Yellow Star
By: Jennifer Roy
The Holocaust. Even writing the word makes me feel queasy. I used to think I already knew everything about the Holocaust and it's events, so there was no need to reiterate it as it makes me upset. The book Yellow Star has completely changed my life. I say that honestly and couldn't be more thankful that I was able to get my hands on this book.
From the second I picked up the book, I knew it was going to be one that I couldn't put down. The story is all about how the Germans invaded the town of Lodz in Poland in 1939. 270,000 Jews were forced to stay there in the so called 'ghetto'. Only 800 people survived. 12 of those people were children. The story is told by Syvia Perlmutter. She was one of the children who survived.
For six years, she endured hiding, starvation, illness, boredom, unfair treatment, and lived a life of an animal rather than a human. I can't even begin to imagine what her and the others placed in these ghettos had to go through. I'm not sure I would want to imagine. She is a true fighter. This is a true story of strength and courage unlike any other book I've read. I can honestly say it is officially my favorite book.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Way A Door Closes
The Way A Door Closes
By: Hope Anita Smith
Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans
This story was the very first piece of poetry I have ever picked up voluntarily and read. I can honestly say that this story inspired me and moved me in a way that I didn't know was possible. You always think your life is so bad, until you read or hear about other things going on in the world. This story made me thankful for my life and everything in it.
C.J. is a 13 year old boy just trying to find his place in this world. He probably knows more hurt at 13 than someone at his age should. His father up and leaves his family, which causes a lot of stress, emotions, and tension. Despite this, C.J. manages to hold his head high and do what he knows is best for him and his family. He takes initiative and fills in for his father while he is gone. He learns to appreciate the little things in life and is thankful for everything that has happened to him good and bad.
C.J. even claims he can tell how good or bad things are going to be by the way a door closes. I love the symbolism in this book. I will be listening more intently next time a door near me closes.
By: Hope Anita Smith
Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans
This story was the very first piece of poetry I have ever picked up voluntarily and read. I can honestly say that this story inspired me and moved me in a way that I didn't know was possible. You always think your life is so bad, until you read or hear about other things going on in the world. This story made me thankful for my life and everything in it.
C.J. is a 13 year old boy just trying to find his place in this world. He probably knows more hurt at 13 than someone at his age should. His father up and leaves his family, which causes a lot of stress, emotions, and tension. Despite this, C.J. manages to hold his head high and do what he knows is best for him and his family. He takes initiative and fills in for his father while he is gone. He learns to appreciate the little things in life and is thankful for everything that has happened to him good and bad.
C.J. even claims he can tell how good or bad things are going to be by the way a door closes. I love the symbolism in this book. I will be listening more intently next time a door near me closes.
Something About America
Something About America
By: Maria Testa
The first thing I love about this poetry book, is the fact that it is inspired by true events. True events that the author went through herself. The cover of the book is good at drawing your eye in and making you wonder just what the story is all about.
After war breaks out in Kosova, Yugoslavia, the character in this story moves to America with her family to escape the terrors of war. While there, her family endures hardships, financial struggles, emotional struggles, physical struggles, and tries to fit in. While she begins to feel like she is almost a true American, events keep happening that make her question whether or not America is really as great as it is said to be. Despite everything, she manages to stay true to herself and is proud of her beliefs and all she stands for.
Following the journey from start to finish in this story was a true pleasure. It gave me insight on something I knew nothing about before picking up this story.
By: Maria Testa
The first thing I love about this poetry book, is the fact that it is inspired by true events. True events that the author went through herself. The cover of the book is good at drawing your eye in and making you wonder just what the story is all about.
After war breaks out in Kosova, Yugoslavia, the character in this story moves to America with her family to escape the terrors of war. While there, her family endures hardships, financial struggles, emotional struggles, physical struggles, and tries to fit in. While she begins to feel like she is almost a true American, events keep happening that make her question whether or not America is really as great as it is said to be. Despite everything, she manages to stay true to herself and is proud of her beliefs and all she stands for.
Following the journey from start to finish in this story was a true pleasure. It gave me insight on something I knew nothing about before picking up this story.
There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
By: Alice Walker
Illustrated by: Stefano Vitale
What first drew me to this book was the odd title it has. There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me has to be the most unusual title I've ever seen a book have. The words within the pages are unusual too. Or are they? It seems that in this poetry book, nature and creativity take over the character rather than the character taking over those two things herself. The illustrations in this book are incredible and go along with the story line very well. I think this is a truly unique poetry book. Younger grades would enjoy it as well as older ones. The poems in here take you to another world and allow you to look at things from a different perspective, which I think is really neat!
By: Alice Walker
Illustrated by: Stefano Vitale
What first drew me to this book was the odd title it has. There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me has to be the most unusual title I've ever seen a book have. The words within the pages are unusual too. Or are they? It seems that in this poetry book, nature and creativity take over the character rather than the character taking over those two things herself. The illustrations in this book are incredible and go along with the story line very well. I think this is a truly unique poetry book. Younger grades would enjoy it as well as older ones. The poems in here take you to another world and allow you to look at things from a different perspective, which I think is really neat!
Book to Movie Review: Jumanji
Kelsie Lomax
Book to Movie Review
I chose the book Jumanji
by Chris Van Allsburg and watched the movie to accompany it. When it came
to the original story line, I think the producers pretty much stuck to the
original. There were only a few differences. For instance, the producers kept
the strange happenings involving animals the same. The book and the movie
contained the parts where monkeys raided the kitchen. They also contained the
lion appearing out of nowhere. Another similarity was keeping the original
characters names of Judy and Peter. There were a few major differences. In the movie,
they portray a boy caught in the game for 26 years. Judy and Peter suddenly
bring him out of the game by rolling a five or an eight. The book mentions
nothing of this. Another major difference is how in the movie, the children
live with their aunt because their parents passed away. In the book the
children are two kids with parents who are very much alive.
I agree with the casting selections very much so. I feel
that the people cast in the film did their very best to bring the book to life.
Peter and Judy are played by people who even look like the children in the
book. Although the illustrations are vague, you can definitely spot
similarities. The cast also does a great job of reiterating most of what was
said in the storyline. Animation is not used in the movie, which I think was
the correct choice. Animation simply would not have sufficed here. The real
people and good graphics used really helped keep one interested. Therefore, I
wouldn’t change the cast that was chosen for this movie as I strongly feel each
and every cast member chosen played the part very well.
When it comes to the movie and the book, I prefer the
movie. Normally I am a book person, as it takes me to another world when I
read. However, Jumanji is a short
book that didn’t contain enough information to keep me interested. The book is
very vague and predictable. Also, I feel as though the book should have
contained more detail. It was mostly a picture book. I found it to be quite
boring. I like to be entertained and drawn into stories when reading a book. I
simply didn’t get to experience that feeling when I had the actual story in my
hands. However, the movie picks up
details that the book should have contained. Everything portrayed in the movie
absolutely kept me hanging on. It brought the story to life and helped me get a
better understanding of what Jumanji
is really about. In the movie, more strange happenings occurred, the story was
changed up a bit, and other characters were brought into the mix. This helped
make things a bit more interesting.
Last but not least, I would give the movie a (very)
positive thumbs up. I have never before seen the movie before this project, so
it was new to me. This was also the first time I had read the book. I think the
movie is fun, upbeat, entertaining, detailed, explanatory, action packed, and
unpredictable. I feel that those are all qualities that make a movie great and
fun to watch. The producer obviously put a lot of thought into making this a
great film and it was very much appreciated by me when viewing it. I think the
book was made into a movie for many reasons. I think each and every reason has
to do with entertainment purposes. Personally, I don’t find this movie to be
educational or serve any educational purpose at all. It is fun to watch but
that is about as far as it goes. I probably wouldn’t show this in my classroom
unless we were taking a little ‘break’ from our studies.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Weedflower
Weedflower
By: Cynthia Kadohata
When first opening the book Weedflower, I really had no intention or thought that I would ever like it. It was something out of my element. It was definitely something I would have never looked at and picked up on my own terms. However after reading this powerful story, I can honestly say I adore the book.
Sumiko is a twelve year old Japanese girl. She lives a normal life with her family in California. However, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed. For this reason, her family is uprooted and placed in a detainment camp in Arizona. Everyone begins to blame every Japanese person for being a spy. Everything her family has ever known is ripped away from them and she becomes very unhappy. The Japanese become targets of racism, segregation, and are blamed for everything associated with the happenings at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were treated like animals during this time period, and that to me is heartbreaking.
Despite all of this, Sumiko stays strong. During her time at the camp, the friendship she develops with Frank is inspirational. She is a fighter, and one that never gives up. This story is very uplifting. Sumiko's story has inspired me to learn more about Japanese Americans at this time. It absolutely left me wanting more. I will always remember this book.
By: Cynthia Kadohata
When first opening the book Weedflower, I really had no intention or thought that I would ever like it. It was something out of my element. It was definitely something I would have never looked at and picked up on my own terms. However after reading this powerful story, I can honestly say I adore the book.
Sumiko is a twelve year old Japanese girl. She lives a normal life with her family in California. However, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed. For this reason, her family is uprooted and placed in a detainment camp in Arizona. Everyone begins to blame every Japanese person for being a spy. Everything her family has ever known is ripped away from them and she becomes very unhappy. The Japanese become targets of racism, segregation, and are blamed for everything associated with the happenings at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese were treated like animals during this time period, and that to me is heartbreaking.
Despite all of this, Sumiko stays strong. During her time at the camp, the friendship she develops with Frank is inspirational. She is a fighter, and one that never gives up. This story is very uplifting. Sumiko's story has inspired me to learn more about Japanese Americans at this time. It absolutely left me wanting more. I will always remember this book.
Smile
Smile
By: Raina Telgemeier
This was the very first graphic novel I have ever read. That being said, the whole story left me wanting more. The story is about a girl named Raina (which I find interesting considering the author's name is also Raina). Raina is in 6th grade and wants nothing more than to just fit it. It seems that when one thing goes wrong, her whole world comes crashing down with it. Between getting braces, dealing with her annoying siblings, drifting apart from friends and starting high-school, Raina wonders how she is ever going to make it through life.
Eventually, little by little things start to get better. She finds who she truly is despite all that has happened to her. She finds a new group of friends, stops worrying so much about boys, and even starts to get along better with her family.
I think this is an awesome book! I feel that children in middle school and even high school would enjoy this book. It is definitely set up with a story line that young adults can relate to. That is what made this book so enjoyable. It could let kids know they are never alone and can make it through anything that is thrown their way.
By: Raina Telgemeier
This was the very first graphic novel I have ever read. That being said, the whole story left me wanting more. The story is about a girl named Raina (which I find interesting considering the author's name is also Raina). Raina is in 6th grade and wants nothing more than to just fit it. It seems that when one thing goes wrong, her whole world comes crashing down with it. Between getting braces, dealing with her annoying siblings, drifting apart from friends and starting high-school, Raina wonders how she is ever going to make it through life.
Eventually, little by little things start to get better. She finds who she truly is despite all that has happened to her. She finds a new group of friends, stops worrying so much about boys, and even starts to get along better with her family.
I think this is an awesome book! I feel that children in middle school and even high school would enjoy this book. It is definitely set up with a story line that young adults can relate to. That is what made this book so enjoyable. It could let kids know they are never alone and can make it through anything that is thrown their way.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
It's My School
It's My School
By: Sally Grindly
Illustrations by Margaret Chamberlain
I really enjoyed this cute little story. The story is about a little girl named Alice and her older brother Tom. Tom is upset because Alice is entering kindergarten at the same school he goes to. He is not happy about sharing his school with his baby sister. He argues with his parents and gets angry at the thought of Alice at HIS school.
Everything changes the first day she is there when Tom hears a cry on the playground and realizes the cry came from Alice. Some child took away Alice's teddy bear and Tom saves the day. He even gives his baby sister a kiss. After this, he is proud to have her at school and she feels that she is going to be just fine at her new school with her awesome older brother. They can honestly say they had a great first day of school together.
I think this book would be great to use with younger students. Those who are expecting younger siblings would especially benefit from this and realize it's not the end of the world to have someone else brought into the mix. I also think it is an enjoyable story to read just for fun.
By: Sally Grindly
Illustrations by Margaret Chamberlain
I really enjoyed this cute little story. The story is about a little girl named Alice and her older brother Tom. Tom is upset because Alice is entering kindergarten at the same school he goes to. He is not happy about sharing his school with his baby sister. He argues with his parents and gets angry at the thought of Alice at HIS school.
Everything changes the first day she is there when Tom hears a cry on the playground and realizes the cry came from Alice. Some child took away Alice's teddy bear and Tom saves the day. He even gives his baby sister a kiss. After this, he is proud to have her at school and she feels that she is going to be just fine at her new school with her awesome older brother. They can honestly say they had a great first day of school together.
I think this book would be great to use with younger students. Those who are expecting younger siblings would especially benefit from this and realize it's not the end of the world to have someone else brought into the mix. I also think it is an enjoyable story to read just for fun.
The Boss Baby
The Boss Baby
By: Marla Frazee
Hands down one of the most genius books I have ever read. I am an adult who enjoyed this book probably more than most kids would. The story tells of a hilarious little baby boy who is the 'boss' and he knows it. This boss baby sets up office right in the middle of his home, makes his mother and father work round-the-clock, and makes many, many demands. As the "boss" this baby truly lives the high life. From daily trips to the spa (his bathtub) to trips in his private jet (his bungee jumper), this is truly one bossy baby.
My favorite thing about this book was the illustrations. They are hilarious! They truly bring the emotions of the baby and his parents out. You can tell when the boss is frustrated, happy, or even downright angry. This book is a great read. Keep in mind while reading that there is a boss, and ONE boss only.
By: Marla Frazee
Hands down one of the most genius books I have ever read. I am an adult who enjoyed this book probably more than most kids would. The story tells of a hilarious little baby boy who is the 'boss' and he knows it. This boss baby sets up office right in the middle of his home, makes his mother and father work round-the-clock, and makes many, many demands. As the "boss" this baby truly lives the high life. From daily trips to the spa (his bathtub) to trips in his private jet (his bungee jumper), this is truly one bossy baby.
My favorite thing about this book was the illustrations. They are hilarious! They truly bring the emotions of the baby and his parents out. You can tell when the boss is frustrated, happy, or even downright angry. This book is a great read. Keep in mind while reading that there is a boss, and ONE boss only.
Kiss Good Night
Kiss Good Night
By: Amy Hest
Illustrated by Anita Jeram
Although I have only recently started reading picture books, I believe this is one of the best I have stumbled upon illustration wise. The illustrations truly bring this story to life. Each and every picture goes with the words on the page. The pictures definitely stand out more than the text. This allows for imagination to run wild with children.
The book tells of a little bear named Sam who just wants a kiss goodnight so that he may finally go to bed. While it takes a while for Mrs. Bear to figure out what is missing from the bedtime routine, it is very adorable when she finally does. Kindergarten would especially enjoy this book.
By: Amy Hest
Illustrated by Anita Jeram
Although I have only recently started reading picture books, I believe this is one of the best I have stumbled upon illustration wise. The illustrations truly bring this story to life. Each and every picture goes with the words on the page. The pictures definitely stand out more than the text. This allows for imagination to run wild with children.
The book tells of a little bear named Sam who just wants a kiss goodnight so that he may finally go to bed. While it takes a while for Mrs. Bear to figure out what is missing from the bedtime routine, it is very adorable when she finally does. Kindergarten would especially enjoy this book.
The Baby on The Way
The Baby on The Way
By: Karen English
Pictures by Sean Qualls
Every child at some point in their life wonders about babies. They wonder where they come from, how they got here, and many other things. This story does a beautiful job of explaining the amazing story of birth. Without going into too much detail, it allows children to see what it is like in the world of a mother.
This would be a great book to use if a child in your classroom was expecting a little brother or sister. It would also allow for a good discussion. The children could be given an assignment to go home and ask their parents about their "baby" story. They could then share them with the class. I think this would be an awesome book to read and have activities to go along with it.
By: Karen English
Pictures by Sean Qualls
Every child at some point in their life wonders about babies. They wonder where they come from, how they got here, and many other things. This story does a beautiful job of explaining the amazing story of birth. Without going into too much detail, it allows children to see what it is like in the world of a mother.
This would be a great book to use if a child in your classroom was expecting a little brother or sister. It would also allow for a good discussion. The children could be given an assignment to go home and ask their parents about their "baby" story. They could then share them with the class. I think this would be an awesome book to read and have activities to go along with it.
The Bee
The Bee
By: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Illustrated by Lee Ernst
This awesome picture book allows one to follow along on the journey of one busy bee! This bee leaves his hive to fly high in the sky! He stops to look at the flowers, visit his dog friend, and even toughs out the rain. This short picture book contains so much information that would be great to use with pre-readers.
I think this book would be really great to use when learning colors. The colors are spelled out and even illustrated throughout the book. As the bee progresses throughout his journey, he is shown new colors. With so few words, this story leaves a lot of room for imagination. This would be great to do a discussion with. You could ask the students several questions. What is the bee thinking? Where is he going? What else do you think he saw? What other colors do you think he saw?
Take this bee-utiful journey and find out!
By: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Illustrated by Lee Ernst
This awesome picture book allows one to follow along on the journey of one busy bee! This bee leaves his hive to fly high in the sky! He stops to look at the flowers, visit his dog friend, and even toughs out the rain. This short picture book contains so much information that would be great to use with pre-readers.
I think this book would be really great to use when learning colors. The colors are spelled out and even illustrated throughout the book. As the bee progresses throughout his journey, he is shown new colors. With so few words, this story leaves a lot of room for imagination. This would be great to do a discussion with. You could ask the students several questions. What is the bee thinking? Where is he going? What else do you think he saw? What other colors do you think he saw?
Take this bee-utiful journey and find out!
Leon's Story
Leon's Story
By: Leon Walter Tillage, Susan L. Roth
When I first heard of this book, I figured it was going to be like every other book about slavery that I had read. I almost had a stand-offish attitude toward the story. I thought I already knew everything there was to know about this subject. I was ready to read something different. Within the first few turns of just a few pages, I realized how little I actually knew.
You always hear about what some blacks had to go through during these times. You hear of hard work, hard labor, being taken away from your family, starvation, disease, and a little about the KKK. Leon's Story brought these issues to life due to the fact that it is an actual account of something a real life person had to go through.
I can't even begin to imagine what life would have been like. I can't imagine spending my whole life building something, for nothing. I can't imagine spending my life working for next to nothing and knowing I was never going to be free from debt. I can't imagine losing family members or watching my loved ones suffer. All because the color of my skin.
This story brought out emotions in me that I wasn't aware I had. I was laughing. I was crying. I was angry. I was frustrated. I could feel the pain that the main character felt. What a journey this story took me on! I encourage all of you to take the same journey and to really brace yourself for one story you'll never forget.
By: Leon Walter Tillage, Susan L. Roth
When I first heard of this book, I figured it was going to be like every other book about slavery that I had read. I almost had a stand-offish attitude toward the story. I thought I already knew everything there was to know about this subject. I was ready to read something different. Within the first few turns of just a few pages, I realized how little I actually knew.
You always hear about what some blacks had to go through during these times. You hear of hard work, hard labor, being taken away from your family, starvation, disease, and a little about the KKK. Leon's Story brought these issues to life due to the fact that it is an actual account of something a real life person had to go through.
I can't even begin to imagine what life would have been like. I can't imagine spending my whole life building something, for nothing. I can't imagine spending my life working for next to nothing and knowing I was never going to be free from debt. I can't imagine losing family members or watching my loved ones suffer. All because the color of my skin.
This story brought out emotions in me that I wasn't aware I had. I was laughing. I was crying. I was angry. I was frustrated. I could feel the pain that the main character felt. What a journey this story took me on! I encourage all of you to take the same journey and to really brace yourself for one story you'll never forget.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Who's Scared? Not Me!
Who's Scared? Not Me!
By: Judith St. George
Being a child that had to move and pack up her whole life for something as simple as a job, I found this story very easy to relate to. Micki Unger moves to New York City for the summer because her younger sister Beth needs surgery. Her mother barely has time for her because she is busy taking care of Beth. It seems the only person who even gives Micki the time of day anymore is her dog. That being said, this gives Micki many opportunities to explore and get herself into trouble.
One day, while walking with her dog (Jiggs), she stumbles across a strange lady. It's funny, but this lady seems to only be visible to Micki. Micki soon realizes that she has become part of a mystery and it is up to her to solve it. She may have to give up more than she bargained for to do so.
While this wasn't one of my favorite books, I tried to be open minded. I feel that the mystery was very predictable. It didn't leave room for imagination, throw out twists and turns, or keep me on the edge of my seat. I was able to follow along with the story and guess what came next. A good mystery should be exactly that. That being said, this is not to say that children won't enjoy this book. I think that they will as I find it is an easy read.
By: Judith St. George
Being a child that had to move and pack up her whole life for something as simple as a job, I found this story very easy to relate to. Micki Unger moves to New York City for the summer because her younger sister Beth needs surgery. Her mother barely has time for her because she is busy taking care of Beth. It seems the only person who even gives Micki the time of day anymore is her dog. That being said, this gives Micki many opportunities to explore and get herself into trouble.
One day, while walking with her dog (Jiggs), she stumbles across a strange lady. It's funny, but this lady seems to only be visible to Micki. Micki soon realizes that she has become part of a mystery and it is up to her to solve it. She may have to give up more than she bargained for to do so.
While this wasn't one of my favorite books, I tried to be open minded. I feel that the mystery was very predictable. It didn't leave room for imagination, throw out twists and turns, or keep me on the edge of my seat. I was able to follow along with the story and guess what came next. A good mystery should be exactly that. That being said, this is not to say that children won't enjoy this book. I think that they will as I find it is an easy read.
The Princess Test
The Princess Test
By: Gail Carson Levine
At one point in our lives I think we all have realized that there are things we are good at. Then there are things we realize we aren't so good at. Lorelei is nothing but a mere blacksmith's daughter. She also happens to be terrible at almost everything she does. She can't sew, clean, cook, do laundry, and is always sick. She even has to have someone look after her and take care of her at all times!
Even though Lorelei is no princess, Prince Nicholas falls in love with her. He wants nothing more than to marry her. First, she must pass the 'princess test.' The series of tests are designed by his parents to single out fake princesses so that Prince Nicholas will truly marry someone worth of his love. Join Lorelei on her journey to becoming a true princess!
By: Gail Carson Levine
At one point in our lives I think we all have realized that there are things we are good at. Then there are things we realize we aren't so good at. Lorelei is nothing but a mere blacksmith's daughter. She also happens to be terrible at almost everything she does. She can't sew, clean, cook, do laundry, and is always sick. She even has to have someone look after her and take care of her at all times!
Even though Lorelei is no princess, Prince Nicholas falls in love with her. He wants nothing more than to marry her. First, she must pass the 'princess test.' The series of tests are designed by his parents to single out fake princesses so that Prince Nicholas will truly marry someone worth of his love. Join Lorelei on her journey to becoming a true princess!
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
By: Kate DiCamillo, Harry Bliss (Illustrator)
Louise is one chicken who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. All she wants is a little adventure. I mean, come on! We all want to have some kind of adventure in our lives. Some of us are just more into taking risks than others.
This would be a great book to read to younger audiences. It's a hilarious read, that children will find enjoyable. Especially because younger audiences will be able to relate. Every child wants adventure in their life. They love wandering into the unknown and dreaming about what could be in their adorable little lives. Louise can help them understand what it's like to really live life on the edge!
By: Kate DiCamillo, Harry Bliss (Illustrator)
Louise is one chicken who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. All she wants is a little adventure. I mean, come on! We all want to have some kind of adventure in our lives. Some of us are just more into taking risks than others.
This would be a great book to read to younger audiences. It's a hilarious read, that children will find enjoyable. Especially because younger audiences will be able to relate. Every child wants adventure in their life. They love wandering into the unknown and dreaming about what could be in their adorable little lives. Louise can help them understand what it's like to really live life on the edge!
Bud, Not Buddy
Bud, Not Buddy
By: Christopher Paul Curtis
Until reading this story, I had a hard time relating to characters within books. Although Bud and I have not gone through the same trials and tribulations in life, we share one common trait: determination. With Bud being an orphan and trying to find his place here in this "big" world, the story becomes very easy to relate to. At one point in time, we all fight to find our place in the world. We have all felt like an orphan, that is 'alone' in some sense.
It also shows what life was like back in the time period of depression. It's a great book to give children insight on exactly what was going on. While Bud and his story are not based on facts, they are based on similar stories. That in itself is very interesting.
This is honestly one book you can't put down. You can't help falling in love with this story.
By: Christopher Paul Curtis
Until reading this story, I had a hard time relating to characters within books. Although Bud and I have not gone through the same trials and tribulations in life, we share one common trait: determination. With Bud being an orphan and trying to find his place here in this "big" world, the story becomes very easy to relate to. At one point in time, we all fight to find our place in the world. We have all felt like an orphan, that is 'alone' in some sense.
It also shows what life was like back in the time period of depression. It's a great book to give children insight on exactly what was going on. While Bud and his story are not based on facts, they are based on similar stories. That in itself is very interesting.
This is honestly one book you can't put down. You can't help falling in love with this story.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Because of Winn-Dixie
Because of Winn-Dixie
By: Kate DiCamillo
You can describe this wonderful story in two words: amazing and inspirational. From beginning to end, this story of friendship is incredibly inspiring. It was enjoyable. I found myself laughing, crying, and praying that Winn-Dixie would keep himself out of trouble with each turn of the page.
I believe that each and every one of us has that one special friend that we can rely on to help us through anything. That friend could be the person who has been in your life since kindergarten, a stuffed animal, an actual animal, and adult, a teacher. The possibilities are endless. What's important is the way we can relate to that friend unlike we are able to relate to anyone else. Winn-Dixie is a prime example of that friend.
This remarkable read should be used in classrooms worldwide. Many life lessons can be seen from this book.
By: Kate DiCamillo
You can describe this wonderful story in two words: amazing and inspirational. From beginning to end, this story of friendship is incredibly inspiring. It was enjoyable. I found myself laughing, crying, and praying that Winn-Dixie would keep himself out of trouble with each turn of the page.
I believe that each and every one of us has that one special friend that we can rely on to help us through anything. That friend could be the person who has been in your life since kindergarten, a stuffed animal, an actual animal, and adult, a teacher. The possibilities are endless. What's important is the way we can relate to that friend unlike we are able to relate to anyone else. Winn-Dixie is a prime example of that friend.
This remarkable read should be used in classrooms worldwide. Many life lessons can be seen from this book.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
By: Philip C. Stead
We all know what it's like to be sick. Your head is pounding. Your body is aching. Your nose is stuffy. All you want to do is sleep all day. Amos McGee knows better than anyone just how it feels to be cooped up and sick.
Amos McGee was a zookeeper. He was a very friendly one. Each and every day he would take time out to visit with his animal friends. His animal friends were the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. Each animal had a special thing they did with Amos McGee every day.
One day, Amos McGee didn't come to work because he fell very ill. He felt like he needed to stay in bed all day and catch up on rest. His animal friends were very sad. Who would play chess with the elephant? Who would read to the owl? Eventually the animal friends became very tired of waiting around for Amos McGee. They all decided to visit him at his home. They did just that. They took very good care of Amos McGee and they all had a great time. They were even able to make him feel better.
This story is an excellent one, especially for younger audiences. A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrates/depicts the perfect picture of true friendship. We all depend on our friends and in our times of need, they will always be there to cheer us up! What a wonderful life lesson for anyone.
By: Philip C. Stead
We all know what it's like to be sick. Your head is pounding. Your body is aching. Your nose is stuffy. All you want to do is sleep all day. Amos McGee knows better than anyone just how it feels to be cooped up and sick.
Amos McGee was a zookeeper. He was a very friendly one. Each and every day he would take time out to visit with his animal friends. His animal friends were the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. Each animal had a special thing they did with Amos McGee every day.
One day, Amos McGee didn't come to work because he fell very ill. He felt like he needed to stay in bed all day and catch up on rest. His animal friends were very sad. Who would play chess with the elephant? Who would read to the owl? Eventually the animal friends became very tired of waiting around for Amos McGee. They all decided to visit him at his home. They did just that. They took very good care of Amos McGee and they all had a great time. They were even able to make him feel better.
This story is an excellent one, especially for younger audiences. A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrates/depicts the perfect picture of true friendship. We all depend on our friends and in our times of need, they will always be there to cheer us up! What a wonderful life lesson for anyone.
Powerless
Powerless
By: Matthew Cody
At some point in time, I'm sure each and every one of us has felt 'powerless' in a sense. If not, I hate to break it to you but your time will come. That's exactly how twelve-year-old Daniel Corrigan feels when his family has to relocate to a new town because his grandmother is very ill. Right away, Daniel realizes everyone in Noble's Green is very odd. He doesn't realize how odd until he finds himself involved with a very unique group of friends.
Daniel develops friendships with other children who can fly, turn invisible, and even control electricity. The big mystery is why the special "superheroes" of Noble's Green seem to lose their powers at the age of thirteen. The friends come together to fight an evil memory/power stealing villain. In the process of figuring out this so called mystery, the friends learn just what being a true friend is all about.
This book was truly a great read. I honestly couldn't put the book down and was disappointed when it ended. This story goes to show that you don't have to have superpowers to be a true superhero. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
By: Matthew Cody
At some point in time, I'm sure each and every one of us has felt 'powerless' in a sense. If not, I hate to break it to you but your time will come. That's exactly how twelve-year-old Daniel Corrigan feels when his family has to relocate to a new town because his grandmother is very ill. Right away, Daniel realizes everyone in Noble's Green is very odd. He doesn't realize how odd until he finds himself involved with a very unique group of friends.
Daniel develops friendships with other children who can fly, turn invisible, and even control electricity. The big mystery is why the special "superheroes" of Noble's Green seem to lose their powers at the age of thirteen. The friends come together to fight an evil memory/power stealing villain. In the process of figuring out this so called mystery, the friends learn just what being a true friend is all about.
This book was truly a great read. I honestly couldn't put the book down and was disappointed when it ended. This story goes to show that you don't have to have superpowers to be a true superhero. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Panda Kindergarten
Panda Kindergarten
By: Joanne Ryder
This children's book is about sixteen young giant panda cubs who are at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. I would use the term "children's" very lightly. As an adult reading this story, I found myself falling in love with the story of these adorable cubs from cover to cover.
These panda cubs are shown being raised together and playing together. We are shown different skills they acquire over time to help them to be able to survive in the wild. The cubs have grown up together in this anything but 'ordinary' kindergarten class.
This book is a great read containing lots of factual information and incredible pictures that really bring the story of these incredible cubs to live. Thanks to the staff at the Wolong Nature Preserve, these cubs finally have a true chance of survival. This is the story of their journey toward a better life.
I think younger audiences will definitely enjoy this book. It would be great for teaching younger children about the different kinds of animals and the lifestyles they live.
By: Joanne Ryder
This children's book is about sixteen young giant panda cubs who are at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. I would use the term "children's" very lightly. As an adult reading this story, I found myself falling in love with the story of these adorable cubs from cover to cover.
These panda cubs are shown being raised together and playing together. We are shown different skills they acquire over time to help them to be able to survive in the wild. The cubs have grown up together in this anything but 'ordinary' kindergarten class.
This book is a great read containing lots of factual information and incredible pictures that really bring the story of these incredible cubs to live. Thanks to the staff at the Wolong Nature Preserve, these cubs finally have a true chance of survival. This is the story of their journey toward a better life.
I think younger audiences will definitely enjoy this book. It would be great for teaching younger children about the different kinds of animals and the lifestyles they live.
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