Ch book 8

Title:Turtle in Paradise
Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre:Ch book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction/ Historical fiction
Theme: Good things can come from bad situations.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Turtle
Award(s) date of publication: Newbery Award
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Book
Brief Summary:During the depression, Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt in Florida. There, Turtle has to face different challenges. For example, one of the boys that lives there sets her cat's tail on fire. Though Turtle is faced with a variety of challenges, she is able to find the good in all of it. I thought this book was interesting because the events are so realistic.
Used in the Classroom: Because this is a longer chapter book, I would encourage upper grade levels (5-6) to read it. I think that this would give them a good idea of what the depression was like. That was the most important fact about this book to me. I think that this book could be used to introduce the depression and get the students familiar with different things that went on at that time. I think this book would be both interesting and educational because of the historical/realistic components.

Ch book 7

Title: Holes
Illustrator: Louis Sachar
Genre: Ch book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction/Fantasy
Themes: Friendships are important.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Stanley and Zero
Award(s); date of publication: Newberry, 1999
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary: When a young boy is wrongfully accused of stealing, he is sent to a camp in a desert- like area. He, along with the other boys, are forced to dig holes. While at camp, he and his new friend, zero find a way to escape. In the end, their lives change forever.
Used in the classroom:This would be a great story to read to the class. I think they would have a lot of fun with it. It has both elements of fiction and fantasy, but it's realistic fiction in some areas, so I think for that reason, a large number of students would like this. We could all read the book together, or I could read it aloud to all of the students.

Chapter book 6

Title: A Penny from Heaven
Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre:Chapter book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Memories even if in the form of material objects are still important.
Primary and Secondary Characters: Penny
Award(s) date of publication:
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary:Barbara, who goes by the name Penny, lives in New Jersey with her mom and grandparents. Her father died when she was younger and now she is trying to solve all of the unanswered questions. Because of this, she thinks about life and death a lot. She plans on living for a very long time, but she can't help to wonder. In my opinion, this isn't such a bad thing because if she weren't occupied with this, she would be getting into trouble with her cousin, Frankie.
Used in the classroom:I think this would be a good book for students who are going through the same thing. Students who aren't will still enjoy the book. There is a mystery element to it, even though it is not intended to be a mystery. Just the fact that there are unknowns makes this book interesting. It's heart-warming too. It's a longer chapter book, so I think this would be best for older students, maybe 5-6 grade.

Chapter book 5

Title: Oliver's Ocean
Illustrator: (Author)Kevin Henkes
Genre:Chapter book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Misfortunes make us rich in character.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Martha Boyle
Award(s) date of publication:
Publishing Company:
Brief Summary:This book starts off with Martha Boyle going to her Grandma's house, which is near the ocean. Throughout the entire trip she can't stop thinking about Olive. Olive was a girl that Martha didn't really know, but she would see her sometimes. One day, Olive is in a fatal car accident. Though Martha didn't talk to her, she wishes she did. She regrets not being able to have gotten to know her. This changes Martha and she begins to fear losing people that she is actually close with, like her Grandmother. Martha is faced with trials and challenges while she is at her Grandmothers, but she doesn't forget her main goal. She strives to be the best that she can be and make the most of her time with her family. In addition, through the different events that take place, she becomes more and more aware of the important things in life and feels like she has a greater sense of purpose because of the things she has been through.
Used in the Classroom: This would be a great book for students. I think that they could live vicariously through the character, which may instill a greater appreciation for life. I think students would enjoy reading this. I think that it would be really great for them to help them better understand and appreciate challenges and maybe view them in a more positive way.

Picture book 16

Title: Alison's Zinnia
Illustrator:Anita Lobel
Genre:Picture book
Sub Genre: Realistic Fiction
Theme:Flowers are beautiful and planting and taking care of them can be fun for everyone of all ages.
Primary and Secondary Characters:None
Award(s) date of publication: 1990
Brief Summary: This book uses every letter of the alphabet. For each one there is a flower that is mentioned. So for D, daffodils are used. There is not story really. For each letter, there is a new name and a new flower. So for D, it said Daisy planted daffodils. It continues on like this.
Used in the Classroom:I think that this would better suit younger children. It is a very simple book with a lot of pictures. The print is fairly large and there aren't many words for each page. The illustrations are really great. I think that students who, again, fell under the naturalistic learning style, they would appreciate this. I also think it is a great way to teach students about flowers and what they are called. This could help them build vocabulary and become familiar with the different flowers in nature.

Picture book 15

Title: Behold the Trees
Illustrator: Leonid Gore
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre: Non Fiction
Theme: Life and nature are beautiful. Trees give and support life.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication: 2000
Publishing Company: Scholastic Press
Brief Summary: This is all about trees. The book mentions a variety of trees and emphasizes the fact that trees support life. In the book, it says that trees give life. It is more informative than anything else.
Used in the Classroom: I think that this would really appeal to the students with naturalistic learners. I think that it would be good to include this book in the classroom. I like how the book expresses appreciation for nature. I think that this will be great in the classroom. I chose this book because of where I am wanting to teach. I think that if a teacher wants to instill or inspire students to have an appreciation for life and nature, they will be more likely to look at it in a new and respectful way. The illustrations of the book were a little dull for my taste. I am sure that this would appeal to some students, maybe. In addition, when addressing a certain subject like a particle topic in science, this might be a good introductory book.

Picture book 14

Title: David Goes to School
Illustrator:David Shannon
Genre: Picture book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme: Some students get in trouble more often than others. Every student is capable or doing good and deserving of praise.
Primary and Secondary Characters:David and the teacher might be considered a secondary character; however, the teacher does not have a name.
Award(s) date of publication:1999
Publishing Company: Blue Sky/Scholastic
Brief Summary:David is always getting in trouble. The teacher has to constantly remind him that his actions are less than acceptable. One day, David crosses the line and is asked to stay after school to clean the desks as his punishment. David works really hard to clean all of the desks and is then given a star for his accomplishment. As David leaves to go home, he has a huge smile on his face.
Used in the Classroom:I think most students are good at heart, they just need guidance. In David's case, he needs to put all of his energy to good use. I think any weakness can be made into a strength with enough effort and patience. I think that this would be a good book for students to read. If they get in trouble a lot, they will be able to relate to David and not feel as bad, possibly. In addition, I think that teachers should read this book as a reminder that students' behaviors need redirecting. All students are capable of doing extremely well, but it's important to know how to help them acquire those skills. For example, if a student is really talkative, instead of repeating no, no, no, it might be more helpful for the student to make him or her the news reporter. In addition, I think it would just be a fun book to read to the class. I love the illustrations too.

Picture Book 13

Title: Where on Earth Is My Bagel?
Illustrator: Grace Lin
Genre:Picture Book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme:If you want something, most of the time, it can be achieved, you just have to try. Persistence is important if you want something. When people come together, anything is possible, mostly.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Yum Yung
Award(s) date of publication: 2001
Publishing Company:Lee and Low Books
Brief Summary: Yum Yung, one day while sitting by a tree, thinks of a bagel he had in New York. He can't seem to get the idea out of his head. He decides to look all over the land for his bagel. He asks a farmer, a baker, and a beehive worker. They all are not sure what a bagel is, but they ask if what they have is a bagel. Yum Yung continuously replies, "no." One day, out of desperation, Yum Yung ties a letter to the foot of a bird asking a baker in New York if he knows where his bagel is. When Yum Yung least expects it, a miracle happens.
Used in the classroom: This is a fun book that will captivate students. I think they will all relate to wanting something and doing everything they could to make sure it happened. If not, it's just a cute, fun book to read. I love the ending, so I didn't want to give it away. It's so sweet. The illustrations are really great too. I think this book will really get students thinking as they ask themselves, "Where on earth is Yum Yung's Bagel?

Picture book 12

Title:Love to Mama
Illustrator:Paula S. Barragan M.
Genre:Picture
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme:Moms and Grandmothers are admirable and important figures in a girl's life.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication: 2001
Publishing Company:Lee and Low Books
Brief Summary:There are a variety of poems included in this book. They are all stories about mothers and grandmothers. It focuses on all of the positive and heroic-like qualities that these role models possess. I think it is a sweet book. My favorite poem is titled "Race." It is a young girl describing the strength and courage of her mother who rode horses back when women didn't have many rights. Another sweet poem I enjoyed was one titled "Palomita." This is a young girl describing her mother. She describes her sky blue skirt with birds, flowers, clouds, rain, and an image of the sun all beautifully embroidered on it. Her mother calls her daughter, Palomita, which means her little dove. These stories are kind of culture specific and some have Spanish included in them. This is such a great book and the stories are so sweet!
Used in the classroom: This would be a great book to show the students on Mother's Day specifically. I think it will show the students how words can be used to express appreciation, admiration, and other thoughts/feelings as well. I think students will be able to relate to this if they have a mother-figure in their life. I think this type of book would really be great for 5th grade students. I think they would enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Picture Book 11

Title: April Bubbles Chocolate
Illustrator:Barry Root
Genre:Picture Book
Sub Genre: Poetry
Theme: Poetry doesn't always have to rhyme. Sometimes it can just be for fun.
Primary and Secondary Characters: None
Award(s) date of publication:1994
Publishing Company:Simon and Schuster
Brief Summary:This book is a compilation of poems written by students and some anonymous authors. It follows the alphabet. So for each letter of the alphabet, there is a poem. For example, the first poem is titled "April." The student that wrote about this describes what it is is like. She describes green grass and the fact that her rain boots will be needed do to the rain. It's a really cute book. Every poem is different. "Bubbles" is another cute poem. In this, the student describes the life of a bubble. He says, the bubble was lucky to have held a rainbow in it for 30 seconds. All of the poems are so cute and well-written. I really enjoyed reading this.
Used in the Classroom: I could see this book being very useful in upper level classes. I think 5th graders would really enjoy this book. There are a variety of poems in the book. I think every student will find one that he or she really enjoys. I think it's a great example of poetry and would greatly help students understand what poetry is and in what ways they can use it. Some of the poems are serious and some are funny or goofy. I think that students will find a freedom in writing after being inspired by this book. Writing poetry is about expression, and this book does a great job of expressing and displaying that. In addition, it would be a great book for teachers to read. They can get ideas of ways to incorporate the use of poetry not just for writing subjects but for other topic areas as well.

Picture book 10

Title:My Mom Travels A Lot
Illustrator:Nancy Winslow Parker
Genre: Picture Book
Sub Genre:Realistic Fiction
Theme: There are good times and bad times. To every negative, there is always a positive.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Susie
Award(s) date of publication:1981
Publishing Company: Puffin Books
Brief Summary:Susie's Mom is always traveling. Although Susie really misses her Mom, she finds the good things in the situation, but her favorite part of her Mom traveling is when she comes home, which she always does.
Used in the classroom: I think that this would be a great addition to any classroom library. I think that students could really relate to this. If there are some students whose Mom is in the army and deployed, this would be a great book for them possibly. I think the book is warm and students will find it both comforting and entertaining at the same time. I really enjoyed this book, but I have to say...it was a little sad, so I think if a student were to read this, it would be better when his/her mom is at home and not away on a trip.

Picture Book 9

Title: Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth
Illustrator: Diane De Groat
Genre:Picture Book
Sub genre: Animal Fantasy
Theme: Good things come in time.
Primary and Secondary Characters:Little Rabbit, Mother Rabbit, and Father Rabbit
Award(s) date of publication:1975
Publication Company:Random House Company
Brief Summary:Little Rabbit has a loose tooth. She tries to convince her mom that all she can eat are soft foods like ice cream. Her mother tells her that she can eat hard stuff on the left side and soft stuff on the right side. One day when she is eating chocolate ice cream, her tooth falls out. She tries to think of ways to hold on to her tooth. She is told about the tooth fairy, but she isn't convinced that the tooth fairy will come to get her tooth.
Used in the classroom: This is a warm story and very fun to read. I think that students will enjoy reading this book. Depending on what age group it is presented to, students will be able to relate to Little Rabbit. I really enjoyed the illustrations and the moral of the story. I think this would be great to have in the classroom as an option for students.