Category Archives: Uncategorized

Apr27

Exciting News!

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Hello Bloggers!

I have some exciting news! To make it easier to see all of the books that I have posted, all you have to do is go to “Books Worth Reading” and choose the genre you’re looking for. Then, if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you’ll see “Books posted so far for this type of literature”. There, I have listed all of the books for that genre. If you click on the title of a book, it will take you to the blog post I made.

Doing this will make it easier to look at my posts instead of scrolling down the page that goes on forever and ever.

Happy Reading!

Apr27

The Adventures of Robin Hood

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Today is National Tell A Story Day and to go along with this I am sharing a Traditional Literature book, Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow by: Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by: E. B. White.

A review from Kirkus states, “The roots of this particular Robin Hood tale date to the 15th century. San Souci bases his retelling on a Child ballad and on Howard Pyle’s late-19th-century story. The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to lure Robin and his Merry Men into an archery contest, at which the Sheriff can round up the band and arrest them. Robin wins the golden arrow, disguising himself as a beggar with an eye patch and dyed hair, but he makes sure the Sheriff knows who won–from a safe distance–with an arrow-delivered missive. Award-winner Lewis draws young readers in with the splendid cover image of Robin in close-up facing the viewer, arrow notched and bowstring pulled back and ready for release. The watercolor pictures, reminiscent of both Pyle and N.C. Wyeth, are full of mottled greens and dappled light, with powerful figures running, shooting arrows or standing nobly.” –taken from clcd.com
robinhoodandthegoldenarrow

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow by: Robert D. San Souci & Illustrated by: E. B. White

Information on the book:
Literary Awards:
Age Level: 4-8 years old
Genre: Traditional Literature, picture book
Rationale: I chose this book because it was written by (in my eyes) a famed children’s book author – Robert D. San Souci! And course, E. B. White is a fantastic illustrator as well, so I knew I just had to read it. This traditional literature story is written in a way that children, even small children, would be able to understand and follow along.
Classroom Application:Students could create their own “wanted” posters for Robin Hood after reading the story. Since Robin Hood is really the “good” guy, students could write about his characteristics and what he does for his community. Students could also write their own stories about Robin Hood and how he saves people and his community.

 

Apr26

Wednesday Wars!

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Today is only Tuesday, but we’re going to celebrate the book by fabulous author, Gary Schmidt! Wednesday Wars was set in the 1960s, but the plot could definitely happen in today’s time. This book won the John Newbery Honor Award, such a highly-acclaimed award!

On clcd.com, Kirkus reviewed “It’s 1967, and on Wednesdays, every Jewish kid in Holling Hoodhood’s class goes to Hebrew School, and every Catholic kid goes to Catechism. Holling is Presbyterian, which means that he and Mrs. Baker are alone together every Wednesday and she hates it just as much as he does. What unfolds is a year of Wednesday Shakespeare study, which, says Mrs. Baker, “is never boring to the true soul.” Holling is dubious, but trapped. Schmidt plaits world events into the drama being played out at Camillo Junior High School, as well as plenty of comedy, as Holling and Mrs. Baker work their way from open hostility to a sweetly realized friendship. Holling navigates the multitudinous snares set for seventh-graders parental expectations, sisters, bullies, girls with wry wit and the knowledge that the world will always be a step or two ahead of him. Schmidt has a way of getting to the emotional heart of every scene without overstatement, allowing the reader and Holling to understand the great truths swirling around them on their own terms. It’s another virtuoso turn by the author of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (2005).” –click here for more reviews!

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Information on the book:
Literary Awards:
Age Level: 11 to 15 years old
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Rationale: I chose this book because I wanted to share a book that was written by one of the authors coming to Festival at the end of this week. This book perfectly describes what early adolescent teenagers go through when starting middle school. Great read!
Classroom Application:Middle school students can read this book in literature circles. Each student will have a job (note taker, vocabulary, etc.). Once finished, the group can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and ways that they can relate to the book to their life.

 

Apr25

Please Be My Friend!!

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To celebrate the Spring Festival of Children’s Literature, I am sharing a book that was written by Peter Brown, one of the authors visiting.

You Will Be My Friend! is a story about a young bear, Lucy, determined to make a new friend. But, along the way she realized that just being yourself is the best way in making these new friends, instead of trying to fit in.

On clcd.com, Kirkus reviewed, “Finding a friend is less a matter of sheer will than quiet acceptance in this charming new work. Picture-book heroines are rarely quite as irrepressible as Lucy the tutu-and-bow–clad bear from Children Make Terrible Pets (2010). Now a follow-up tackles the difficult task precocious children face when seeking out companionship. Fueled more by enthusiasm than sense, Lucy informs her mother that on this day she is going to find herself a brand-new friend. Yet while her intentions are good, Lucy’s befriending techniques are a bit brash for the woodland creatures she encounters. Even threats don’t work, so Lucy declares her task hopeless, until another bow-wearing animal fulfills Lucy’s greatest wishes. Brown has pinpointed the problems some kids face in befriending their fellows, though few would come on as strong as his heroine. The language is the real lure here, with Lucy’s single-mindedness best illustrated when she informs an egg, “You WILL be my friend! I can wait.” Handlettered speech balloons and wood borders give the book a rustic but friendly feel, with endpapers that should not be missed. While many friendship stories verge on twee, this title eschews the cute and allows kids to both identify with and pity Lucy’s struggle to find her own bosom companion.” –click here for more reviews!
youwillbemyfriend

You Will Be My Friend! by: Peter Brown

Information on the book:
Literary Awards:
Age Level: 4 to 8 years old
Genre: Realistic Fiction Picture book. This is because of the plot of the book, that can definitely happen in real life, however, animals did not speak or wear clothing.
Rationale: I chose this book because I have read it to Kindergarten and first grade students and they absolutely loved it. It’s a wonderful, funny, and goofy book that teaches a lesson to students to just be yourself when making new friends.
Classroom Application: This book is a great book to teach the lesson of being yourself and not trying to “fit in” when making new friends. Students need to understand to not change themselves just to be friends with someone or a group of people.

 

Apr22

Happy Earth Day!

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What a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day than to read the book The Great Big Green by Peggy Glifford! As you read through this book, you can look for green things that are hidden in art. These “green things” are a all things you can find on our Earth!

According to Publisher’s Weekly on clcd.org, they stated ” It’s chock-full of green things/ that are good for you:/ your eat-your-broccoli greens/ your bunch-of-green-grapes green/ your watermelons-sparkling-in-the-sun greens. What is this mysterious object that contains so much green? Readers won’t find out until the final spread of this energizing tribute to the planet, as Gifford’s verse sings the praises of greens eels, anacondas, a tornado-sky, and tennis balls that glow way beyond ever green. Some readers may be slightly lost at first, since Gifford doesn’t ask them to guess what she’s describing until the book is almost over. Desimini’s mixed-media collages incorporate scanned images of fabrics, photographs, and other objects to create whimsically surreal images that highlight the variety of greenery found on Earth.” –check it out here!
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The Great Big Green by: Peggy Glifford

Information on the book:

Literary Awards:

 

Genre: Informational book

Age Level: 3 years old and up

Rationale: I chose this book because it’s a wonderful rendition about our great Earth for Earth Day!

Classroom Application: I would use this book in any elementary school classroom on Earth Day. We would discuss why we celebrate this day and what we can do to take care of our Earth. Students can also complete a project on different ways to protect our Earth with a partner. They could make flyers or posters to display around our school about the importance of recycling and taking care of Earth.

 

Apr21

Play Ball!

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With baseball season here at last, I am so excited to be sharing The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero by Barb Rosenstock! This book tells the story about Joe DiMaggio and his team, the New York Yankees and how he became one of the most beloved baseball players to have ever lived, besides The Babe, of course.

On clcd.com, Kirkus states “Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak is considered one of the greatest feats in baseball and the one least likely to be replicated. Everyone expected Joltin’ Joe to pound out the hits, but as the consecutive games mounted up, the excitement built as well. The year 1941 was a difficult time, and people needed something to cheer about. That one perfect summer was the last summer of peacetime. All eyes were on DiMaggio each time he came to bat, and newspaper headlines screamed the daily tally. Rosenstock’s game descriptions capture the momentum and let readers see and feel the events as if they were at the games. Along with play-by-play for some of the key hits, there’s some fascinating information about DiMaggio’s proud and determined character, as well as some lesser-known events. His favorite bat, Betsy Ann, was stolen during the streak, later recovered and then broken. Widener’s expansive, double-page illustrations, rendered in acrylic on bristol paper, in earth tones of green and gold, are larger than life, elongating DiMaggio as he takes his stance, rounds the bases or grips his bat. Each occurrence of the hit count and the word streak stands out from the rest of the text in heavy red display type. DiMaggio’s remarkable hitting streak is freshly presented for a new generation of fans.” –click here for more reviews!
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The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero by: Barb Rosenstock & Illustrated by: Terry Widener

Information on the book:
Literary Awards:
Age Level: 5 to 9 years old
Genre: Biography, Picture Book
Rationale: I chose this book because I enjoy reading books by the author, Barb Rosenstock. I know her, and am her contact person for the Spring’s Festival of Children’s Literature at Frostburg State University. She mainly write biographies, choosing prominent historical figures to write about. She makes sure that all facts are true, with having all sources factually correct as well.
Classroom Application: I would use this book in any elementary level classroom. Specifically for 3rd grade, I would read the book to the class then have the student conduct more research on Joe DiMaggio using computers. The students can do a report on him; doing the project by a shoe box, person in a can, etc. A report that isn’t entirely written.
Apr20

Jazz Appreciation!

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During the month of April, we appreciate the world of jazz. So, we’ll be looking at Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World written by Marilyn Nelson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. This book would be considered historical fiction, but, it’s actually a book of poems. These poems put into perspective what these girls did throughout their careers.

On clcd.com, Kirkus writes, “Nelson brings her signature poetic treatment of history to this outstanding collaboration with illustrator Pinkney about a racially integrated “all-girl swing band” that toured the United States during World War II. Comprehensive backmatter grounds the poems and illustrations in research while inviting reflection on the creative process. The book proper is a stellar integration of art and text: Each poem adopts the retrospective voices of the band members’ instruments, while watercolor illustrations enhanced with collage elements place their music-making in rich period detail that evokes the war, Rosie the Riveter, segregation and internment camps. The poet doesn’t miss a beat as she fittingly employs swinging, triple meters capturing the essence of big-band sound and highlighting the transcendent joy that the Sweethearts‘ music brought to audiences at the Apollo, the Cotton Club, in smaller venues and even overseas in a postwar USO concert. The illustrator is at his best in the wordless full-bleed doublespreads interspersed throughout the book, which set a contemplative pace that invites flipping back and forth through the pages documenting the Sweethearts‘ travels, triumphs and travails.” -click here for this review and many others!

Excerpt from the book:

Bugle Call Rag

No trumpet has ever been tempted
not to funambulate
On the filament of a melody.
We’re all stars; we were made for the limelight.
I was brought second-hand in Biloxi.
(I’d been honorably discharged by the Army band.)
I moaned, seeing this as a step down:
To be played by a woman: I, who’d been played by a real man.
But the first time we stepped out front and center
And blasted the rafters with a long-held E,
I knew that all those years of playing marches
Had kept me from being all I was meant to be.

 

sweetheartsofrhythm

Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by: Marilyn Nelson & Illustrated by: Jerry Pinkney

Information on the book:
Literary Awards:
Age Level: 10-14 years old
Genre: Poetry/Historical Fiction
Rationale: I chose this book because of the illustrator – Jerry Pinkney. I love his illustrations so when I saw that he did this book, I had to have it! He does such a great job in depicting the girls in this story and makes them look so realistic.
Classroom Application: Since this book for mainly middle school students, I would have the students choose a poem out of the book to write a story about. They would re-write the poem into a story frame and make their own stories based on the original poem.

 

Apr19

Choose Kind

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I am very passionate about choosing kind…being kind to others and making the right decisions. I chose a book that I came across and it really gets the point across of being kind to others and making friends.

On Goodreads.com, Chrissy Emmons stated,  “I would recommend this book to any teacher. I personally would introduce this book on the first day of school to show that bullying is not acceptable in the classroom. This book is about a little boy who is picked on because of his size and name. Throughout the story, the child accepted that he was being bullied until a friend convinced his that it was not ok and he was perfect the way he is. The boy stood up to the bully and the bully apologized and they became friends. The illustrations in this book is a lot of fun and different than the average illustrations. The font is sometimes written in speak bubbles and capital letters. The pictures are very child like but detailed and fun. I would use this book in my classroom to fight against bullying and pull it out anytime I felt bullying was becoming a problem. In the back of the book, students are informed about what to do if they are being bullying. There is also a letter to parents if their child is being bullied. This book is the perfect child example to demonstrate why bullying is wrong. I am extremely glad I came across this book.” –click here for more details!
thebullyandtheshrimp

The Bully and the Shrimp by: Catherine Allison & Illustrated by: Kim Geyer

Information on the book:

Literary Awards: none, but it should!

Age Level: 6 -10 years old

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Rationale: I chose this book because I really enjoy finding books that are all about anti-bullying. It’s very important as teachers, to keep this in mind in any grade level and to instruct on it as often as possible.

Classroom Application: Students can play a game of role-modeling. In groups of two, one student can be the “mean student” while the other student is the “nice student”. Each student would be given a skit to read to each, kind of like a conversation. They can take turns reading and switching roles. The students will learn what it feels like to be bullied and why it’s important to not do it.

Apr18

The Ultimate List

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I found this great resource on Scholastic’s website that listed all of the funny books kids want to read!

The books they listed are (of course, feel free to add your own!):

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka
Bugs in My Hair! by David Shannon
Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed
No Laughing, No Smiling, No Giggling by James Stevenson
Do Not Open This Book! by Michaela Muntean
Born to Be Funny! by Alan Katz
Potterwookie by Obert Skye
Boys Only: How to Survive Anything by Martin Oliver
Girls Only: How to Surivive Anything by Martin Oliver
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Lawn Boy and Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen
The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald
Honest Abe’s Funny Money Book by Jack Silbert
The Summer Camp from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
The Dear Dumb Diary Series by Jim Benton
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Kung Pow Chicken #1: Let’s Get Cracking! by Cyndi Marko
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth by Barbara Park
Beware of the Ninja Weenie by David Lubar

All of these books are links that will take you to Scholastic.com where you can find even more funny books that your child will love to read! Or click here to access the article.

Apr15

Iceberg!

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Today, we remember all of the lives lost when the “un-sinkable” Titanic perished into the Atlantic Ocean in 1912. Over 1, 500 people died, so take a minute today to remember of those lost souls.

To commemorate this day, the perfect book is Titanic: Voices From the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson. On clcd.com, a reviewers states “In what’s sure to be a definitive work commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic , Hopkinson offers a well-researched and fascinating account of the disaster. On Monday, April 15th, 1912, the magnificent Titanic sank after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Of the 2,208 people on board, only 712 survived. It’s a well-known story, though maybe not to young readers, who, if anything, might have seen the movie. Hopkinson orchestrates a wealth of material here, using a third-person narrative voice to tell the story while incorporating eyewitness accounts of people on the “most luxurious ship the world had ever seen.” A huge number of archival photographs and reproductions of telegrams, maps, letters, illustrations, sidebars and even a dinner menu complement the text, yielding a volume as interesting for browsing as for through-reading. The voices include a stewardess, a science teacher, a 9-year-old boy, the ship’s designer, the captain and a mother on her way to a new life in America. Best of all is the author’s spirit: She encourages readers to think like historians and wonder what it would have been like on the Titanic and imagine each character’s story. Fifty pages of backmatter will inform and guide readers who want to know even more. A thorough and absorbing recreation of the ill-fated voyage.” – Kirkus
titanic

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by: Deborah Hopkinson

Information on the book:

Literary Awards:

Age Level: 8 years old and up

Genre: Historical Fiction, chapter book

Rationale: I chose this book because I was engulfed by the stories in the book the whole time I was reading it. It was wonderfully well-written and I was able to tell clearly that Deborah has a passion for history.

Classroom Application: This book can be integrated into any subject area, but I would use this in a Social Studies research project. Students could take on a role of a person abroad the ship and research them and their lives. Students could also do a STEM project by building a ship with appropriate materials and see if it could withhold the same accident as the Titanic – hitting an iceberg. The students could think of ways to improve their ship so it is sturdy enough to withstand the blow of the iceberg.