins with his feet and moves all the way up to his heart, praising each part of himself as he goes. (For example, he mentions his hands and how they help him grip, throw, pat, hold, and hug.) The book was designed as a children's "book of thanks", to be written from a non-religious perspective, that is meant to help young children appreciate their bodies and their abilities. I would use this book in my classroom with emphasis on just that: appreciation for our health and physical well-being, and for what a magnificent machine the human body really is.

**A similar title that I found while looking for the specs of this book is Marvelous Me , by Lisa Bullard.



Picture Book 3 Smoky Night

 

Smoky Night , written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Diaz

Genre: Picture Book

Sub-genre: Realistic Fiction

Published on March 31, 1994 by Harcourt Brace & Company
Themes: Neighbors, overcoming differences, family, diversity

Awards:

-1995 Caldecott Award -ALA Notable
-School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
-Parent's Choice Award winner  

Characters

Primary: The main character in this story is a little boy. Another primary character is his mother.

Secondary: The boy's neighbors in his apartment building, his cat Jasmine, a neighbor's cat, a fireman

                          This heart-wrenching picture book is based on the real-life L.A. riots. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy, whose apartment building is set on fire one night by looters and robbers moving throughout the city. He and his mother must escape the blaze in a hurry but he is reluctant to go because at the time of their evacuation he cannot find his beloved pet, a cat named Jasmine. As they move down the halls and stairs to get out, they encounter their fellow tenants. A bond is formed between all the bulding's residents as they look out for one another during their escape, and find shelter nearby.

                          Smoky Night would be great to use in a classroom of younger elementary school students. I would use the book to emphasize the point that it's important to be a kind, caring neighbor and to at least try your best to be friends with those that might be different than you and yours. The book would also provide a bit of background knowledge on the L.A. riots that took place in 1992.

Picture Book 2 Magic Thinks Big

 

Magic Thinks Big, written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper

Genre: Picture book     Sub-genre: Fiction

Published March 30, 2004 by Greenwillow Books

Awards: "Texas 2x2 Reading List" (Formal recommendation of children's books by the state of Texas)

Themes: Imagination, ambition

Characters

Primary: Magic, the cat

Secondary: Magic's owners, his animal and human friends of far away (implied)

                           This humorous and charming picture book tells a story of a cat named Magic. He places himself in the door of his house, where he can look outside and fantasize about what it would be like to leave home and go on great adventures. We "follow" Magic as he daydreams of visiting an island, befriending bears and sailors, having fish and pies for dinner, etc.

                           Magic Thinks Big would be a fun choice for light read-aloud time in a younger elementary grade classroom (kindergarten would probably be ideal for this particular title). I would use Magic's story to inspire my young students to be creative and imaginitive, in hopes that although they may not be in a position to leave their houses at any time they please they will not let this stop them from "dreaming big".  = )

Chapter Book 2 A Bear Named Trouble

 

A Bear Named Trouble, written by Marion Dane Bauer. Published on May 9, 2006 by Random House Books.

Nominated for the Nutmeg Book Award & the Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Award

Genre: Realistic Fiction   Sub-Genre: Realism (based on a true story)

Characters

Primary: Jonathan, his sister Rhonda, their father, a goose at the zoo (Mama Goose), a wild young bear (Trouble)

Secondary: Jonathan's mother, the zoo's gatekeeper, the bus driver

                               This book is based almost entirely on a real incident; only the main character, a young boy named Jonathan, and his family have been invented for the purpose of writing the book. (Bauer heard the story of Trouble and felt compelled to write it as a novel; she felt that recounting the events through the eyes of a young person like "Jonathan" would be most appealing to young readers, whom the book was designed for.) The story of Trouble is narrated from his and Jonathan's perspective. When Trouble's mother will no longer take care of him, the adolescent bear wanders to a town in Alaska where Jonathan and his father, a zookeeper, live. Trouble is eventually given his name because of the damage he does to the zoo's bear enclosure as he tries to get closer to another bear that already lives there. Jonathan and his father are given depth of character when we learn that Jonathan's mother and sister have not yet moved to Alaska from the family's old home in Minnesota; the two miss the rest of their family very much.

                              A Bear Named Trouble would be good for use in a literature circle or book club, perhaps for middle elementary grade students such as those in the fourth or fifth grades. I would likely assign this novel to students who cited a preference for books about animals and nature in a reading interest inventory. The story is simple yet touching, and explaining to students that Trouble was a real bear and his adventures at the zoo really happened would certainly add an element of interest and excitement.

Chapter Book 1 Bud, Not Buddy

 

Bud, Not Buddy  Written by Christopher Paul Curtis. Published September 2, 1999 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
Genre: Fiction    Sub-Genre: Historical fiction
Themes: Family, survival, adventure, mystery, quest for truth, friendship, humor, music

Awards:

Newberry Medal

Coretta Scott King Award

                           This is a wonderful book!! It tells the story of Bud, a ten-year-old orphan in Flint, Michigan in the 1930s. The first chapter opens as Bud is moved from his current residence, an unsavory group home, into a foster home that turns out to be even worse. Mistreated by his new guardians, he escapes their confinement his first night at their house. From this point on, Bud is "on the run", sleeping outside the homeless mission, taking cover by day in the town library, and more or less getting by on the kindness of strangers. At one point he even ends up in a "Hooverville" shantytown as he attempts to board a train out west with a fellow escapee of the home (another young boy, this one nicknamed Bugs). We learn bit by bit that Bud is driven by his desire to locate his long-lost father; in a battered suitcase that holds all his possessions he carries evidence of his father's whereabouts. This evidence consists mainly of a couple of worn flyers left him by his deceased mother. As the story unfolds and Bud ends up in the town where his father allegedly resides, we are able to piece together the truth of his family history. Both humorous and heart-wrenching, the book has a very satisfying ending and does not disappoing in any way!
                           I would not hesitate to use Bud, Not Buddy for a literature circle book. It may be best suited to students in the fifth and sixth grades, because of the difficulty level of concepts presented. It's a wonderful example, too, of historical fiction because it paints a picture of life during the Great Depression and the 1930s in general. I believe any young student could relate to this; I myself was slightly skeptical about whether or not I could "get into" a book about a young African-American boy, but was quite surprised at the empathy I formed with Bud and his plight as I read! An excellent piece of work. = )

Picture Book 1 Kitten's First Full Moon

Kitten's First Full Moon, a picture book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. Published March 2, 2004 by Greenwillow Books.
Genre: Picture book    Sub-genre: Fiction
Themes: Perseverance, desire, frustration


Awards for this book include:

Publishers Weekly Best Book New York Times Best Illustrated Book Caldecott Medal

School Library Journal Best Book New York Public Library's "One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing" ALA Notable Children’s Book

Characters:
Kitten  = )  
her owners (implied)

                      In this book, a young kitten spies a full moon one night and (never having seen a moon so full and round before) mistakes it for a big bowl of milk in the sky! As she tries and tries to get close enough to lap up the milk, she finds herself in many a scuffle. Finally, she sadly returns home. There, on the porch, she finally finds a bowl of milk she can reach!  This would be a good picture book to read to a younger elementary grade class, for light read-aloud time. As we read along and finished the story I could emphasize the fact that although she failed to reach the coveted bowl of milk many times, Kitten wouldn't give up and always tried her hardest. Simple moral lessons like these make for a good fortification to a young child's school day.