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.