Monday, February 20, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Picture Book 4
Title: Leftover Lily
Illustrator:
Genre: Fiction
Sub genre:
Theme: Friendship, Life Lessons
Primary and Secondary Characters: Lily, Daisy, and LaVon
Award(s) date of publication: 1999
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary:Lily, Daisy, and LaVon are all best friends. One day, Lily pushes Daisy, but it's an accident. Daisy is the bossy one out of the group, and she won't let LaVon talk to Lily. Lily becomes left out and decides to do something about it. She makes new friends and becomes the bossy one and learns that it's not so great.
Used in the Classroom: I think this would be a great book to just have in the classroom. I don't really think I would read it to the entire class because it really would just appeal to the girls. For teaching a lesson and finding a book that students will be able to relate to, this is a great option.
Illustrator:
Genre: Fiction
Sub genre:
Theme: Friendship, Life Lessons
Primary and Secondary Characters: Lily, Daisy, and LaVon
Award(s) date of publication: 1999
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary:Lily, Daisy, and LaVon are all best friends. One day, Lily pushes Daisy, but it's an accident. Daisy is the bossy one out of the group, and she won't let LaVon talk to Lily. Lily becomes left out and decides to do something about it. She makes new friends and becomes the bossy one and learns that it's not so great.
Used in the Classroom: I think this would be a great book to just have in the classroom. I don't really think I would read it to the entire class because it really would just appeal to the girls. For teaching a lesson and finding a book that students will be able to relate to, this is a great option.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Picture Book 3
Title:What Jamie Saw
Illustrator:
Genre:Science Fiction
Sub genre: Fantasy
Theme: Coping mechanisms, strength, family
Primary and Secondary Characters: Jamie
Award(s) date of publication: Newberry Award Winner 1995
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: Jamie has a baby sister, a mom, and a stepfather. One night, Jamie wakes up and sees his step dad throw his baby sister. His mom catches her, and they immediately move away. Jamie and his mom find different ways to cope with what has happened. Jamie discovers a love for magic, while his mom finds comfort in a support group.
Used in the Classroom: At first, I thought this would be a great book for fifth graders, but then I didn't think I would feel comfortable introducing this book. It is important to be aware of things like what the book explains, so I would use this book when talking to other teachers. I may include the book in the classroom depending on the students. It may help some. It's kind of a sensitive topic, so I don't know, but it is really well written and may be more appropriate for older students.
Illustrator:
Genre:Science Fiction
Sub genre: Fantasy
Theme: Coping mechanisms, strength, family
Primary and Secondary Characters: Jamie
Award(s) date of publication: Newberry Award Winner 1995
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: Jamie has a baby sister, a mom, and a stepfather. One night, Jamie wakes up and sees his step dad throw his baby sister. His mom catches her, and they immediately move away. Jamie and his mom find different ways to cope with what has happened. Jamie discovers a love for magic, while his mom finds comfort in a support group.
Used in the Classroom: At first, I thought this would be a great book for fifth graders, but then I didn't think I would feel comfortable introducing this book. It is important to be aware of things like what the book explains, so I would use this book when talking to other teachers. I may include the book in the classroom depending on the students. It may help some. It's kind of a sensitive topic, so I don't know, but it is really well written and may be more appropriate for older students.
Chapter Book 2
Title: Yolanda's Genius
Illustrator: None
Genre:Chapter Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Family, Strength, Gifted children/Prodigies
Primary and Secondary Characters:Yolanda, Andrew
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott, 1997
Publishing Company:Simon and Schuster
Brief Summary: This story takes place in Chicago where Yolanda lives. She has a little brother named Andrew who has some disabilities. He doesn't speak, but he can play music. Throughout the story, Yolanda faces several challenges. She is big for her age, and she gets reminded of that fact in the story. Both her and her brother struggle, but they also have gifts. Yolanda is extremely intelligent, and Andrew can play the harmonica although he doesn't talk much or read. One day, Yolanda looks up the word "genius" in the dictionary and decides that that is the perfect word for her younger brother. Something terrible happens, and Yolanda's goal is to inspire her younger brother to love music again.
How this book could be used in a classroom setting: This is not a "warm and fuzzy" book, but I think it would be good for students to read. I think they would be really interested in it just because of the challenges the two face and how they deal with it. The book has to be read in order to find out how Yolanda gets her brother to love music again...if she is able to at all. This book would also be great to show students that though they might struggle with imperfections, they have something they are good at. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it's about focusing on what we do have opposed to what we don't. I also think this book is great because it shows the importance of family. I love Yolanda's Genius, and I give it an 11!
Illustrator: None
Genre:Chapter Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Family, Strength, Gifted children/Prodigies
Primary and Secondary Characters:Yolanda, Andrew
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott, 1997
Publishing Company:Simon and Schuster
Brief Summary: This story takes place in Chicago where Yolanda lives. She has a little brother named Andrew who has some disabilities. He doesn't speak, but he can play music. Throughout the story, Yolanda faces several challenges. She is big for her age, and she gets reminded of that fact in the story. Both her and her brother struggle, but they also have gifts. Yolanda is extremely intelligent, and Andrew can play the harmonica although he doesn't talk much or read. One day, Yolanda looks up the word "genius" in the dictionary and decides that that is the perfect word for her younger brother. Something terrible happens, and Yolanda's goal is to inspire her younger brother to love music again.
How this book could be used in a classroom setting: This is not a "warm and fuzzy" book, but I think it would be good for students to read. I think they would be really interested in it just because of the challenges the two face and how they deal with it. The book has to be read in order to find out how Yolanda gets her brother to love music again...if she is able to at all. This book would also be great to show students that though they might struggle with imperfections, they have something they are good at. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it's about focusing on what we do have opposed to what we don't. I also think this book is great because it shows the importance of family. I love Yolanda's Genius, and I give it an 11!
Chapter Book 1
Title: Horn for Louis
Illustrator: James Bernadin
Genre: Chapter Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Goals, Dreams, Challenges, Perseverance
Primary and Secondary Characters: Louis, Alex, and King Oliver
Award(s) date of publication: 2005
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: This story is about a young boy who enjoys playing the trumpet. Louis and his family are poor. Louis has a tin horn that isn't great, but he is still very thankful for it. One day, he hopes to be as good as King Oliver. Louis continues to play his tin horn until it breaks. Although it didn't sound great, he was progressing and learning to play the instrument very well. He goes by a pawn shop and sees that a trumpet is on sale; however, it is too expensive for him. The owner decides to help him out after hearing him play, but it is still too expensive. Eventually, Louis is able to play for King Oliver. He shakes his hand and King Oliver tells him that he sounds good at playing the trumpet.
How this book would be used in a classroom setting: I think this should be used by all of the students to read independently. I think it would be a good idea to form a book club talk with the class or smaller groups so that everyone has the chance to participate. I also think students could write a book report on it. It's a fun book to read, and I think the students would enjoy reading it.
Illustrator: James Bernadin
Genre: Chapter Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Goals, Dreams, Challenges, Perseverance
Primary and Secondary Characters: Louis, Alex, and King Oliver
Award(s) date of publication: 2005
Publishing Company: Random House
Brief Summary: This story is about a young boy who enjoys playing the trumpet. Louis and his family are poor. Louis has a tin horn that isn't great, but he is still very thankful for it. One day, he hopes to be as good as King Oliver. Louis continues to play his tin horn until it breaks. Although it didn't sound great, he was progressing and learning to play the instrument very well. He goes by a pawn shop and sees that a trumpet is on sale; however, it is too expensive for him. The owner decides to help him out after hearing him play, but it is still too expensive. Eventually, Louis is able to play for King Oliver. He shakes his hand and King Oliver tells him that he sounds good at playing the trumpet.
How this book would be used in a classroom setting: I think this should be used by all of the students to read independently. I think it would be a good idea to form a book club talk with the class or smaller groups so that everyone has the chance to participate. I also think students could write a book report on it. It's a fun book to read, and I think the students would enjoy reading it.
Picture Book 8
Title: Arrow to the Sun
Illustrator: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Pueblo Boy and the Sun Lord
Award(s) date of publication:Caldecott Award Winner 1974
Publishing Company: Penguin Group
Brief Summary: The Sun Lord shoots an arrow to a lady on earth so that she will have a sun. Once the boy is older, he is not like any of the other boys because he doesn't know who is father is. Throughout the story, he is searching for his father. One day a very wise man tells him that his father is in the sun. The wise man turns the boy into an arrow and shoots him to the sun. The boy confronts the Sun Lord, but he does not believe that he is his son. The boy is told that he must complete so many trials to prove himself. Once the boy passes the Lightning challenge, the Sun Lord believes him and he is told to go back to earth and show the world his light. The boy comes back now with beautiful colors and everyone celebrates his return with the dance of life.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think students would like this book because of all of the bright colors. The story is simple but complex at the same time. There are not very many words, but the idea is very different from our own. I think this would give the students something to think about. Also, because the book is a Pueblo Indian tale, I think this would be great when covering certain architecture or cultures. I also think the book could be a great foundation for an art project focusing on the Peublo Indians.
Illustrator: Gerald McDermott
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Pueblo Boy and the Sun Lord
Award(s) date of publication:Caldecott Award Winner 1974
Publishing Company: Penguin Group
Brief Summary: The Sun Lord shoots an arrow to a lady on earth so that she will have a sun. Once the boy is older, he is not like any of the other boys because he doesn't know who is father is. Throughout the story, he is searching for his father. One day a very wise man tells him that his father is in the sun. The wise man turns the boy into an arrow and shoots him to the sun. The boy confronts the Sun Lord, but he does not believe that he is his son. The boy is told that he must complete so many trials to prove himself. Once the boy passes the Lightning challenge, the Sun Lord believes him and he is told to go back to earth and show the world his light. The boy comes back now with beautiful colors and everyone celebrates his return with the dance of life.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think students would like this book because of all of the bright colors. The story is simple but complex at the same time. There are not very many words, but the idea is very different from our own. I think this would give the students something to think about. Also, because the book is a Pueblo Indian tale, I think this would be great when covering certain architecture or cultures. I also think the book could be a great foundation for an art project focusing on the Peublo Indians.
Picture Book 7
Title: Desert Giant
Illustrator: Barbara Bash
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture and Life
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro People
Award(s) date of publication:1989
Publishing Company: Little, Brown Company
Brief Summary: This book is about the Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro people. It describes the life cycle of the cactus and how it is beneficial to all of the many animals and people that live around them. It mentions that the cactus has a flower-bearing fruit or saguaro blossoms. These are used by the people as food and as a sacrifice. At the end of the story, it shows that the cactus has decomposed and all that is left are the saguaro seeds. On the very last page, it shows what the saguaro cactus looks like at four months, two years, and twelve years.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: i would use this book when talking to the class about life cycles and culture. The pictures are great and there could even be a class project to go along with the book to help instill the big ideas and main points of the book.
Illustrator: Barbara Bash
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Culture and Life
Primary and Secondary Characters: The Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro People
Award(s) date of publication:1989
Publishing Company: Little, Brown Company
Brief Summary: This book is about the Saguaro Cactus and the Saguaro people. It describes the life cycle of the cactus and how it is beneficial to all of the many animals and people that live around them. It mentions that the cactus has a flower-bearing fruit or saguaro blossoms. These are used by the people as food and as a sacrifice. At the end of the story, it shows that the cactus has decomposed and all that is left are the saguaro seeds. On the very last page, it shows what the saguaro cactus looks like at four months, two years, and twelve years.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: i would use this book when talking to the class about life cycles and culture. The pictures are great and there could even be a class project to go along with the book to help instill the big ideas and main points of the book.
Picture Book 6
Title: The Blacker the Berry
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Beauty and uniqueness
Primary and Secondary Characters: All of the children
Award(s) date of publication: Coretta Scott King Award 2008
Publishing Company: HarperCollins Children's Books
Brief Summary: This book shows how each child sees themselves, and what they think makes them beautiful. Analogies are made as each child is compared to something like berries, toast, or sunshine. It shows the way they perceive themselves and the way they perceive beauty. Though they are all different, they all are beautiful in their own way.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I love this book because it is something that everyone can relate to. It is put into words that I think younger children will understand very easily because of the analogies and comparisons made. This would be a good book to read any day for any occasion. The illustrations are really great too.
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Beauty and uniqueness
Primary and Secondary Characters: All of the children
Award(s) date of publication: Coretta Scott King Award 2008
Publishing Company: HarperCollins Children's Books
Brief Summary: This book shows how each child sees themselves, and what they think makes them beautiful. Analogies are made as each child is compared to something like berries, toast, or sunshine. It shows the way they perceive themselves and the way they perceive beauty. Though they are all different, they all are beautiful in their own way.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I love this book because it is something that everyone can relate to. It is put into words that I think younger children will understand very easily because of the analogies and comparisons made. This would be a good book to read any day for any occasion. The illustrations are really great too.
Picture Book 5
Title: Rumpelstiltskin
Illustrator:Paul O. Zelinksy
Genre:Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Greediness, honor, honesty
Primary and Secondary Characters: Miller's daughter, the King, and Rumpelstiltskin
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott Award Winner 1997
Publishing Company: A Trumpet Club
Brief Summary: This book first starts out with the Miller lying to the King in attempt to impress him. He tells the King that his daughter is capable of spinning gold from straw. The king is impressed and goes to the Miller's daughter. She is in distress and Rumpelstiltskin makes a deal with her. She has to give something of hers to him and he will make the gold. The first two times, she gives him a necklace and a bracelet. Both the King and Rumpelstiltskin become more and more greedy. The third time, the King requests gold from straw and to marry the Miller's daughter. If she does not do this, she will not be able to live. She is worried because she has nothing left to give Rumpelstiltskin. He asks for her to give him her son when he arrives. She thinks that that is so far into the future and agrees. When the day comes and she has a son, she refuses to give him away. Rumpelstiltskin makes another agreement with her that if she can figure out his name, she can keep her son.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think this would be a great book to read to older students. I think they would enjoy the mystery behind it. It is pretty interesting, and I think they would be very involved with the reading process because of that.
Illustrator:Paul O. Zelinksy
Genre:Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Greediness, honor, honesty
Primary and Secondary Characters: Miller's daughter, the King, and Rumpelstiltskin
Award(s) date of publication: Caldecott Award Winner 1997
Publishing Company: A Trumpet Club
Brief Summary: This book first starts out with the Miller lying to the King in attempt to impress him. He tells the King that his daughter is capable of spinning gold from straw. The king is impressed and goes to the Miller's daughter. She is in distress and Rumpelstiltskin makes a deal with her. She has to give something of hers to him and he will make the gold. The first two times, she gives him a necklace and a bracelet. Both the King and Rumpelstiltskin become more and more greedy. The third time, the King requests gold from straw and to marry the Miller's daughter. If she does not do this, she will not be able to live. She is worried because she has nothing left to give Rumpelstiltskin. He asks for her to give him her son when he arrives. She thinks that that is so far into the future and agrees. When the day comes and she has a son, she refuses to give him away. Rumpelstiltskin makes another agreement with her that if she can figure out his name, she can keep her son.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I think this would be a great book to read to older students. I think they would enjoy the mystery behind it. It is pretty interesting, and I think they would be very involved with the reading process because of that.
Picture Book 4
Title: Mousetrap
Illustrator: Kathi Ember
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Caring
Primary and Secondary Characters: The boy and the mouse
Award(s) date of publication: 1194
Publishing Company: Scholastic
Brief Summary: A boy sees a mouse running through his living room. He is amused by the mouse as he intently watches it run across the room. He notices that the mouse is hungry and begins to fear for the mouse. The mouse is able to grab the cheese and escape from the trap. The boy is excited and very happy that the mouse is able to go free.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book for younger students. I think it would be good to introduce vocabulary and poetry just because it uses a lot of rhyme and onomatopoeia.
Illustrator: Kathi Ember
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Caring
Primary and Secondary Characters: The boy and the mouse
Award(s) date of publication: 1194
Publishing Company: Scholastic
Brief Summary: A boy sees a mouse running through his living room. He is amused by the mouse as he intently watches it run across the room. He notices that the mouse is hungry and begins to fear for the mouse. The mouse is able to grab the cheese and escape from the trap. The boy is excited and very happy that the mouse is able to go free.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book for younger students. I think it would be good to introduce vocabulary and poetry just because it uses a lot of rhyme and onomatopoeia.
Picture Book 3
Title: A River of Words
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Talent, Love of Nature, Responsibility
Primary and Secondary Characters: Willie Williams
Award(s) date of publication: 2008
Publishing Company: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Brief Summary: A River of Words is based on the true story of William Carlos Williams. He is unlike the other boys in his neighborhood because he does not like to play sports. His one true passion in life is nature. He loves being outside and seeing new things. In the book, there are pictures of him walking outside and lying by a river. When he gets older, he has to spend more and more time indoors at school. Though he rather spend his time outside, he decides to write about nature instead. Every chance he gets, he decides to write poetry. When he gets older, he wants to be financially successful, so he becomes a Doctor. Though he doesn't love his job, he decides to write about what he does instead. Throughout his life, he uses writing as an escape and as a way to focus on all the beauty that the world has to offer.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book to encourage students to write. When I am teaching, I would like to have journals for all of the students so that they may be able to express themselves, or write about what makes them happy. It is a great outlet and a very important skill. I think this is definitely for older students. At the beginning and ending of the book are poems by William Carlos Williams. I think students would enjoy reading these. The pictures are great, and I think the students will learn to appreciate poetry because of this book.
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre: Poetry
Theme: Talent, Love of Nature, Responsibility
Primary and Secondary Characters: Willie Williams
Award(s) date of publication: 2008
Publishing Company: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Brief Summary: A River of Words is based on the true story of William Carlos Williams. He is unlike the other boys in his neighborhood because he does not like to play sports. His one true passion in life is nature. He loves being outside and seeing new things. In the book, there are pictures of him walking outside and lying by a river. When he gets older, he has to spend more and more time indoors at school. Though he rather spend his time outside, he decides to write about nature instead. Every chance he gets, he decides to write poetry. When he gets older, he wants to be financially successful, so he becomes a Doctor. Though he doesn't love his job, he decides to write about what he does instead. Throughout his life, he uses writing as an escape and as a way to focus on all the beauty that the world has to offer.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: I would use this book to encourage students to write. When I am teaching, I would like to have journals for all of the students so that they may be able to express themselves, or write about what makes them happy. It is a great outlet and a very important skill. I think this is definitely for older students. At the beginning and ending of the book are poems by William Carlos Williams. I think students would enjoy reading these. The pictures are great, and I think the students will learn to appreciate poetry because of this book.
Picture Book 2
Title: Log Hotel
Illustrator: Debbie Pinkney
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Interdependence, Life cycle, Ecosystem
Primary and Secondary Characters: The tree and all of the organisms
Award(s) date of publication: 1994
Publishing Company: Scholastic Inc.
Brief Summary: This book is about a tree- it's life cycle and decomposition process. It is called Log Hotel because it provides a home for many organisms and animals. In the book, there are several pictures showing which organisms and animals live in the log at different times.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This would be helpful when doing a lesson over ecosystems and different relationships within an ecosystem like the one mentioned in the book. I think this book would help students make connections between plants and animals as far as how they work together.
Illustrator: Debbie Pinkney
Genre: Picture Book
Sub genre:
Theme: Interdependence, Life cycle, Ecosystem
Primary and Secondary Characters: The tree and all of the organisms
Award(s) date of publication: 1994
Publishing Company: Scholastic Inc.
Brief Summary: This book is about a tree- it's life cycle and decomposition process. It is called Log Hotel because it provides a home for many organisms and animals. In the book, there are several pictures showing which organisms and animals live in the log at different times.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This would be helpful when doing a lesson over ecosystems and different relationships within an ecosystem like the one mentioned in the book. I think this book would help students make connections between plants and animals as far as how they work together.
Picture Book 1
Title: The Remarkable Farkle McBride 
Illustrator: C.F. Payne
Genre: Picture book
Sub genre:
Theme: Talent, Interests, Music, and Leadership
Primary and Secondary Characters: Farkle McBride
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Publishing company: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
Brief Summary: Farkle McBride is a musical prodigy. He is very young and first starts out enjoying one instrument. Once he masters one, he becomes bored with it and begins to play more and more instruments. He experiences frustration because he can only enjoy instruments for so long before they are old to him. One day, the band conductor becomes very ill, and Farkle is asked to take over. Farkle McBride saves the day and finds his true passion as conductor.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This book is very entertaining and the pictures are cute/funny. I think this would work best during a lesson break or on a fun day. This book would really appeal to students who appreciate and enjoy playing music or listening to it. I think it sends a positive message to try to pursue dreams and possibly leadership roles. It's a great book, I had so much fun reading it, and I think students will love it as well.
Illustrator: C.F. Payne
Genre: Picture book
Sub genre:
Theme: Talent, Interests, Music, and Leadership
Primary and Secondary Characters: Farkle McBride
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Publishing company: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
Brief Summary: Farkle McBride is a musical prodigy. He is very young and first starts out enjoying one instrument. Once he masters one, he becomes bored with it and begins to play more and more instruments. He experiences frustration because he can only enjoy instruments for so long before they are old to him. One day, the band conductor becomes very ill, and Farkle is asked to take over. Farkle McBride saves the day and finds his true passion as conductor.
How it would be used in a classroom setting: This book is very entertaining and the pictures are cute/funny. I think this would work best during a lesson break or on a fun day. This book would really appeal to students who appreciate and enjoy playing music or listening to it. I think it sends a positive message to try to pursue dreams and possibly leadership roles. It's a great book, I had so much fun reading it, and I think students will love it as well.
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