Picture Books
1.Wiil Waal
2. Viva Frida
3. Perfect Season for Dreaming
4. Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal
5. Hanukkah in Alaska
6. Sugar Moon- Luna de Azucar
7. Time Train
8. Jealousy
9. What Makes you a Superhero?
10. Joyful Noise
11. Weslandia
12. Birthday Tree
**The Giving Tree
**Move!
Written in the Last 4 Years
1.Hanukkah in Alaska
2. Viva Frida
3. March Book One
4. Sugar Moon- Luna de Azucar
5. Brown Girl Dreaming
6. Jealousy
**March Book Two
Graphic Novels
1. March Book One
2. March Book Two
3. Amelia Rules!
Early Chapter Books
1. Junie B. Jones is not the Flower Girl
2. Pirates Past Noon
Diverse Protagonist
1. Wiil Waal
2. Hanukkah in Alaska
3. Viva Frida
4. March Book One
5. Perfect Season for Dreaming
6. Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal
7. Sugar Moon- Luna de Azucar
8. Brown Girl Dreaming
9. A Long Walk to Water
10. Time Train
11. Junie B. Jones
12. Amelia Rocks!
13. Jealousy
14. What Makes You A Super Hero?
15, Weslandia
16. H.O.R.S.E
17. Rosa
18. March Book Two
Bilingual
1. Wiil Waal
2. Viva Frida
3. Perfect Season for Dreaming
4. Luna de Azucar- Sugar Moon
Middle School
1. March Book One
2. Brown Girl Dreaming
3. A long Walk to Water
4. Amelia Rules!
**March Book Two
Online
1. Hanukkah in Alaska
2. Luna de Azucar- Sugar Moon
3. Jealousy
4. What Makes You a Super Hero?
Friday, January 27, 2017
Move!- Robin Page
Move! is a children's picture book, written by Robin Page. This book focuses on different action verbs (move, jump, fly, hop) This book not only focuses on action verbs, but the students can actually stand up out of their chair and act out these verbs! This would be a nice way to start the day, or during a transition time.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story becasue it is a great book for teaching action verbs. It also allows students to get out of there seats and be active. My group used this book for our service learning projecting when talking about staying active.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, when I was able to do the actions in this book in class, it made me feel like I was in the book.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
She wanted to teacher students about action verbs, but also get students out of their seats, and engaging in the words.
Are the illustrations authentic?
Yes, the illustration are very authentic, they featured a diverse group of students dancing and doing the actions with the words.
Lexile Level: AD450L
Allusion: There are many allusions in the book with the action verbs, such as the word JUMP actually jumps across the page with the word.
Verbs: This book includes many action verbs!
Mini Lesson: For this mini lesson, I would have students get up and practice the action words with the book.
Page, Robin.Steve, Jenkins. (2006)
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story becasue it is a great book for teaching action verbs. It also allows students to get out of there seats and be active. My group used this book for our service learning projecting when talking about staying active.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, when I was able to do the actions in this book in class, it made me feel like I was in the book.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
She wanted to teacher students about action verbs, but also get students out of their seats, and engaging in the words.
Are the illustrations authentic?
Yes, the illustration are very authentic, they featured a diverse group of students dancing and doing the actions with the words.
Lexile Level: AD450L
Allusion: There are many allusions in the book with the action verbs, such as the word JUMP actually jumps across the page with the word.
Verbs: This book includes many action verbs!
Mini Lesson: For this mini lesson, I would have students get up and practice the action words with the book.
Page, Robin.Steve, Jenkins. (2006)
The Giving Tree- Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree, is one of my personal favorite children's book, written by Shel Silverstein.This book is about a boy and a tree. The tree does everything for the boy, so he can be happy. She gives up everything she has, her limbs, leaves, and branches, and is left just as a stump. At the end of the book, the boy comes back to visit her. She has nothing left to give, but a tree stump. However he sits on her stump, and the tree was happy.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story. The tree in this story is selfless. She does everything she can in order to help the boy. This book shows all the different stages of the boys life, and how the tree was there for him always with her unconditional love.
Is this story about something that could really happen?
The tree in the story talks and is personified. This element would not be something that could happen. However, there are scenarios like this book that happen. Sometimes people take too much from others and don't leave much for the other person. However, some people are also very selfless and giving like the tree.
Did the character seem real?
The boy and his life events feel real. Also, the trees love in the story feels real.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wants to tell readers not to take advantage of those you love. The boy takes everything the tree has becasue she wants to make him happy.
Lexile Level: 530L
Personification: The tree in this story is personified through out the book and talks to the boy. The tree is almost a motherly figure to the boy, in the way that she would do anything for him to make him happy.
Symbolism: The tree symbolizes selfless love. She would do anything for the boy.
Quotation marks: The book contains quotation marks when the tree speaks. This could be pointed out as a learning tool.
Mini Lesson: The students could respond to a reading response. Did this book make you happy or sad? Do you think the boy was thankful for the tree when he became older? What was the personality of the tree? etc..
Silverstein, Shel. (1964) The Giving Tree. Evil Eye Music Inc.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story. The tree in this story is selfless. She does everything she can in order to help the boy. This book shows all the different stages of the boys life, and how the tree was there for him always with her unconditional love.
Is this story about something that could really happen?
The tree in the story talks and is personified. This element would not be something that could happen. However, there are scenarios like this book that happen. Sometimes people take too much from others and don't leave much for the other person. However, some people are also very selfless and giving like the tree.
Did the character seem real?
The boy and his life events feel real. Also, the trees love in the story feels real.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wants to tell readers not to take advantage of those you love. The boy takes everything the tree has becasue she wants to make him happy.
Lexile Level: 530L
Personification: The tree in this story is personified through out the book and talks to the boy. The tree is almost a motherly figure to the boy, in the way that she would do anything for him to make him happy.
Symbolism: The tree symbolizes selfless love. She would do anything for the boy.
Quotation marks: The book contains quotation marks when the tree speaks. This could be pointed out as a learning tool.
Mini Lesson: The students could respond to a reading response. Did this book make you happy or sad? Do you think the boy was thankful for the tree when he became older? What was the personality of the tree? etc..
Silverstein, Shel. (1964) The Giving Tree. Evil Eye Music Inc.
Dance with Me- Charles Smith Jr.
Dance With Me, is an early children's book by Charles Smith Jr. This book is a wonderful book to get your students up and moving! It gives the students instructions on how to get up from there desk and move. Ex. "Twirl with me, tap your toes, and spin with me." I really enjoyed this book. My group and I used it in our service learning project, focusing on how to get students active.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I think that this a wonderful book to have in the classroom. It gets students up and moving. They do this by dancing! This is a great book for transition times during the day. It also is a great book when talking about staying fit and being active.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, the book is very interactive. Students are participating and following the actions during the book.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
He wants students to be active and love to dance!
Is this story about something that could really happen?
Yes, some students in the class also may really enjoy dancing and do it outside of school.
Lexile Level: not shown
(early elementary K-2)
Onomatopoeia: Click Clack! The author uses these sounds when tapping shoes together.
The book is set up like instructions. The author tells students to dance with him and students can follow along.
Mini Lesson: This book can go along with a unit about staying active. This book would be read to the class to get them engaged and active.
Charles, Smith.Jones, Noah (Illustrator) (2008) Dance with Me. Candelwick Press.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I think that this a wonderful book to have in the classroom. It gets students up and moving. They do this by dancing! This is a great book for transition times during the day. It also is a great book when talking about staying fit and being active.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, the book is very interactive. Students are participating and following the actions during the book.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
He wants students to be active and love to dance!
Is this story about something that could really happen?
Yes, some students in the class also may really enjoy dancing and do it outside of school.
Lexile Level: not shown
(early elementary K-2)
Onomatopoeia: Click Clack! The author uses these sounds when tapping shoes together.
The book is set up like instructions. The author tells students to dance with him and students can follow along.
Mini Lesson: This book can go along with a unit about staying active. This book would be read to the class to get them engaged and active.
Charles, Smith.Jones, Noah (Illustrator) (2008) Dance with Me. Candelwick Press.
March Book Two- John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
March Book Two, is a graphic novel written by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. This book follows after March Book One graphic novel. This novel talks about historical events in the Civil Rights Movement. This book takes you through different people's experiences in this era, and focuses on the injustices that people went through.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this graphic novel becasue it talks about a very important time in history, but does it in a way that kids will really enjoy reading it. The book looks similar to a comic book, yet contains extremely important content.
Is the story about something that could really happen?
This book does reflect past experiences that have happened in the Civil Rights Movement.
How did the characters in the story grow?
The characters in this book grow by standing up for what is right, and not allowing others to control them.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
Yes, this book transcends many stereotypes about African Americans. However, they prove why these stereotypes are invalid.
Lexile Level: GN850L
Ages 14 to 17.
Allegory: Working hard, and fighting for what you believe in will bring you success.
Onomatopoeia: "Whap! Thump! Whump!" These are some of the sounds the book states when a group of people are getting beat up.
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows that after Obama is inaugurated as president that African Americans hard work for fighting for their rights has finally paid off.
Mini Lesson: I would use this graphic novel in my classroom to compare other books in the Civil Rights Movement and to right a paper on some of the different experiences people had during this era. (Rosa would be another book students would read in conjunction to this)
Lewis, John. Aydin, Andrew. Powell, Nate. (2015) March Book Two. Top Shelf Productions.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this graphic novel becasue it talks about a very important time in history, but does it in a way that kids will really enjoy reading it. The book looks similar to a comic book, yet contains extremely important content.
Is the story about something that could really happen?
This book does reflect past experiences that have happened in the Civil Rights Movement.
How did the characters in the story grow?
The characters in this book grow by standing up for what is right, and not allowing others to control them.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
Yes, this book transcends many stereotypes about African Americans. However, they prove why these stereotypes are invalid.
Lexile Level: GN850L
Ages 14 to 17.
Allegory: Working hard, and fighting for what you believe in will bring you success.
Onomatopoeia: "Whap! Thump! Whump!" These are some of the sounds the book states when a group of people are getting beat up.
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows that after Obama is inaugurated as president that African Americans hard work for fighting for their rights has finally paid off.
Mini Lesson: I would use this graphic novel in my classroom to compare other books in the Civil Rights Movement and to right a paper on some of the different experiences people had during this era. (Rosa would be another book students would read in conjunction to this)
Lewis, John. Aydin, Andrew. Powell, Nate. (2015) March Book Two. Top Shelf Productions.
Rosa- Nikki Giovanni
Rosa, is a wonderful picture book about Rosa Parks, written by Nikki Giovanni. This book reveals the story about Rosa's childhood and family. It also explains the event that Rosa is known for, which is not giving up her seat on the bus becasue she is black. This is a wonderful book and tells Rosa's story beautifully, also in a way that is easy for students to read. It also talks about the foundations that Rosa started and her ongoing legacy.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoyed this story becasue it is a true story and addresses an important era of history that students should be very aware of.
Is the story about something that could really happen?
This story is written about a real person in history. Also, the events that happen in this story are true facts about Rosa and her experiences.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wants to tell readers it is not okay to judge somebody by the color of their skin. The author also wanted to tell readers about Rosa Parks and her experiences, becasue she is an extremely important person during civil rights era. Also, this story tells readers to always stick up for themselves and what they believe in.
Did the main character seem real?
The main character is real and is very known for not giving up her seat on the bus.
Lexile level: 900L
Foreshadowing: This story is very popular in history. The book drops hints that Rosa would say no if someone asked her to give up her seat.
Simile: The author uses a simile when describing how Rosa sews. "The needle and thread flew through her hands like the gold spinning from Rumpelstiltskin's loom."
Allusion: The illustrations in this story show the readers a story along with the writing.
Mini Lesson: I would incorporate this book along with other books on a unit on the Civil Rights Movement. This would be one of the books students would need to tie in with their writing piece comparing people's different experiences during this time.
Giovanni, Nikki. Collier, Bryan. (2005) Rosa, Henry Holt and Company.
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoyed this story becasue it is a true story and addresses an important era of history that students should be very aware of.
Is the story about something that could really happen?
This story is written about a real person in history. Also, the events that happen in this story are true facts about Rosa and her experiences.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wants to tell readers it is not okay to judge somebody by the color of their skin. The author also wanted to tell readers about Rosa Parks and her experiences, becasue she is an extremely important person during civil rights era. Also, this story tells readers to always stick up for themselves and what they believe in.
Did the main character seem real?
The main character is real and is very known for not giving up her seat on the bus.
Lexile level: 900L
Foreshadowing: This story is very popular in history. The book drops hints that Rosa would say no if someone asked her to give up her seat.
Simile: The author uses a simile when describing how Rosa sews. "The needle and thread flew through her hands like the gold spinning from Rumpelstiltskin's loom."
Allusion: The illustrations in this story show the readers a story along with the writing.
Mini Lesson: I would incorporate this book along with other books on a unit on the Civil Rights Movement. This would be one of the books students would need to tie in with their writing piece comparing people's different experiences during this time.
Giovanni, Nikki. Collier, Bryan. (2005) Rosa, Henry Holt and Company.
H.o.r.s.e - Christopher Meyers
H.o.r.s.e. is an awesome picture book written by Christopher Meyers. This book tells a story of a boy and girl who challenge each other to play the game H.o.r.s.e on the basketball court. However, the two kids are so worried about beating each other, that they don't even begin to play the game at all in this story.
Is this a good story?
I became very frustrated with this book becasue they actually never began playing basketball. However, it served a good purpose. It showed that sometimes we are so concerned about being better than someone that we miss out.
Is the story something that could really happen?
In the story the boy says, "I will shoot from over the ocean, past Europe, over Africa and Asia, back through North America, one jump clear around the world." These moments in the story would not be something that could truly happen. However, a situation like the one in this story (trying to out do someone else) is something that can happen with students.
Did the characters seem real?
The character's seem very real. They appear to be typical students playing basketball and want to be deemed as the better player.
What did the author want to tell me in this story?
The author wanted to tell readers that if there to busy trying to out do someone else, they may miss out on opportunities.
Lexile Level: AD605L
Allusion- The text on the book swirls and bounces along with the pictures, it shows the reader the motion of the ball as it goes into the hoop.
Imagination: Imagination is a big theme through out the book. Both characters use their imagination when coming up with the ways they will shoot the basketball, that will make them better. (such as going on the top of the sears tower and throwing a basketball from up there)
Analogy- In the beginning of the story, the girl says the game is called H.O.R.S.E but the boy says it's named ghost. They both agree that it is the same game, and continue to play.
Mini Lesson: I think a great mini lesson for this book would be for students to design an allusion with words similar to the ones in the book. For an example, they could right a poem about the wavy lake, and have words going up and down in the motion of a wave.
Meyers, Christopher. (2012) H.O.R.S.E, Egmont.
Is this a good story?
I became very frustrated with this book becasue they actually never began playing basketball. However, it served a good purpose. It showed that sometimes we are so concerned about being better than someone that we miss out.
Is the story something that could really happen?
In the story the boy says, "I will shoot from over the ocean, past Europe, over Africa and Asia, back through North America, one jump clear around the world." These moments in the story would not be something that could truly happen. However, a situation like the one in this story (trying to out do someone else) is something that can happen with students.
Did the characters seem real?
The character's seem very real. They appear to be typical students playing basketball and want to be deemed as the better player.
What did the author want to tell me in this story?
The author wanted to tell readers that if there to busy trying to out do someone else, they may miss out on opportunities.
Lexile Level: AD605L
Allusion- The text on the book swirls and bounces along with the pictures, it shows the reader the motion of the ball as it goes into the hoop.
Imagination: Imagination is a big theme through out the book. Both characters use their imagination when coming up with the ways they will shoot the basketball, that will make them better. (such as going on the top of the sears tower and throwing a basketball from up there)
Analogy- In the beginning of the story, the girl says the game is called H.O.R.S.E but the boy says it's named ghost. They both agree that it is the same game, and continue to play.
Mini Lesson: I think a great mini lesson for this book would be for students to design an allusion with words similar to the ones in the book. For an example, they could right a poem about the wavy lake, and have words going up and down in the motion of a wave.
Meyers, Christopher. (2012) H.O.R.S.E, Egmont.
Weslandia- Paul Fleischman
The book's bio, lexile level, and mini lesson is provided in the video.
Was this a good story?
I really liked this story becasue of the message it sent. The moral of this story is that if you have a great idea and want to start something of your own, that you should do it. Despite what other people think of you.
Is the story something I think could really happen?
In the story Wesley grows this plant, that turns into a whole new civilaization. I dont know how likely that is to happen. However, students can have ideas to grow plants and create new things.
How did the main character grow in the story?
The main character, Wesley, started as a boy who everyone found weird. He was the outcast at school. However, when he created Weslandia people were paying to get in, and everyone wanted to be Wesely's friend and a part of Weslandia.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
I believe he wanted to tell his readers that if they have a good idea and want to create something that should go for it, and not care what others think of you.
Foreshadowing: The story gives hints as the beginning of the text that Wesley will create something bigger then just one plant, and that it will grow into something much bigger than that.
Fleischman, Paul. Hawkes, Kevin (1999) Weslandia, Candlewick Press
Birthday Tree- Paul Fleischman
The video contains the book's bio, lexile level, and mini lesson.
Was this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoyed this story. I think this book would be excellent for students when we are talking about symbolism.
Did the main character overcome the problem?
Yes, he survived the sea. The tree flourished and bloomed, and the boy returned home safe and sound.
Is the plot believeable?
People have many things important to them that serve as symbols. (lockets, quilts, blankets, etc.)
However, they would not be doing the same actions. Such as the boy is sick, the tree gets "sick" leaves fall and bark molds.
Are the illustations authentic?
Yes, this book is authentic. It has beautiful illustations and colors through out the book.
Foreshadowing: In this book, it forshadows that the youngest child will too, set out for sea. The book forshadows this by explaining that all the other sons did this, and that all the sons thought it was there duty to set out for sea.
Symbolism: This book contains symbolism throughout the book becasue the tree symbolizes the familys youngest son, whatever happens to him will also happen to the tree.
Similie: "As bright as the sun."
Fleischman, Paul. Sewall, Marica. (Illustator) (1979) Birthday Tree
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Joyful Noise- Poem for Two Voices -Paul Fleichman
Was this a good story?
I thought this was a wonderful book. This book is constructed of different poems about insects. The poems are meant to be read by two people at the same time. I think students would really enjoy that aspect and could take turns volunteering reading a section of the book in front of the class with the teacher.
Did the language in the book sound natural?
Most students would say that this book does not sound natural, becasue most of them have not read a book with two voices being read at the same time. It may sound unnatural to them when a person is talking over another. However, once they become more familiar with this style of writing, it will make more sense to the students.
Are the factual details accurate?
Yes, the details in the book state facts about different insects that are true facts.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
The author wanted to educate students about different insects, however doing it in a way to introduce them to poems with two voices.
Lexile level: Not shown
An element of the story is that the author uses poems for two voices to write about different insects.
Simile: The author uses a simile when explaining the size of a specific insect. "As small as a grain of rice."
Onomatopoeia: The author uses words like Cricket!Cricket!
What Makes you a Super Hero?- Danika Gordon
What Makes you a Super Hero, is a online picture book written by a middle school student, Danika Gordon. This is a wonderful book that explains the qualities of a real super hero, and how you can be one. It talks about traits like being trustworthy, respectful, fair. etc. In this online book, the child is actual able to insert their name in the book so they can become the hero in the story. This book allows students to self reflect.
Was this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoyed this book becasue of the traits they explained that made up a hero. (Not superpowers and magic, but kindness and respect)
Did the main character overcome the problem?
Yes, becasue he was able to become a hero after understanding the traits that make up a super hero.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
She wanted to tell readers that anyone can be a hero. If someone is kind to others, and is respectful they too, can be a hero.
Did the characters fit the setting?
Yes, the characters fit the setting. I really enjoyed it showed many different types of people and how they were heroes. Also, it was great that students had the option of typing in their own name.
Lexile level: not shown
Mini Lesson: I would have students create a poster on themselves, and explain how they are a hero in general, and some of the qualities they have that make them a hero. OR they can create their poster on something they personally did for someone else, that they found heroic. If students do not want to talk about themselves, they can create a poster on someone who they find a hero.
Gordon, Danika. (2016) What Makes you a Super Hero, Story Jumper.
Was this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoyed this book becasue of the traits they explained that made up a hero. (Not superpowers and magic, but kindness and respect)
Did the main character overcome the problem?
Yes, becasue he was able to become a hero after understanding the traits that make up a super hero.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
She wanted to tell readers that anyone can be a hero. If someone is kind to others, and is respectful they too, can be a hero.
Did the characters fit the setting?
Yes, the characters fit the setting. I really enjoyed it showed many different types of people and how they were heroes. Also, it was great that students had the option of typing in their own name.
Lexile level: not shown
Mini Lesson: I would have students create a poster on themselves, and explain how they are a hero in general, and some of the qualities they have that make them a hero. OR they can create their poster on something they personally did for someone else, that they found heroic. If students do not want to talk about themselves, they can create a poster on someone who they find a hero.
Gordon, Danika. (2016) What Makes you a Super Hero, Story Jumper.
Jealousy-Terry W. Foster
Jealousy, is an online picture book written by Terry Foster, and illustrated by Brody Bellon. This is a wonderful simple book on the friendship between two young girls, Corina and Kasey. They are best friend's who both love the color blue. There parents throw them a surprise party with all blue decorations. Corina gets a wonderful blue dress. Kasey is jealous and spills a drink all over it, which ruins the dress. Then Kasey gets a pair of blue sparkly shoes and Corina gets jealous and spills cake on it. The two girls then open the gifts they got each other which had both the opposite of what they received. Corina and Kasey would have both received the dress and shoes. However, they were too jealous before they could realize this. Corina and Kasey realize that they should never let jealousy get in the way of their friendship. This is an awesome book to use in the classroom with younger kids when focusing on different emotions and talking about friendship.
Was this a good book?
I really enjoyed this book, becasue it was simple yet brought up a powerful emotion that most students experience time to time. It is a great book to read when exploring diffrent emotions.
Is the story something that could really happen?
Yes, this book is something that happens all the time, even with adults. Jealousy is an emotion everyone experienences at least once in thier life. It is easy to become jealous of what others have. The book explains this in a great way, and shows kids it it not worth losing a friendship over.
Did the main character overcome the problem?
Yes, the two girls apologized to eachother and told one another they would not let jealousy take over their friendship.
Did the characters seem real?
Yes, the characters seem very real. In fact, the book was dedicated to a Corina from a mother. The same story most likely happened, if not something very similar.
Lexile level (Not shown)
Foreshadowing: In the book, it foreshadows that Corina and Kasey will recieve a gift from eachother, since they were shopping for eachother birthday gift in the beginning of the story.
Quotations: I would explain to the students why sentences have quotation marks throughout the story.
Similie: Ex. "As blue as the sky."
Mini lesson: I wouls use this book along with others to do a project on diffrent emotions. All students can work in partners. They will each recieve one emotion that they have to become an expert on explaining and giving examples. This could be one of the emotions they would study.
Foster, Terry. (2017) Jealousy, Story Jumper.
Was this a good book?
I really enjoyed this book, becasue it was simple yet brought up a powerful emotion that most students experience time to time. It is a great book to read when exploring diffrent emotions.
Is the story something that could really happen?
Yes, this book is something that happens all the time, even with adults. Jealousy is an emotion everyone experienences at least once in thier life. It is easy to become jealous of what others have. The book explains this in a great way, and shows kids it it not worth losing a friendship over.
Did the main character overcome the problem?
Yes, the two girls apologized to eachother and told one another they would not let jealousy take over their friendship.
Did the characters seem real?
Yes, the characters seem very real. In fact, the book was dedicated to a Corina from a mother. The same story most likely happened, if not something very similar.
Lexile level (Not shown)
Foreshadowing: In the book, it foreshadows that Corina and Kasey will recieve a gift from eachother, since they were shopping for eachother birthday gift in the beginning of the story.
Quotations: I would explain to the students why sentences have quotation marks throughout the story.
Similie: Ex. "As blue as the sky."
Mini lesson: I wouls use this book along with others to do a project on diffrent emotions. All students can work in partners. They will each recieve one emotion that they have to become an expert on explaining and giving examples. This could be one of the emotions they would study.
Foster, Terry. (2017) Jealousy, Story Jumper.
Pirates Past Noon- Mary Pope Osborne
Pirates Past Noon, is an early chapter book written by Mary Pope Osborne. This book takes the reader through an adventure with pirates. It all starts with two kids, Jack and Annie, in their magic tree house. They find a book with a picture cover of an island and parrot on it. Annie wishes to go visit that place in the book, so the kids use magic to transport themselves to the island. They find that they were transported in the book Pirates of the Caribbean. The pirates were not nice or happy and demanded Annie and Jack help them find their treasure. When Annie and Jack refuse, the pirates tie them up on their ship. Annie eventually is able to use her magic to transport back to the tree house.
Was this a good book?
Yes, I could see elementary students really enjoying this book because their are pirates and magic through out the book. The book allows children to have an imagination and pretend they are in the story witnessing the same things.
How did the characters grow in the story?
Annie and Jack were able to find their way and collaborate together to use magic to break free from the pirates and return safely back to the tree house.
Did the characters fit in the setting?
Yes, I thought they fit well in the setting becasue they are both two children who play in a tree house and love to read. Kids have great imaginations and I could see young students having the same imagination when reading books.( That they wish they were in the actual story.)
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, this story made me feel like I too, transformed in the book and went with them inside the book Pirates of the Caribbean.
Lexile Level: 290L
Onomatopoeia: In this book, the parrot shouts SQUAWK!!
Personification: On page 10 the parrot squawked "Too late!"
Onomatopoeia: In this book, the pirates say AGHHH!
Mini Lesson: For a mini lesson, I would have students bring in their favorite book, and present to the class why they wish they could transport inside the book. (What makes this book special? What would you do if you were the main character in the book? What makes you wish you were in the story?)
Osborne, Mary. (1994) Pirates Past Noon, Scholastic Inc.
Was this a good book?
Yes, I could see elementary students really enjoying this book because their are pirates and magic through out the book. The book allows children to have an imagination and pretend they are in the story witnessing the same things.
How did the characters grow in the story?
Annie and Jack were able to find their way and collaborate together to use magic to break free from the pirates and return safely back to the tree house.
Did the characters fit in the setting?
Yes, I thought they fit well in the setting becasue they are both two children who play in a tree house and love to read. Kids have great imaginations and I could see young students having the same imagination when reading books.( That they wish they were in the actual story.)
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, this story made me feel like I too, transformed in the book and went with them inside the book Pirates of the Caribbean.
Lexile Level: 290L
Onomatopoeia: In this book, the parrot shouts SQUAWK!!
Personification: On page 10 the parrot squawked "Too late!"
Onomatopoeia: In this book, the pirates say AGHHH!
Mini Lesson: For a mini lesson, I would have students bring in their favorite book, and present to the class why they wish they could transport inside the book. (What makes this book special? What would you do if you were the main character in the book? What makes you wish you were in the story?)
Osborne, Mary. (1994) Pirates Past Noon, Scholastic Inc.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Amelia Rules! The World's Crazy-Jimmy Gownley
Amelia Rules! The World is Crazy, is a graphic novel written by Jimmy Gownley. This graphic design novel is about a girl named Amelia whose parents get divorced, and she has to move to a new small town. She does not know anyone, however she starts to meet unique new friends. A group of kids from diffrent personalities become great friends.
Is this a good book?
Yes, I think students would enjoy this book becasue it is set up like comic strips. The story has a great moral, which is to don't be afraid to meet new friends, even when they are different from you.
Did the main character overcome a problem?
Yes, the main character conquers her problem about being lonely and having no friends in her new town. She now has a great group of friends.
Did I feel like I was in the same time and place?
The book was very relateable, in the way that sometimes its hard starting fresh in a new place.
Did the character seem real?
Yes, she was very relateable and would be for middle schoolers.
Lexile Level: GN520L (Ages 8 to 12)
Allegory: Being mean and cruel like Rhonda is not as rewarding as being a nice person.
Onomatopoeia: This graphic novel uses words like SLAM SLAM STOMP!
Simile: Rhonda says to Amelia, "You smell like butt!"
ion
Mini Lesson: Writing response- Have you ever been new in a situation? new school? new team? How did you feel? What did you think? (will right about and share with class if comfortable)
Is this a good book?
Yes, I think students would enjoy this book becasue it is set up like comic strips. The story has a great moral, which is to don't be afraid to meet new friends, even when they are different from you.
Did the main character overcome a problem?
Yes, the main character conquers her problem about being lonely and having no friends in her new town. She now has a great group of friends.
Did I feel like I was in the same time and place?
The book was very relateable, in the way that sometimes its hard starting fresh in a new place.
Did the character seem real?
Yes, she was very relateable and would be for middle schoolers.
Lexile Level: GN520L (Ages 8 to 12)
Allegory: Being mean and cruel like Rhonda is not as rewarding as being a nice person.
Onomatopoeia: This graphic novel uses words like SLAM SLAM STOMP!
Simile: Rhonda says to Amelia, "You smell like butt!"
ion
Mini Lesson: Writing response- Have you ever been new in a situation? new school? new team? How did you feel? What did you think? (will right about and share with class if comfortable)
Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl- Barbara Park
Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl, is an early chapter book written by Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones is always treated like a child. She thought she could prove that she was grown up in her aunts wedding, as the flower girl. However, Junie B. find out she was not chosen to be the flower girl. Bo, her Aunt Flo's youngest niece is the flower girl instead. Junie B. is angry at first, but then realizes Bo wants the same things as Junie. B. They are both tired of being the youngest.
Was this a good story?
I really enjoyed this book becasue it teaches children to see other peoples point of view, and also why it is important to be a good friend.
Is this story something that could really happen?
Yes, and I am sure it has happened many times before. This story is very realistic and easy for children to relate to.
What was the theme?
The theme of the story was to understand other peoples point of view, and to understand some people have the same feelings as you.
How did the characters in the story grow?
Junie B. grew by befriending Bo, and being more understanding.
Lexile Level: 380L Ages 6 to 8
Simile: "I am big like a giant lady". Junie compares herself to a giant lady.
Personification: Junies teddy bear was talking to her, telling her "Don't feel bad." when she was upset in her room.
Onomatopoeia: When Junie. B's mom was eating the cookie, she said "Mmmmm"
Mini Lesson: For this lesson, I would have students respond to the writing prompt, "Was there ever a time where you felt you were being treated like a baby? How did you prove to your guardians you were capable of handling a situation?"
Parks, Barbara. (1999). Junie B. Jones is (Almost) a Flower Girl. Random House Children's Books.
Was this a good story?
I really enjoyed this book becasue it teaches children to see other peoples point of view, and also why it is important to be a good friend.
Is this story something that could really happen?
Yes, and I am sure it has happened many times before. This story is very realistic and easy for children to relate to.
What was the theme?
The theme of the story was to understand other peoples point of view, and to understand some people have the same feelings as you.
How did the characters in the story grow?
Junie B. grew by befriending Bo, and being more understanding.
Lexile Level: 380L Ages 6 to 8
Simile: "I am big like a giant lady". Junie compares herself to a giant lady.
Personification: Junies teddy bear was talking to her, telling her "Don't feel bad." when she was upset in her room.
Onomatopoeia: When Junie. B's mom was eating the cookie, she said "Mmmmm"
Mini Lesson: For this lesson, I would have students respond to the writing prompt, "Was there ever a time where you felt you were being treated like a baby? How did you prove to your guardians you were capable of handling a situation?"
Parks, Barbara. (1999). Junie B. Jones is (Almost) a Flower Girl. Random House Children's Books.
Time Train-Paul Fleischman
Was this a good story?
Yes, this is a very good story. It would be a great book to read to your students before taking a trip to the museum.
Is this a story about something I think could really happen?
This story could not truly happen (one can not go back in time.) However, the events in the story really happened.
Do the characters seem real?
Yes, they seem like ordinary students going on a class field trip.
Are the factual and historical details accurate?
Yes, the prehistoric time periods represented in the story are accurate.
Foreshadow: The beginning of the story foreshadows that they will see dinosaurs by the end of their train ride.
Fleishman, Paul. Ewart, Claire (1991) Time Train.
A Long Walk to Water- Linda Sue Park
A Long Walk to Water, is a wonderful chapter book written by Linda Sue Park. This book focuses on two different stories throughout the whole book. One of the story's is about a little girl named Nya, who travels to get fresh drinking water for her family everyday. The water is almost a day away walking distance. The other story is about a boy named Salva who is separated from his family during war in Sudan, He becomes one of the lost boys, who continues to travel north to escape the war. He ends up getting taking in from a family New York. He then gets an email from a family member that his family is alive. He then goes back to Sudan and sees his father. He then goes back to New York and comes up with an organzation to bring fresh drinking water to Sudan. These stories end up tying together when Salva build a well for fresh drinking water in Nya's village, even though they are from different tribes.
Was this a good story?
I loved this story. If I teach 5th grade or up, I will definitely be using this book in my class. I really like the concept of hope in this story. Although, most students will not be able to relate to the same experiences, they may have experiences similar to these ones. I think they too, would find this very interesting.
What did the author try to tell you in this story?
One most have hope to get through such hard obstacles.
Is the culture accurately portrayed?
Yes, the cultures in this book are accurately portrayed.
How did a character grow in the story?
Salva grows in the story from a little boy to a man who leads over a 1000 other men.
Lexile level: 720L (ages 10-12)
Onomatopoeia: The author uses words like crunch! splash!
Simile: On page 8, she uses a simile to describe a bomb dropping jet. The novel says " overhead, a jet plane veered away like a sleek evil bird," (8). The comparison is quite accurate considering the attacks were a surprise to everyone. The jets would drop bombs that destroyed the villages then move on to the next. The jets were very sleek and evil.
Metaphor: This whole book is a metaphor in the way that "walking" is journeying
Park, Linda. A Long Walk to Water (2010) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Was this a good story?
I loved this story. If I teach 5th grade or up, I will definitely be using this book in my class. I really like the concept of hope in this story. Although, most students will not be able to relate to the same experiences, they may have experiences similar to these ones. I think they too, would find this very interesting.
What did the author try to tell you in this story?
One most have hope to get through such hard obstacles.
Is the culture accurately portrayed?
Yes, the cultures in this book are accurately portrayed.
How did a character grow in the story?
Salva grows in the story from a little boy to a man who leads over a 1000 other men.
Lexile level: 720L (ages 10-12)
Onomatopoeia: The author uses words like crunch! splash!
Simile: On page 8, she uses a simile to describe a bomb dropping jet. The novel says " overhead, a jet plane veered away like a sleek evil bird," (8). The comparison is quite accurate considering the attacks were a surprise to everyone. The jets would drop bombs that destroyed the villages then move on to the next. The jets were very sleek and evil.
Metaphor: This whole book is a metaphor in the way that "walking" is journeying
Park, Linda. A Long Walk to Water (2010) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Brown Girl Dreaming- Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming, is a wonderful chapter poetry book written by Jacqueline Woodson. This book tells a story of a girl who moves to the south back where her mother is from. She then starts to discover the ways of the south, while living with her grandparents. They then move to New York for a better life, however end up returning to the south, where they call home.
Was this a good book?
I really enjoyed this book. I love how this book uses free verse poetry through out. This would be a great book to use in middle school. This is a great book to introduce poetry and the content if offers.
How did the characters in the story grow?
All charcters in the story grow at some point. They all find what is important to them, at that is home. (The south)
Does the author aviod sterotypes?
In the story, many stereotypes come up about African Americans in the south, however they counteract these sterotypes and explain why they are innacurate.
Is the story about something I think could really happen?
Yes, there were many familys in the south going through these issues, and trying to move from the south for a better life.
Lexile level: 990L (children 10-14)
Foreshadowing: In the beginning of the book there are suggestions that the family will end up in the south, by the comments the mother makes, and when the dad leaves them.
Metaphor: The author uses metaphors throughout the text, Ex. "the weight of our grandparents' love is a blanket with us beneath it, safe and warm."
Similie: The author uses similies throughout the text. "My grandmother tells us all this
as we sit at her feet, each story like a photograph
we can look right into.
Mini lesson: I would incorpoarte this book while working with a unit on civil rights. I think this is a great book that children can learn from, while also learning more about poetry. There assesmment would be comparing this text with others experiences during this time era.
Woodson, Jacqueline.Brown Girl Dreaming (2014) New York Times.
Was this a good book?
I really enjoyed this book. I love how this book uses free verse poetry through out. This would be a great book to use in middle school. This is a great book to introduce poetry and the content if offers.
How did the characters in the story grow?
All charcters in the story grow at some point. They all find what is important to them, at that is home. (The south)
Does the author aviod sterotypes?
In the story, many stereotypes come up about African Americans in the south, however they counteract these sterotypes and explain why they are innacurate.
Is the story about something I think could really happen?
Yes, there were many familys in the south going through these issues, and trying to move from the south for a better life.
Lexile level: 990L (children 10-14)
Foreshadowing: In the beginning of the book there are suggestions that the family will end up in the south, by the comments the mother makes, and when the dad leaves them.
Metaphor: The author uses metaphors throughout the text, Ex. "the weight of our grandparents' love is a blanket with us beneath it, safe and warm."
Similie: The author uses similies throughout the text. "My grandmother tells us all this
as we sit at her feet, each story like a photograph
we can look right into.
Mini lesson: I would incorpoarte this book while working with a unit on civil rights. I think this is a great book that children can learn from, while also learning more about poetry. There assesmment would be comparing this text with others experiences during this time era.
Woodson, Jacqueline.Brown Girl Dreaming (2014) New York Times.
Sugar Moon (Luna de Azucar)- María Cristina Moro
Sugar Moon or Luna de Azucar is a bilingual online book written by María Cristina Moro. This book is written in English and Spanish on each page. This story focuses on a family with two kids who do not want to eat healthy food. They wish there vegetables and fruit would disappear off there kitchen table.They then get the idea to build a rocket and fly to "sugar moon". Sugar moon is a place where all kids can have candy and sweets all the time.
Is this a good book?
I really enjoy that this book is bilingual. However, I wish the story was written in Spanish first and then English instead of the other way around. I think that students would really enjoy this book and be able to relate to it.
Did the language throughout the book sound natural?
Yes, both languages in the book flowed nicely. It was not choppy. It sounded like a "typical" conversation parents and kids would have during dinner time.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, when reading this story I thought about when I was a kid and had these same type of silly conversations and ideas, such as wishing I could eat candy all the time.
Are the illustrations authentic and nonstereotypical?
Yes, the illustrations are well made and non stereotypical.
Lexile: not shown
Onomatopoeia: This book uses words like POOF!
Bilingual: This book is bilingual, written in Spanish and English
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows that after the kids make a rocket they will travel to sugar moon.
Mini Lesson: This book would be great for students to work with when talking about nutrition. Or students can write a reading response about where and how they would travel for the favorite candy.
Moro, Maria. Moro, Monica (Illustrator) (2013) Monarca Press.
Is this a good book?
I really enjoy that this book is bilingual. However, I wish the story was written in Spanish first and then English instead of the other way around. I think that students would really enjoy this book and be able to relate to it.
Did the language throughout the book sound natural?
Yes, both languages in the book flowed nicely. It was not choppy. It sounded like a "typical" conversation parents and kids would have during dinner time.
Did I feel like I was in that time and place?
Yes, when reading this story I thought about when I was a kid and had these same type of silly conversations and ideas, such as wishing I could eat candy all the time.
Are the illustrations authentic and nonstereotypical?
Yes, the illustrations are well made and non stereotypical.
Lexile: not shown
Onomatopoeia: This book uses words like POOF!
Bilingual: This book is bilingual, written in Spanish and English
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows that after the kids make a rocket they will travel to sugar moon.
Mini Lesson: This book would be great for students to work with when talking about nutrition. Or students can write a reading response about where and how they would travel for the favorite candy.
Moro, Maria. Moro, Monica (Illustrator) (2013) Monarca Press.
Hanukkah In Alaska- Barbara Brown
Hanukkah in Alaska, is a wonderful online picture book written by Barbara Brown. This book is a great book to use in the classroom becasue it talks about a holiday celebration some of our students will participate in: Hanukkah. This book talk about a young girl and her family who live in Alaska. The story is written from the little girls point of view. She gives readers alot of information and facts about Alaska, such as terms Alaskans use (the outside). Also, how the daylight is like, and the weather they have. This book also reveals Hanukkah traditions.
Is this a good book?
I really enjoy this book becasue of the knowledge it gives students about Hanukkah. This would be a great book to read when talking about the holidays. The teacher could use this book when talking about Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah together.
Is the story something that could really happen?
Yes, this story is something that could happen. It gives important information about Alaska and Hanukkah by doing it in a very casual way. The setting focuses on a girl and her family who live in Alaska.
Are the factual details accurate?
Yes, this book provides real true facts about Alaska and Hanukkah.
Is the culture accurately portrayed?
Yes, I believe the culture is accurately portrayed. It gives real facts, and does it in a non stereotypical way.
Lexile: Not shown
Metaphor:When talking about the northern lights, she said "ribbons of wax lighting up the sky."
Onomatopoeia: The story uses words like "CRUNCH! CLASH!" when describing the moose chewing on the swing.
Simile:The author uses a simile in the book when she says "We were spinning in the snow as if we were dreidels."
Mini Lesson: I would use this book with a reading response. I would ask students to reflect on what they learned about Hanukkah and compare and contrast it to traditions they celebrate. This would be a personal response. I would check off on it based on completeness, and not read students work if they are not comfortable with sharing it.
Brown, Barbara. Schuett, Stacey. (Illustrated) (2013) Henry Holt and Co.
Is this a good book?
I really enjoy this book becasue of the knowledge it gives students about Hanukkah. This would be a great book to read when talking about the holidays. The teacher could use this book when talking about Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah together.
Is the story something that could really happen?
Yes, this story is something that could happen. It gives important information about Alaska and Hanukkah by doing it in a very casual way. The setting focuses on a girl and her family who live in Alaska.
Are the factual details accurate?
Yes, this book provides real true facts about Alaska and Hanukkah.
Is the culture accurately portrayed?
Yes, I believe the culture is accurately portrayed. It gives real facts, and does it in a non stereotypical way.
Lexile: Not shown
Metaphor:When talking about the northern lights, she said "ribbons of wax lighting up the sky."
Onomatopoeia: The story uses words like "CRUNCH! CLASH!" when describing the moose chewing on the swing.
Simile:The author uses a simile in the book when she says "We were spinning in the snow as if we were dreidels."
Mini Lesson: I would use this book with a reading response. I would ask students to reflect on what they learned about Hanukkah and compare and contrast it to traditions they celebrate. This would be a personal response. I would check off on it based on completeness, and not read students work if they are not comfortable with sharing it.
Brown, Barbara. Schuett, Stacey. (Illustrated) (2013) Henry Holt and Co.
Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal- Paul Fleischman
Is this a good story?
Yes, I really enjoy this story.I like how this Cinderella story is told from many different countries and cultures point of views. I would really love to read this in my classroom.
What did the author want to tell me in this story?
The moral of this story is that if one is a good person, good things will come to them despite the challenges and hardships they face.
Are the illustrations authentic?
Yes, the illustrations are very authentic and portray the countries and culture's pictures in a respectable way.
Does the author avoid offensive or degrading vocabulary?
Yes, the author does not have any offensive language, and portrays all cultures equally.
Simile: The author uses the simile, "a kimono red as a sunset."
Personification: Animals talk in this story. Ex. "The rooster began to crow, They put the ugly one on show and hid the beauty down below."
Ellipses: Author uses ellipses very often through out this book. EX. "Such a wedding it was, and such an adoring couple...)
Fleischman, Paul. Paschkis, Julie. (Illustrator) (2003) Henry Holt and Company
A Perfect Season for Dreaming, is a bilingual picture book written by Benjamin Saenz. This book tells the story of an elderly man in Mexico who is having strange dreams. He has a dream each day that animals, people, or objects are falling out of a Pinata. Each day the number of things in his dreams grows larger and larger.( 1 guitar, 2 turtles etc.) He hesitates to tell others about his dream because he does not want to be made fun of. However, he ends up telling his granddaughter his dream.
Is this a good story?
I really enjoyed this book because of how it is written in both Spanish and English. Also, in the English section of the book it has some Spanish words incorporated. I think that students would really enjoy this book. It would be great for ELL students. I also like that this book incorporates counting skills, each day there is one thing added to his dreams. This can visually show students simple counting.
Did the characters fit the setting?
Yes, I believe the characters in the book fit the story nicely. Octavio, the main character takes us through some of his family members and friends through the story. They are all from the same place and culture.
Is the setting authentic?
Yes, the story is authentic. It is in a small town in Mexico. I think many students would be able to relate to this book and culture.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
There are some stereotypes in this book, such as pinatas and mariachi bands talked about through out the book. However, it is not implying that all Mexican people like Marachi bands and pinatas. It is simply what Octavio likes and dreams about.
Lexile level: not shown
Bilingual: This book is bilingual and is written in both English and Spanish. This would be a great book for ELL students. However, I think this book would be better if the Spanish was written first and then the English.
Ellipses: This book uses ellipses. For an example, (He had the feeling he would have the best dreams of his life...)
Personification: This book has personification in it. The animals in his dreams dance and sing.
Mini Lesson: I think this book would be a great book to have students write about their silliest dreams. This would be a topic students would be very excited about.
Saenz, Benjamin. Valencia, Esau. (Illustrator) (2008) Cinco Punto Press.
Is this a good story?
I really enjoyed this book because of how it is written in both Spanish and English. Also, in the English section of the book it has some Spanish words incorporated. I think that students would really enjoy this book. It would be great for ELL students. I also like that this book incorporates counting skills, each day there is one thing added to his dreams. This can visually show students simple counting.
Did the characters fit the setting?
Yes, I believe the characters in the book fit the story nicely. Octavio, the main character takes us through some of his family members and friends through the story. They are all from the same place and culture.
Is the setting authentic?
Yes, the story is authentic. It is in a small town in Mexico. I think many students would be able to relate to this book and culture.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
There are some stereotypes in this book, such as pinatas and mariachi bands talked about through out the book. However, it is not implying that all Mexican people like Marachi bands and pinatas. It is simply what Octavio likes and dreams about.
Lexile level: not shown
Bilingual: This book is bilingual and is written in both English and Spanish. This would be a great book for ELL students. However, I think this book would be better if the Spanish was written first and then the English.
Ellipses: This book uses ellipses. For an example, (He had the feeling he would have the best dreams of his life...)
Personification: This book has personification in it. The animals in his dreams dance and sing.
Mini Lesson: I think this book would be a great book to have students write about their silliest dreams. This would be a topic students would be very excited about.
Saenz, Benjamin. Valencia, Esau. (Illustrator) (2008) Cinco Punto Press.
Monday, January 23, 2017
March Book One- John Lewis
March Book One, is a graphic novel written by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. This novel features graphics starting from the civil rights movement up until the day President Obama was inaugurated. This book focuses on the struggles African Americans have lived with in the past and present day. It talks about how they overcame these obstacles and the importance of the civil right movement events.
Is it a good story?
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I think it is a novel many students could relate to. I also think it would be a great book to pull pieces from for black history and when talking about the civil rights movement.
Did the characters fit in the setting?
Yes, the characters fit perfectly in this story. This novel has very important people from the civil rights movement that are incorporated. Also, Obama is a great character to have at the end of this novel, to focus on how African Americans overcame some obstacles.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
I thought the book was fairly portrayed and when the book brought up stereotypes, it shut down how they were not accurate.
Did the characters seem real?
Yes, these characters were real people who portrayed and overcame these events.
Lexile: Gn7760L (10-13 years old)
Onomatopoeia: In this book it uses words like BANG! BOOM! BUMP!
Ellipses: Ex. pg. 88 They have been preparing... (88) They use many ellipses through out this graphic novel.
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows many events that African Americans are going through, such as how they will be rejected service often or told no, or worse be beaten.
Mini Lesson: I would use this graphic novel when talking about the Civil Rights Movement. Children will compare and contrast different texts including this one, about African Americans experience during this time period. They will then develop a paper explaining the similarities and differences.
Lewis, John. Aydin, Andrew. Powell, Nate. (2013) Top Shelf Productions.
Is it a good story?
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I think it is a novel many students could relate to. I also think it would be a great book to pull pieces from for black history and when talking about the civil rights movement.
Did the characters fit in the setting?
Yes, the characters fit perfectly in this story. This novel has very important people from the civil rights movement that are incorporated. Also, Obama is a great character to have at the end of this novel, to focus on how African Americans overcame some obstacles.
Does the book transcend stereotypes?
I thought the book was fairly portrayed and when the book brought up stereotypes, it shut down how they were not accurate.
Did the characters seem real?
Yes, these characters were real people who portrayed and overcame these events.
Lexile: Gn7760L (10-13 years old)
Onomatopoeia: In this book it uses words like BANG! BOOM! BUMP!
Ellipses: Ex. pg. 88 They have been preparing... (88) They use many ellipses through out this graphic novel.
Foreshadowing: This book foreshadows many events that African Americans are going through, such as how they will be rejected service often or told no, or worse be beaten.
Mini Lesson: I would use this graphic novel when talking about the Civil Rights Movement. Children will compare and contrast different texts including this one, about African Americans experience during this time period. They will then develop a paper explaining the similarities and differences.
Lewis, John. Aydin, Andrew. Powell, Nate. (2013) Top Shelf Productions.
Viva Frida- Yuyi Morales
Viva Frida, is a simple bilingual picture book written by Yuyi Morales, and illustrated by Tim O'Meara. This book is focused on a famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. This book has no more than 4 words per page. The beautiful photographs in this book are what gives the story meaning. This book's theme is about being aware of your surroundings and being present in the moment.
Is this a good story?
Is this a good story?
I really joined this story because it would be really great to use with EL students whose first language is Spanish. This story can also teach native English speakers Spanish words. Also, this book's photographs reveals Mexican culture.
Are the illustrations authentic?
The illustrations are very authentic. The photographs are what tell the story. The are non-stereotypical. They are warm, vibrant, and reveal pieces of Mexican culture.
What did the author want to tell me in the story?
I believe the moral of this story is to be aware of your surroundings and be in the moment.
Is the culture accurately portrayed?
I believe the Mexican culture in this book is portrayed fairly. It is not stereotypical, and celebrates the colorfulness and cheerfulness of Mexico.
Lexile: BR (Beginning Reader)
Bilingual: This book is bilingual in English and Spanish. It is a great book to use for ELL students. It can also teach native English speakers new Spanish words.
Ellipses- In the beginning of this book is uses an ellipse (yo...) (I...) (And I realize...)
Mini lesson: I would use this book as a lesson to teach students Spanish/English words. I would also give a prompt to students to write about the illustrations and photographs in this book, how did the photographs represent the story?
Mini lesson: I would use this book as a lesson to teach students Spanish/English words. I would also give a prompt to students to write about the illustrations and photographs in this book, how did the photographs represent the story?
Morales, Yuyi. O'Meara, Tim. (Illustrator) (2014) Viva Frida. Roaring Brook Press
Wiil Waal- Kathleen Moriarty
Wiil Waal, is a bilingual picture book that tells the story of a Somali Folktale. This story focuses on a clever Somalin ruler, Wiil Waal, who gives the people on his land a task to give him their best body part of their finest sheep. The sheep's body part must symbolize what can divide people and unite them as one. The person that is able to successfully bring the right body part to the man will be deemed the "wise man", and will one day rule the land. A poor's man daughter successfully does this by telling her dad to bring Wiil Waal the sheep's gullet. Wiil Waal seeks out the daughter and tells her she has been deemed the "wise man" and will rule the land.
Did you find the book interesting?/ Is it a good story?
I found this book very interesting. I thought the sheep's gullet symbolized a great message all students can learn from. This book also explains the dynamic of the land on Somalia, it shows that some people do not have a choice when listening to their ruler. They didn't have a choice but to sacrifice meat they could have had for their family.
How does the book educate students? Purpose?
This book educates students about the Somalian culture. I like that this book was bilingual and showed the native language. However, I wish that the Somalian language was stated first in the book followed with the English instead of vice versa.
Lexile: not shown
Bilingual: This book is bilingual and is written in both English and Somalian. I think this aspect of the book is really important. It educates students that there are many more cultures and languages in the world. If there was a Somalian student in my classroom I would have them read the other part of the book if they were comfortable, or have a person come in to share
Symbolism: This both focuses on symbolism throughout. The whole purpose of this story is for the people of the land to find a sheep's body part that symbolizes how people can be divided and united.
Allegory: The allegory of this story is that anyone could have been the "wise man" no matter if they were male or female, young or old, etc.
Mini Lesson- For this lesson, I would pick a topic, such as "friendship" and have students bring in an object from home that they feel symbolizes friendship. They would then have a writing assignment explaining why they chose the object they did. This would allow them to practice their writing skills and learn the term "Symbolism."
Moriarty, Kathleen. Amir, Amin (illustrator) (2007). Wiil Waal. Minnesota Humanities Center.
Did you find the book interesting?/ Is it a good story?
I found this book very interesting. I thought the sheep's gullet symbolized a great message all students can learn from. This book also explains the dynamic of the land on Somalia, it shows that some people do not have a choice when listening to their ruler. They didn't have a choice but to sacrifice meat they could have had for their family.
How does the book educate students? Purpose?
This book educates students about the Somalian culture. I like that this book was bilingual and showed the native language. However, I wish that the Somalian language was stated first in the book followed with the English instead of vice versa.
Lexile: not shown
Bilingual: This book is bilingual and is written in both English and Somalian. I think this aspect of the book is really important. It educates students that there are many more cultures and languages in the world. If there was a Somalian student in my classroom I would have them read the other part of the book if they were comfortable, or have a person come in to share
Symbolism: This both focuses on symbolism throughout. The whole purpose of this story is for the people of the land to find a sheep's body part that symbolizes how people can be divided and united.
Allegory: The allegory of this story is that anyone could have been the "wise man" no matter if they were male or female, young or old, etc.
Mini Lesson- For this lesson, I would pick a topic, such as "friendship" and have students bring in an object from home that they feel symbolizes friendship. They would then have a writing assignment explaining why they chose the object they did. This would allow them to practice their writing skills and learn the term "Symbolism."
Moriarty, Kathleen. Amir, Amin (illustrator) (2007). Wiil Waal. Minnesota Humanities Center.
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