Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons

by

Sharon Creech

Summary: 

        Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who is trying to find her missing mother. Salamanca’s mother left her family in order to find herself and never returned. After her mother is gone for a year, Sal and her father leave their farm in Bybanks, Kentucky and move to Euclid, Ohio when her father finds a new job thanks to Mrs. Margaret Cadaver. Sal does not like anything about Ohio including Mrs. Margaret Cadaver. Sal and her Gram and Gramps embark on a trip from Ohio to Idaho in hopes of finding Sal's mom, Sugar. As they travel, her grandparents ask Sal to tell them a story. She tells her grandparents about her new friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, and her family. Phoebe's mother also mysteriously vanished, but after her disappearance, strange anonymous messages began appearing on the family’s porch. As she tells her story Sal begins to think about her own family's history, including her mother's mysterious trip to find herself in Idaho. Will Sal find her long lost mother or something else instead?

Evaluation: 

     Walk Two Moons is a must read for children ages 8 years and up. Being a realistic story of love and loss, mixed with humor and suspense it keeps young readers engaged. Also the fact that there are stories-within-a-story helps the readers to compare the reactions of the two friends to their similar situations with their families. Most young children at this age have experienced the loss of either a loved one or a pet making Sal's journey through the grieving process very relatable. From denial to anger and finally acceptance of her mother's death Creech truly takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride.

The plot is semi complicated due to the three stories intertwined with each other. The reader really has to pay attention to whose story they are reading and follow them all. They also have to make parallels between the stories in order to truly understand what is going on in Sal's life and head. But, in the end Creech ties all the stories together in one twist and does not leave any loose ends for the reader.
I really like the female characters in this book. They are all flawed in one way or another but very strong women and intricate characters. For example, Pheobe's neighbor, a women who had to deal with the death of her husband and blind mother all by herself. Pheobe who is my favorite character in the book because she is so funny and quirky with her strange obsession with cholesterol and belief that everyone she meets is a lunatic. Or Gram, who has to help Sal find herself while dealing with her own loss of her daughter. Then there is Sal herself. An amazing and capable preteen who is trying to learn what life and death is all about. Having the main protagonist be a 13 year old girl also makes the story very relatable to her target audience. Sal is smart, interesting, inspiring, flawed, and exhibits many of the same feelings that preteens go through on their journey into adulthood. In essence it is a story about growing up and working through the difficult aspects of the changing world around them. Sal is forced to move to a new state and grow up all at the same time after her mother disappears. Though some readers might not have such a big tragedy happen in their life the world around them is still changing and they have to adapt to it.
The story is told from first person point of view through Sal herself. But, Creech is still able to communicate a wisdom that goes beyond Sal's own understandings and words. Sal also is very truthful even though sometimes it puts herself in a bad light. That said, Sal is an unreliable narrator because there is a lot that she does not tell you according to her stage in the grieving process. With all the subtle hints along the way the reader is sure to miss them the first time around so reading it twice is highly suggested.
All in all this is a must read for anyone 8 years and up.  The characters are wonderful and perfectly flawed, the story line was engaging, and the ending offered closure without confusion. This is the perfect coming-of-age book that teaches readers young and old, "don't judge a man until you walked two moons in his moccasins."

Classroom Extension activities:

Social Studies

• When Sal and her grandparents stop at Injun Joe's Peace Palace Motel, Sal ponders the use of the term Indian vs. Native American. Sal's mom, Sugar, preferred the term Indian, but when Sal asks a man at Pipestone if he is a Native American he says, "No, I'm a person." When she inquires further he says that he is an "American Indian person." This part of the book would be good for the exploration of the issue of stereotyping versus historical cultural facts on Native Americans. Students can debate the use of Native American icons as sports mascots by writing a persuasive essay or creating a PowerPoint presentation.

Language Arts

•  have students explore point of view using the characters from the book. Students could retell the story from the point of view of one of the other characters in the novel. For example, how would Phoebe's mom or Mike have told the story? Another interesting assignment could a project on character development. 
• Using the famous quote from the book,  “Never judge a man before you've walked two moons in his moccasins,” as a starting point students could choose a character for and complete a character sketch. Students would be required to describe the physical appearance and emotional needs or wants of the character of their choice, and connect these traits to the story's plot. This will help them understand the elements of a character’s development through his/her words, actions, narrator's description, interaction with other characters, how motivations are revealed, character traits and motivations, stereotypes, relationships between character and plot development. Students would then share their character sketch with the class.
•  As a culminating activity, students should write a letter to the author about what they liked the most about the novel. The author, Sharon Creech, will write a letter back in response to the students giving them a personal connection with the book.

Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book

Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book

by

Lucy Cousins

Summary:

 The lovable little mouse, Maisy, embarks on a wonderful science adventure and teaches the reader all about different kinds of weather. 

Evaluation:

 This is a wonderful book for children ages 3-5 years to help them understand the weather. It is very interactive which holds their attention even longer because they have to use the pull tabs to help Maisy see what is happening weather wise. For example, when it is sunny and hot Maisy changes from her clothes to her bathing suite by having the child pull the tab. On the windy day the child has to turn the wheel to make the leaves blow in the wind along with Maisy's hat and kite. There are very few words on a page and the pictures relate fabulously. The topic is great for young children because no matter where they are weather is happening all around them every day. Many children at this age also have many questions about the weather and this helps them to begin to understand what is going on. The pictures are very bright and colorful and the tabs and wheels are easy for small hands to work. 

The only downside of this book is if you have a rough child the pull tabs are not very sturdy and do rip if pulled to hard. But all in all I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a preschooler!

Nonfiction Mondays

Annie Oakley: Young Markswoman

Annie Oakley: Young Markswoman

by

Ellen Wilson

Summary: This is a wonderful biography of Annie Oakley. It focuses mainly on her childhood but does end up diverging into her adult life. Annie was a young girl of many talents but her best one was hunting. When she was only 7 years old, she built a trap to get dinner for her family. Then another night a wolf was terrorizing her families chickens. She ran inside got her gun and CRACK! The wolf was dead in front of them. Annie was from a very poor family and the children had to live in other houses. Annie was never able to go to school even though she wanted to very much. Instead she was stent to a home where she worked around the clock. Things were so terrible for her that she ended up running away. It was in Cincinnati when she was living with her sister that she entered a shooting contest and became the most famous female shooter in the country. She ended up marrying the most famous male shooter in the country who she met and beat at the same contest. 

Evaluation: 

 This is a must read for children ages 9 years and above!  There are quite a few words on a page but they are interspersed with pictures. The pictures clearly show what Wilson is talking about. Growing up I use to love reading about Annie Oakley. She was such an inspiration and I believe children today will still see her as that. Children, especially girls, will love Annie Oakley because she defied all odds and was a true female American hero. She was unable to go to school like many young girls today but she was so determined to beat her odds and became a legend. Both girls and boys will be able to relate to her because she is from a poor family and was an avid hunter. Today there are many children who hunt, those it isn't necessarily to put food on the table many times that is what happens. Wilson clearly explains everything and the biography reads easily like a narrative keeping the reader engaged and interested in her life. 

The only part of this book that I would consider being a negative aspect would be the illustrations. They are all in black and white ink drawing. They do seem to convey what the author is talking about but are not very captivating. They could use a little more work and then this book would be all and all amazing!

I would still recommend this to anyone age 9 years and older because it is a great book and biography!

Nonfiction Mondays

The Story of Italian Immigration Passage to Liberty and the Rebirth of America

The Story of Italian Immigration Passage to Liberty and the Rebirth of America

by

A. Kenneth Ciongoli and Jay Parini

Summary: 

This is a wonderful nonfiction book about how Italian's have influenced and changed America. It tells the story of how Italians became America citizens and accomplished their dreams of rebuilding the image of Rome. Ciongoli and Parini focus on important Italians who have shaped America. For example, Cesar Rodney and William Paca who were two Italians who signed the Declaration of Independence. Woven into the famous historical facts throughout the book is the story of Antonio, grandfather of one of the authors. Making this not only a wonderful resource of history but a narrative that brings to life the experiences of a people whose talents, self-sacrifice and contributions helped shape America. 

Evaluation: 

This is a must read for the target reading age level group for this book of 12-15 years and up. There are a log of words on each page but they are not overwhelming and every page includes either a picture of the person they are talking about, an illustration of an event, or replicas of old passports, hand-written recipes, coupon books from an old immigrant mutual-aid insurance policy, and even the jury's verdict form from a trial of Al Capone. This book truly brings history to life in more ways than one. It is keeps its readers engaged because it becomes a personal experience through the story of Antonio. 

Young readers who are of Italian heritage would find this book extremely interesting because it shows them what their ancestors went through. Each page has an attention catching title and does not labor on one topic for too long. Some examples are: Pasta and Pizza and Evolving Italian-American Cuisine, Hostility and Hangings From New Orleans to Sacco and Vanzetti, etc. The following  paragraphs keep the reader engaged with their living words. 

For example on the page of Hostility and Hangings it starts out with, 

"Let's get those dirty dagos."
"Those black guinea bastards are gonna get what they deserve."

"Not guilty! Is that jury crazy? Those lazy, ignorant wops-let's get 'em!" The mob came into being, and a crescendo shook the ground. It was a terrifying sight.

A shrill voice cried out: "Billy O'Connor heard the superintendent whisper, just as he died, that the dagos did it. Right O'Connor?"

A tall, pot-bellied, orange-freckled man, William O'Connor, nodded.

The voice continued, "There is no room in New Orleans for these criminals. The wops are an inferior race. They get along with the Negroes because they're just like them. I say, lynch them all now!"

The crowd turned and rushed the jailhouse. Without resistance, they emptied the cells and hung all the occupants.

As you can see from this small selection the topic and the way the author reveals America's history keeps the readers engaged and interested.

There is nothing negative about this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone age 12 years and above!

Nonfiction Mondays

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects

by

Tish Rabe

Summary: This is a very cute nonfiction book all about insects. The Cat in the Hat and his friends give readers an up close view of life as a bug. Readers learn how insects see, communicate, smell, and pollinate. They also see how much of a pests some bugs can be but all in all make life better for us here on earth.

Evaluation: This is a wonderful nonfiction book about insects. It teaches young children interesting facts about insects through rhyme and bright illustrations. For example,

Watch these honey bees and I am sure you'll agree that these bees are as busy as busy can be! Worker bees collect food and they keep the hive clean. They protect it from danger and wait on their queen. She must stay in one place. It is her job to lay dozens and dozens of eggs every day.

The pictures do an amazing job of depicting what the words are saying. The illustration that goes along with this picture is of a big bee happily laying on her side eating while she is surrounded by smaller bees with fake stick guns and other bees are cleaning up with brooms around her.

It is a great beginning middle reader because it has minimal words on each page, which are larger print  and they are spread out so the child will not get over whelmed when reading. When it comes to the hard words such as chrysalis it has a glossary in the back to help them understand and pronounce the word. 

The topic is right on target for its age group of 5-8 years old. Most boys and some girls are fascinated by insects. Even my 4 year old has asked me why fly's buzz. This book gives the young reader the interesting facts without boring them. Being a Cat in the Hat book also might capture the attention of young readers who normally would not read a book about insects. The pictures draw the reader in and rhyme keep the reader engaged. 

Overall there is nothing negative that I can say about this book. I would highly recommend it!

Nonfiction Mondays

Knots in My Yo-Yo String

Knots in My Yo-Yo String

by 

Jerry Spinelli

Summary:

This is a autobiography about Jerry Spinelli, a Newberry Medalist and excellent children's author. In his book he takes the reader from his first memories as a child to high school. He has the reader reliving his first kiss, first fight, first trip to the principal's office, first humiliating sports experience, and overall life growing up in the 1950's. Even though he only read comic books and cereal boxes as a child, he shows the reader how the seeds of a great writer were planted.

Evaluation:

 I would highly recommend this book to anyone ages 10 years and up. Though this is his autobiography it engages the reader as much as his fictional books do. He writes in a warm conversational tone, making the reader feel as though he is right beside them telling his life story. The black-and-white pictures are engaging and amusing images from his past that help to capture what he is telling his readers about his life. Being a famous and well published children's author Jerry Spinelli's autobiography is both interesting and relevant for his target audience. The issues and events that he relives in his book are very relatable to children ages 10 and up because they are for the most part a universal part of growing up. His side-splitting recollections of preadolescent and adolescent events are sure to keep the reader engaged. 

Spinelli talks about how his dreams and accomplishments as a child effected and shaped him as an adult and writer. Young readers are sure to relate to this and feel empowered by their dreams and accomplishments. He also gives the reader a sense of hope. Having so many relatable childhood and adolescent experiences lets the young reader feel that even if there are some painful, embarrassing, or not so nice things going on in their life right now that in the end it might all be ok.
A definite must read for all!

Classroom Extension Activities:

Language Arts Classroom

• Have students write a journal about their dreams and aspirations and the obstacles they might have to over come to accomplish them.
•  Compare growing up in the 1950's to today

Math Classroom

• Compare the price of living from the 1950's to today (price of bread, gas, etc.)

History Classroom

• Expand upon topics from the 1950's such as the Cold War, communism, capitalism, Space Race, nuclear weapons, etc.

Nonfiction Monday's

House of the Scorpion

House of the Scorpion

by 

Nancy Farmer

Summary:

Matteo Alcran was created inside a petri dish and then cultivated in the womb of a cow. He is a clone of El Patron, the drug lord of Opium. Most clones have a procedure done at birth that turns them into thoughtless monsters, but not El Patron's clones. Matt was raised up to be like a normal boy. As Matt comes to grips with his existence as a clone, he is threatened by El Patron's power-hungry family. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. With help from his personal body guard and his mother he embarks on an incredible journey that might just change his world forever.

Evaluation: 

This is an incredible book and I would highly recommend it to anyone over 12 years old! This book truly draws its readers young and old into its plot through its unique setting and interesting characters. Farmer really has the reader feelings as if they were learning, suffering, and experiencing life right alongside of Matt. The characters in this book are so believable that they make the reader have true feelings of compassion for the eegits and clones, and anger and disdain for those who treat Matt and other humans as worthless animals.Being told from third person point of view the reader is drawn into Matt's struggle as he tries to understand his purpose in life and read through the lines of what his loved ones are telling him about his future. Farmer ingeniously uses figurative language to keep the pages turning and drawing out the suspense. One great example of this from the book is, "So many hints! So many clues! Like a pebble that starts an avalanche, Matt's fear shook loose more and more memories. Why had Maria run from him when they found MacGregor's clone in the hospital? Because she knew! They all knew!"

This book is wonderful for its target audience of 12 years and above. Though it is classified as a science fiction novel it is also an extraordinary suspense and mystery as well, appealing to a wider range of readers. Preteens and juveniles alike can relate to Matt because they too are trying to find their place in the world. Just like Matt who has El Patron's same DNA, young readers at this age are usually trying to become their own person and separate themselves from their parents. Major topics in this book such as drugs, morals, stem cell research, immigration laws, nature vs. nurture, and disabilities are all tops that the target age group should be familiar with and relate to.

Links:

Orphan Black is the newest hit series to come out of the UK. It's plot is very similar to The House of the Scorpion and might be of interest to those reads who enjoy the book.

Book Trailer

Nancy Farmer's Blog

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

by

Dr. Seuss

Summary: The Cat in the Hat is back in this book with a smaller sidekick version of himself to show how much fun you can have reading with both eyes open.

Evaluation: This is a fantastic beginning reader! My 4 year old daughter loves it! The rhymes and colorful illustrations keep the reader engaged the whole time. With this book Dr. Seuss makes the wonderful point that while you can read somethings with your eyes closed (through memorization) it is much more fun to read new and exciting things with your eyes opened. The words are for the most part easy and spaced out so it makes it easy for beginning readers to read. My daughter's favorite part is when they make reference to another one of her favorite Dr. Seuss books, Oh the Places You'll Go! 

The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, 

the more places you'll go.

He incorporates other famous stories of his in here as well which is great for children who have already heard them and can relate them to what they are reading in this book.

This book also encourages the reader to work on their speed which is an important skill for beginning readers to work on. He even says:

And when I keep them open

I can read with much more speed.

You have to be a speedy reader

'cause there's so, so much to read! 

I would highly recommend this book to any beginning reader!

Lindy's Happy Ending

Lindy's Happy Ending

by

Valerie Tripp

Summary: Lindy always has great ideas that her classmates usually go along with. The only problem with her ideas is that they usually are more work then necessary and Lindy never finishes what she starts. When she forgets to put the lid back on the ducklings' cage, her classmates have had enough. They decide that it is time to help Lindy become a responsible young lady.

Evaluation: This is a great early chapter book! The vocabulary in it is easy and age appropriate and the plot keeps the readers attention. Responsibility even at a young age is crucial and this book does a great job teaching it. I really liked how her classmates helped her learn this valuable lesson. Even though they get frustrated with her they help to teach her how to finish what she starts and be responsible. This book is very relate able to its target audience. I think first and second graders have all known someone like Lindy and this shows them the appropriate response to the problem. The illustrations and story line all help keep the reader engaged. I would highly recommend this book!

December Secrets

December Secrets

by

Patricia Reilly Giff

Summary: Everyone in Ms. Rooney's class has been given a secret special person to be kind to for the whole month of December. Emily Arrow is stuck with Jill Simon, the class crybaby. Emily decides that she will make Jill happier and thinner. 

Evaluation: For this age group I do not think this book would be appropriate since it negatively deals with the issue of girls body image. Throughout most of this book Jill is bullied about her weight by her classmates including her secret pal Emily. While bullying is an issue that children in this target audience do face this book does not do a good job at addressing it. This teaches children that it is ok to make fun of someone just because they are a little on the heavy side and really highlight the more serious issue of female body image, which is not appropriate at this age. There are no positive messages about female body image or bullying until the very end of the  book and by that time for an early reader the damage has already been done. 

 While this is a good early reader as far as words on a page, size of the words, use of pictures in relation to the words, word spacing and difficulty of words, it is a horrible story line and has no redeeming literary qualities. The children in the target age group would learn nothing positive from this book.

I would not recommend this book to anyone!

Big Thoughts for Little People

Big Thoughts for Little People

by

Kenneth N. Taylor

Summary:  This is an ABC concept book that teaches young children Christian values along with their alphabet.

Evaluation: I love this book and highly recommend it to all parents of young children! My girls truly enjoy reading this book together. Big Thoughts for Little People teaches 26 lessons, one for each letter of the alphabet. It is great for children ages 2-6 years who are beginning to learn their alphabet because the lessons always rhyme and are very interactive. For example: "B's for behave; It means doing what's right. Be happy and helpful; Don't argue or fight." Then it has a very short devotional for the child to do with the parent that incorporates their knowledge on the subject as well as the illustration in the book for that letter. Example: "Do you know what 'behave' means?" Then they look at the illustration on that page to see who is behaving. Each lesson concludes with a bible verse they can memorize and associate with the letter and lesson being taught.  

My girls favorite letter page is V.
V is for Visitors; Help them have fun,
And play and be friendly
With all, not just one.
It is wonderful to have friends. You can go to their house to visit, or they can come to visit you. Sometimes you can eat lunch together, or you can play outside or have fun making things. When you have visitors you must remember to play happily together and take turns with your toys. And remember to play with each of your visitors, not just the ones you like best. Then everyone will have fun.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
1. How many children in the picture are coming to visit?
2. Tell the names of your friends who come to your house to visit.
3. What are some things you do together?
A BIBLE VERSE FOR YOU TO LEARN
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or play to stay for the night. 
1 Peter 4:9

The only part of the book that I think could have been done a little better are the illustrations. They are well done but I believe they could use more vibrant colors to capture the reader's attention more. Nonetheless, my children do not seem to have a hard time deciphering the pictures to answer the questions or finding the ladybug hidden in each one.

All in all this is a great book for teaching the concepts of letters as well as good manners, courtesy, Christian principles, and respect. It appeals to preschool and kindergarten age children because it is so interactive and full of rhyming fun. Highly recommend!

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

by

Terry Pratchett

Summary: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents  is about a stupid looking kid named Keith, a conniving talking cat named Maurice, and a clan of educated talking rats. Keith, Maurice, and the rats go from town-to-town scamming people out of their money by plaguing them with rats and then leading them away. Then, they come upon the little town of Bad Blintz. Bad Blintz is not like the other towns they have scammed. Something in the town is not right. There are no keekee's, native nontalking rats, in the town though the rat catchers claim there is a plague of them. While the rats begin investigating the cellars and under workings of the town, Maurice and Keith meet Malicia Grim, the mayor's daughter. Malicia Grim is more intrigued by stories than reality. She is always prepared for outlandish adventures and offers unique tools that help save Maurice, Keith, and the rat clan. While in the underworld of the town they discover the rat catcher’s evil scheme to make money off the poor town’s people. There is also an evil so heinous that the educated rodents lose all speech and revert back to being just rats. The con is no longer a game. Now they are fighting for survival.

Evaluation:

         Memorable characters and a dynamic plot combine to make this a must read book for children ages ten years and up. The human characters, especially Keith and Malicia, play supporting roles in the story. Malicia's successful attempts to create a whimsical story out of real life irritate Keith while providing valuable lessons for both the characters and the readers. For the most part it is the rats and talking cat who are the most interesting and developed characters. Unlike most children's stories that have animal protagonists who are cute, fluffy and sweet, Pratchett treats rats as they really are- smelly, unclean, incontinent, and at times cannibalistic. Boys and girls who read this book may have a hard time identifying with the characters, but will be highly entertained by the story line itself.

            Pratchett has taken the traditional folk tale of the pied piper and satirically paralleled it with current culture. The rats and Maurice struggle with the emergence of conscience. Maurice always gives his rodent victims a chance to talk before he devours them, the rats question of  their place in the world, and the powerful rat king who wants to use their new power of knowledge for war against humans. When the rats develop their writing in pictograms, it strongly parallels the history of human writing development starting with hieroglyphics. The rats clan also parallel human society development. In all human cultures we see a utopian society lost due to human greed and corruption, some type of holy writing, and struggle with conflict. In his story the rats mimic this human history with their dream of utopian rat island, the keeper of the flame, their own version of the holy book ("Once upon a time Mr. Bunnsy went into the Dark Woods"), and their struggle with conflict within their selves and their species. Like humans the rats have to decided how they are going to deal with greed, corruption, wickedness, and the new threat called EVIL. The target audience for this book should have at this point learned about the basics of human history and have most likely experienced greed, conflict, and possibly death making the story line easy to relate to.

            The book also has strong moral values for its young readers. The rats dream about having their own utopian island society and are on a quest to fulfill it, but get disillusioned along the way. This teaches the reader to not give up on their dreams no matter what happens. It also teaches the reader to work together to solve problems. The main problem that this story addresses is the human/animal relationship as it exists now. With human society destroying the worlds animal habitats, Pratchett urges the reader to think about them in a new light. His conclusion shows the reader that the process will not be simple and that we need to start thinking about how to do it now before it is too late. Having the main human characters as children shows the target audience that they have the power to come up with new ideas and change their world.

            All in all this was a great read and highly recommended.

Classroom Extension Activities:

Language Arts Classroom

• Have students pick their favorite character from the book and cast them in a new short story.
• Have students write one more chapter for the story. The book ends with, "Because some stories end, but old stories go on, and you gotta dance if you want to stay ahead."(p. 241) This closing sentence leaves the reader with a hunger for a sequel. Which is perfect for a starting point for students to continue the story.
• Create a travel brochure and ads for Bad Blintz. Students should include the main attractions such as the Rat Clock, rat piper and his dancing rats, as well as other attractions that the students think the town might now have. After the completion of their travel brochure students will present them to the class.
• Compare and contrast the story to other Pied Piper stories. Using the computer lab as well as the library students should compare and contrast at least two other Pied Piper stories setting, plot, characterization, etc. to the novel. How are the rat's point of view of the Pied Piper different from other versions you researched? What about the role of the children in the stories compared to the novel? How does perspective change the story?

History Classroom

• Research origins of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and historical significance

Science Classroom

• Topics to expand upon: habitat destruction, endangered species, rats intelligence 

            

The Healing Spell

The Healing Spell

by

Kimberley Griffiths Little

Summary: Eleven-year-old Olivia, "Livie," is living with a paralyzing secret. Her mother is in a coma and she knows she is responsible for it. Now she must be the one who wakes up her mother before anyone finds out what happened on that horrible day.

Evaluation:

          Livie lives with her family on the bayous of Lousiana. She is stuck in the middle of two sisters who are nothing like her. Feeling like an outsider in her own home she is terrified to tell anyone what really happened to her mother for fear that they would hate her. When her father decides against the doctor's orders to bring her mother home, Livie is mortified. How can she help take care of her mother when she can't even touch her. The burden of guilt weighs Livie down to the point that she thinks it is written on her face. But, that is not the only thing that is weighing on her mind. Livie's world is changing. Her Aunt Colleen and cousin have come down from Minnesota to help, but do not understand her families dynamics. Almost immediately friction begins to tear the family apart. Her sisters, aunt, and cousin all resent Livie for not helping to take care of or even touch her mom. They all know she is hiding something but no one can figure out what. To make matters worse. her older sister, Faye, is getting married in a few weeks and leaving home, her little sister, Crickett, cries all the time, and her father is forced to quit his job so he can care for their mother.         This is a must read for anyone age nine and above. Though this is a middle grade reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. Little has the reader laughing, crying, hurting, and thinking along with Livie throughout the whole novel.

          With her world drastically changing, Livie decides that it is up to her to make her mother wake up. It is the only thing that can make things right. So she and her best friend visit the local traiteur to find a healing spell. To her surprise the healing spell is not a bunch of magic words, creepy voodoo, or automatic results. Instead, it forces her to find faith in herself, her family, and God. It also helps to break the chains of anger and guilt she feels for her mother. Her bravery is inspirational to young readers and her journey into coming of age is moving.

          This book is wonderful for young readers because it is about finding faith, having courage, healing, and the strength of family bonds. Being a realistic fiction, there are no true bad guys or evil doers. Instead, there are real feelings, situations, and universal truths that are applicable to almost all adolescents. Throughout the book, Livie struggles to find herself. She is constantly torn between doing the activities she loves, such as hunting and fishing, and becoming the proper young lady that her mother wants her to be. Her fears, anxieties, reactions, and points of view are so relatable that it even took me back to my preteen years. I love the part where she has to keep a memory journal. As a preteen this is a wonderful idea to help them only remember the good memories and let go of the bad.

          I highly recommend this book for all preteens. With the element of the super natural and the real life family drama of the Mouton clan make this an enjoyable read for all. Having the main character an eleven year old girl also makes the story very relatable. Most preteens at some point in their lives will try to find their independence, question their place in their family, and feel unloved. Livie's bravery and growth show the reader that our families do love us and see the good in us that sometimes even we don't see. It also teaches the reader that all members of our family have their own struggles and burdens to bear, and they are in need of our help, love, and forgiveness as we are in need of theirs.

Age and Genre: 9-11 years and up, Realistic Fiction

Links:
Author's Home page
The Healing Spell Book Trailer

Raising Yoder's Barn

Raising Yoder's Barn

by

Jane Yolen

Summary:

 This book is about an eight year old Amish boy, named Matthew Yoder. His family's barn and windmill is destroyed by a fire when lightning strikes it one night. The community gathers and help the Yoder's rebuild their barn. 

Evaluation:

 This is a wonderful book. It is also an excellent book for children to learn about the Amish culture.The main character in the story is an eight year old Amish boy who is telling about an awful event that took place on his farm one summer. When lightning strikes his family's barn they do not have a phone to call the fire department. Instead, his little brother has to ring a bell to summon the neighbors to come help try to put out the flames. Being Amish they did not arrive in cars but in wagons, on horseback, and on foot. They had to form two lines to try to put out the fire with buckets of water. For students who have been exposed to the Amish culture this is an excellent story to expand their understanding of their lifestyle and faith. For those children who have never been exposed to Amish culture this is a great story to introduce them to another culture within the United States of America. 

It is a very age appropriate even though he is from a very different culture his fears and feelings are much the same as any eight year old boys would be. He is worried that people will think he is too little to help rebuild the barn. But, he ends up with one of the most important jobs of the day, relaying instructions to the men. Throughout the story the reader see's Matthew dealing with the issue of losing part of their lively hoods and dealing with adolescent fears in a positive way. For instance when they are finished building the barn instead of gloating he simply whispers "Amen," which speaks volumes to his feelings of accomplishment and self worth. 

This book celebrates the worth of interdependence, tradition, hard work, cooperation and communities coming together to help each other out. It is a definite must read for children in kindergarten and up!

Genre and Age:

Realistic Fiction Picture Book 

Ages 5-8 and up

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales

by Jeff Mack

Summary:

   Rabbit and Hippo are the most unlikely of friends. They are opposite in many ways but their differences are what sustain their friendship and  keep them having fun all day.

Evaluation:

     This is a wonderful beginning reader graphic novel for children ages 4 and up.  The stories in this book are very short and cute. They are about eating healthy, playing nicely together, and comforting on another. Being a graphic novel it would really appeal to boys, though the story itself is gender neutral. This format allows beginning readers to  fill in the gaps of Hippo and Rabbit's day by negotiating changes in location, time, and emotions of the two characters, giving them more control in the reading process. The illustrations work well with the text to tell the story. They are very simple and help the reader to fill in the gaps in the story left by the author. Rabbit and Hippo's day consists of breakfast, play time, and then bed. This allows young readers to fill in the gaps for the rest of the dynamic duos day, such as lunch, dinner, and getting ready for bed. It also helps them to obtain basic developmental proficiency in object solidity and perceptual dependability.

      Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales has changed my views on graphic novels. I use to think that they were just a means of entertainment and not learning. But, after seeing this begging reader it is very evident how graphic novels can be used in the classroom as a successful means of teaching students, especially boys, how to read. It is not intimidating as some books can be. It is very creative and assists students in the decoding process. Instead of reading seeming like a power struggle, this type of book puts the power into the readers hands. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Brian W. Sturm put it perfectly when he said, "They are the ones who bring the story alive; they are the ones who get to add their personal touches to the unfolding story."

       As a mom of young children and a teacher I would highly recommend this book and other's of its kind.

Wednesday Wars

Wednesday Wars

by Gary D. Schmidt

Summary:

      This book is about a 7th grade boy named Holling Hoodhood. Holling, unlike the rest of his class who attend Hebrew School or Catechism every Wednesday afternoon, is Presbyterian and must spend his with his teacher Mrs. Baker. From the first day of school, Holling is convinced that Mrs. Baker hates his guts and is out to get him. She makes him clean, clap all the erasers, clean the rat's cage, and worst of all read Shakespeare outside of class. While Holling is worried about what Mrs. Baker is going to do next to destroy him, the rest of the country is worried about the war going on in Vietnam.

Evaluation:
      While this book starts of slow and has some far fetched ideas in it this would be a good book for children ages 10 years and up, especially boys. Boys will love this book because it is relevant to their life through the male protagonist, events such as escaped rats, tons of pranks, famous baseball players, and of course the school bully.
      I generally liked this book but the one thing that really bothered me and took away from the story is Holling Hoodhood's family dynamics. Holling's family lives in the perfect house in the perfect spot in town. His family however, is far from perfect. Holling's father Mr. Hoodhood is an architect whose only concern is keeping his business' reputation safe. Throughout the book, the reader sees Mr. Hoodhood's stubbornness and neglectful nature destroy the parent-child relationship for both Holling and his sister. Mrs. Hoodhood is complete opposite of her husband, though just as neglectful. She is an obedient housewife who is clearly depressed and under her husband's complete control. Holling's older sister, is a "flower child" who throughout the story is trying to find her place in a war torn world. The worst part of the story for me was when Holling got hit by a bus saving his sister, and neither of his parents even showed up at the hospital. While for some students reading this story this type of behavior might be reality, I do not think it made the story any better. The reader already see's how much Mrs. Baker cares for Holling. Making his parents neglectful and borderline child abusers did not strengthen the story line any. In fact, for me it almost broke it. It took me a while afterwards to like the story again. 

     There are many redeeming factors in this story. One of my favorites is the teacher who is constantly picked on by students and ends up working in the board office. As a teacher this of course made me laugh. But, she in the end comes back and is the only person who is not afraid to capture the evil rats. Another redeeming part of the story is the school bully, Doug Sweiteck's brother. Throughout the story he picks on Holling even going so far as putting up flyers all through the school of him in his yellow tights. But, when Holling saves his sister, Doug Sweiteck is the first one who praises him throughout the school and calls him a hero.

     I really like how Schmidt incorporates the Vietnam War and it's affects on the various characters in the story. With the war going on in Afghanistan many young folks can relate to this scenario. Mrs. Baker is a work-a-holic who only slightly lets on to her students her inner turmoil with her husband being at war and then missing in action. Mai Thi, is a Vietnames child who is brought over by the Catholic Relief Agency and is a student in their class. She is constantly abused by the cafeteria lady whose husband is killed in action. After 9-11 Muslim students have had it harder in school. They too can be victims of abuse by both adults and other students. This aspect of the book is great because we see its affects on Mai Thi as a child. This is such a wonderful teaching element that can be used in the classroom about the effects of bullying based on ethnicity and or religion. Though, Mai Thi's happy ending at the end of the book does seem a bit farfetched and forced.

     The book does have many happy endings, though none to do with Holling's parents. Many children these days do come from broken homes and dysfunctional families. They could relate to Holling's childhood experiences and look for teachers as saviors. Mrs. Baker gives Holling some great advice that the young readers can take to heart. She tells him to, "learn everything you can-everything. And then use all that you have learned to be a wise and good man." Children reading this book can learn from Holling's struggles and growth throughout the story. Holling could have easily been like his father who is greedy and stagnant. But instead he grows to be a high-quality young man. Nothing is perfect all the time, but at least in this story the heroes do get their just rewards.
      As you can see this book would be an excellent choice for upper elementary students to young adults. It is a compelling story with various important themes, and witty characters making it an enjoyable and teachable read. 

Classroom Extension Ideas:

Language Arts Classroom:

• Have students choose and read selected sections from one of the Shakespeare plays that Holling read. Following this reading students could create a comparison chart between their thoughts and what Holling has to say about it.
• At the end of the book, students could respond to the following writing prompt: If The Wednesday Wars was written by William Shakespeare, instead of Gary Schmidt, would it be classified as a comedy, history, or tragedy? Why? Have students use excerpts from the book to justify their answer.
• At the end of the book, have students predict what happens to Holling after he graduates high school. Write an additional chapter based on their prediction.

History Classroom:

• Teachers have many topics they can expand on such as: the atomic bomb, the Civil Rights Movement, Robert Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Vietnam War, Mickey Mantle, 1960's era, and historic architectural landmarks in their own town

Math Classroom:

• Research and compare prices of soda, gas, New York Yankees tickets, bread, cars, bus fares, etc. from 1967 to present day

  

Kids Pick the Funniest Poems

Kids Pick the Funniest Poems

Bruce Lansky

Summary:

 This is a collection of hilarious poetry for children ages 6 years and up. The poets in this collection range from Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein to Anonymous.

Evaluation:

This collection is a must have in every elementary classroom as well as household staple for those with young children. This is a great introduction to poetry because it captures the child's attention, appeals to their sense of humor, and comments on various aspects of their life.  I remember reading this collection when I was in elementary school and laughing my head off. 

A couple of my favorite selections are:

Who, Me?

There is a kid who lives with us 

Who no one's ever seen.

He's the guy who broke our vase

And painted Fluffy green.

He drew the funny pictures

On my brother's bedroom door,

And left those worms to shrivel up

Inside my dresser drawer.

He also took my favorite cookies

From the cookie jar,

And put a tuna sandwich

In the brand new VCR.

In fact, he does most everything

That you might think is bad.

Of course he isn't really real...

Just don't tell Mom and Dad.

                                    Joyce Armor

A Student's Prayer

Now I lay me down to rest,

I pray I pass tomorrow's test.

If I should die before I wake,

That's one less test I'll have to take.

                               Anonymous

Freddie

I don't like doing homework,

I know that it will bore me.

But now I am much happier

'Cause Freddie does it for me!

He greets me at the door each day

When I come home from school.

He just can't wait to read my books-

I think that's pretty cool!

I give him all my homework,

Like history and math.

And when he's done I give him

A nice warm bubble bath!

My grades are so much better now

Which makes my parents glad.

Freddie is the smartest dog

That I have ever had!

                           Phil Bolsta

Book Details
     Reading Level: Ages 6-up
     Hardcover: 115 pages
     Publisher: Meadowbrook; First edition (November 15, 1991)
     Language: English
     ISBN-10: 067174769X
     ISBN-13: 978-0671747695

Visit Life is Better with Books for other Poetry Friday posts!

Dog

Dog

Matthew Van Fleet

Summary:

 Twenty different breads of dogs are used to demonstrate basic concepts such as: opposites, synonyms, opposites, emotions, and much more in a rhyming story.

Evaluation:

BEST BOOK EVER for dog lover children! We are on our second copy of the book since the last one fell apart from daily use. The book is very interactive with pull tabs, touch and feel, and flaps to lift. A must have for any dog lover with young children!

Genre & Age:

nonfiction

0-2 and up

A Pony to Love

A Pony to Love

Christine Taylor-Butler

Summary:

The little girl and boy in the story start off with stuffed ponies and their imagination transforms them into real ones. This story takes readers on a magical pony rides on the beach, through the fields of flowers, in the circus, through a parade, in the snow, and in a rodeo. Then finally they take their ponies back to the stable to let them eat and groom them.

Evaluation:

I LOVE this book! Both of my daughters are horse lovers and this book is a great introduction to caring for a horse as well as what all a rider can do on a horse they love. The illustrations are wonderful. They are very soft, warm and full of imagination.

Age and Genre:
fantasy
3-5 and up

the Monster at the end of this Book

the Monster at the end of this Book

By Jon Stone

Summary:

 The Monster at the end of this Book starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover is about Grover who is afraid to turn the pages of the book for fear of the monster that lies at the end. He grows more and more frantic with every page until at the end he learns that he did not have anything to fear but his own imagination.

Evaluation:

 I love this book! I remember my mom reading it to my brothers and I when we were little. Now, I read it to my daughter and she loves it just as much as I did. We both can not wait to get to the end of the book. The illustrations are wonderful and nicely convey Grover's sense of fear, and anguish over the readers turning of the page. I highly suggest this book to anyone with a young child and sense of imagination! 

Genre & Age Group:

3-5 years and up

fantasy

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds)

by Geoffrey Kloske and Barry Blitt

Summary:

 Once Upon a Time, the End (Asleep in 60 Seconds) is a collection of fractured fairy tales, a few nursery rhymes, and  bible story all told by a father who just wants his child to go to sleep. The desperate dad keeps cutting the stories shorter and shorter until they all lived...

Evaluation:

 This is one of my favorite books yet! The authors have taken well known and loved tales and nursery rhymes and turned them into a hilarious collection. The overall story of the dad trying to get his child to go to sleep is perfectly interwoven within the collection of fractured fairy tales, folk tales, nursery rhymes, and bible story he is telling. 

Princess Pea for example:

Every young girl wanted to marry the prince.

To find a princess, the prince's mother put a pea 

Under the mattress to see how each would sleep.

They all slept soundly, except one-she was so sensitive,

She had not slept well.

And so she married the prince.

Is there a pea under your bed?

Then what's your excuse?

Go to bed.

The watercolor illustrations in this book are as wonderful as the stories. My 4 year old daughter is already reading this book along with me every night. We both laughs ourselves silly every time we read it. Now she is even taking other fairy tales and retelling them herself.

Genre and Age Group:

3-5 years and up

Folk Tale

Fairy Tale

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Summary:

This book  is about a middle class, nine year old, African American boy named Kenny. Kenny lives in Flint, Michigan with his family who people call the Weird Watson's. His older brother, Byron, is always getting into trouble. Finally, his parents have had enough and they decide to take a family road trip to visit the only person who can straighten Kenny out, Grandma Sands. They spruce up their car, the Brown Bomber, for the long trip to Birmingham, Alabama. While in Birmingham the family finds themselves caught in the middle of one of the most famous and tragic events of the Civil Rights Movement, the bombing of the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church. 

Evaluation:

               Anyone who is looking for a great book that you won't want to put down, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 is the perfect book. It is a must read for children ages 8 years to adult. I love how the author incorporated historical events with adventure and hysterical family drama. The book starts off being a light read full of hilarious events. One of my favorite events was when the two brothers, Kenny and Byron, had to go de-ice the car so they could go to their Aunt's house for the night to keep warm. Kenny was working hard so he could get going, but Byron on the other hand was admiring himself in the mirror. When Byron kissed his reflection his lips inevitably got stuck. I was laughing so hard as the family worked to get his lips unstuck because I could envision one of my younger brothers doing the same thing.

            The author really focuses on family ties as one of the main themes of the book. Along with the historical problems the country is facing the reader also see's the problems of the Watson family. Curtis has the reader feeling what the characters in the story are feeling, whether good or bad. The reader laughs and cries alongside with the Weird Watsons throughout the book. Once the reader is emotionally attached to the Watson family a drastic turn of events almost turns the book into a tragedy. It engages the reader to think about the historical events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement, specifically the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church bombing, from a personal perspective.

            Growing up I learned about the Civil Rights Movement, but it was not until this book that I viewed it in a more personal light. I saw the four little girls that died that day as little Joey Watson's, who the I grew to love throughout the story.  Joey reminded me so much of my own daughters, that I felt the anguish and pain that the Watson's felt when they thought Joey was in the church. I also love how Curtis does not dismiss Kenny's feelings after the event. We see Kenny suffering as a child would who has witnessed such a tragic event. But, Curtis uses Byron as a savior to Kenny which I really admired.

    I believe The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 should be a staple in the middle school classroom as well as on home books shelves everywhere. The characters in this book are easy for a children and adults to relate to. Kenny and Byron have many of the same experiences and feelings as children today. Growing up, no matter what state or time period you are in, is hard. And, raising children in this era is no easier. Like the Watson brothers, teenagers today are trying to make sense of the world they live in, while exploring the hopes and stumbling blocks of growing up. The Weird Watsons provide children as well as adults with a unique opportunity to experience the Civil Rights Movement events through the eyes of a child and his parents. This is a memorable story of family bonds and friendship built between brothers, which is a stirring contrast to the lasting impression of the horrible tragedy that took place in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963.

Classroom Extension Ideas:

LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSROOM: have the students explore characterization. Students can pick one of the characters from the book and create a treasure chest for them. Have the students put items into the chest that would reflect what the character is like. Then have them share their treasure with the class at the end of the book. Another idea is to have the students keep a daily reading journal in order to reflect upon what they read that day. Students could also write short essays on some of the main points of the book such as family, first impressions, bullying, and equality. For example, have students define and write about what family means to them. For their essay on first impressions have them answer the question: How do first impressions create our opinions of someone. Are they always right, why or why not? Then for their essay on equality have students think of a time that they have been treated unfairly because of their family, background, culture, age or social status and write about how they felt and handled the situation.

HISTORY CLASSROOM: students can research and do projects on the Civil Rights Movement. One idea is to have students create a newspaper from 1963. They can interview parents, grandparents, neighbors, and relatives who lived through and remember the Civil Rights Movement. Students can then put their findings in a article. They can also research the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church bombing and write their own news report of the events that took place. They can include adds for movies, music, cars, gadgets, and other popular items of the era. Another idea is to utilize the map skills that Mr. and Mrs. Watson hat to use since they did not have GPS. While reading the story students can find where the Watson's are on a United States Map and determine how many miles they have traveled and have left to go. They can also research different facts about the states along I-75 from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama just as Wilona did in her notebook, and share them with the class.

MATH CLASSROOM: Teachers can have students research the cost of items from the 1960's and compare them to today's prices. They can also create word problems about the trip including mileage, travel time, and distance.

President Adams' Alligator and Other White House Pets 

by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes

Summary:

President Adams' Alligator and Other White House Pets by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl S. Barnes  is a story about the United States presidents and their pets. It starts off with Mrs. Tucker's classroom talking about what their favorite pet is. She then starts to tell the children about the different pets presidents have had in the White House from George Washington to Bill Clinton.

Evaluation:

 This is a great book for teaching children about presidents in a not so boring way. It also introduces the concept of voting by having a ballot at the end of the book that the reader can fill out for their favorite White House pet. I had no idea that there were some pretty non conventional pets in the white house. For example, Thomas Jefferson had two pet grizzly bears and a pet mockingbird named Dick. Jefferson would let Dick eat food out of his mouth and sing along when he played the violin. President Lincoln loved all kinds of animals and gave many to his children. President Lincoln gave his son Tad two goads named Nanny and Nanko, who Tad would tie up to a kitchen chair and race through the halls of the White House. The illustrations in this book are very colorful color pencil drawings that are delightful to the reader. This is a great book for teachers when teaching about the U.S. presidents, Presidents Day, as well as the electoral process.

Genre & Age Group:

Nonfiction

5-8 and up

Coat of Many Colors

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton

Summary:

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton is a story about a little girl who is growing up poor in Tennessee. The winter is quickly approaching and the little girl has no coat. Her Mama does not have enough money to buy her one so she sews her a coat made out of a box of rags that someone gave them. As she sews she tells the little girl the story of Joseph and his multicolored coat from the bible, and how she hopes it will bring her good luck and happiness. The little girl proudly wears her coat to school the next day. But, she finds herself the laughing stock of the classroom. Instead of feeling ashamed, or sorry for herself, the little girl feels sorry for her classmates. She tells them the story of how her Mama sewed her coat with love and that your only poor if you choose to be.

Evaluation:

I love this book! Growing up I always loved to hear Dolly Parton sing and now one of my favorite songs is beautifully expressed in book form. The illustrations are wonderful and the lesson that this books teaches (just like the song) is loud and clear. It teaches children about gratitude and self assurance. The little girl didn't have as much money as her peers and was teased because of it, but she had her mother's love and that was enough to pull her through a difficult situation. 

Genre and Age group:

3-5 years and up

Realistic fiction