Reflection Time

I can't believe it is the end of the semester! I feel like it was just yesterday when I was trying to figure out how to set up this blog. Now, I have had many successful posts, meaningful connections to literature and have learned a ton about picking the best books possible for my future students. I have really enjoyed all of the discussions that we had in class and also the different books that we were told to read for the class. I would have never been exposed to some of the books that I have if it weren't for this class. 

I really believe that this class has prepared me to become a better teacher. I also know that when it comes time to pick out books for my classroom library, there will be choices and I now have the confidence and strategies to make those choices. 

My favorite activity/project that we did would probably be the text set. I think this will be one of the most useful things I will use in the future. It has really opened my eyes to the fact that no matter what topic I want to expose my students to, there will be plenty of books to have this option. I really will keep this class in mind in the future and do my best when working with children's books! 

Togo

This picture book is about an undersized dog that has the determination to lead his team in a Serum Run, that later becomes known as the Iditarod. The team hits many difficult Alaskan storms and Togo leads the way with great courage. The inside cover, along with all the other Robert Blake books has the map of the Iditarod course, from Anchorage to Nome. The illustrations really help the reader image what the Alaskan conditions would be like. 

I can defiantly see myself   using this book in my future classroom along with other books on this topic. 

Akiak

This is a touching picture book about the determination of one particular sled dog, Akiak. This particular Iditarod was her last race because of the dog’s old age. During the beginning of the race she gets injured and is unable to continue with the team. During the night, she escapes the dog hospital and takes off into the Alaskan terrain to find her team and lead them to victory. She finally meets up with them and points them in the direction of the finish line, where the other team takes a different path. Akiak saves the team and leads them to a first place win for her final race. The illustrations were really interesting to look at while reading the book; they definitely keep the reader pulled into the story like all the other Robert Blake picture books. 

The overall message of never giving up and standing up for your friends and family to get them safe and the winning prize. I can see this book in a text set that I use about the Iditarod. The illustrations were wonderful too! 

Wind-Wild Dog

This picture book is about a dog names Ziva. She was born with two different color eyes which the mushers thought made her only half as fast as the other dogs. However, Ziva loved to run. One man decided to take a chance on her and he trained her with other dogs to run in the Iditarod. However, Ziva somehow got loose and chased after a wolf. In the end she reunites with her owner and they sleep besides each other during the long, cold Alaskan night. In the back of the book there is a vocabulary page of different words that relate to the Iditarod and that are used often in the race. 

Not only does this book teach about the Iditarod and would go great in a text set about the topic, it also is great to talk about diversity and the underdog. The illustrations are wonderful and keep readers attached to the book. The front cover for example, really drew me in and made me check out the book.

Black Star, Bright Dawn

This novel by Scott O'Dell was a very touching story that kept me wanting more to read. This story is about a teenager Eskimo girl named Bright Dawn. Her dad asked her to take his place in the big Iditarod and work as a team with Black star, part husky but mostly wolf. They had the confidence needed to make it to the finish line but no one would have expected the harsh Alaskan weather to turn on them and bring danger knocking at their door. This is a thrilling story that will have readers on the edge of their seats. It also gives a lot of insight to the actual Iditarod and the terrain of Alaska.

I think that this would be a perfect example of a read aloud book when studying the Iditarod. This would be a great addition to the text set because it can generate a lot of discussion form students. Being around the same age, I think this book would also be a good choice because a lot of the students in my class will be able to relate to Bright Dawn and her endeavors. Also, a lot of them maybe also able to relate to the strong bond between owner and dog.

I have read other Scott O'Dell books and really admire him as an author and can definitely see myself reading his books in my future classroom. 

Hansel and Gretel

This well known fairy tale is retold by Rachel Isadora. She sets the fairy tale in a lush African Forest and the a poor woodcutter needs to abandon his two children in the forest because he can no longer feed them, and their step mother wants them out. Hansel over hears his parents plan for their children and goes out in the middle of the night and collects pebbles. The next morning they are taken and left in the forest. But because Hansel dropped the pebbles he knew just where their house was and had a happy homecoming with their father, however, their stepmother was not too happy.

The next night they were left in the even darker and deeper part of the woods, but the birds ate the bread that they left to find their way home. Hansel and Gretel searched for three days, they finally came upon a house built of cake and sweets and started to eat it. An old woman came out and brought them inside and fed them a big meal. When she started to cook them, Gretel kicked her in the stove so she would burn and lite on fire. Then the two of them found their way home and rejoiced with their father, their stepmother died....

The illustrations in this book were absolutely gorgeous. They were really what made this book what it was for me. I thought that the way the illustrations were drawn really add to the over all story. I know I would defiantly have this story in my classroom in the future.

Yay!

I thought this book was the awful. I hated it and thought there was no point to it whatsoever. Something good would happen and the boy would say YAY! and then something bad would happen and the boy would say OH!...I really did not like this book and don't recommend it. 

Holes

Everybody has bad luck at one point or another, and this is no exception for Stanley Yelnats. He was blamed for a crime that he really didn't commit and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp. The conditions of the camp are awful. The boys have to be in the hot desert sun all day digging holes and looking for something the warden wouldn't tell them what they were digging for. In the end Stanley is relieved of being at the camp and the truth comes out that he didn't commit the crime. Also, all of his bad luck seems to have worked out and he is in the clear for a while. 

This book covers a lot of important concepts that can be discussed in a classroom setting. For example, racism. Since Katherine was white and Sam was a black man and they fell in love the towns people were furious and in the end Sam is killed because of his color. Everyone was against this even the sheriff of the town who was suppose to be the safe haven. It would be interesting to see how students thought about this novel and the topic of racism presented in this way. 

This novel was also turned into a movie with a popular actor. This idea of popular culture may play a role in motivating students to read this longer text and get them excited to discuss the differences between the movie and the book.

Harry and Willy and Carrothead

This is a story about three different boys. One was born with no hand, the other red hair and the other was what some people like to call, "normal". They all were teased and sometimes mad fun of, but in the end they all realized no matter what they look like, they all have the same interests and become best friends. 

I choose to read this book because I have reddish hair and was teased by some people when I was younger. I think that a lot of the times when we are younger we all want to look the same and be like everyone else. For example, I hated my hair and wanted to dye it a different color. But as I grew older, I realized that my hair is what made me who I am and different from everyone else. I think this book does a great job of showing how important it is for kids not to judge other kids on their appearance. It can be really harmful and traumatic to some kids. 

The Retired Kid

 This is a cute story about an 8 year old boy who is sick and tired of doing what kids do. He didn't want to go to school, soccer practice, eat vegetables or play the violin everyday. He sat down his parents and told him that he was going to take a break and retire. His parents then threw him a retirement party and he left for Florida and lived in a retirement community. At first he loved everything about it, the naps, the games etc. But after awhile he realized it wasn't as fun and the "older people" were all talking about the good old days. He decided he missed all the things that made him a kid and decided to go back home and be a kid again. 

I thought this book was a cute one which had a good lesson. Be happy with who you are and what makes you, you! However, this book did display the old people as typical larger, white haired and slower, which isn't always true. 

Pinkalicious

This is a really cute book about a young girl who loves the color pink. One day her and her mom make pink cupcakes and she ends up eating all of them. When she wakes up in the morning she is pink! She loves being pink, but soon she starts turning darker and darker and finally realizes she needs to listen to the doctor and eat green foods to help her turn back to her "normal" color. After she does this, her brother ate a lot of the pink cupcakes and turns pink as well. 

There is a good lesson behind this book, of being thankful for what you are given, but don't ask for too much of it. Although I know that this book is popular in classroom libraries for little girls, I have many issues with it. I look at the characters in the book and it is a typical white upper middle class family with no diversity what so ever. The fact that it is so popular with little kids today and making other books like purpleicous etc, they are sending a message to kids that these colors are gender specific and people who like these books look a certain way. 

Although I have learned in classes that it is important for students to choose in their readings, I don't think that this book has a lot of knowledgeable content for students to take away. I would categorize this book under one for pure relaxation and enjoyment. 

Stop, Drop and Roll

This is a very good book to have on hand when students are learning about fire safety and what to do to be fully prepared when dealing in case you encounter a fire. I really liked this book because I could personally relate to Jessica the main character. I was always a real anxious kid and was worried about practically everything. When I went to my family about certain things they would most of the time ignore me or tell me not to worry, just like Jessica's family did to her. 

This book covers a lot of great information that kids could take away and really use and save their lives in a situation with a fire. Also, it makes them think about their own houses and whether or not their house is the safest it can be from fires. 

The illustrations in this book are perfect for this type of book. They are sketches and since the book is more about the "what if" and "be prepared" for a fire, there aren't scary pictures of fires that will make children nervous. I think this is a good idea because a lot of time children might see scary pictures and avoid the whole subject, which they shouldn't at all. 

I think this book is perfect for a classroom library. Students will be able to relate to Jessica and her feelings of anxiousness. Students should know that they shouldn't feel bad if they don't have a fire plan, but they should make one and start thinking about what to do in emergencies. Preparation is key. 

Year of Impossible Goodbyes

I am really glad that I had an opportunity to read this book. I had never done this in my elementary years, but I think that it was really a eye opening experience to read two books on the same topic but different sides. I could definitely see these books being the topics of a huge debate or discussion in class. Reading them together also proves to readers that there are two sides of every story. Unlike So Far From the Bamboo Grove, the characters in this book were Korean and are the other prospective of the war. From reading these books I have learned so much about the different cultures and their ways of life. 

The first couple of chapters were a struggle for me to get through. I didn't know how I was going to be able to read the whole thing. However, as I kept reading, I became more and more attached to Nuna and her family. I wanted them to survive the war so badly. After reading it, it reminded me of how similar the two sides who are fighting against each other actually are. They are both children being strong and growing up so fast to provide for their family and survive the war, while also keeping up with the many traditions of their countries. The whole scene at the school when the little kids were making the weapons really made me angry. The children are so innocent, and yet here they are making devices to kill the enemy. 

Both of these books make readers appreciate what they have and the world we live in today. I have especially been touched by these books and I know that I'm probably not the only one. In today's society, with our country actually at war, I think it is even more important for younger grades to pick this difficult subject of war up and openly talk about it and get their feelings out. 

Who Wants a Dragon

This book is a nice rhyming book for young readers. This is a story about a young dragon who needs to find someone who will love him and cuddle with him. He tries to find people or other animals to take care of him, but everyone is either really scared of him or for some reason doesn't want to be around him. Finally, in the end he finds his mother who will do all the things he was looking for someone to do. 

The illustrations are bright and beautiful. They pull the reader in and keep them hooked on what will happen next. This book is a good way to teach correct expression in some one's voice. With many different question marks and exclamation points, it is easy for young readers to be able to acknowledge the differences and read in a voice that is appropriate. This book is also perfect for little ones because the print is a lot larger than a normal book and the vocabulary is a lot simpler. I think I would have this book in my classroom for younger readers to read and go to during independent reading time. 

Home Lovely

This is a story about a little girl and her mother who have to move into a trailer by themselves. Her mother can't afford a babysitter and she needs to work, so the little girl Tiffany had to stay in the trailer all by herself for a couple hours a day. One day when Tiffany was taking out the trash, she discovered something that looked like seeds that were starting to grow. She moved them to the front and watched them grow. They grew into beautiful plants and flowers. Her garden was admired by all including the mail man. In the end it made her home lovely. 

I wasn't really a fan of this book. I thought it was trying to cover too many topics for one book. The topics I thought it was covering were poverty, plants and single families. I think that this book could be considered controversial because it doesn't really portray a message that we want to teach our students of staying by themselves in a home for long periods of time. 

Slugs In Love

This is a warm hearted love story about two slugs falling in love. Marylou, a slug, has always been attracted to Herbie, another slug. One day she decides to start writing him love poems on different things in the garden. Herbie of course is flattered and writes poems back to his secret admirer Marylou. However, all of Herbie's poems get destroyed before Marylou can find them. After many different poems Marylou finally shows herself to Herbie and they live happily ever after with their tiny slug babies. 

The story line and illustrations make this book interesting and fulfilling to all readers no matter their age. Since the slugs write love poems back and forth to each other this book deals a lot with different rhyming words. This would be a good book to have out when students are learning about poems or in a classroom library, or maybe even during Valentine's Day to show the theme of love in a different way. I don't think it would be a good book to read aloud just because I can see it not appealing to everyone in the class. 

Marsupial Sue

As I have learned from my child study in block A, I am at one point or another going to come across a reluctant reader. For example, my child that I am working with doesn't like to read. It wasn't till the fourth week that I learned she like to sing. Immediately I thought to bring this book by John Lithgow. Marsupial Sue is a fun book that readers can sing along to. It comes with a CD in the back of the book to help provide the tune, however, when I brought it to the elementary school we didn't use the CD. I will defiantly have this book in my classroom and even use it as a read aloud. I think it would be a fun way to encourage students to interact with the text. It also has a wonderful message of be who you are. The illustrations also make this book wonderful for young readers.

It is about a marsupial who doesn't like doing what kangaroos do. So she tries to fit in with other animal groups, but realizes that it is best to just be who she is and do what she does best. I would recommend this book also for teachers who are teaching rhymes and music in the classroom.

Arthur Babysits

This is another great Marc Brown Arthur story. All of the Arthur books are a great read for elementary level students. I'm not sure if I would end up reading this book out loud in class, but I know I would have it in my classroom library. It may also be a good one to have around for maybe a author study or a book report. There is an easy, recognizable plot line and kids can easily relate to it.

Arthur gets stuck babysitting for the worst behaving twins and is not looking forward to it. D.W. doesn't help his confidence either becuase she keeps reminding him what an aweful time he will have. However, Arthur gets the boys to calm down by telling them a scary story and making them nervous that a monster is coming. In the end, Arthur enjoys babysitting for the twins and agrees to do it again. This is a great lesson for readers, no matter how much other people talk and have opinions on someone or something, it always depends on your own personal expeience. Arthur learned this lesson when he babysat for the Tibble Twins.

So Far From the Bamboo Grove

The best way to learn about history is to read books like "So Far From the Bamboo Grove" and actually read about real stories of the time and how people worked through them. A lot of times textbooks don't inform readers of all the emotions and heartfelt stories that are involved in war. In history classes we usually learn about the different countries or people fighting in the war and what it was over. By reading about Yoko's personal story, readers can make more of a personal connection to the text and in my opinion take away even more from that period of time.

I really liked how the story followed both Yoko's and her older brother Hideyo's story. Since there are two main perspectives in this book, I think it is a great one to read in class. It caters to both girls and boys when relating to the text. Readers really get a feel for all the awful events that were going on to these innocent young adults. I really was emotional when reading about what happened throughout this time period in Yoko's life. I kept thinking to myself, this girl is only eleven years old. How can she be so strong and deal with everything that is thrown at her. I think about my life and what I have experienced that has made me who I am and then I look at Yoko's past experiences and I almost feel guilty. I think a huge part of who Yoko is, is her mother. Even though they were going through this horrible time, Yoko and her sister were still kept in school, it wasn't even an option for them to slack off for a minute. This is another thing that readers can take away, no matter how unmotivated you feel, think of Yoko and all she was doing to survive. She was able to build and maintain relationships throughout the war period, although she lost both her parents, in the end she did find her brother and the Corporal.

I really found myself relating to Yoko and her mother's relationship. I always hated to leave my mom especially going to school in the early elementary years, so in the one scene at the new school in Japan I could relate to how she was feeling and the loneliness that took over her body. Also, when the mom passes away was extremely hard for me to read and get through. I can't even imagine being in Yoko's position and going through what she did.

Like I mentioned, I think that young readers would really benefit from this book in a classroom setting. If I were to teach an older class I would defiantly have this as one of our group readings.

The Widow's Broom

I thought this book would be aimed for more of an older elementary classroom. The students would need to understand the consequences of their actions. They could learn from the two boys who tried to steal the broom in the story. Also, the book is a little scarier. It deals with witches and ghosts, it isn't a happy, colorful picture book like a lot of them are.  

This is a story about a witch’s broom and all the power that goes along with it. A witch had fallen in the vegetable garden of a lonely widow named Minna Shaw. The widow took the witch in and cared for her until one night at midnight, the witch just disappeared. Her broom stayed and helped the widow do chores throughout the farmhouse.  As neighbors heard about the amazing things the broom was doing for the widow, they came to see it in action. One of the neighbors decided they would try and steal the broom to help them with their house chores. They take the broom when it is outside, the broom throws their dog, and is mean to their children so they put the broom away in the closet. Since the broom was causing extra harm to the neighbors, people decided to burn it in the yard. The next morning Minna Shaw called the neighbors with frightening news that she had seen the ghost of the broom! It had come back and this sent the neighbors packing immediately. However, Minna Shaw decided to stay. She had fallen asleep and was awakened by her friend the broom who she covered with white paint to fake its ghost. 

I would have this book in my classroom library, I think it tells a good message and students could learn from it. Also it is mysterious and has a great story line. However, I don't recommend reading this as a read aloud just because some students may become frightened. 

Jumanji

1. I had actually seen the movie Jumanji before I read this book! I think that this is a thrilling book but teachers should be careful if they are choosing it for their classroom library. Students should be mature enough and old enough to handle this in a way scary book. However, on the other hand some students might find it completely hilarious and entertaining. That's why it is important that the teacher knows her students. 
   

This book is about two little kids whose parents leave them home alone for an evening. They go out for a walk and come across an old game by a tree called Jumanji. Although Peter was reluctant to bring it home, Judy wanted to play and was insistent on bringing it home. As soon as they started to play strange things started to happen. The game pieces started to come alive! A lion appeared on the top of the piano. Next thing Pete and Judy are surrounded by monkeys and it is starting to rain inside the house. These strange things kept on happening and before they knew it they were awakened by their parents. Their parents didn’t believe anything they said about the game, they just laughed and told them that they must have had a crazy dream. 

The Polar Express

This is one of my all time favorite books. I can still remember sitting by the Christmas tree and my mom reading it to my brothers and I. Chris Van Allsburg did a wonderful job with both the illustrations and the beautiful story about believing in Christmas. 

This is a wonderful Christmas story about believing in Santa Claus and hearing the ringing of one of the reindeer’s bells. A little boy wakes up in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve to a train parked in his front yard. Being curious he climbs aboard and joins all the other little boys and girls while they travel to the North Pole. Everyone is super anxious to see who Santa will give the first gift of Christmas to. After a long train ride through the dark, snowy mountains they finally they arrived at Santa’s workshop. The little boy was picked to get whatever gift he wanted; he chose to have a silver bell from one of the reindeer’s harnesses. When the little boy rings the bell he hears the most beautiful sound he has ever heard. The children get back on the train and halfway home he realizes that the pocket that he put the bell in has a hole in it and the bell has fallen out. He goes home disappointed and sad. The next morning he wakes up and is opening presents with his family and the ring is under the tree! He and his sister can hear the beautiful noise but his parents thought that it was just a broken bell. They couldn’t hear it because they didn’t believe in Santa Claus. 

I would have this story in my classroom library, but I do feel like it is more of an at home read with family rather than a classroom one. Like all of his other books it is rather lengthy, but I do recommend reading it on a snowy day with a warm cup of hot coco:). 

The Stranger

Like the other Chirs Van Allsburg stories that I have read The Stranger is very similar. This book is about a stranger coming to live with a family on their farm, but strange things start to happen. After hitting a strange man with his truck farmer Bailey takes in the man who has lost his memory from the accident. Bailey brought the stranger along to the fields with him to work, the stranger never grew tired and this is part of the reason Bailey liked him so much. However, as time went by the weather was not changing, it seemed to be staying summer forever. The stranger went to the highest hill and looked around. He was surprised to see that the trees not on the farm were orange and red, like fall, but the trees around him were still green. This puzzled the stranger and it stayed with him until he decided to leave the farm. As soon as he left fall seemed to hit the farmhouse immediately.

Although this book is obviously fiction, with the seasons stopping just around their house, I don't think that this would be a good choice for an elementary school setting. I feel this way because in today's society there is so much emphasis on stranger danger and staying away from people the kids don't know. In this book there was an accident an the man lost his memory, so the farmer brought him in. No matter how bad the situation is, I don't think we want to be sending out this message to our students.

The Sweetest Fig

I researched Chris Van Allsburg as my author for my author study project. I have really become to love the picture book that he has written and illustrated. He mixes fantasy and reality in such a fantastic way that pulls in readers left and right. 

This particular book is about an old dentist was given a fig that would “make his dreams come true” from a patient who couldn’t afford to give him money for pulling out her tooth. That same night before he went to bed the dentist ate the fig the woman had given him, it was the most delicious thing ever. The next morning was very strange; the things that he dreamed came alive and were actually happening. He tried to dream of being rich, he practiced dreaming of becoming rich and one night before bed he decided he would eat the second fig. However, before he ate it his dog got to it first. The next morning the dentist woke up on the floor and all he could do was bark.

I would definitely have this book in my classroom library, although it is a little wordy, I think that my students would find it humorous and interesting. Especially with children, fantasy is such an important part of their life and this book would just add on to their creative thinking. 

Reflection Time

I personally think this year has gone by so fast, let alone this semester. I just feel like we started and it is already spring break! So far I have really enjoyed Reading and Responding to Children's Lit. It has really opened up my views of children's literature and what books I can bring into the classroom to help teach lessons. 

One of the main reasons why I like this class is because our homework is to read children's books. All while we are doing this we are exposing ourselves to the many different topics, genres and authors that are out there. We have also learned strategies in the curriculum lab that have helped me and will continue to help me through my years at University of Iowa and also in my years of teaching to come. I like how our class has great discussions about different books and that people feel comfortable sharing their true feelings with the class. I also loved reading other peoples blogs, it is yet another way to get exposed to even more books about different things. I have really enjoyed the class so far and can't wait to finish the year with even more get children's books. 

The Misfits

After hearing about all the hype and controversy that this book has created in school districts, I was excited to read it. James Howe is a very talented author and from what I have read so far does a good job at bringing the reader back into the junior high school world. The way the main characters are portrayed is exactly how some of the students in my junior high acted. I remember the different groups, the popular group, the band people, the athletes, and of course the misfits, or the people who didn't "belong" in any other group. Especially in today's society where fitting in seems like it is the most important thing for a young teen, it is critical that we talk about this issue in schools.  I know one of the main reasons why this book is so controversial is because one of the main characters comes out to his friends about being a homosexual, but I think the overall message in the first part of the book is an important one to address. The issue of being who you are and not giving into the pressure to conform to others. Junior high years are probably the most awkward years of any ones life, students need to understand that they may be feeling like they are the only ones in the world who don't fit in, when in reality that is far from the truth. 

I personally think that this change that needs to happen in junior high has to start with the teachers. They need to be able to open up to their students and talk about challenging issues and let students know that everyone is important in school and everyone is accepted, no matter who they are. Although I am only halfway through the book, I have very much enjoyed it and would teach this issue, if not read the book in my future classroom. By sending children to a public school parents are wanting their children to become socialized and get a variety of experiences that would not happen in their home. Homosexuality is going to be in this generations life, so we should do our best to expose them to it and try and get them to accept it as soon as possible. 

The Stupids Die

I was shocked when I picked up this book and saw the title of it. The Stupids Die is a book about a family who aren't portrayed as the smartest people in the world. Their cat however is portrayed as smarter than the whole family! The cat is the one who finds the fuse box and turns the lights back on when they go off. When the lights go off, Mr. Stupid makes a comment suggesting that they died. The people are silly looking and do silly things that our society would think was wrong. In the end the animals convince the Stupid family that they should sleep on the floor and the pets should have the bed.

Stupid is a word that we are trying to get out of the classrooms. By bring this book in the classroom it is just suggesting that it is okay to say the word. The book itself isn't attractive, it is older looking and it's illustrations are dated. I would not recommend this book to use in the classroom.

Happy To Be Nappy

This title speaks for its self. "Nappy" is not a politically correct word to use especially around children. Although the overall message is a good one about being true to who you are and loving yourself and your image, it still is not appropriate. If teachers read this to their students, the students will get the impression that it is okay for them to use the word as well. If they use the word outside of using this book, then they could get in a lot of trouble.

I believe a couple of years ago a radio talk show host got in a lot of trouble for calling a girls basketball team "nappy". It is a derogatory term that can harm a young child. I don't think the illustrations for this book are very flattering or attention grabbing either.

YouTube of the comment on the girls basketball team

My Two Uncles

Going along with controversial picture books is My Two Uncles by Judith Vigna. This story is about a young girl who loves spending time with her uncle and his partner. However, when it is time for her grandparents anniversary party her uncle won't come. This is because the grandfather in the story does not approve of his son being gay. Elly, the main character, has trouble grasping why her grandfather is so mad at her uncle. Her dad explains everything there is to know about being gay to her one day on the porch. In the end the grandfather does come around and go to the uncles house and meet the boyfriend after 5 years of avoidance.

This week as I am looking through books that are considered controversial in the classroom, I am starting to become aware of a what a good way to portray this topic would be in a book. I don't like how Vigna just has the dad tell little Elly flat out that her uncle is gay. I think gay is a lot of times miss used in schools today, so connecting those two ideas as the first way to introduce it wasn't the best idea. Maybe a better way to say it is, "Your uncle loves you very much. He loves Phil to, like I love mommy." Or something like that. I also think that the illustrations in this text were dull. They didn't capture my attention like I hoped they would. Also, there is a lot of text and the actual words are simple and babying the reader in a way.

This book wasn't one of my favorites.

King and King

The book King and King is a picture book that is about a prince who is urged by his mother to find a princess so that he can become the king. However, after looking and talking to many different princesses, the prince has found no one who he is attracted too. Finally a beautiful princess comes in with her brother and the prince purks up. He says "It's love at first sight!" and runs to the brother. They begin to kiss and end up marrying eachother and living happily ever after in the castle, both are kings.

The illustrations are beautiful in this book. They are large and colorful. But it could also be looked upon as a controversial aspect as well becuase the illustrations do show two men kissing. I think especially with younger kids that this kind of topic is a difficult one to teach. They get a lot of influence from home and sometimes it is hard to break those opinions. However, it does need to be addressed. I would feel comfortable reading this book infront of my students and addressing the issue. I think it brings it up in a magical way, that is kid friendly with all the colors and characters. It also shows that the characters are kings so even powerful people like them could be gay as well.

Heather Has Two Mommies

As we are reading the Misfits in class, I find it very interesting to find other picture books who have sparked debatable topics through out school districts. I found this book, Heather Has Two Mommies defiantly under this category. It is written toward a younger audience, but the text I think is very graphic and too inappropriate for the intended 5 and up reader. It starts off with a little girl explaining how she is just like everyone else, she has all the same body parts, has animals, but in Heather's case she has two moms.

I think this is an interesting topic, that needs to be addressed, but I'm not sure that this is the perfect book to do that. Part of the reason why I think it isn't a great book is because the illustrations are in all black and white and the pictures aren't really appropriate. There is one in particular of Jane, one of the moms, who is naked getting looked at by a doctor before the "sperm gets put into her vagina".

Although, I don't think that this is a good book to help teach this topic, I do believe it should be discussed. I feel like it is almost guaranteed that teachers will at least have a couple students who have two moms or two dads in their classrooms. It is important to do an activity that shows all the different kinds of families and that it is okay to be different.

Children of Lesbian and Gay Parents

Chimps Don't Wear Glasses

I LOVED this book! It starts out with things that animals don't do. For example, "Chimps don't wear glasses, and zebras don't cook and you wont see a kangaroo reading a book." The text rhymes and the pictures of the animals are large, silly and colorful. However, after going on for a little about what animals don't do, the book interacts with the readers and asks them to close their own eyes and draw what they see. 

I think this is a wonderful way to start the imagination process for young children. Getting what they have in their head down on paper is sometimes hard for youngsters and this book gives children the opportunity to take time and try it out. Then at the end of the book the author writes a question to readers about what they see because it is their dreams. Dreams can be a tricky thing to grasp because there is a definite line between reality and fantasy. I can see myself reading this book to a preschool or lower level education group and doing a fun art/paint activity and have the students draw their dreams that have had and then have them tell the class about it. 

Fancy Nancy

This is a wonderful story about a little girl who thinks she needs to be glamorous and fabulous all the time. She dresses up in her fanciest clothes and heels and walks around pretending she is something rich and fabulous. However, in the end she realizes she can be fabulous and herself in just her bath robe. With her parents help she can be just that. This book is just what girls need at this crucial developing stage in their lives. The confidence to be who they are and be fabulous in their own skin, not having to dress up all the time and wearing make-up. 

Especially in today's society it is important for girls and boys to be who they are without conforming to the everyday messages of appearance given to young students. I personally remember being convinced by peers and media on how I dressed and acted when I was younger. These days this is getting children in trouble and is not okay. Fancy Nancy lets children know that it is okay to be confident in your own skin. 

The illustrations in this book are big and beautiful! They have the power to catch children's attention and keep it with sparkles and bright colors. However, this book has one downfall. It is mainly focused on girls and their issues with conforming to the portrayed female appearance in the media. But what about the boys?  

The Gas We Pass

This is a great, funny book to cover the topic of gas. When starting school it is important to teacher children when it is appropriate and when it is not appropriate to do certain things like pass gas. The Gas We Pass is a factual book that not only makes light of the situation it has a good balance of facts, diagrams and certain situations that children might find them selves in. 

I could see myself using this  book during a health unit or digestive unit. Like I mentioned earlier the book has education information about the actual process of how we as humans develop gas and what happens after we pass gas. A lot of times children feel like they are the only ones who do this, however, this book ensures them that along with other humans animals pass gas as well. Sometimes it is reassuring to hear that you are not the only one who lets one pop out. Although this book may create giggles throughout the class when you read it, it is worth the distractions, the pictures although they may be funny, they speak the truth. 

Punk Wig

It is almost guaranteed that within a teachers first couple years of teaching he or she will encounter a student who will be going through or have a close family member who is sick with cancer. Being so young it is had to grasp all the hard concepts of cancer and what it actually means to have cancer. Lori Ries the author of Punk Wig does a fantastic job putting these hard to understand, scary concepts in ways that young children can comprehend. Most of the time when cancer is brought up, it is usually accompanied with a sad, downer mood. However, Punk Wig portrays different aspects of cancer as light-hearted and as fun as possible. It is a way to ease learning about this hard topic for children. 

Most parents and even teachers don't know how to teach and bring up these hard topics, they may feel like it will hurt the child to know the actual facts, so they just don't even go there. They think it is protecting the child, when in reality it is only hurting them in the long run. It is important children grow up knowing the truth about things that are going to happen to them in their life. The sooner they learn how to deal with it, the better off they will be. So I will definitely have this book in my classroom library for children to read. Especially if a child or a family member of a student in my class is fighting cancer then I will read it to the whole class, depending on the situation. But I believe that if everyone knows what is going on and that it doesn't have to be a scary topic it will create a lot less stress over the classroom atmosphere. 

Scarecrow

This is a wonderful picture book about the life of a scarecrow. The writer, Cynthia Rylant does a great job writing from the perspective of an actual scarecrow. The text has great detail about the setting and the features of this particular scarecrow. Lauren Stringer, the illustrator, does a wonderful job with the pictures and setting the tone and scene of where this scarecrow lives.

I would use this book in my classroom during a writing lesson. Along with characters and plot, almost all stories need to have a setting. It is one of the parts of a story that makes it truly special and unique to that particular piece. I want my future students to be like scarecrows in their writing, looking around and doing a great job describing what they see through the button eyes.

Love That Dog

This novel is nothing like any other novel I have read. One of the main reasons why it is so different is because of the format the words are written in. Each page has words set up like it would be a poem, not a novel. The most words that are on a line is about five. There is lots of space in between different "stanza's" as well. Another reason this novel is different is because unlike any other novel I have read, this print is in blue. At first this caught me off guard a little, but then it just added to the overall feeling of who has the power in writing. It is not written in stone that every single novel has to be printed in black ink, so why not take risks? The print is larger, which makes this a perfect read for beginning readers of longer books. The larger print along with less text on the page can really help slower readers boost their confidence. Like Jack the main character in the story says, "you can read a lot of short poems in not that much time". Since this book is written like poems it makes the reading go fast and has the power to help struggling readers keep up.

The overall message of this novel is a good one. I remember being terrified of writing poems, not knowing what to write about, what words rhymed with other words and how long the entire piece should be. This book lets readers know that they have the ultimate power in writing their poems and usually have the freedom and power to create it however they would like. No limits.

I could definitely see myself using this book as a whole class read before a unit on poetry because it is a good way to set the tone for beginning poetry writers. I really think that Sharon Creech, the author did an excellent job capturing the feelings of students taking on poetry. Many readers can relate to how Jack feels.

Hope Was Here

The novel, Hope Was Here, is a great chapter book that will inspire students to find who their true identity is. Especially during the adolescent years, finding oneself can be very hard and this story demonstrates that. It Life doesn't always deal everyone a great hand of cards, but no matter what people need to make the best out of their life. Tulip finds this out as she grows through the book. In the beginning Tulip changes her name to Hope, she figures that it would make everything okay in her life. She soon discovers that a name, no matter how positive it is, doesn't always ensure a perfect life. Ever since Hope's mother abandoned her as a baby, Hope follows her Aunt Addie around the country, longing for a permanent home and always looking for the father she doesn't know. However, she and her aunt go where the jobs and the money are. This is another issue that can spark conversation in classrooms, especially if there is a new student in class, or someone about to move. Hope says good-bye by leaving her usual calling card, "Hope Was Here" written in half-inch tall letters on one of the boards. Hope struggles as she tries to grow up and remember that, although she has a lot to overcome, she also has a lot for which to be thankful. 

I don't think this would be a good book to read with the whole class, but I do believe it would be a good addition to a classroom library. This book is intended for older audiences that can understand all the emotions and hardships that Hope makes it through during the story. A lot of different discussions can be branched off from this book if you let students give their opinion about what is going on. I really enjoyed reading this chapter book and think that it will leave readers feeling hopeful that things will get better. 

Island of the Blue Dolphins

I can remember reading Island of the Blue Dolphins when I was an adolescent and now as I revisit it when I am a lot older I really have a much stronger view on this book and understand it a lot more. First of all, this is a true story, which I didn't know I was younger. This story deals with tragedy, fear, forgiveness, survival and trust. All of these themes are important for growing adolescents to have a strong grasp on and fully understand. Karana, the main character is about the same age as the target audience for this book, so a lot of readers can relate to how she feels and the sacrifices she makes for her family and friends. The strength that this young girl has throughout the many chapters of the book is a good example for readers to follow. It has a great message of hope and even in the worst of times, there will always be "dolphins" as a symbol of positive change. 

Being a chapter book it is an accomplishment for readers to finish and discuss the overall meaning of this book. I think it has the power to reach out and connect to many readers because there are so many different general themes that are exploited during the book. The font is larger and the text isn't too complicated which makes it even more approachable for younger readers. 

After reading this story, they could maybe do a report or research of some sort on the actual true story behind Scott O'Dell's story. I think it would be interesting for a reader to compare and contrast the two and share what they found. That is why this would be a great chapter book to assign when teachers want to have students explore, research and do more then just read the book.

A Box of Friends

I have personally never moved in my life, but can't imagine all the emotions that would come with it. In the story, A Box of Friends, by Pam Munoz Ryan, Annie the main character, finds herself in a new town, alone and not feeling like she belongs. Her grandmother is the one who introduces her to her own box of friends and helps Annie make her own. Throughout the story, Annie collects things that remind her of people in her life that are important to her. That way, no matter how far away her actual friends may be, she always has a piece of them with her in her box. At the end of the story, Annie is invited to a girl's birthday party who lives down the street. She realizes that it might not be so bad moving. 

I think this would be a great book to read to a class because although it is fiction, it is very realistic. Many students may have already moved or be in the process of moving and could really relate to the way Annie feels through out the story. After the book has been read to the class, it could be a great activity for everyone to make their own box of friends or "happy" box. This is something that can stay with them and have meaning to them even after the year is over and the class is done. I remember I made a "happy" box in junior high that I still have and visit when I am feeling sad or want to be in a better mood. I think doing activities like that while reading a book like A box of Friends can be a lot more beneficial for students in the long run. 

I can see myself reading this book to my class especially if I know that one or more of my student have been through what Annie is going through in the story. It would be a great opportunity for them to share their personal experience as well. 

Papa and Me

The illustrations in this book are GREAT!!!!! The bright color, motion and expression of characters leave readers intrigued and wanting more of Rudy Gutierrez's illustrations. There is so much detail that can be missed the first time readers read through, I found myself going back and examining all the pictures about three times before I put the book down. 

The actual text of the book did not capture my attention as much as the illustrations did. Although it is a great book about diversity because Spanish is written in to the story, there is no real story line, just about a boy and his dad going to see his grandparents. I think this would be good in a bilingual classroom, where half the time students speak English and the other half they speak Spanish. It might also be a good book to open in a Spanish class no matter what the age level. I think it is interesting when high level classes open the year or semester with children's books about the subject that will be taught. It makes it more friendly and open to students who are taking the course. Or this book might be a good one to read during a unit on family, or diversity, like I mentioned earlier. However, I feel like there are better story lines out there to cover topics such as those. 

Catching the Sun

Being the youngest of three, I didn't really relate to this realistic contemporary fiction book, Catching the Sun by Coleen M. Paratore. My older brothers always complain about when I was born, they didn't really want me at first because I took up a lot of our mom's attention. But for many of my future students this will be a major transition in their lives. Having a new little baby coming into the family can be hard at first for the other older sibling. Catching the Sun, is about a boy who has this tradition of going to Cape Cod over the summer for his birthday and waking up very early before the sun comes up and "catching" it with his mother. The way the story is written, readers can feel how special this tradition is to the son and mom. Although it will be different the next year with the new baby, Dylan and his mom will still share the special tradition of catching  the sun. 

Like I mentioned earlier, a lot of elementary students are going to be going through this transition in their lives and this book has the power to get them talking about how they feel about the situation. I think this would be a good book to read because it is the perfect length and really gets to the point of the issue. After the class reads this book, I can picture having a discussion about students who have gone through this process before and also those who have special traditions with their mom or dad like Dylan did. 

The illustrations are wonderful too! They are done by Peter Catalanotto and really capture the different colors of the sun coming up over the sea in the morning. Also, the people in the story are beautiful as well, they are big and filled with emotion. 

The Kissing Hand

I would be lying if I told you that I had no issue whatsoever going to kindergarten and leaving my mom. As a matter of fact, I had an issue leaving my mom to go to school pretty much until last year. It is a big transition in a child's life from being home all day to going to school. To help calm my nerves, my mom would read me The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn. This book is about a little raccoon who is leaving his mom to go to school but has second thoughts and doesn't want to go. His mom shares a secret with him and kisses his palm and tells him that if he is sad during the school day, he can just put his palm to his cheek and it will be like she is there with him. I have personally always loved this book, the illustrations are wonderful and add great things to this story. I also believe that this story doesn't only benefit the child when going to school, but also the parent. 

When I was looking around the web for a project in one of my other classes, I noticed that there were so many different art projects that go along with this book as well as songs. This would be a great unit to cover in the beginning of the year when that transition is fresh and new. I could see myself using this book towards the beginning of the year, in my future classroom. 

Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Every child get angry. It is important that at a young age children learn how to deal with and manage their anger in an appropriate way. The best way to do this is through experience, but also showing them positive examples of times characters or people worked through their anger. Anna Dewdney author and illustrator of Llama Llama Mad at Mama does a great job expressing the anger a little llama has and how he works through it. In the end he works it out with his mama and ends up having fun at the store, where he didn't want to go in the first place. 

Throughout this entire book the story on each page rhymes. I think this makes the book even more enjoyable for children. The font for the rhyming words are bold or in different colors so it is easy for younger children to point them out. The illustrations are honestly what drew me into this book. They are large and beautiful! I really like how Dewdney picked llamas as the main characters of this book. Since llamas aren't very common animals, it is an opportunity for children to learn about them, also llama rhymes with a lot of other words, so it was a good choice there too. 

I would definitely see this book in my classroom library. Like I mentioned earlier, children need to learn about emotions and how to deal with them, and I think this book is a great way to teach them how to deal with anger. Anger can be a tricky one to tackle, because usually when children are angry, they loose all control, but little llama models the proper way to pick up after yourself and apologize after you have a little angry fit. 

Junie B. First Grader (at last)

Barbara Park writes yet another great chapter book that all first graders should read. For young readers finishing their first chapter book can be quite thrilling. I remember I used to read the Junie B. Jones series when I was younger and felt very accomplished when I finished one. They have legit chapters, but yet they're written in simple words, the font is larger and there are also pictures to go along with what the text is saying. Going into the first grade is a big transition in every child's life and I think Park does a good job capturing the position of an actual first grader and over coming all the issues and peer pressure that comes along with the role. She also covers realistic topics such as getting glasses and being embarrassed to wear them in front of friends. Also, the whole new teacher thing can be stressful on a 6 year old and having readers know that they aren't alone when they feel that way can be a very positive thing for them. 

I also believe this is a great book because it emphasizes the importance of writing in notebooks. I think that using literacy and writing skills is one of the most important things in a child's early education. I will have this book along with some of the other chapter books in this series in my classroom library in the future. 

Stormy's Hat: Just Right for a Railroad Man

This is a story of a journey that one engineer takes to find the perfect hat for his job. Stormy is a hard working man who loves his job. His wife is a thoughtful person who cares deeply about her husband. So when he presents her with his problem of not finding a hat to properly suit his job, she starts thinking. However, being a manly man, he doesn't listen to her and won't let her worry about the issue. He tries using other professions hats, but none of them seem to work. So after he has tried everything his wife is the one who designs the perfect hat. This is a realistic contemporary fiction book with great illustrations. The pictures are colorful and take up the entire page. They show motion and could tell the story without text if necessary.  

In the back of the book there is even a little blurb about the real George stormy. I think this would be a great book to read to students because although it is about finding a hat, it has more of a message of individuality. Be who you are, don't try and be someone who you aren't because you will only get hurt in the end. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact that they went and saw all these jobs and hats but all the people looked exactly the same. There is no diversity at all. Along with the way women are portrayed in this book and the lack of diversity, I can't help but question is this the kind of message I want to be sending to my class? 

Letters From A Desperate Dog

For all those dog lovers out there this is one that will make you smile. Eileen Christelow writes a graphic novel about the ups and downs of being a dog...from a dogs point-of-view. It is a good way to help show students that there are other ways of looking at a situation. Emma is a dog who doesn't always get along with her owner. In fact they disagree so much that she actually runs away for a little and becomes an actress. However, like in many other stories, distance makes the heart grow fonder and Emma and her owner George realize life is better when they are together, even though they may fight. Christelow uses word bubbles to show the different characters speaking to each other. She also uses picture boxes to display different times of the day and scene changes. Since some of the story looks at two places at one time, it was a good idea to show the differences in picture books. Throughout the story Emma finds herself on the computer writing to a dog show. These little blurbs are what I think make the book so interesting and fun. They have special e-mail addresses that they use to send in information to the host to ask advise on what to do with their owner. Usually in real life it is the other way around, but in this book we get to experience life through a dogs eyes.  

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

I love all the "If You Give Books" by Laura Joffe Numeroff. They really let children's imaginations run wild. When I was student teaching, I read this book to the class for a couple reasons. The first being I like how it comes full circle. It starts with a little boy who gives a mouse a cookie and ends with a the mouse wanting another cookie. The illustrations by Felicia Bond are extraordinary.  My favorite picture is of the mouse when he is coloring and the size of the crayon he is using compared to him is just so funny! Bond uses a lot of different techniques to show motion with the characters and also color to keep children interested in the pictures. I think the illustrations are so detailed that if there was no text on the pages, the story through illustrations would be very similar. The last reason why I like this book is because you can make an excellent writing activity to go with it. Since this story is themed around the "what if you gave a mouse a cookie" idea, you can have students think of their own "what ifs" and have them expand like Numeroff did. 

Although this book doesn't have as much education value as some other books, it can be a great tool to get your students imagination cranking!