Book Genre: General Fiction
Publishing Info.: Random House New York, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a story about Sister Bear being afraid of the dark after reading a scary mystery book with Brother Bear. Sister's imagination takes over and every sight and sound turns into some scary creature in her mind. After a night with no sleep, Papa Bear decides to give Sister his old night light. This does the trick and helps Sister to not be afraid of the dark again.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this book. Most children can relate to being afraid of the dark, and I think that young children would enjoy this story. The topic is about something that is very real, but the book offers a solution to the problem. The illustrations are wonderful and the bear family and their treehouse will spark the imaginations of little ones.
Reading Level: 3.1
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story could be integrated with students writing about the dark and what they do to not be afraid. Since this story was about Sister Bear thinking she saw monsters, math could be incorporated by students making shape monsters. The teacher could cut out several different shapes in assorted colors, and students could create funny, silly, cute, or scary monsters. Before creating the monsters, students could sort, count, or make patterns with the colored shapes. After making the monsters, students could write a story about their shape monster.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Showing posts with label Lori Hughes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lori Hughes. Show all posts
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info.: Golden Books Publishing Company, Inc., 24 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about Little Critter and a day full of things he forgets to do, and things that he says he does not forget to do but does not want to do. Little Critter is a bit mischievous and does not always remember to feed the pet right away, pick up his toys right away, or turn his bathwater off right away. Although he is very forgetful, Little Critter never forgets his bedtime story with mom or to give her a kiss goodnight.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This cute Little Critter and his mischievous ways will appeal to young ones. Although he does not intend to get in trouble, he forgets to do things during the day, and that gets him in trouble. His crazy antics and the funny illustrations are sure to get the attention of young readers.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be a great way to teach recall of events and sequence of events. Teachers could use various graphic organizers to record this information with students. Writing could also be integrated by students writing about a time that they forgot to do something or chores that they have to do at home. To incorporate art, students could draw or paint a picture about something that they have forgotten to do.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Golden Books Publishing Company, Inc., 24 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about Little Critter and a day full of things he forgets to do, and things that he says he does not forget to do but does not want to do. Little Critter is a bit mischievous and does not always remember to feed the pet right away, pick up his toys right away, or turn his bathwater off right away. Although he is very forgetful, Little Critter never forgets his bedtime story with mom or to give her a kiss goodnight.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This cute Little Critter and his mischievous ways will appeal to young ones. Although he does not intend to get in trouble, he forgets to do things during the day, and that gets him in trouble. His crazy antics and the funny illustrations are sure to get the attention of young readers.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be a great way to teach recall of events and sequence of events. Teachers could use various graphic organizers to record this information with students. Writing could also be integrated by students writing about a time that they forgot to do something or chores that they have to do at home. To incorporate art, students could draw or paint a picture about something that they have forgotten to do.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The Rain Came Down by David Shannon
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration
Summary: This is a story about some animals and several people in a town who are arguing and shouting at one another because the rain is ruining their plans. When one person acts out in anger, it affects another person, and then another person. However, when the rain stops and the sun comes out, everyone is happy again and the story recaps and shows how each character's attitude improves when the weather improves.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This story has very vivid and funny illustrations that would appeal to young readers. It also teaches how we affect other people when we have a bad attitude about things that we cannot control.
Reading Level: 1.8
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great one to use when working on retell and sequencing with students. A word web could be used to list characters and events in the story. This story would also be a good one to use if the focus was on problem-solution. Writing could also be integrated by students writing about something positive that they like to do on a rainy day. After writing, the teacher could write the various rainy day activities on the board and the class could do a graph to figure out their favorite rainy day activity.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration
Summary: This is a story about some animals and several people in a town who are arguing and shouting at one another because the rain is ruining their plans. When one person acts out in anger, it affects another person, and then another person. However, when the rain stops and the sun comes out, everyone is happy again and the story recaps and shows how each character's attitude improves when the weather improves.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This story has very vivid and funny illustrations that would appeal to young readers. It also teaches how we affect other people when we have a bad attitude about things that we cannot control.
Reading Level: 1.8
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great one to use when working on retell and sequencing with students. A word web could be used to list characters and events in the story. This story would also be a good one to use if the focus was on problem-solution. Writing could also be integrated by students writing about something positive that they like to do on a rainy day. After writing, the teacher could write the various rainy day activities on the board and the class could do a graph to figure out their favorite rainy day activity.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Harper Collins Publishers, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little pig named Owen who is nervous about going to school. His mom reminds him that no matter what kind of day he is having, good or bad, that she will love him no matter what and that she will be waiting for him with open arms when school is over.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this book. This would be a great book to read to children at the beginning of the year or to children who are having a difficult time adjusting to the school setting. The illustrations in this book are adorable and the heartwarming characters are sure to be a hit among young children.
Reading Level: 2.1
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great book to read and then have students write about how they felt on the first day of school. This could also be a great story to get children to open up and share their feelings about being away from parents. Socialization would be the focus of this lesson. If this book was being used at the beginning of the year, an art lesson could be used by students creating a painting mural of their first day at school.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Harper Collins Publishers, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a sweet story about a little pig named Owen who is nervous about going to school. His mom reminds him that no matter what kind of day he is having, good or bad, that she will love him no matter what and that she will be waiting for him with open arms when school is over.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this book. This would be a great book to read to children at the beginning of the year or to children who are having a difficult time adjusting to the school setting. The illustrations in this book are adorable and the heartwarming characters are sure to be a hit among young children.
Reading Level: 2.1
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great book to read and then have students write about how they felt on the first day of school. This could also be a great story to get children to open up and share their feelings about being away from parents. Socialization would be the focus of this lesson. If this book was being used at the beginning of the year, an art lesson could be used by students creating a painting mural of their first day at school.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems or difficulties with this book.
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems
Book Genre: Comedy and Humor
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 48 pgs.
Awards or Honors Received: Caldecott Honor
Summary: This is a story about two girls who both decide to take the same bunny to school for show and tell. The girls argue all morning over the bunnies and eventually the teacher takes the bunnies away. The bunnies are returned at the end of the day, but it isn't until the middle of the night that the two girls realize they were given the wrong bunnies. Their dads arrange a place in town to meet and the correct bunnies are returned. In the end, the girls become best friends and share their bunnies all the time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story has a cute way of relating to young children and the attachment that they feel towards their toys. I think the illustrations are funny and would capture the attention of young children. The main character in the story, Trixie, makes funny faces and says funny things. Young children would really enjoy this story.
Reading Level: 3.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great story to integrate with a writing lesson. Students could bring something for show and tell and then write about why the brought it. Students could also write about a toy that they have lost before and how they felt when they realized their toy was gone. A math lesson could also be integrated by sorting the show and tell items, counting the items, or comparing the items.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 48 pgs.
Awards or Honors Received: Caldecott Honor
Summary: This is a story about two girls who both decide to take the same bunny to school for show and tell. The girls argue all morning over the bunnies and eventually the teacher takes the bunnies away. The bunnies are returned at the end of the day, but it isn't until the middle of the night that the two girls realize they were given the wrong bunnies. Their dads arrange a place in town to meet and the correct bunnies are returned. In the end, the girls become best friends and share their bunnies all the time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story has a cute way of relating to young children and the attachment that they feel towards their toys. I think the illustrations are funny and would capture the attention of young children. The main character in the story, Trixie, makes funny faces and says funny things. Young children would really enjoy this story.
Reading Level: 3.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This would be a great story to integrate with a writing lesson. Students could bring something for show and tell and then write about why the brought it. Students could also write about a toy that they have lost before and how they felt when they realized their toy was gone. A math lesson could also be integrated by sorting the show and tell items, counting the items, or comparing the items.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
How Many Stars in the Sky? by Lenny Hort
Book Genre: General Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a father and son who are both having trouble sleeping because mother is out of town. The son wants to count the stars, just like he does with his mother. His father takes him into the city, but the lights are too bright for them to see the stars. Then they drive out to the country where there are so many visible stars that there is no way they can count them all. They look at all of the stars and talk about the Milky Way and planets. The father and son are too tired to drive home, so they sleep in the back of the truck under the stars. The next morning, the son realizes that the time he spent with his father was special and asks if they can do it again sometime.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. The content of this book was okay, but the illustrations were amazing. It looked like the illustrator painted the pictures, and they had such great detail. Young children can relate to this story because the child in this story was missing him mom, and his dad was trying to cheer him up. I am sure that all young children can think of a time when they have missed someone.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used during a science unit on space. It talks about the Milky Way, planets, and the sun is a star. The book also showed how you cannot see stars very well if it is too bright outside, and that stars can be seen better in darker locations. Writing could be incorporated about the planets and stars, or on a more personal level about a time when a child missed someone. They could describe how they felt and what they did to feel better. Art could be integrated by comparing the illustrations of several books and talking about how some pictures are drawn, some are cartoon-like, and some are painted. Students could create a picture about space and choose the materials they would prefer, such as pencils, crayons, markers, or paint.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a father and son who are both having trouble sleeping because mother is out of town. The son wants to count the stars, just like he does with his mother. His father takes him into the city, but the lights are too bright for them to see the stars. Then they drive out to the country where there are so many visible stars that there is no way they can count them all. They look at all of the stars and talk about the Milky Way and planets. The father and son are too tired to drive home, so they sleep in the back of the truck under the stars. The next morning, the son realizes that the time he spent with his father was special and asks if they can do it again sometime.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. The content of this book was okay, but the illustrations were amazing. It looked like the illustrator painted the pictures, and they had such great detail. Young children can relate to this story because the child in this story was missing him mom, and his dad was trying to cheer him up. I am sure that all young children can think of a time when they have missed someone.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used during a science unit on space. It talks about the Milky Way, planets, and the sun is a star. The book also showed how you cannot see stars very well if it is too bright outside, and that stars can be seen better in darker locations. Writing could be incorporated about the planets and stars, or on a more personal level about a time when a child missed someone. They could describe how they felt and what they did to feel better. Art could be integrated by comparing the illustrations of several books and talking about how some pictures are drawn, some are cartoon-like, and some are painted. Students could create a picture about space and choose the materials they would prefer, such as pencils, crayons, markers, or paint.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a little girl who loves to visit her grandmother in Michigan. However, bad storms pop up there and the little girl is terrified of them. One day, a bad storm is coming and her grandmother tells her they have a thunder cake to bake. She tells her granddaughter that they need to go out to the farmhouse and gather all of the ingredients. They must hurry, because the thunder cake has to be in the oven before the storm arrives. The grandmother and granddaughter do make the cake in enough time. The grandmother tells the little girl how brave she was and the little girl also realizes that she was brave. From then on, she was never afraid of thunderstorms again.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this story. This story showed the love of a grandmother and how she wanted to get her granddaughter's mind off of something that she was terrified of. It worked and the grandmother and granddaughter had a new tradition when it came to storms. These two characters definitely had a strong bond and thier love for one another was evident throughout the book. I think that young children could relate this story to something special that they do with their grandparents.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 1-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story could be used during a weather unit when discussing storms. The book talked about how you can count between lightning and thunder to see how far away the storm is. Farm animals could also be integrated because the book talked about going out to the farmhouse and gathering eggs from the hen and getting milk from the cow. Writing could be incorporated by having students to write about a time that their grandmother or grandfather helped them to not be afraid or made them feel special. There is a recipe at the end of the story for Thunder Cake (I cannot wait to try it). If your school permits using the cafeteria, you could bring in the ingredients and incorporate math by allowing the students to measure out the correct amounts. If not, you could always bake the cake at home the night before and have it ready for students to try after reading this story to them.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The recipe for Thunder Cake is also available if you google it online.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a little girl who loves to visit her grandmother in Michigan. However, bad storms pop up there and the little girl is terrified of them. One day, a bad storm is coming and her grandmother tells her they have a thunder cake to bake. She tells her granddaughter that they need to go out to the farmhouse and gather all of the ingredients. They must hurry, because the thunder cake has to be in the oven before the storm arrives. The grandmother and granddaughter do make the cake in enough time. The grandmother tells the little girl how brave she was and the little girl also realizes that she was brave. From then on, she was never afraid of thunderstorms again.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I loved this story. This story showed the love of a grandmother and how she wanted to get her granddaughter's mind off of something that she was terrified of. It worked and the grandmother and granddaughter had a new tradition when it came to storms. These two characters definitely had a strong bond and thier love for one another was evident throughout the book. I think that young children could relate this story to something special that they do with their grandparents.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: 1-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story could be used during a weather unit when discussing storms. The book talked about how you can count between lightning and thunder to see how far away the storm is. Farm animals could also be integrated because the book talked about going out to the farmhouse and gathering eggs from the hen and getting milk from the cow. Writing could be incorporated by having students to write about a time that their grandmother or grandfather helped them to not be afraid or made them feel special. There is a recipe at the end of the story for Thunder Cake (I cannot wait to try it). If your school permits using the cafeteria, you could bring in the ingredients and incorporate math by allowing the students to measure out the correct amounts. If not, you could always bake the cake at home the night before and have it ready for students to try after reading this story to them.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The recipe for Thunder Cake is also available if you google it online.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about two mice, Clayton the house mouse, and Desmond the field mouse. Both mice picked out the same pumpkin and decided to make it grow. However, the two mice did not know about each other. Clayton wanted to use the pumpkin for the town's pumpkin contest, and Desmond wanted to use the pumpkin to carve as a jack-o-lantern for Halloween. During the day, Clayton would water and fertilize the pumpkin and his mother suggested using sugar water. During the night, Desmond would water and fertilize the pumpkin and his brother suggested using sugar water. The pumpkin grew to be huge, but one night there was going to be an early frost, and both mice feared that it would harm their pumpkin. Both mice decided to go and cover the pumpkin with a blanket, and for the first time, they met and found out that the other had been taking care of the pumpkin too. They made a deal that Desmond would help get the huge pumpkin to the town contest and that Clayton would allow the pumpkin to be carved for Halloween. The pumpkin did end up winning first prize, and on Halloween night the jack-o-lantern's face glowed brightly for everyone to see.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! Although this book was published over 20 years ago, the illustrations are bright and I think that young children would find this book entertaining. I think it is neat how the two mice do not know about one another through the entire story, but when they finally do meet, they decide to share the pumpkin and help one another out.
Reading Level: 3.3
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study: This would be a great book to use during a science unit on pumpkins. This book somewhat shows the life cycle of a pumpkin by telling how it goes from green to orange. This book could also tie in Halloween. Many Halloween books are questionable because they talk about witches and ghosts, which some parents find offensive. This book does not contain any kind of offensive material. This book could also be used to talk about sharing and working together to help others.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about two mice, Clayton the house mouse, and Desmond the field mouse. Both mice picked out the same pumpkin and decided to make it grow. However, the two mice did not know about each other. Clayton wanted to use the pumpkin for the town's pumpkin contest, and Desmond wanted to use the pumpkin to carve as a jack-o-lantern for Halloween. During the day, Clayton would water and fertilize the pumpkin and his mother suggested using sugar water. During the night, Desmond would water and fertilize the pumpkin and his brother suggested using sugar water. The pumpkin grew to be huge, but one night there was going to be an early frost, and both mice feared that it would harm their pumpkin. Both mice decided to go and cover the pumpkin with a blanket, and for the first time, they met and found out that the other had been taking care of the pumpkin too. They made a deal that Desmond would help get the huge pumpkin to the town contest and that Clayton would allow the pumpkin to be carved for Halloween. The pumpkin did end up winning first prize, and on Halloween night the jack-o-lantern's face glowed brightly for everyone to see.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! Although this book was published over 20 years ago, the illustrations are bright and I think that young children would find this book entertaining. I think it is neat how the two mice do not know about one another through the entire story, but when they finally do meet, they decide to share the pumpkin and help one another out.
Reading Level: 3.3
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study: This would be a great book to use during a science unit on pumpkins. This book somewhat shows the life cycle of a pumpkin by telling how it goes from green to orange. This book could also tie in Halloween. Many Halloween books are questionable because they talk about witches and ghosts, which some parents find offensive. This book does not contain any kind of offensive material. This book could also be used to talk about sharing and working together to help others.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficulties with this book.
The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Orchard Books, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a mom, dad, brother, and sister who are moving. The children talk about how they have helped pack their things and told everyone in their neighborhood good-bye. When the moving day finally arrives, the family gets up early and watches as movers take their things. Before leaving their apartment, the children leave lip prints on the window. They also leave lip prints on a window in the deli. The story implies that this is their way of saying good-bye.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story gives children a glimpse into what it would be like to move. The reader can feel the sadness that these children have, but at the same time, excitement that they are going somewhere new. The illustrations in this book are not the best, although they do get a little better as the story goes on.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great story to read if a student in your class were moving, or if you had just received a new student in your class. It could give children who have never experienced moving some background knowledge about what it is like. Writing could be integrated by students writing about a time they moved, or if they could move anywhere in the world, where they would like to go. Social studies could be tied in with this reading by looking at maps to find cool places to live, and technology could also be incorporated by students researching and finding out facts about a new place to live.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficuties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Orchard Books, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a mom, dad, brother, and sister who are moving. The children talk about how they have helped pack their things and told everyone in their neighborhood good-bye. When the moving day finally arrives, the family gets up early and watches as movers take their things. Before leaving their apartment, the children leave lip prints on the window. They also leave lip prints on a window in the deli. The story implies that this is their way of saying good-bye.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story gives children a glimpse into what it would be like to move. The reader can feel the sadness that these children have, but at the same time, excitement that they are going somewhere new. The illustrations in this book are not the best, although they do get a little better as the story goes on.
Reading Level: 3.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great story to read if a student in your class were moving, or if you had just received a new student in your class. It could give children who have never experienced moving some background knowledge about what it is like. Writing could be integrated by students writing about a time they moved, or if they could move anywhere in the world, where they would like to go. Social studies could be tied in with this reading by looking at maps to find cool places to live, and technology could also be incorporated by students researching and finding out facts about a new place to live.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems or difficuties with this book.
Just for You! by Christine Leeson
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about four mice who want to give their mother the best gift for her birthday. They had a vase at the beginning of the story, but when they were getting ready to wrap it, the vase got broken. The four mice went in search for the perfect birthday gift. They found several items, such as strawberries, feathers, and a flower, but all of these items already belonged to other animal friends. The mice seen something fluttering in the sky but became very sad when they realized it was only a piece of paper. However, one of the mice had an idea. They borrowed some of the strawberries, some of the feathers, and pollen from the flower to make their mother a picture for her birthday. The story ended with their mother saying this was the best birthday present ever. The mice were very proud of themselves.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a cute story that young children can relate to. The mice were in search of the perfect present, and young children also do this when they are trying to find a present for someone. I also like how the story focused on the mice not taking things that did not belong to them just so their mother could have the perfect present. Instead, they had to be creative and make something for their mother. This story showed how sometimes we have to really think and try hard to solve our problems.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used during a unit on friends. This would be a great story to point out how we treat others and that we do not take things that are not ours. Social studies could be incoporated by discussing the social skills in this book and how the mice treated their friends. This book could also be used to discuss how sometimes we get disappointed, but that we have to keep trying. Writing could be incorporated by having the students think about a time when they were disappointed and write about what they did to solve their problem. This story could also incorporate literary elements, such as retell, sequence of events, main characters, and plot.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems with this book.
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about four mice who want to give their mother the best gift for her birthday. They had a vase at the beginning of the story, but when they were getting ready to wrap it, the vase got broken. The four mice went in search for the perfect birthday gift. They found several items, such as strawberries, feathers, and a flower, but all of these items already belonged to other animal friends. The mice seen something fluttering in the sky but became very sad when they realized it was only a piece of paper. However, one of the mice had an idea. They borrowed some of the strawberries, some of the feathers, and pollen from the flower to make their mother a picture for her birthday. The story ended with their mother saying this was the best birthday present ever. The mice were very proud of themselves.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a cute story that young children can relate to. The mice were in search of the perfect present, and young children also do this when they are trying to find a present for someone. I also like how the story focused on the mice not taking things that did not belong to them just so their mother could have the perfect present. Instead, they had to be creative and make something for their mother. This story showed how sometimes we have to really think and try hard to solve our problems.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used during a unit on friends. This would be a great story to point out how we treat others and that we do not take things that are not ours. Social studies could be incoporated by discussing the social skills in this book and how the mice treated their friends. This book could also be used to discuss how sometimes we get disappointed, but that we have to keep trying. Writing could be incorporated by having the students think about a time when they were disappointed and write about what they did to solve their problem. This story could also incorporate literary elements, such as retell, sequence of events, main characters, and plot.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I see no problems with this book.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info.: The Penguin Group, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a yellow bird named Choco. Choco is very sad because he does not have a mother. He asks several different animals if they will be his mother. They all say no because they do not look like Choco; they do not have wings, they are not yellow, and they do not have chubby cheeks. Choco finally meets Mrs. Bear and she asks him why he is sad. When she finds out the problem, she offers to be his mother. Choco does not think this will work because he looks nothing like Mrs. Bear. Mrs. Bear invites Choco to her house for some apple pie and to meet her other children. When Choco arrives, he is surprised to see that Mrs. Bear has a pig, alligator, and hippo for her children. Choco learns that when it comes to having a mother, looks do not matter, only love matters. Choco ends up being very happy in his new home.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This is a very sweet book. Choco shows readers that not everyone has a mother, but some are fortunate enough to find someone who will love them like a mother. The illustrations in this book are very cute and young readers will fall in love with Choco. He will melt your heart and the ending will make readers happy for him.
Reading Level: 2.2
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be great to use during a unit that focuses on families. This would be the perfect reading material to use when talking about how families are all different; some only have moms, some only have dads, some only have grandparents, and some are families through adoption. This could also cover social studies and how families live and work together. Writing could also be integrated with this book. Children could be encouraged to illustrate and write about their own families.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Publishing Info.: The Penguin Group, 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about a yellow bird named Choco. Choco is very sad because he does not have a mother. He asks several different animals if they will be his mother. They all say no because they do not look like Choco; they do not have wings, they are not yellow, and they do not have chubby cheeks. Choco finally meets Mrs. Bear and she asks him why he is sad. When she finds out the problem, she offers to be his mother. Choco does not think this will work because he looks nothing like Mrs. Bear. Mrs. Bear invites Choco to her house for some apple pie and to meet her other children. When Choco arrives, he is surprised to see that Mrs. Bear has a pig, alligator, and hippo for her children. Choco learns that when it comes to having a mother, looks do not matter, only love matters. Choco ends up being very happy in his new home.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This is a very sweet book. Choco shows readers that not everyone has a mother, but some are fortunate enough to find someone who will love them like a mother. The illustrations in this book are very cute and young readers will fall in love with Choco. He will melt your heart and the ending will make readers happy for him.
Reading Level: 2.2
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be great to use during a unit that focuses on families. This would be the perfect reading material to use when talking about how families are all different; some only have moms, some only have dads, some only have grandparents, and some are families through adoption. This could also cover social studies and how families live and work together. Writing could also be integrated with this book. Children could be encouraged to illustrate and write about their own families.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Oliver and Amanda: Amanda Pig, First Grader by Jean Van Leeuwen
Book Genre: Comedy and Humor
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about an adorable little pig named Amanda. Amanda is starting the first grade and she is so excited about it. She is excited about getting first grade homework, running first grade errands, and helping out friends on the playground. She is optimistic until she realizes that she cannot read. She thought for sure that once she started first grade she would be able to read. After some time, Amanda begins noticing words around her, and she realizes that she is learning new words a little bit at a time. The story ends with her being so excited about reading that she wants to give up her recess time to stay inside and read books. Amanda Pig ends up loving first grade.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. Amanda Pig is an adorable character who young children can relate to. She has some of the same excitement and fears that many new first graders have. I really liked how the book pointed out some ways that first grade was different than Amanda Pig had expected. This was my first time reading this book, but I plan to use it in the next week before my Kindergartners leave for the first grade. I think this book will be very beneficial in relieving some of the anxiety that my students are feeling.
Reading Level: 1.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a writing lesson on what Kindergartners expect the first grade to be like. This writing lesson would give children a chance to voice any concerns that they may have and discuss their concerns aloud. This alone could alleviate some of the anxiety that children may feel about leaving their teachers and friends. This could also be extended to an art lesson where children paint or draw a picture of what they think they will like or dislike about the first grade.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about an adorable little pig named Amanda. Amanda is starting the first grade and she is so excited about it. She is excited about getting first grade homework, running first grade errands, and helping out friends on the playground. She is optimistic until she realizes that she cannot read. She thought for sure that once she started first grade she would be able to read. After some time, Amanda begins noticing words around her, and she realizes that she is learning new words a little bit at a time. The story ends with her being so excited about reading that she wants to give up her recess time to stay inside and read books. Amanda Pig ends up loving first grade.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. Amanda Pig is an adorable character who young children can relate to. She has some of the same excitement and fears that many new first graders have. I really liked how the book pointed out some ways that first grade was different than Amanda Pig had expected. This was my first time reading this book, but I plan to use it in the next week before my Kindergartners leave for the first grade. I think this book will be very beneficial in relieving some of the anxiety that my students are feeling.
Reading Level: 1.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a writing lesson on what Kindergartners expect the first grade to be like. This writing lesson would give children a chance to voice any concerns that they may have and discuss their concerns aloud. This alone could alleviate some of the anxiety that children may feel about leaving their teachers and friends. This could also be extended to an art lesson where children paint or draw a picture of what they think they will like or dislike about the first grade.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood
Book Genre: Poetry and Rhymes
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about 10 fish swimming in a line, and with each new page one fish disappears in a different way than the previous fish. Some fish make a new friend, others leave for a snack, and some get lost. The book counts down from 10 fish to only 1 fish, and at the end of the book there is a mommy fish and a daddy fish with 10 little fish swimming in a line again. This book focuses on counting and rhyming words.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I really like this book for its focus on counting backwards from 10 and rhyming words. The illustrations in this book also make it an interesting read. The fish are illustrated in a variety of bright colors and the ocean is illustrated througout the book. This book is one that I probably would have found neat and really liked reading as a child. The vivid illustrations are my favorite thing about this book.
Reading Level: 1.6
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used in many different subjects. This would be a great book to read for an ocean unit. Not only does it show fish, but it also shows coral, a picture of a sandy beach, a sea turtle, and the ocean. In an ocean unit, teachers could use this book for math to reinforce counting or for language arts to reinforce rhyming words. Writing could also be integrated by using this book to get children thinking about the ocean, and they could write about a trip they have taken to the ocean or what they would like to do if they could go to the ocean.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This story is about 10 fish swimming in a line, and with each new page one fish disappears in a different way than the previous fish. Some fish make a new friend, others leave for a snack, and some get lost. The book counts down from 10 fish to only 1 fish, and at the end of the book there is a mommy fish and a daddy fish with 10 little fish swimming in a line again. This book focuses on counting and rhyming words.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! I really like this book for its focus on counting backwards from 10 and rhyming words. The illustrations in this book also make it an interesting read. The fish are illustrated in a variety of bright colors and the ocean is illustrated througout the book. This book is one that I probably would have found neat and really liked reading as a child. The vivid illustrations are my favorite thing about this book.
Reading Level: 1.6
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used in many different subjects. This would be a great book to read for an ocean unit. Not only does it show fish, but it also shows coral, a picture of a sandy beach, a sea turtle, and the ocean. In an ocean unit, teachers could use this book for math to reinforce counting or for language arts to reinforce rhyming words. Writing could also be integrated by using this book to get children thinking about the ocean, and they could write about a trip they have taken to the ocean or what they would like to do if they could go to the ocean.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore
Book Genre: Comedy and Humor
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a seven-year-old girl who thinks she is like everyone else, except for her red hair and freckles. The children at school call her Freckleface Strawberry because of all her freckles. She is so upset about her freckles that she tries everything to get rid of them, such as scrubbing them off and coloring over them with a marker. When that doesn't work she decides to wear a ski mask to school. No one knows who she is. At the end of the day, she meets a grown-up who tells her that she also had freckles when she was little, but hers disappeared when she became an adult. Having some hope, the girl takes off her ski mask and all of her friends are happy to see her. She realizes that despite her freckles, she has a lot of friends who love her very much. The story ends by showing the girl as a grown-up who still has her freckles, but she comes to not let her freckles bother her.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. I liked this book. I thought the story did a great job of showing readers that some people may look different, but they have feelings just as everyone does. The illustrations in this book were just okay, but I think that the content is definitely a topic that young children can relate to and would be interested in.
Reading Level: 1.6
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used as a springboard of ideas for writing about a time when the children were made fun of or witnessed someone being made fun of because they were different. This would be a great social skills lesson on how to treat other people, particularly people who look different. This could be extended to talk about people who have to use wheelchairs, wear braces, wear glasses, etc. This book could also be the introduction to a research project where children have to find out what causes freckles and why some people have them and some people don't.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a seven-year-old girl who thinks she is like everyone else, except for her red hair and freckles. The children at school call her Freckleface Strawberry because of all her freckles. She is so upset about her freckles that she tries everything to get rid of them, such as scrubbing them off and coloring over them with a marker. When that doesn't work she decides to wear a ski mask to school. No one knows who she is. At the end of the day, she meets a grown-up who tells her that she also had freckles when she was little, but hers disappeared when she became an adult. Having some hope, the girl takes off her ski mask and all of her friends are happy to see her. She realizes that despite her freckles, she has a lot of friends who love her very much. The story ends by showing the girl as a grown-up who still has her freckles, but she comes to not let her freckles bother her.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. I liked this book. I thought the story did a great job of showing readers that some people may look different, but they have feelings just as everyone does. The illustrations in this book were just okay, but I think that the content is definitely a topic that young children can relate to and would be interested in.
Reading Level: 1.6
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used as a springboard of ideas for writing about a time when the children were made fun of or witnessed someone being made fun of because they were different. This would be a great social skills lesson on how to treat other people, particularly people who look different. This could be extended to talk about people who have to use wheelchairs, wear braces, wear glasses, etc. This book could also be the introduction to a research project where children have to find out what causes freckles and why some people have them and some people don't.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont
Book Genre: General Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a hilarious book about a child (the story never reveals if the child is a boy or girl) who gets caught painting all over the walls, floor, and ceiling. The mama catches the child and hides the paint in the top of a closet. However, the child gets the paint again and paints all over his/her body. At the end of the book, the child uses all of the paint, and the story ends with the child in a bathtub covered with all different colors of paint.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This story is hilarious and the illustrations are filled with various colors. The rhyming pattern that this book has, along with the mischievous child, is sure to appeal to young readers. You can't help but love the cartoon-like faces that the child makes.
Reading Level: 2.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used for several different subjects. The rhyming style certainly offers extra practice with rhyming words. Body parts are also discussed in this book as the child paints on himself/herself. This could be integrated into a health or science unit including study of the body. Many different colors are also used in this book, which could be part of a math or art lesson. During writing, children could paint a picture of themselves and write a story about a time when they did something that they shouldn't have been doing.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There are a few problems that I seen with this book. First, the word ain't is used throughout. Children would probably need to be told that this is not proper grammar. Second, the book offers rhyming words and allows the reader to guess the body part. There is one rhyme that says "But I'm such a nut, gonna paint my", then it says "WHAT?!". Although the book does not say what the children think it is going to say, it still implies a certain body part. Third, in a couple of the illustrations, the child takes their underwear off, and their body is completely painted, with the exception of their white bottom. In one of the illustrations, the character is actually pointing to their bare bottom. This could pose a problem, particularly with parental preferences. These are a few things that teachers would definitely want to be aware of.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This is a hilarious book about a child (the story never reveals if the child is a boy or girl) who gets caught painting all over the walls, floor, and ceiling. The mama catches the child and hides the paint in the top of a closet. However, the child gets the paint again and paints all over his/her body. At the end of the book, the child uses all of the paint, and the story ends with the child in a bathtub covered with all different colors of paint.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This story is hilarious and the illustrations are filled with various colors. The rhyming pattern that this book has, along with the mischievous child, is sure to appeal to young readers. You can't help but love the cartoon-like faces that the child makes.
Reading Level: 2.5
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book could be used for several different subjects. The rhyming style certainly offers extra practice with rhyming words. Body parts are also discussed in this book as the child paints on himself/herself. This could be integrated into a health or science unit including study of the body. Many different colors are also used in this book, which could be part of a math or art lesson. During writing, children could paint a picture of themselves and write a story about a time when they did something that they shouldn't have been doing.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There are a few problems that I seen with this book. First, the word ain't is used throughout. Children would probably need to be told that this is not proper grammar. Second, the book offers rhyming words and allows the reader to guess the body part. There is one rhyme that says "But I'm such a nut, gonna paint my", then it says "WHAT?!". Although the book does not say what the children think it is going to say, it still implies a certain body part. Third, in a couple of the illustrations, the child takes their underwear off, and their body is completely painted, with the exception of their white bottom. In one of the illustrations, the character is actually pointing to their bare bottom. This could pose a problem, particularly with parental preferences. These are a few things that teachers would definitely want to be aware of.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Story Boards
- Easy to make
- Cut apart pictures and text from books
- Glue pages on tag board
- Laminate for student use
- Use to sequence events
- Helps students visualize
- Good way for EL students to retell story
- Helps to review beginning, middle, and end
- Story structure
- Word wall word activities
- Helps them study the illustrations better
- Partners can work together on a detailed poster of the events of a chapter
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pinkalicious by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann
Book Genre: Comedy and Humor
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a girl who loves the color pink. One rainy day her mother bakes pink cupcakes and decorates them with pink icing. The girl in the story likes the cupcakes so much that she keeps asking for more. Although her parents say no, she continues to sneak into the kitchen and eat cupcakes until she turns pink. She cannot get the pink to wash off so she has to go to the doctor. The doctor tells her the only way to return to her normal color is to eat nothing but green foods. However, the girl does not listen and sneaks one more pink cupcake. The next morning, she has turned red. She decides to follow the doctor's orders and she eats all kinds of green foods. She quickly returns to normal, but at the end of the story the pink cupcakes are nowhere to be found. The story ends with her little brother turning the color pink.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a cute book and the mischievous girl continues to do what she wants, even though her parents have advised her otherwise. The bright illustrations and silly ways in which the main character behaves would appeal to young readers.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): After reading this story, students could brainstorm about a time when they did not obey their parents. Students could illustrate and write a story about what happened when they did not listen and why they decided to disobey.
This book could also be used to discuss how recipes are used when baking cupcakes. Measurments could be incorporated and students could use cups, teaspoons, and tablespoons to practice measuring various materials, such as buttons, beans, pattern blocks, water, etc. This would also include more than, less than, and equal.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: The only problem I see with this book is that the main character talks back to her parents. Children would need to understand that this book is for humor, and that talking back is not acceptable behavior.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a girl who loves the color pink. One rainy day her mother bakes pink cupcakes and decorates them with pink icing. The girl in the story likes the cupcakes so much that she keeps asking for more. Although her parents say no, she continues to sneak into the kitchen and eat cupcakes until she turns pink. She cannot get the pink to wash off so she has to go to the doctor. The doctor tells her the only way to return to her normal color is to eat nothing but green foods. However, the girl does not listen and sneaks one more pink cupcake. The next morning, she has turned red. She decides to follow the doctor's orders and she eats all kinds of green foods. She quickly returns to normal, but at the end of the story the pink cupcakes are nowhere to be found. The story ends with her little brother turning the color pink.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This is a cute book and the mischievous girl continues to do what she wants, even though her parents have advised her otherwise. The bright illustrations and silly ways in which the main character behaves would appeal to young readers.
Reading Level: 2.7
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): After reading this story, students could brainstorm about a time when they did not obey their parents. Students could illustrate and write a story about what happened when they did not listen and why they decided to disobey.
This book could also be used to discuss how recipes are used when baking cupcakes. Measurments could be incorporated and students could use cups, teaspoons, and tablespoons to practice measuring various materials, such as buttons, beans, pattern blocks, water, etc. This would also include more than, less than, and equal.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: The only problem I see with this book is that the main character talks back to her parents. Children would need to understand that this book is for humor, and that talking back is not acceptable behavior.
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
Book Genre: Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 30 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a chameleon who wants to have a color all his own. He gets tired of always changing colors to blend in with his surroundings. The chameleon gets the idea to live on a leaf because he figures that he will always be the color green to match the leaf. The book goes through the seasons and talks about how the leaves change colors, and so too does the chameleon. Finally, he meets an older chameleon and the two decide to always stay together. They decide that if they cannot have a color of their own, at least they can be alike through their changing colors.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has very bright illustrations which is appealing to young readers. The sweet chameleon gets the reader on his side and makes it easy to imagine how he is feeling. This book incorporates colors, seasons, and the camouflaging qualities that chameleons exhibit.
Reading Level: 2.8
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This text could be used for multiple subjects across the curriculum. Science can definitely be incorporated by discussing chameleons and how they change colors to blend in with their surroundings. This discussion could be taken a step further to study other animals, reptiles, amphibians, etc., which camouflage themselves and the reasons why this is necessary for survival. While studying these various types of color-changing characters, the students could keep a science journal and write facts on each character studied. The seasons could also be incorporated into the science journals.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I do not see any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 30 pages
Awards or Honors Received: N/A
Summary: This book is about a chameleon who wants to have a color all his own. He gets tired of always changing colors to blend in with his surroundings. The chameleon gets the idea to live on a leaf because he figures that he will always be the color green to match the leaf. The book goes through the seasons and talks about how the leaves change colors, and so too does the chameleon. Finally, he meets an older chameleon and the two decide to always stay together. They decide that if they cannot have a color of their own, at least they can be alike through their changing colors.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has very bright illustrations which is appealing to young readers. The sweet chameleon gets the reader on his side and makes it easy to imagine how he is feeling. This book incorporates colors, seasons, and the camouflaging qualities that chameleons exhibit.
Reading Level: 2.8
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This text could be used for multiple subjects across the curriculum. Science can definitely be incorporated by discussing chameleons and how they change colors to blend in with their surroundings. This discussion could be taken a step further to study other animals, reptiles, amphibians, etc., which camouflage themselves and the reasons why this is necessary for survival. While studying these various types of color-changing characters, the students could keep a science journal and write facts on each character studied. The seasons could also be incorporated into the science journals.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I do not see any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: This book has received many honors and has won awards for The Maryland Children's Book Award and Virginia Young Readers.
Summary: This story depicts a playground bully, Mean Jean, who everyone is afraid of. No one wants to play with Mean Jean on the playground because she beats up children and says mean things. Recess is not a fun time for these children until a new girl, Katie Sue, comes along. She is the only child who will stand up to Mean Jean, and she actually wants to be her friend. Mean Jean does not know what to think because no one ever asks her to play. Mean Jean meets her match with Katie Sue, while at the same time, finding a friend. Once Katie Sue stands up to Mean Jean, things change for the better and all of the children enjoy recess time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has hilarious illustrations and uses silly words throughout the story. The text also includes some rhyming words which appeal to young readers. Young children can relate to this book because they can usually think of a time when someone was not being nice on the playground. What is so great about this book is that not only does the story show why no one likes a bully, but it also shows that even bullies want to have friends and be accepted by others. This story is a great way to practice social skills at the beginning of the year and discuss appropriate behavior on the playground.
Reading Level: 2.6
Interest Level: Pre-K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a lesson about treating others with respect, what it means to be a good friend, or playgroud rules. After reading the story, the students could think about a time that someone was not nice to them on the playground, or about a time when they themselves were not nice to someone on the playground. The students could illustrate and write about how they felt to be bullied, or why they have been a bully. This story could also be used as an introduction to classrom rules and the students could help the teacher write the rules for the class, if the teacher chooses to manage his/her classroom in that way.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 32 pages
Awards or Honors Received: This book has received many honors and has won awards for The Maryland Children's Book Award and Virginia Young Readers.
Summary: This story depicts a playground bully, Mean Jean, who everyone is afraid of. No one wants to play with Mean Jean on the playground because she beats up children and says mean things. Recess is not a fun time for these children until a new girl, Katie Sue, comes along. She is the only child who will stand up to Mean Jean, and she actually wants to be her friend. Mean Jean does not know what to think because no one ever asks her to play. Mean Jean meets her match with Katie Sue, while at the same time, finding a friend. Once Katie Sue stands up to Mean Jean, things change for the better and all of the children enjoy recess time.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ****Great! This book has hilarious illustrations and uses silly words throughout the story. The text also includes some rhyming words which appeal to young readers. Young children can relate to this book because they can usually think of a time when someone was not being nice on the playground. What is so great about this book is that not only does the story show why no one likes a bully, but it also shows that even bullies want to have friends and be accepted by others. This story is a great way to practice social skills at the beginning of the year and discuss appropriate behavior on the playground.
Reading Level: 2.6
Interest Level: Pre-K-3
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a lesson about treating others with respect, what it means to be a good friend, or playgroud rules. After reading the story, the students could think about a time that someone was not nice to them on the playground, or about a time when they themselves were not nice to someone on the playground. The students could illustrate and write about how they felt to be bullied, or why they have been a bully. This story could also be used as an introduction to classrom rules and the students could help the teacher write the rules for the class, if the teacher chooses to manage his/her classroom in that way.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any potential problems or difficulties with this book.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: This story takes place on a very cold winter night. A little girl and her father go owling (searching for owls). This is the first time that the little girl has gotten to go owling, and she knows that you have to be very quiet and very still to find the owls. She has learned about owling from her father and her brothers. The story is told from the girl's point of view, and she describes in great detail the sounds of the night and the events that take place while she and her father are owling. Even though it is very cold outside, and she is a little uneasy about how dark it is, she knows that in order to go owling, you have to be very quiet. Although there is very little dialogue between the characters, the illustrations and words used to tell this story depict the special bond between father and daughter on their very first owling experience together.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story is a good read and sends a message about the special bond between a father and daughter. The reader can see the excitement that this little girl is feeling because she has waited so long to go owling with her father. The story also builds suspense for the reader because the setting is so quiet and still, and the reader wants to find out if the characters will find an owl. The illustrations in this book are more realistic than cartoon-like, and I am not sure that I agree that the interest level of this book is K-2. I could see it being more like an interest level of 1-3. This book would be good to use with students (1st or 2nd grade) to work on descriptive sentences and suspense during writing.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be great to use as a brainstorming activity for writing about a time that students have participated in a special and meaningful activity with a family member. This story would also be good to read prior to Father's Day to get students thinking about their own dad and ways that he is special to them. Afterwards, the students could write a story about their dad or make a card for Father's Day.
This story could also be used to talk about the characteristics of winter. A word web could be created using the students' ideas of various aspects of winter-weather, temperature, activities, or winter clothing. Students could then compare/contrast winter with the other seasons.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any problems or difficulties with this book.
Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages
Awards or Honors Received: The Caldecott Medal
Summary: This story takes place on a very cold winter night. A little girl and her father go owling (searching for owls). This is the first time that the little girl has gotten to go owling, and she knows that you have to be very quiet and very still to find the owls. She has learned about owling from her father and her brothers. The story is told from the girl's point of view, and she describes in great detail the sounds of the night and the events that take place while she and her father are owling. Even though it is very cold outside, and she is a little uneasy about how dark it is, she knows that in order to go owling, you have to be very quiet. Although there is very little dialogue between the characters, the illustrations and words used to tell this story depict the special bond between father and daughter on their very first owling experience together.
Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. This story is a good read and sends a message about the special bond between a father and daughter. The reader can see the excitement that this little girl is feeling because she has waited so long to go owling with her father. The story also builds suspense for the reader because the setting is so quiet and still, and the reader wants to find out if the characters will find an owl. The illustrations in this book are more realistic than cartoon-like, and I am not sure that I agree that the interest level of this book is K-2. I could see it being more like an interest level of 1-3. This book would be good to use with students (1st or 2nd grade) to work on descriptive sentences and suspense during writing.
Reading Level: 2.9
Interest Level: K-2
Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This story would be great to use as a brainstorming activity for writing about a time that students have participated in a special and meaningful activity with a family member. This story would also be good to read prior to Father's Day to get students thinking about their own dad and ways that he is special to them. Afterwards, the students could write a story about their dad or make a card for Father's Day.
This story could also be used to talk about the characteristics of winter. A word web could be created using the students' ideas of various aspects of winter-weather, temperature, activities, or winter clothing. Students could then compare/contrast winter with the other seasons.
Potential Problems or Difficulties: At this time, I can not find any problems or difficulties with this book.
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