A Chilling Story: How Things Cool Down
By: Eve and Albert Stwertka
Illustrated by: Mena Dolobowsky
This was probably one of my least favorite books that I've read. It was hard to stay awake when reading it. The illustrations I felt were very blah. Black and white makes a book almost feel like any old textbook as opposed to a good book. The information was kind of dry and explained in a way that wasn't very appealing to readers. The one thing I did like about this book was how it had important terms in bold. It then went on to explain what these terms mean. The book also contains a glossary in the back that was helpful. I wouldn't recommend this book for useful information. This would be a book that I consider to be more for leisure reading than anything. I feel that children might get bored very easily with this book.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Food Rules
Food Rules
By: Bill Haduch
Illustrated by: Rick Stromoski
Out of every informational book I've ever read, this has to be my favorite. I couldn't stop laughing and having fun when reading this book. The best thing a book can do is allow you to lose yourself in it and teach you something at the same thing. That's exactly what Bill Haduch and Rick Stromoski made happen. The pictures went along with the chapters really well. I liked how they had random facts and jokes along the inside of every page. It helped speed the process of reading along. I learned a lot from this book about food and nutrition that I didn't know before. This book contains a lot of information not just about food/nutrition, but about everything associated with it. This would be a great book to have younger children read in a Health class or just for fun. It's important to know about this kind of stuff so that you can remain healthy and be the best you can be.
By: Bill Haduch
Illustrated by: Rick Stromoski
Out of every informational book I've ever read, this has to be my favorite. I couldn't stop laughing and having fun when reading this book. The best thing a book can do is allow you to lose yourself in it and teach you something at the same thing. That's exactly what Bill Haduch and Rick Stromoski made happen. The pictures went along with the chapters really well. I liked how they had random facts and jokes along the inside of every page. It helped speed the process of reading along. I learned a lot from this book about food and nutrition that I didn't know before. This book contains a lot of information not just about food/nutrition, but about everything associated with it. This would be a great book to have younger children read in a Health class or just for fun. It's important to know about this kind of stuff so that you can remain healthy and be the best you can be.
Mission to Mars
Mission to Mars
By: Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrated by: True Kelley
This book is awesome! The solar system is one of my favorite things to learn/teach about. I just am blown away by all of the amazing things going on in space. This book has awesome illustrations that really allow for those interested in this topic to become even more interested. The illustrations are very detailed. The book also contains real life pictures which help make it more fun. There was a lot of information contained in this book that made me stop and think. I learned a lot about Mars that I didn't know. I think children will really enjoy this book. It's a quick, fun, and easy read. If you aren't interested in Mars, pick up this book and I promise you'll change your mind.
By: Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrated by: True Kelley
This book is awesome! The solar system is one of my favorite things to learn/teach about. I just am blown away by all of the amazing things going on in space. This book has awesome illustrations that really allow for those interested in this topic to become even more interested. The illustrations are very detailed. The book also contains real life pictures which help make it more fun. There was a lot of information contained in this book that made me stop and think. I learned a lot about Mars that I didn't know. I think children will really enjoy this book. It's a quick, fun, and easy read. If you aren't interested in Mars, pick up this book and I promise you'll change your mind.
When Mommy Is Sick
When Mommy Is Sick
By: Ferne Sherkin-Langer
Illustrated by: Kay Life
I absolutely adored this book! This book made me feel many emotions. In this book, a little girl has a very hard time understanding why her mommy is sick all the time. She feels that it is unfair that all her friends have moms that are healthy. Luckily, her father teaches her a lot about what is going on. By the end of the book mother is well again. This is a great book to help children understand what is going on if they have a sick parent. Often times, children will not understand why their parents are sick. They feel helpless. Some even feel like it is their fault. Books like this can help eliminate those feelings and give a child some knowledge on what to do if they are ever faced with this situation. They can also help pass on this information to others they know suffering through the hard time of a parent being ill.
By: Ferne Sherkin-Langer
Illustrated by: Kay Life
I absolutely adored this book! This book made me feel many emotions. In this book, a little girl has a very hard time understanding why her mommy is sick all the time. She feels that it is unfair that all her friends have moms that are healthy. Luckily, her father teaches her a lot about what is going on. By the end of the book mother is well again. This is a great book to help children understand what is going on if they have a sick parent. Often times, children will not understand why their parents are sick. They feel helpless. Some even feel like it is their fault. Books like this can help eliminate those feelings and give a child some knowledge on what to do if they are ever faced with this situation. They can also help pass on this information to others they know suffering through the hard time of a parent being ill.
The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
By: Joanna Cole
Illustrated by: Bruce Degen
This was the very first informational children's book that I have ever picked up. I enjoyed the fun aspect of the book. I thought the illustrations were fun and would be very appealing to younger audiences. The complaint I have about this book is that there was way too much going on when it came to the pages. Each page was jam packed with more information than I knew what to do with. It was hard for my eyes to know where to go. Once they found a spot they had a tendency to jump around. By the time I finished each page I hadn't learned much because I was too focused on a lot of things as opposed to just one. I feel that this wouldn't be a very good book to use with children for information. It is too distracting and they wouldn't know where to start. I haven't read any other books from this series, but I assume they are all written and illustrated the same way. While I know that understanding the five senses requires gaining a lot of knowledge about them, this book definitely overworked my eyes!
By: Joanna Cole
Illustrated by: Bruce Degen
This was the very first informational children's book that I have ever picked up. I enjoyed the fun aspect of the book. I thought the illustrations were fun and would be very appealing to younger audiences. The complaint I have about this book is that there was way too much going on when it came to the pages. Each page was jam packed with more information than I knew what to do with. It was hard for my eyes to know where to go. Once they found a spot they had a tendency to jump around. By the time I finished each page I hadn't learned much because I was too focused on a lot of things as opposed to just one. I feel that this wouldn't be a very good book to use with children for information. It is too distracting and they wouldn't know where to start. I haven't read any other books from this series, but I assume they are all written and illustrated the same way. While I know that understanding the five senses requires gaining a lot of knowledge about them, this book definitely overworked my eyes!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
One Voice, Please
One Voice, Please
By: Sam McBratney
Illustrated by: Russell Ayto
This was probably one of my favorite books that I have stumbled across in a long time. Before this book, I hadn't read many fables. I had only heard of some of them and read a few here and there. This book is full of favorite short stories that one could consider fables. These stories were hilarious. I was laughing at each and every story. I loved that when reading these stories I felt like I was actually in them and could even relate to several of them. Many of them were very clever and got me thinking about how I live my own life. Almost every short story in here had a moral to it. I find that very neat. It would be great to read a short story out of this book at the end of every school day to your children. You could leave them with a 'Moral of the Day' each day. This book is even just a good read to use as bedtime stories. It's such an enjoyable book full of great things!
By: Sam McBratney
Illustrated by: Russell Ayto
This was probably one of my favorite books that I have stumbled across in a long time. Before this book, I hadn't read many fables. I had only heard of some of them and read a few here and there. This book is full of favorite short stories that one could consider fables. These stories were hilarious. I was laughing at each and every story. I loved that when reading these stories I felt like I was actually in them and could even relate to several of them. Many of them were very clever and got me thinking about how I live my own life. Almost every short story in here had a moral to it. I find that very neat. It would be great to read a short story out of this book at the end of every school day to your children. You could leave them with a 'Moral of the Day' each day. This book is even just a good read to use as bedtime stories. It's such an enjoyable book full of great things!
The Famous Adventures of Jack
The Famous Adventures of Jack
By: Berlie Doherty
Having read the book Jack and the Beanstalk when I was younger, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the adventures little Jack went through. This story begins with young Jill who is told by a storyteller that it's time she met her Jack. When Jill meets Mother Greenwood, strange things begin to happen. Jill gets sucked into her many interesting stories. The only problem with finding Jack, is that there are so many of them. Every single Jack has a different story to tell. These stories captivate Jill and only further her drive for finding 'her' Jack. Each story gets more and more intense. Finally Jill finds herself in the middle of a story. She meets her Jack and several adventures are shared between the two of them. She finds herself wondering many things about the situations she finds herself in. But how long will this last? Why are all these strange events happening? Why has she never heard these stories before? Is this a dream? I guess you'll have to read the story to find out. The only thing this book proved to me is that I truly, honestly, completely don't know Jack!
By: Berlie Doherty
Having read the book Jack and the Beanstalk when I was younger, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the adventures little Jack went through. This story begins with young Jill who is told by a storyteller that it's time she met her Jack. When Jill meets Mother Greenwood, strange things begin to happen. Jill gets sucked into her many interesting stories. The only problem with finding Jack, is that there are so many of them. Every single Jack has a different story to tell. These stories captivate Jill and only further her drive for finding 'her' Jack. Each story gets more and more intense. Finally Jill finds herself in the middle of a story. She meets her Jack and several adventures are shared between the two of them. She finds herself wondering many things about the situations she finds herself in. But how long will this last? Why are all these strange events happening? Why has she never heard these stories before? Is this a dream? I guess you'll have to read the story to find out. The only thing this book proved to me is that I truly, honestly, completely don't know Jack!
Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes
Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes
By: Margie Palatini
Illustrated by: Barry Moser
What I love about this book is that the two authors who collaborated on this story, gave a little twist to the famous Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Grapes." This fox really wanted some grapes that were dangling atop a tree. Having tried to reach them himself several times, he gives up and starts calling on his animal friends for help. Each animal tries to give Fox a suggestion on how they could get the grapes down but he responds each time with the following: "Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta. After all, I'm the fox. Sly. Clever. Smart. I know how to get grapes." Finally after several failed attempts Fox gives up. His animal friends however, proceed to tell him the many ways they could have gotten the grapes down. Fox replies angrily asking why none of them told him this to begin with. Finally, Fox walks away leaving the other animals with the grapes. By the end of the story, he doesn't want any lousy, rotten, stinkin' grapes anyway.
This book had me laughing the entire time and wondering why this Fox was so self absorbed. I had never before read the Aesop's Fable tale or this one. It was interesting to see how the story played out and there was definitely a lesson of morality to learn here. I will definitely share this book with my future students.
By: Margie Palatini
Illustrated by: Barry Moser
What I love about this book is that the two authors who collaborated on this story, gave a little twist to the famous Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Grapes." This fox really wanted some grapes that were dangling atop a tree. Having tried to reach them himself several times, he gives up and starts calling on his animal friends for help. Each animal tries to give Fox a suggestion on how they could get the grapes down but he responds each time with the following: "Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta. After all, I'm the fox. Sly. Clever. Smart. I know how to get grapes." Finally after several failed attempts Fox gives up. His animal friends however, proceed to tell him the many ways they could have gotten the grapes down. Fox replies angrily asking why none of them told him this to begin with. Finally, Fox walks away leaving the other animals with the grapes. By the end of the story, he doesn't want any lousy, rotten, stinkin' grapes anyway.
This book had me laughing the entire time and wondering why this Fox was so self absorbed. I had never before read the Aesop's Fable tale or this one. It was interesting to see how the story played out and there was definitely a lesson of morality to learn here. I will definitely share this book with my future students.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series (6 books)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By: Jeff Kinney
Book 1: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
From beginning to end this book had me laughing hysterically. Greg Heffley reminds us all that it's okay to be an awkward middle school kid. As we all know, starting middle school isn't easy. You have new teachers to meet and new friends to make. You have to actually move around the school each class period. We all know that the homework amount will put us on overload once we reach middle school.
Greg feels like the outcast in his school. It seems that good things are happening for everyone else, even his best friend Rowley. After all, Greg loses his safety patrol spot, has his cartoon taken out of the newspaper, and even takes the blame for the dreaded _ _ _ _ _ _ incident. Little does Greg know, he is like everyone else. He feels awkward and has overprotective parents. He has an older brother who just loves to embarrass him. He even has a younger brother who seems to get his way no matter what he does. The first book in this series leaves me wondering if Greg will ever feel like he belongs!
*You will have to read the book to understand the _ _ _ _ _ _ incident :)
Book 2: Rodrick Rules
The only thing Greg wants to do is have a normal year at school. For once, he is ready to start fresh and forget about everything from the past. He especially wants to make sure his "secret" from the summer is kept. The only person who knows is his brother Rodrick. Rodrick begins to hold this "secret" over Greg's head. Greg will do almost anything to make sure his secret doesn't get out.
To top that all off, he is becoming busier and busier. Trying to make his baby brother Manny happy, his parents happy, write a pen pal, practice for the talent show (since he broke Rowley's toe), and keep up with school work becomes a struggle for him. I found myself fighting the battle of prioritizing with Greg. Greg's character is absolutely hilarious in this sequel. I couldn't stop laughing at the hilarious ways this kid comes up with coping with everyday life. I have a feeling these books are just going to keep getting better.
*You will have to read the book to know the 'secret' :)
Book 3: The Last Straw
Well, Jeff Kinney has done it again! As if Greg's life couldn't get any more hectic or unfair, he is somewhat forced to grow up in this book. The story begins with Greg's Christmas. Once again, he receives nothing he likes. He watched Manny squeal in delight at all of the wonderful things he has been given. When Uncle Charlie gives Greg a laundry hoop, life begins to spiral out of control. Mom and Dad think it's time for Greg to grow up. Mom wants Greg to do his own laundry and dad wants to send him to military school. All thanks to a stupid Christmas present and Lenwood Heath. Greg does just about everything to prove to his father that he doesn't belong in military school.
And as always, the embarrassing moments continue to happen. Greg is still trying to impress Holly, while having to deal with sitting on Manny's chocolate candy on the way to church. The outcome of that happening was probably one of the funniest things I've read in a while.
And then there's Trista....
*You will have to read the book to find out about little Miss Trista!
Book 4: Dog Days
We all know what it's like when school gets out. It's summertime and we all just want to have fun! That's exactly what Greg's main focus is in this book. He would rather stay inside and play video games all summer than go outside and do something productive. His mother on the other hand, has a different idea. She just wants to have a nice family vacation. After telling Greg and the kids they won't be able to afford to go to the beach this summer, Greg knows it's about to be a crazy summer. They try to go on one family vacation, but as soon as they get there they get rained out.
Luckily, Rowley's family takes Greg to the beach with them. When they arrive, Greg is disappointed. He realized the cabin they are staying in is far from the beach, has no television or video games, and he even has to sleep in the same bed as Rowley. Well, they end up coming back a few days early from vacation, but that's a different story for a different day.
Finally though, Greg realizes the lovely Heather Hills is the lifeguard at the town pool. While he hates going there, he loves being her sidekick and doing things for her. He refills her water glass when she needs it, stands next to her and helps discipline those who are not following pool rules, and even tries to take a picture with her. After realizing that maybe Heather Hills isn't the one for him, Greg begins to wonder if his life is ever going to take a turn for the better!
*You will have to read the book to find out why the Johnson Family (plus Greg) vacation was cut short!
Book 5: The Ugly Truth
We all feel different about change. Some of us like and embrace change. Others of us run from it and wish that things could always stay the same. Well in the final book in this series, Greg is finally learning that change is inevitable. He is learning that he is about to hit puberty, schoolwork is getting harder, boy/girl parties are happening, and he even has to do his own laundry! Even him and Rowley don't speak to each other for the longest time. Greg thinks he has it really rough.
Eventually things begin to get better, or so it seems. When his mother hires maid Isabella to clean their house, Greg thinks he is finally going to get out of a little bit of the 'change' going on in his household. That is until he learns she's been taking naps in his bed, eating their food, and it seems all she does is watch television. Eventually mom decides she's had enough of Isabella. The school even throws a lock-in party for the kids. Greg thinks there are going to be a lot of girls there so he gets excited. It turns out the lock-in was a total bust. Greg begins to wonder how much worse things are going to get, especially when his grandma gives him the "talk." It seems that Greg learns to embrace change by the end of the book and even starts to become friends with Rowley again. Overall, Greg decides his life really isn't that bad after all. Maybe change isn't so bad either.
*You will have to read the book to hear the famous "talk" from Gammie.
Book 6: Bonus: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book
I LOVED this book. It was very creative of Jeff Kinney to create a book where you could do your own thing. While it wasn't so much a book that you read, it was one you got to be involved in. I think kids would really enjoy this. You can write your own life-story in the book and there are even fun games to play. What kid wouldn't love that? We've heard all about Greg for five books, and now it's finally our turn!
By: Jeff Kinney
Book 1: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
From beginning to end this book had me laughing hysterically. Greg Heffley reminds us all that it's okay to be an awkward middle school kid. As we all know, starting middle school isn't easy. You have new teachers to meet and new friends to make. You have to actually move around the school each class period. We all know that the homework amount will put us on overload once we reach middle school.
Greg feels like the outcast in his school. It seems that good things are happening for everyone else, even his best friend Rowley. After all, Greg loses his safety patrol spot, has his cartoon taken out of the newspaper, and even takes the blame for the dreaded _ _ _ _ _ _ incident. Little does Greg know, he is like everyone else. He feels awkward and has overprotective parents. He has an older brother who just loves to embarrass him. He even has a younger brother who seems to get his way no matter what he does. The first book in this series leaves me wondering if Greg will ever feel like he belongs!
*You will have to read the book to understand the _ _ _ _ _ _ incident :)
Book 2: Rodrick Rules
The only thing Greg wants to do is have a normal year at school. For once, he is ready to start fresh and forget about everything from the past. He especially wants to make sure his "secret" from the summer is kept. The only person who knows is his brother Rodrick. Rodrick begins to hold this "secret" over Greg's head. Greg will do almost anything to make sure his secret doesn't get out.
To top that all off, he is becoming busier and busier. Trying to make his baby brother Manny happy, his parents happy, write a pen pal, practice for the talent show (since he broke Rowley's toe), and keep up with school work becomes a struggle for him. I found myself fighting the battle of prioritizing with Greg. Greg's character is absolutely hilarious in this sequel. I couldn't stop laughing at the hilarious ways this kid comes up with coping with everyday life. I have a feeling these books are just going to keep getting better.
*You will have to read the book to know the 'secret' :)
Book 3: The Last Straw
Well, Jeff Kinney has done it again! As if Greg's life couldn't get any more hectic or unfair, he is somewhat forced to grow up in this book. The story begins with Greg's Christmas. Once again, he receives nothing he likes. He watched Manny squeal in delight at all of the wonderful things he has been given. When Uncle Charlie gives Greg a laundry hoop, life begins to spiral out of control. Mom and Dad think it's time for Greg to grow up. Mom wants Greg to do his own laundry and dad wants to send him to military school. All thanks to a stupid Christmas present and Lenwood Heath. Greg does just about everything to prove to his father that he doesn't belong in military school.
And as always, the embarrassing moments continue to happen. Greg is still trying to impress Holly, while having to deal with sitting on Manny's chocolate candy on the way to church. The outcome of that happening was probably one of the funniest things I've read in a while.
And then there's Trista....
*You will have to read the book to find out about little Miss Trista!
Book 4: Dog Days
We all know what it's like when school gets out. It's summertime and we all just want to have fun! That's exactly what Greg's main focus is in this book. He would rather stay inside and play video games all summer than go outside and do something productive. His mother on the other hand, has a different idea. She just wants to have a nice family vacation. After telling Greg and the kids they won't be able to afford to go to the beach this summer, Greg knows it's about to be a crazy summer. They try to go on one family vacation, but as soon as they get there they get rained out.
Luckily, Rowley's family takes Greg to the beach with them. When they arrive, Greg is disappointed. He realized the cabin they are staying in is far from the beach, has no television or video games, and he even has to sleep in the same bed as Rowley. Well, they end up coming back a few days early from vacation, but that's a different story for a different day.
Finally though, Greg realizes the lovely Heather Hills is the lifeguard at the town pool. While he hates going there, he loves being her sidekick and doing things for her. He refills her water glass when she needs it, stands next to her and helps discipline those who are not following pool rules, and even tries to take a picture with her. After realizing that maybe Heather Hills isn't the one for him, Greg begins to wonder if his life is ever going to take a turn for the better!
*You will have to read the book to find out why the Johnson Family (plus Greg) vacation was cut short!
Book 5: The Ugly Truth
We all feel different about change. Some of us like and embrace change. Others of us run from it and wish that things could always stay the same. Well in the final book in this series, Greg is finally learning that change is inevitable. He is learning that he is about to hit puberty, schoolwork is getting harder, boy/girl parties are happening, and he even has to do his own laundry! Even him and Rowley don't speak to each other for the longest time. Greg thinks he has it really rough.
Eventually things begin to get better, or so it seems. When his mother hires maid Isabella to clean their house, Greg thinks he is finally going to get out of a little bit of the 'change' going on in his household. That is until he learns she's been taking naps in his bed, eating their food, and it seems all she does is watch television. Eventually mom decides she's had enough of Isabella. The school even throws a lock-in party for the kids. Greg thinks there are going to be a lot of girls there so he gets excited. It turns out the lock-in was a total bust. Greg begins to wonder how much worse things are going to get, especially when his grandma gives him the "talk." It seems that Greg learns to embrace change by the end of the book and even starts to become friends with Rowley again. Overall, Greg decides his life really isn't that bad after all. Maybe change isn't so bad either.
*You will have to read the book to hear the famous "talk" from Gammie.
Book 6: Bonus: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book
I LOVED this book. It was very creative of Jeff Kinney to create a book where you could do your own thing. While it wasn't so much a book that you read, it was one you got to be involved in. I think kids would really enjoy this. You can write your own life-story in the book and there are even fun games to play. What kid wouldn't love that? We've heard all about Greg for five books, and now it's finally our turn!
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By: Sherman Alexie
When first reading this book, I had some concerns and issues with the language being used within it. Curse words, inappropriate phrases, and odd language are pretty much dispersed throughout the entire book. By the end, I realized that everything Sherman Alexie used in this book including his language choices, were for a reason. It helped me distinguish this book from any other one I have ever read.
I loved reading about Arnold Spirit and his awkward lifestyle. Arnold is an Indian. A Spokane Indian to be exact, living on the Spokane Indian reservation. He decides to venture away from the reservation and make something of himself. He attends a rich 'white' kid school. There he becomes a social outcast. He is made fun of, looked down upon, and treated like he doesn't even exist. Despite this, Arnold overcomes many trials and tribulations. He ventures through these like a champ! He has courage, determination, and drive unlike anyone I have ever seen.
Who can forget his friendship with Rowdy? Although this friendship is made out to be very strange in the book, I believe these two have a friendship that many people aren't fortunate enough to ever experience. They are very blunt and honest with one another. Even through fights, unhappiness with each other, and tough competition; they manage to pull through everything thrown their way.
Arnold learns to embrace his inner being and becomes proud of who he is. He realizes he doesn't have to be like everyone else and isn't ashamed to just be Arnold.
There is only one word for this book: INCREDIBLE.
By: Sherman Alexie
When first reading this book, I had some concerns and issues with the language being used within it. Curse words, inappropriate phrases, and odd language are pretty much dispersed throughout the entire book. By the end, I realized that everything Sherman Alexie used in this book including his language choices, were for a reason. It helped me distinguish this book from any other one I have ever read.
I loved reading about Arnold Spirit and his awkward lifestyle. Arnold is an Indian. A Spokane Indian to be exact, living on the Spokane Indian reservation. He decides to venture away from the reservation and make something of himself. He attends a rich 'white' kid school. There he becomes a social outcast. He is made fun of, looked down upon, and treated like he doesn't even exist. Despite this, Arnold overcomes many trials and tribulations. He ventures through these like a champ! He has courage, determination, and drive unlike anyone I have ever seen.
Who can forget his friendship with Rowdy? Although this friendship is made out to be very strange in the book, I believe these two have a friendship that many people aren't fortunate enough to ever experience. They are very blunt and honest with one another. Even through fights, unhappiness with each other, and tough competition; they manage to pull through everything thrown their way.
Arnold learns to embrace his inner being and becomes proud of who he is. He realizes he doesn't have to be like everyone else and isn't ashamed to just be Arnold.
There is only one word for this book: INCREDIBLE.
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
I think each and every one of us struggles with finding who we are at one point in our life. There comes a time where we are unsure of the answers to the following questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What do I want out of life? Meeting Esperanza and following her story as she found out her very own answers to these questions was a journey I will never forget.
I can't imagine losing my father. I can't imagine having to pack up life as I know it, and start all over. Especially when my life was incredible and things came very easy to me. I also can't imagine having my mother fall very ill and not seeing my grandmother for a whole year. Despite all of her hardships, I enjoyed watching Esperanza learn how to adjust to camp life. I loved watching her grow into a beautiful young woman full of wisdom, laughter, and knowledge she would have never gained had nothing bad happened to her. She became appreciative of all she has and showed her true colors by the end of the novel.
From the second I picked up this book, I knew I was going to love it. This book was an absolute page turner.
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
I think each and every one of us struggles with finding who we are at one point in our life. There comes a time where we are unsure of the answers to the following questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What do I want out of life? Meeting Esperanza and following her story as she found out her very own answers to these questions was a journey I will never forget.
I can't imagine losing my father. I can't imagine having to pack up life as I know it, and start all over. Especially when my life was incredible and things came very easy to me. I also can't imagine having my mother fall very ill and not seeing my grandmother for a whole year. Despite all of her hardships, I enjoyed watching Esperanza learn how to adjust to camp life. I loved watching her grow into a beautiful young woman full of wisdom, laughter, and knowledge she would have never gained had nothing bad happened to her. She became appreciative of all she has and showed her true colors by the end of the novel.
From the second I picked up this book, I knew I was going to love it. This book was an absolute page turner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)