Teachers' Favorite Books for Students :

2010-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

2010-02-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

2010-02-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Moon Shot by Brian Floca

2009-12-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

This incredibly striking nonfiction picture book takes readers along on the NASA's Apollo 11 mission to the moon... from liftoff to splash down. The moon shines down on Earth, where three men don spacesuits, climb into Columbia, and wait for liftoff. On a nearby beach, people gather to watch the rocket blast the astronauts into space. The astronauts fly to the moon, circle it, land on it, walk on its surface, and see “the good and lonely Earth, glowing in the sky.” After flying back to the orbiter, they return to Earth and splash down, “home at last.” The writing is poetic: “Here below / there are three men / who close themselves / in special clothes, / who—click—lock hands / in heavy gloves, / who—click—lock heads / in large, round helmets.”
The main text is beautifully illustrated with line-and-wash artwork, technological details and some visually stunning scenes. An appended note discusses the mission in greater detail. Beverly - teacher

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

2009-12-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is the true and now familiar story of Dr. Greg Mortenson who went hiking in the mountains of Pakistan in 1993 and got lost. He found his way to a small village where the locals helped him recover from his ordeal. While there, he noticed that the students had no building and did all of their schooling out of doors. Advised by a wise elder to “listen to the wind,” Mortenson becomes aware of children’s voices, children he has helped teach during his recovery, and he decides to build them a school.

It's a adventurous and thoughtful story. The picture-book version captures Mortenson’s story by using colorful fabric and cut-paper to depict the dramatic landscape and incredible undertaking. The book includes an appended scrapbook of photographs, maps, and additional information. Check out the adapted version for young adults, "Three Cups of Tea". This story is makes a for great study in multiculturalism. Beverly - teacher

Spot the Plot: a Riddle Book of Book Riddles by J. Patrick Lewis

2009-12-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

It's another must have for libraries and classrooms. J. Patrick Lewis has written riddle poems about 13 great children's books. On each page, two detectives (children dressed in detective clothing) are there to figure out the book in the riddle. The poems are written in ways that give clues. The illustrations help a bit with the detective work, too. They are quite cleverly done--just enough to think about but not too much information.
Can you guess this one?It ‘s great fun figuring out the books in the riddles. It's also great fun to read and hear the wonderful writing and the careful choice of words. This book is perfect for an interactive read-aloud, especially if the illustrations are held back until after the text has been read.
K-2nd Grades Beverly-teacher

Scribbleville by Peter Holwitz

2009-12-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a sweet story! Welcome to Scribbleville!
It's a town made of wiggles and scribbles. There are no straight lines in Scribbleville. When a man who is straight as a stick moves in, the residents are mistrustful because he looks all wrong. Then a scribbled woman looks past his straight lines to become his friend. She illuminates the straight-lined Scribbleville people: "on the outside he's odd, but that's not where I look." From this point on, relations between scribbles and straights are much improved, and soon some new folks move in ... some scribbled... some not.
The story is written in rhymed verse and carries a message about tolerance and diversity without being preachy. It acknowledges the differences between others and recognizes how these differences could be celebrated. The book offers various views of how others may see each others differences or how one may or may not respond to being viewed as different.
Clever illustrations keep young children engaged. Beverly- teacher

A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes

2009-12-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

This story was written for children who have witnessed violence or trauma. It’s a great addition to a teacher’s library under “Bibliotherapy.

It tells of a little raccoon, Sherman Smith, who sees a "terrible thing" and how he represses his feelings about it. He starts feeling sick, he acts out at school and gets into trouble. So, he goes for child therapy, and over time works out his feelings about seeing the "terrible thing" with the aid of a kind and understanding therapist.

The story uses this fun character to show different emotions that children have after witnessing or being a part of something that is traumatic to them. It could be their parents fighting, divorce, abuse, etc. The special beauty about this book is that it doesn’t tell what the character witnessed. Thus, the book is incredibly flexible in that it can apply to a number of situations and to a number of readers. The story speaks of how sometimes we try to hide from the scary feelings created by trauma and how we may act out because of our trying to suppress those feelings. It demonstrates to the reader/child that it helps to talk about what is bothering them. It also provides an entre' into therapy experiences. Great story, great resource. Beverly - teacher

2009-12-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud, is a heart touching story of a father and daughter who brave the dangerous journey on the Underground Railroad. As Hannah and her father search for freedom, they use the patchwork quilt Hannah's mother helped her make before she died to use as a map to freedom. With courage, determination, and hope, Hannah and her father find their freedom, as did thousands of slaves who escaped the brutal and horrific realities of life on a plantation on the Underground Railroad. - CW Elementary Teacher

2009-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

Way Up and Over Everything written by Alice McGillstory and illustrated by Jude Daly, begins when a new shipment of slaves arrive at the plantation. Just before sundown as the slaves were eating their evening meal, the slaves that had just arrived that day were suddenly gone. The overseer and master gathered the search dogs to chase down the run-away slaves. As they caught up to the slaves in the field, they found them holding hands in a circle looking up in the sky. Before they knew it, the master, overseer, and the other slaves were watching them fly away into the sky to freedom. “According to traditional stories, people trying to escape mysteriously disappeared into thin air. Those left behind sang songs and told stories about these flying folks. Sometimes, the stories said, a hoe continued to work in the field after the Africans had flown away”. An appropriate read aloud about slavery and African folktales for any age. - CW Elementary Teacher

2009-12-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

In 2002, internationally acclaimed, legendary author Virginia Hamilton passed away. In an appropriate memorial to her, The People Could Fly: Picture Book was create in 2004. The People Could Fly is one of Virginia Hamilton’s 24 tales in The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales, first published in 1985. With new illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon, Virginia’s legacy will continue. This is a tale about how Africans had the magic to fly to escape the sadness and starvation of life on a plantation. When the Africans were captured and sold for the slave trade they had to leave their wings behind because there was not enough room on the crowded, disease stricken ships. One day a slave named Toby revealed that he still had his wings and helps woman and a young baby fly away from the brutal, sad, starving conditions. Eventually Toby shows all of the slaves that they too can fly away from the plantation. As the slaves fly to freedom, the overseer, master, and other onlookers stand amazed and in disbelief. - CW Elementary Teacher

2009-12-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

Drylongso, written by Virginia Hamilton and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkley, is a story to remind you that you never know what is going to happen. Lindy and her parents are experiencing a terrible drought and their farm is struggling to survive. Lindy seems to keep the times passing with her funny personality, curiosity and her observations. One day while working out in the drought stricken fields on the family’s farm, Lindy spots over her fathers shoulder what she has only imagined, a dust storm. The dust storm not only brought dust, wind and just plain miserableness, it also brought something unexpected. As the family watched the storm encroach on their farm a stranger stumbled on to their door step. The family took in the young stranger, Drylongso, and he soon answered their problems with the drought. A thought provoking story with an African American folktale twist. -CW Elementary Teacher

2009-12-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

In A Soul Looks Back in Wonder, Tom Feelings colorfully captures the African American spirit with his paintings and the collection of work by 13 major poets. Poems by Maya Angelou, Lucille Clifton, Alexis De Veaux, Mair Evans, Darryl Holmes, Langston Hughes, Rashidah Ismaili, Haki R. Madhubuti, Walter Dean Myers, Mwatabu Okantah, Eugene B. Redmond, Askia M. Toure, and Margaret Walker all capture what Tom Feelings set out to pass on to the next generation. - CW Elementary Teacher

Bone

2009-12-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Bone is the quite popular graphic novel about the Bone family, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone & Smiliy Bone. This first book follows the cousins as they are exiled from their home and then become separated in a vast dessert. Each of them separately end up wandering into a mysterious wooded valley where they meet strange creatures and even stranger happenings...

Much humor and action are the trademark for this series. These books never last a day on the classroom shelf. Once someone is done reading one, it quickly gets snatched up by the next eager Bone fan.

Great for grades 3/4 and up.

Rachael - 4th/5th teacher

Miss Spider's Tea Party

2009-12-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

This book is pretty much my favorite picture book of all time. I love the poetic rhyming verse, the vibrant pictures, and the heartwarming story - and its a counting book too!

The book begins with "one lonely spider", who is drinking tea all by herself. She really would like to have some friends to share her cakes and tea with. She tries to get two timid beetles to come to tea, three spotted moths, four bumblebees... But alas, all the insects are afraid of her, being that she is a spider. Finally they realize that she is quite a lovely spider who eats violets, not insects! In the end Miss Spider has many friends who enjoy her hospitality. Yay, Miss Spider!

David Kirk has also written sequels that tell (& with his colorful painting also show) Miss Spider's other adventures that are worth checking out: "Miss Spider Gets Married", "Miss Spider's New Car" and Miss Spider's ABCs"

~Rachael 4th/5th Teacher

Call Me Maria, By Julia Ortiz Cofer

2009-12-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

This is a truly touching piece of work, and as the cover says, "a novel in letters, poems, and prose". Cofer shares the experiences of Maria, who has moved from "the island" (Puerto Rico) where she grew up with her mother and father. Her father grew up in a New York barrio, and over time became depressed on the island. Maria's parents make a hard choice for her father to move to New York and try to feel happy again, to find himself. (Her mother is a teacher and loves her job and the island life.) Maria decides to go with him, to see and learn new things, but also to be sure her father is okay. He gets a job as a super of a building in the city and we live the life of his daughter through letters to and from her mother, anecdotal records of the people who live in the building--each one of them touch her life in different ways, and poems she constructs out of myriad ideas and contemplations. Sometimes learning, sometimes lonely, sometimes comforted, sometimes independent, learning about Maria through her own words and senses is like living the life of this island girl becoming part of the city; she shares depth one might never know personally if not confronted with her experience, and somehow I feel her words are relatable for others who move to new places. There are many cultures represented in Maria's building, which is a special asset in the book for younger and older readers who are broadening their perspectives and learning about others' lived lives.
KL teacher/mom

Savvy, by Ingrid Law

2009-12-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Mibs' thirteenth birthday is on its way, and she knows something is going to happen. Everyone from her mother's side of the family gets their "savvy" when they turn thirteen. None of them knew what their savvies were until their thirteenth birthdays, when each one's arrived, and Mibs is in the same boat. Her oldest brother Rocket has an electric charge that can be shocking, and Fish, her other older brother has a way of starting storms and changing the weather. A simple thirteenth birthday should be easy to come by, but Mibs' Poppa gets is a terrible car accident and is hospitalized in faraway Salina, taking Momma and Rocket to be with him and forcing any celebrating to be postponed, or forgotten. Without fail, however, Mibs develops her savvy come thirteen and the troubles she gets into, with the help of two of her brothers, Fish and Samson, and the Meeks kids, set them off on an adventure (aboard a pink Bible bus) to save Poppa and she learns a lot about herself. Law's story is charming and modern enough for some picky readers. The Beaumont family are like a midwest version of the X-Men. They are often cast aside, being different, and this serves for good conversation about how we think of people before we really know them. A sweet read!
KL teacher/mom

Arnie the Doughnut, By Laurie Keller

2009-12-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Arnie is a different kind of doughnut. Sure he started out as dough, was fried in oil, is round, and has sprinkles--he is definitely a doughnut. But Arnie is also excited, friendly, very naive at first, and he can TALK. All is well for Arnie, especially when he is purchased by Mr. Bing, he knows the best is yet to come. Except when Mr. Bing tries to eat him, a new world is opened up to Arnie as he finds out that doughnuts really are for eating. Luckily, Mr. Bing decides not to eat Arnie but the two of them must problem-solve what to do with Arnie. Try to guess! This story is hilarious, silly, just weird but there is something endearing about a doughnut who dreamed of bigger things. There are some really good morals under the chocolate and sprinkles in there! The illustrations are intricate and include silly details all over the page that will make you want to read it again for the extras. Godd for all ages and many uses.
KL teacher/mom

Once Upon a Fairy Tale

2009-12-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

This book is really cool. It is a presentation by famous artists and individuals as a benefit for The Starbright Foundation. An important feature is that it includes a CD with the recordings of the famous people reading their pieces, while in the book there is a corresponding picture of the character by one of the famous artists. It includes four fairy tales, "The Frog Prince", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", and "Rumplestiltskin"; each of the stories is told from a personal perspective of a character in the story. For example, in "Goldilocks", Calista Flockhart takes a starring role by breaking into the Bear house looking for a phone. Ted E. "Papa" Bear is a grizzly softy played by Gen. H. Norman. Schwarzkopf (illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg.) Cosentina Molly "Mama" Bear is a sweet, cello-playing lady, done daintily by Whoopi Goldberg. My favorite of the story is Owen "Baby" Bear ( funnyman Conan O'Brien, depicted by David Shannon) who is upset because his "cream rivers, butter houses, and sugar mountains" have been gobbled up. He becomes excited when he realizes he gets pizza later!
Check out Mike Meyers' Rumplestiltskin and Robin Williams as Wolf von Big Baden. You and the kids will roar at this one. (A really great book to use with work on perspective in the classroom.)
KL teacher/mom

Voices in the Park, By Anthony Browne

2009-12-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

What can I say about this amazing book? It has so much to offer a reader of any age. Anthony Browne takes us through a simple afternoon walk in the park but does it with a twist, or rather four twists! He uses brilliant imagery in his depictions of four different voices on their separate jaunts with their dogs from their homes to the park and back. The characters whose voices we read are gorillas personified, a mother and son, a father and daughter. The walk is presented in "First Voice, then "Second Voice", and so on, so it builds in a simple, yet quite interesting way. The pictures are magical and deep, and could be talked about for hours. But the perspectives are what gives the book its power. All four voices tell us about facets of the walk--the dogs, the parents, the children, their lives--in extremely different ways. There is hardship, judgment, coldness, friendliness, play, and the uninhibited way of dogs as a lesson for everyone (and much more.) The class differentiation and assumptions presented through the pictures and voices are themes I feel personally are worth bringing out for critical discussion, especially if you use the book in a classroom. It is worth reading a few times!
KL teacher/mom

There are cats in this book By Viviane Schwarz

2009-12-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

This book is just plain cute. I would recommend it for younger readers. It is simple in its presentation of three cats, Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre, who invite the readers in to play with them. The pages have overlapping flaps that keep revealing surprises. First you wake the cats from under their blanket and they say, "Huh?", "Hello. Who are YOU?", "Are you NICE?", "You LOOK nice.", "And STRONG. Could you turn a whole PAGE?", "Because there's YARN on the next page. LOOK!" And so on! You'll encounter pillows, fish, you'll have to blow the cats dry, and tuck them in. The illustrations are done with collage, watercolor, and simple lines. It will become a favorite for little ones. And cat lovers.
KL teacher/mom

Ricky Riccota's Mighty Robot

2009-12-12T14:19:00.001-08:00

From Dav Pilkey, author of Captain Underpants, comes this great series about a mouse named Ricky Ricotta who lives in Squeekyville, where all the inhabitants last names are a type of cheese. The first book describes how the Dr. Stinky McNasty created the Mighty Robot to destroy earth. The Mighty Robot refused and Ricky saved him from being destroyed by the evil Doctor.

The next books of the series tell the tales of how Ricky and his Mighty Robot save the world from various villains from different planets. The creatures happen to alliterate with the planets their from (Vultures from Venus, Monkeys from Mars, Unicorns from Uranus...).

This series is written at about a 1st/2nd grade level so the books are perfect for primary grades, or struggling upper grade readers. There are tons of great pictures, and almost have a chapter book meets graphic novel feel.

~Rachael - 4th/5th Teacher

D is for Drum

2009-12-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

ABC meets multicultural in this Alphabet Book on Native Americans. Each letter of the alphabet stands for a different aspects of Native American life (Bison, Corn, Drums...) Some letters stand for other things that have influenced Native Americans such as Gold, which brought many foreigners to the their land. Other letters stand for groups of Native Americans such as the Anasazi, Kiva & Kachina. Each letter has a short description of how that word is connected to Native Americans, along with a more in depth explanation in a side bar. This book is a must have for any unit on Native American studies.

Rachael - 4th/5th Teacher

Ivy + Bean

2009-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

This delightful series has 6 books. The first book, and namesake for the series shows the beginning of the amazing friendship of these two unlikely pals. Bean loves to climb trees, play in mud puddles and jump on her bed. She never wears dresses and always keeps her hair cut short so she doesn't have to deal with it. Ivy on the other hand always wears dresses and is constantly seen reading a book! This tale follows the two girls as their friendship unfolds. In the next 5 books Ivy + Bean solve mysteries, get into trouble and become better friends! Great for 2nd grade on up to struggling readers in the upper grade grades.

Rachael - 4th/5th teacher

Quick as a Cricket

2009-12-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

Quick as a Cricket
Audrey and Don Wood

A personal childhood favorite that I often share with my offspring, Quick as a Cricket is a lulling and beautiful story for young children. The book is made of similes (great teaching tool!) of how one child has characteristics of so many different animals. For example sometimes "I am as loud as a lion" but on the very next page the same boy is "as quiet as a clam". The book goes on riddled with beautiful similes, adjectives, opposites and illustrations. The story's readability makes it a young reader book, but I think it would serve a great purpose in upper elementary teaching similes or younger grades teaching self descriptive adjectives. Please check it out and love it as I always have.

The Princess Tales:Volume One

2009-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, author Gail Carson Levine took three well-known fairy tales (Toads and Diamonds, The Princess and the Pea, and Sleeping Beauty)added humor, plot twists, and empowered heroines, and whipped up The Princess Tales: Volume One. The new versions of the stories (The Fairy's Mistake, The Princess Test, and Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep) still will appeal to those who love the fantasy genre, but also to all readers who are looking for a good laugh. Who wouldn't appreciate the "bad sister" actually enjoying the punishment the fairy had handed out? Look to The Princess Tales as a worthy opponent of today's "Disnified" fairy tales. Yes, there still are "happily ever afters" in this volume, but in typical Levine fashion...they are not exactly what was expected!-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

Willy & Max: A Holocaust Story

2009-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Willy & Max: A Holocaust Story is indeed a story of the Holocaust, but more importantly, of friendship. Author Amy Littlesugar tells a true story of her grandfather (Willy) a son of a Christian art dealer and his friendship with Max, a Jewish boy. The boys became close friends in Belgium right before WWII. When the Nazis came to Max's house in the middle of the night, the family knew they needed to escape. Before they left, Max's family entrusted a valuable painting with Willy's father. Illustrator William Low's artwork is colorful, "large", and realistic. At the end of the book, the author gives a plug for the Commission for Art Recovery which is trying to unite works of art stolen during WWII with their rightful owners.-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher.

The Year of the Ox-Tales from the Chinese Zodiac

2009-12-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

The Year of the Ox
Oliver Chin
Illustrations by Miah Alcorn

I had the pleasure of meeting this author at the Sonoma County Book fair this fall and was impressed his work and passion for writing children's literature. Chin finds unique characters to expose children to hints of Asian-American culture while creating engaging and readable stories.

The Zodiac series is a project for Chin where he releases a tale each year based on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. This San Francisco author is praised for his Pacific Rim pop culture in his writing.

The Year of the Ox is the 2009 edition to the series. Previously Chin has released The Year of the Dog, Pig, and Rat. In 2010 The Year of the Tiger will follow with a new illustrator.

These stories are cute and humorous while offering a lesson learning adventure. I can't express how much I recommend them as a classroom addition or for a home library. And not to push a sale, but they would also be a great gift for expectant parents or loved ones who know their Chinese Zodiac sign.

Alana Gaitan, elementary educator and mother

Julie Blackbelt-The Kung Fu Chronicles

2009-12-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Julie Black Belt-The Kung Fu Chronicles
Oliver Chin
Illustrations by Charlene Chua

A realistic fictional book with a plot and characters all children can relate to, Julie Black belt will round kick young readers into action!
Julie is a kid like all others who loves video games, so when her parents enroll her in a local Kung Fu class she thinks it will be comparable to all the cool moves she knows with video games. Of course she is in for a big surprise and a lesson on integrity and perseverance. Watch Julie blossom through these amazing and comic book like illustrations courtesy of Charlene Chua.
In addition this book offers a view of Asian-American culture and female protagonists.
Truly a great pick for at home or in class!

Alana Gaitan, elementary educator and mother

Little Blue and Little Yellow

2009-12-06T15:49:00.001-08:00

Little Blue and Little Yellow

By Leo Lionni

Honestly I wasn't as drawn to this book as Lionni's many others, but when my own little book hater son found it on the library shelf and asked me to read it two times in a row, I took it home. In this story the children are blobs from the color wheel. One day playing Little Blue and Little Yellow hug each other so tightly they turn into one green blob! Now their parents don't recognize them and they don't know what to do. As they cry blue and yellow tears they separate back into their primary colors (pun intended). I think the story has multiple meanings so find your own when you check this one out :-)

Alana Gaitan, elementary teacher and mother

Paul Galdone Fairy Tales

2009-12-06T15:40:00.001-08:00

The Three Little Pigs

Paul Gadone

In my search both as a mother and elementary teacher to find a true to form and child friendly version of classic fairy tales I have stumbled upon Paul Gadone at our local library. Recommended by a librarian, Gadone's books are word for word how I remember them. There are as close to the traditionally oral told tales I know. Normally when searching for fairy tales I find versions vary minutely to greatly. And with fairy tales being a foundational structure to children's literature and a tool learning life's lessons we all need a good collection. Hence look into this author, the books are older but I think you might agree that they are spot on.

Alana Gaitan, elementary educator and mother

The Best Pet of All

2009-12-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

The Best Pet of All (Alana Gaitan)

David LaRochelle

ills Hanako Wakiyama

This little boy wants a dog for a pet on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but his mother is not giving in. Finally this clever boy tries another method of persuasion by asking for a pet dragon,

to which his mother's mantra is "Find a dragon and we'll keep him". Who knew a dragon for a pet would be so much trouble? This is a read again over and over text with short meaningful words perfect for emergent readers. However the most beautiful part of this book is the illustrations! Wakiyama's artwork looks like 1950's magazine artwork. My children loved this book and your young ones will too!

The Great Fuzz Frenzy

2009-12-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

The Great Fuzz Frenzy

Janet Stevens

ills. Susan Stevens Crummel

When an unidentified object (tennis ball) tumbles down a Prarie Dog hole chaos ensues between these little creatures. Inspired by a game of fetch with Stevens dog, Violet, this story humorously portrays how greed unfolds among a community of Prarie Dogs. Not only is the story wonderful for teaching greed, sharing, and ultimately materialism the book offers fold out pages and easy rhyming text for young readers. I recommend this book for a discussion on problem solving.

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan

2009-12-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

This is an inspiring story for girls everywhere. Two ordinary women meet up one night to have dinner, except one happens to be famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart and the other First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. While eating dinner in the White House, Amelia shares how amazing it is to fly at night over the city. Eleanor seems interested, so Amelia offers to take her up flying after dinner. Despite what others think, the women end up flying from Washington to Baltimore and back. After returning to the White House, Eleanor takes Amelia for a ride around the city in her brand new car. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds and lead different lives, both women are strong with an independent outlook on life. This brings them together and helps them become close friends. This wonderful story shows girls it is okay to be independent and promotes gender equality in children.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

David Goes to School by David Shannon

2009-12-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

Trouble is back! David Shannon’s little monster from “No, David” is at it again in this short story. In this book, David takes his antics from his house with his mother, to school with his teacher. From the very beginning, David is a highly energetic and obnoxious character, providing plenty of entertainment for young readers. After showing up late for school, he jumps in front of the room during math time, plays with his gum, and interrupts other students. David’s actions catch up with him, and the teacher makes him stay after school. In the end, David redeems himself by cleaning up his mess, and he goes home happy. The teacher taught David that good behavior is best in the classroom, making this a great read for young students learning classroom etiquette.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Postcards from a War

2009-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Postcards from a War by Vanita Oelschlager is a must read for any family who has a loved one away in the service. Matthew, the narrator, is like many children; however, his mom is in the Air Force and has recently been deployed. He was strong and didn't cry when his mom left but he is secretly very scared and sad that his mom had to go to war. He confides in his grandpa. To help ease the pain felt by a child's mother away at war, the grandfather shares with Matthew his memories being a young boy while his father was away in World War II. Although as a young boy he wished his dad would be home with him, he found comfort in the postcards he sent. Matthews grandfather shares the postcards with him just as he had shared with his mother when she was younger. It wasn't long until Matthew received a "postcard" from his mother via the computer. Although being away from his mom is hard, he is glad to have the postcards.

The illustrations beautifully accompany this story as the grandpas flashbacks are in black and
white while Matthew's story is in color. Although this book presents some difficult topics such as why we have wars, it will ease the pain any child is facing by having a family member in the service. Who knows, maybe this book will inspire a new tradition; drawing and writing postcards to your loved ones.

~Erica, Elementary teacher

What if the Zebra's Lost their Stripes?

2009-12-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

This short picture book explores the meaning of black and white; through zebras. Some lose their white stripes and some lose their black stripes. Now that they don’t look like each other, would they fight? Would they live just the same? Would they live in different lands? Many of the questions presented in the book are the same as those presented about civil rights. This book could be used as a prelude to discussions regarding the civil rights movement and help students begin to understand the segregation laws that were in place.

~Erica, K teacher

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women

2009-12-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

This ABC book explores the wonderful and amazing women of

America

. This is beautifully written book with great historical perspectives. Each letter page shares the history of a historical woman or discusses many historical women in a field. For example, “K is for Mary Kies and other inventors and entrepreneurs.” Accompanying Mary Kies is a border noting other women inventors; the year it was created and their creation. With wonderful page construction, children can learn about many more famous women than just those listed from A to Z.

~Erica, K teacher

If America Were a Village

2009-12-04T22:36:00.001-08:00

Smith has been a teacher for over 25 years and was the creator of the award-winning curriculum, “Mapping the World by Heart.” Smith sets out to help children better understand the world we live in. Second in his series, (his first looks at the world in If the World Were a Village) Smith has collected statistics on the people who live in the United States. He has broken down his findings in an easier to digest system by reducing 306 million people living in America to 100 villagers in a village. With chapter like pages, Smith presents statistics in understandable terms looking at topics including: our population and race make up, the languages we speak, what our families are like, religions we practice and includes fun facts like how many televisions, cars and cell phones we own.

~Erica, K teacher

Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch

2009-12-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

In 1888, a stray dog wandered into the Albany, New York Post Office and became a permanent employee. His name was Owney. The dog guarded the mail and hopped trains going across the country. Wherever he went, mailmen would attach little notes and medals to his collar. What is especially wonderful about this book by Mona Kerby is that Owney really existed and was quite a famous character in his day. There is even a statue of little Owney outside the Smithsonian Post Office Museum in Washington D. C. Read this book to find out about Owney's greatest adventure!-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

2009-12-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

This fairy tale breaks the traditional mold and shows children how real life may turn out. In this book, a beautiful young girl, Elizabeth, is engaged to a prince, Ronald. They appear to be headed towards “happily ever after” until a dragon shows up, burns their castle, and kidnaps the prince. Elizabeth is left with nothing, but she does not whine or cry. She puts on a paper bag instead of clothes and goes to save her prince. Elizabeth tracks down the dragon and cleverly rescues her prince, but Ronald turns out to be very ungrateful. He bluntly tells Elizabeth that she does not look pretty wearing a paper bag with her hair not done. When Prince Ronald suggests that she leave and return when she looks like a princess, Elizabeth breaks off the engagement and leaves, for good. This story effectively teaches young girls that pretty clothes aren’t everything, and neither is having a boyfriend. It also teaches young boys to be respectful towards girls and that good character matters much more than fancy dresses.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

2009-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

Right now, I am sad, but I will soon be happy again. This colorful picture book is one of the best to help young children learn about emotions and how to deal with them. The author uses witty rhymes to explain feelings in a way that is easy to understand. This book explains the many different and complex emotions we feel and enables children to relate to and understand that emotions are okay. It covers a wide range of emotions, including silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous and proud. In addition to the great pictures, this book gives children a handle on some very useful vocabulary. In the end, children will be able to better understand and communicate their feelings and emotions with others.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… by Molly Bang

2009-12-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

In this Caldecott-honor book, children will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. We all get angry sometimes. And we do lots of different things when they get angry. What do you do? Sophie’s temper flares when her sister insists on having a turn with Sophie’s favorite stuffed gorilla. To make matters worse, Sophie’s mother says "It is her turn now, Sophie," and then seconds later Sophie trips over a toy truck in the resulting of tug-of-war. She becomes so mad "She wants to smash the world to smithereens." The boldly painted artwork swirls with the intense energy Sophie feels. The pages are filled with shades of infernal orange, yellow and red like a shuddering volcano. Sophie runs and runs until she can’t run anymore. In the woods she climbs a huge beech tree, looks out over the water, and is comforted by the “wide world.” Feeling better, she returns home where mom greets her with open arms. Reading this story with children provides a great opportunity to talk about anger and ways to deal with angry feelings. It is a great book about understanding emotions.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Siesta by Ginger Foglesong Guy, Pictures by Rene King Moreno

2009-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Written in English and Spanish, Siesta is a story that combines language, color, and wonderful illustrations, contrasting the text in both Spanish and English as two youngsters gather supplies for an afternoon backyard adventure. The colorful pages are filled with simple charm as two playful children prepare to spend the afternoon outside in a tent. Collecting the items they need for hours of fun, the sister and brother go from room to room getting just the right stuff. The last item was the most important, a vibrant and multihued Mexican blanket which serves as the tent. Being outside in a comfortable spot in the shade, the two find that it is the perfect time to get some rest—siesta. This story is warm and charming, inviting the reader to expand their language horizons. This is the perfect book for young readers, focusing on the small world of children’s adventure, and at the same time introducing basic language and simple sentence structure in both English and Spanish.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Amelia Rules! The Whole World's Crazy

2009-11-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

The Whole World's Crazy, is the first in the "Amelia Rules!" series, a graphic novel about a Amelia, a nine year old girl. The first book follows Amelia as she settles into life in a new place after her parents split up. She makes some new friends Reggie (who she likes, but "not like that!"), Rhonda (who Amelia really doesn't like all that much) & Pajamaman (yes he wears pajamas all the time). Amelia is a strong character who's got a bit of an attitude, but is likable at the same time. Because of the pictures, this book would be great for struggling readers as the illustrations can help them make meaning. Even though this book has a heroine, I think it will appeal to boys as well. A must have for an elementary classroom from about 2nd -5th grade!

Rachael - 4th/5th Teacher

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

2009-11-29T14:15:00.001-08:00

Blue Bloods is about a fifteen year-old girl who is just finding out that she is a vampire. In this society, their bodies don’t change until age fifteen. At this time, they begin to remember their past lives and come to full knowledge of their powers. Almost all the “blue bloods” (or old wealth in the east coast) are actually from vampiric families. The protagonist, Schulyer Van Alen, is unique; however, because she is a new vampire and has no past life. She is a mix between her vampiric mother and human father (a new type of vampire that has never existed before). While this was an interesting book, so much so that I did get the sequels, the first few chapters are hard to get through if you don’t love fashion; in fact, throughout the entire book, there is so much name dropping, I had trouble knowing what they were talking about. The characters are obnoxious and haughty at times which make them hard to like, but by the end of the book, they do grow on you. Warning: drinking, drugs, non-explicit sex, and a whole lot of product name-dropping.

~Julia, High School Teacher

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

2009-11-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

This series is about a sixteen year-old girl named Zoey Redbird. In her society vampire exist but away from the rest of “normal” society. One day, at her high school, Zoey receives the “Mark” indicating that her body is making the change toward becoming a vampire (if her body later rejects this change, she will die). Zoey finds solace in the love and religion of her Cherokee grandmother that hints that not only will Zoey transition successfully, but that she is, in fact, blessed by the goddess to serve a higher purpose. Her adventures at her new vampire school include the teenage dilemma of trying to make new friends in a new environment as well as what to hold onto from the past (including past boys) and what to let go of. This is a fun book that with characters that are surprisingly easy to relate to. Warning: there is sex (and suggestive language) throughout this series.

~Julia, High School Teacher

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2009-11-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

This novel is about two teenage girls, one Moroi (good vampires) and one Dhampir (protectors of the Moroi) that have just gotten caught running away. Through the course of the novel, we are introduced to the Strigoi who are the “bad vampires” who gain power by killing the endangered Moroi. We also find out why the main girls, Rose and Lissa, were so desperate to escape the school. This is an exciting, contemporary book that will make you want more.

~Julia, High School Teacher

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

2009-11-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting novel about a young girl, Chloe, who suddenly realizes she can see dead people. Before she can come to grips with this fact, she has a breakdown and is sent to a group home where she is diagnosed with schizophrenia. While at the group home, she becomes friends with the other kids here and is introduced to a world of supernatural powers and forces she had hitherto been unaware. This novel combines horror, teen-relationships, and mystery to create a novel you can’t put down. You’ll definitely want the sequel as this novel leaves you hanging.

~Julia, High School Teacher

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

2009-11-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

So often when we think of the Gold Rush of California, what comes to mind is a crusty old Yosemite Sam type of character. In The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, Newbery Award winning author Karen Cushman gives us a different perspective. In this realistic, poignant, but often funny historical fiction novel-a young California Morning Whipple is dragged by her widowed mother away from her beloved Massachusetts to help set up a boarding house in Lucky Diggins, California. She absolutely detests the rough and tumble town and changes her name from California Morning to a more refined Lucy. This story is told in the first person (and sometimes in letters) and has a lot of interesting details about what life might have been like for women and children during the Gold Rush times.
Barbara-Elementary School Reading Teacher.

2009-11-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley.
Written in 1932, Huxley's novel is as timely today as then. A cautionary tale of a genetically driven society, Brave New World provides an examination of human emotions and ethics under strict control of government/scientific authorities. Constantly asking the question, "How far do we go into the world of mechanization and biological manipulation?", the novel is both a mirror into and a reversal of our society. The seemingly innocuous planetary motto, "Community, Identity, Stability," is transmogrified into a hell, where the usual sense of "community" as love and support becomes a prison of social acceptance, where one's "identity" is forever fixed by genetic tampering, and where "stability" points to the inherent lifelessness of this society. Huxley is exploring the boundaries of what constitutes humanity, even conjecturing that, in some ways, we have crossed the line into inhumanity. A wonderful source of discussion and reflection for high-school or community-college students. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

One By Kathryn Otoshi

2009-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

This simple book offers a very powerful message, using colors as characters in a story about true friendship and bullying. A plain blue circle wishes he had some of the more exciting traits of his friends. He is timid and gets bullied by the mean red circle, who makes blue feel unhappy with himself. Blue’s friends remain kind to him, but they fail to do the right thing and stand up to red. When blue wants to give up, the number one comes along and changes everything. He brings all the nice color circles together and stands up for little blue. Everyone learns a lesson from this simple story about being nice and doing what’s right, even if that may not be the popular thing to do.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

No, David! By David Shannon

2009-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here comes trouble! David Shannon's messy little monster digs himself into a deep hole with his endless antics. Little David sails the high seas in the bathtub, builds Mr. Potato Head with his dinner, and takes batting practice in the living room. But when David’s actions catch up with him, his mother is there to lovingly console him. When you read this book to your children, they take on the parental role, repeatedly scolding David. Every time he makes a mess, they are able to shout, “No, David!” and then dissolve in giggles. David’s horseplay is relentless, but he is also extremely lovable. He is truly sorry when he breaks his mother’s vase, and he finds his ultimate happiness safely wrapped in her loving arms in the end.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Henry’s Freedom Box by Kadir Nelson

2009-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Henry’s Freedom Box is a true story about Henry “Box” Brown and his daring escape from slavery. This powerful story begins with Henry’s mom telling him about the realities of living in slavery. “Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind?” she asks. “They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families.” In the beginning of the story where as a child Henry is sent to his master’s son, to the loss of his family when his wife and three children are sold, you will sense Henry’s fear, grief, desperation, and finally, hope with his incredible decision to reach freedom through an ingenious plan. Henry’s Freedom Box is an extraordinary story that will raise numerous questions from youngsters about slavery, injustice, and hard-won freedom.

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

The Spider and the Fly based on a poem by Mary Howitt Illustrated by Tony Diterlizzi.

2009-11-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

The Spider and the Fly is an exceptional picture book that is based on a classic poem written by Mary Howitt. The story begins with an invitation, ‘“Will you walk into my parlor?’ said the Spider to the Fly.” The Spider flatters the Fly with lovely words. Will the Fly be able to resist his invitation that has no happy ending for her? The pictures in this book are phenomenal and done in black and white that remind the reader of an old gothic horror film. The fly is dressed as an innocent flapper girl, the spider a polished Victorian gentleman. Being a cautionary tale, it warns the reader to beware of those who compliment you and offer you treats, for they may have evil designs on you!

Jessica, 1st grade teacher

Amelia to Zora

2009-11-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Chin-Lee dedicated much research to create this unique Alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet is dedicated to a different influential woman in history. Readers learn about the background and lives of Cecilia Payne-Gopaschkin, an astronomer and the first woman professor at Harvard University, Nawal El Sadaawi a woman's rights activist from Egypt, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit the first woman president of the United Nations... I love the illustrations which were done by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. They have a scrap-booking feel with various layers of pictures and illustrations, yet at the same time the pictures also depict aspects of the different womans' lives. Another thing that I appreciated is that the women in this book come from around the globe instead of just from the United States, and had a world-wide influence. This book would be a great re-aloud for the elementary grades, and a wonderful addition to a middle or high school classroom. It would be a wonderful resource for a unit on influential women, and can be the catalyst for future research on women in history.

Rachael - 4th/5th teacher

Dewey :A Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

2009-11-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

Dewey: A Small-Town Library Cat who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron, is a wonderful book and a true story. Dewey was found in a library drop-box as a newborn kitten. The people at the library rescued him from the freezing, almost deadly, cold. He then lived in the library for the rest of his life. Everybody in the library and around town loved him to death. This is a wonderful book because sometimes it made me cry and sometimes it made me laugh. LOL It is different than other cute kitty books because the story changed so many lives.

by Sierra, Lauren's TA and an 8th grade student who is becoming an author

After Tupac and D Foster, by Jacqueline Woodson

2009-11-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

After Tupac and D Foster bring us the story of three girls who become bonded though real-life experiences. Two best friends living in Queens, NY, meet "D" Foster, a mysteriously cool stranger to the neighborhood. The three twelve-year-old's become inseparable as they try to understand what their "Big Purpose" is, while learning about themselves and each other. The author subtly brings forth topics like poverty, foster care, homosexual family members, jail/police/racial profiling, and other facets of some African Americans' urban life not usually found in many young adult books but often found in their lives. Woodson weaves through these families from Neeka's perspective (one of the friends), Neeka having a thoughtful personality which helps guide the reader on this journey. The girls experience tremendous growth via their different situations, while all along the rhythmic notes of Tupac Shakur's life and music give a cultural backbone to the story that can offer yet another connection for those who love the rapper, or a new perspective to those who don't know much about him or the culture. Great for upper elementary!
KL Book Club Facilitator

Rules, by Cynthia Lord

2009-11-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Do you have an annoying younger brother that you have to take care of all the time? Do you love him even though sometimes you can't stand him? Well, the main character, Catherine (in Rules, a novel by Cynthia Lord) does. She faces a storm of emotions from her autistic little brother David, but is of course protective of him, as well. While she feels jealous of the attention David gets from her parents and exasperated by just wanting to be a "normal" family, she also develops new friendships that test her strength of character and help her grow as a person, finally realizing what really counts are family and true friends. This book is a wonderful choice for discussion highlighting living with and loving those with autism, and others who have differing abilities. Lord makes it easy to be in Catherine's shoes as she experiences the typical emotions of adolescence mixed with family tribulation and challenges of social "norms". A great read for upper-elementary on up!
KL 4th/5th Book Club Facilitator

2009-11-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
What a wonder! When I first discovered this book, I was aghast. Satrapi has rendered a memoir with humor, frustration, love, and angst in a unique and compelling way—the comics. The combination of the two media—visuals and text—provides gritty realism and pathos. Born in Iran, Satrapi tells the story of her growing-up years through the advent of the Iranian Revolution of the early 1980s. Coming of age at the time when Iran becomes extremely rigid and merciless in its values and attitudes, Satrapi is eventually sent to France by her parents who fear for her safety. The first volume concerns Satrapi's childhood until she is sent to friends in France, while the second volume focuses on her adolescence and young adulthood. The visuals are not meant to simply attract the reader; rather, they tell the story as much as—if not more than—the text. Movie Companion. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

2009-11-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

Palestine by Joe Sacco.
An amazingly captivating memoir of a journalist in Palestine, this book confronts core issues of identity and alienation. Sacco has rendered a visual treat of his travels through Palestine, some of the time with Israeli friends. In the early 1990s, Joe Sacco spent a brief two months in various parts of the West Bank and other parts of the Occupied Territories. He did not decide, however, to simply provide feature articles to periodicals as a way to share his reporting. Instead, Sacco set out to draw a comic-style series of eyewitness accounts of the lives of people in this explosive part of the world. This 285-page volume is a wonderful way to study visual rhetoric: Where is the intersection of text and visuals? How do they play off each other? An important contribution to critical literacy on so many levels. Provocative, honest, and engaging, this is a must for every literary classroom. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

The Fair at Kanta, A Story from Peru by Carlos Antonio Llerena Aguirre

2009-11-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Fair at Kanta is a magical story of a young boy names Paucar who lost his parents in a terrible earthquake. He sent to live with his grandmother on the Puna, the very highest part in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Paucar and his grandmother life a simple life, tending to the llamas and growing Barley. When the Barley is ready to be harvested Paucar needs to take a journey to the fair at Kanta to trade the Barley for other goods. The journey is long and dangerous. His grandmother gives him a magic flute to play in case of danger. With the help of the flute Paucar can magically understand the language of the animals. Will Paucar make it to the fair at Kanta with the Barley??

The story uses the native Inca language throughout the book. The black and white illustrations are simply amazing and show much detail. This story is a wonderful look at Peruvian life in the mountains mixed with a magically journey.

Lauren R- elementary school teacher

Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus

2009-11-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus is a sweet story of two caterpillars that grow into butterflies. Yellow and Stripe are two caterpillars who meet while trying to find out the meaning of life. They decide to break away from the pack of caterpillars and fall in love. Then one day Yellow discovers a butterfly and learns about what her fate may be. Stripe’s destiny leads him on another path. Yellow builds a cocoon and finally hatches. Stripe is heartbroken that he cannot find yellow but continues on his own journey. Stripe and Yellow cross paths again and it is clear what he needs to do. The illustrations are all delicately hand drawn. Hope for the Flowers is lovely story for any reader who loves a happy ending!

Lauren R elementary school teacher

A Child's Treasury of Poems Edited by Mark Daniel

2009-11-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

A Child’s Treasury of Poems is a fantastic introduction to the timeless works of classic poets from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some poets include Tennyson, Dickinson, Wordworth and Kipling. The breathtaking artwork is reproductions of paintings and engravings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The book is filled with lullabies, rhymes, bedtime stories and fairy tales. A great collection of timeless classics for poetry lovers!

Lauren R elementary school teacher

Dogku

2009-11-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

With Dogku, author Andrew Clements departs from his usual fiction (Frindle etc.) to write a picture book entirely in haiku. This story is as warm and cuddly as "Mooch" our book's protagonist-a stray dog who is looking for a new home. (Now you know where the book's title comes from!) Some of Mooch's shenanigans make the reader wonder if a family will ever adopt him. Tim Bower's illustrations are just as endearing as the story. As a bonus, Clements includes an interesting author's note at the end of the book where he explains his love of haiku and his reasons for writing this book. -Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2009-11-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

The first in a series of five books about a young demi-god, Perseus Jackson, Lightning Thief begins an adventure in Greek mythology. Perseus(Percy)Jackson is a twelve-year old boy who feels like an outsider partly because of his dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses. He soon discovers that these "problems" are actually some of the gifts of being a "half-blood", the child of a human and a greek god. By the second chapter, he is battling monsters from Greek mythology, and discovering that there are many other demi-god children like himself.

This is an adventure series,and it is wildly popular with young readers right now. Part of its appeal is the mixture of middle school-age heroes who have to solve adult problems and the contrast with their parent-gods who behave like middle school kids. Percy's story moves quickly, and monsters are destroyed at a rapid pace; but much of the appeal is the balance of humor. Percy notes the absurdity of his situations and his mistakes--he is a very likable hero. The chapter titles entice the reader to the next chapter and make him giggle too. For example, the first chapter title is : I Accidentally Vaporize my Pre-Algebra Teacher. Students engage with the stories of Greek mythology, and they want to read more when they are finished with the five books. As I am writing, I have two students approach me to check out the fourth and fifth Percy Jackson books. One boy explains: " I stayed up until one reading because I lost track of time." That is agift for middle-school readers. This book has appeal from 3rd grade and up.

Lauren, Secondary Teacher and Library Tech

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2009-11-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was my favorite book of the year (so far). Sherman Alexie's book for young adults, is a very sad and very funny, tragic and hopeful autobiography. The language and graphic cartoons will speak to teens of today.

Junior, a teenage misfit, lives on the Spokane Indian reservation. The only thing Junior has in common with other kids on the "rez," is that his family is dirt poor and his father is an alcoholic. His father is a kind drunk and he has a loving family. Junior is smart, kind and brave. On the advice of a teacher, Junior transfers to Reardon high school, 22 miles from home. "The only thing Indian at Reardon is the school's mascot." Here's is where the trials of coming of age begin for Junior. Being a kid who faces both poverty and prejudice, he has some serious obstacles to overcome. In the end, after the laughter and tears, one learns you don't have to stop caring about other people, nor give up being who you are, to see new possibilities for yourself. It's about dreams and continuous hope.

Beverly- reading teacher

2009-10-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy.
For Americans, this novel is the antithesis story of "the other." John Grady and Rawlins embark on a journey of passage from Texas to Mexico in the late 1940s. Insteac of going north, the protagonists go south in search of their "home." As late teens, they are on a quest...and they find a world beyond anything they could have imagined. One of McCarthy's most accessible novels, Horses examines an America trying to come to terms with itself after World War II. The frontier is dead; all land is fenced in. The horses may be "pretty," but they are not wild any longer. The movie "All the Pretty Horses," directed by Billy Bob Thornton, is a wonderful resource for students to explore issues of interpretation of literary works in more than one medium. For high school/college classrooms. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

2009-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Names: A Memoir by N. Scott Momaday
One of my most favorite books, Names is a cutting-edge autobiographical work. Momaday himself characterizes this book "more imaginative than autobiographical." At the age of forty, Momaday takes the reader on a romp of his life—current and ancestral, focused both externally and internally, blurring the line between memory, the imaginary, and the real. Challenging for students, Names gives new meaning to the potentialities of narrative. This is a work that combines personal quest, identity, and the search for one's creative/spiritual source. An obvious choice for those teachers in high school and college who want to give students the keys to the beginning of analytical work with literature. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

2009-10-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Sibling Slam Book: What It's REALLY Like to Have a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited By Don Meyer

Varied fonts scramble across the notebook pages of a composition book and a space is left on each page for the reader to add her thoughts. It looks like a notebook that has been passed around a room of teenagers. The editor posed a series of 54 personal questions 81 teen sibs, including: What are some advantages of having a sibling with a disability?, Describe a perfect day, Ever feel invisible ? What annoys you the most about the way people treat your sib ?. This book is a compilation of their varied responses.

I definitely recommended this book for people who have sibs with special needs and who want to reflect on how this experience has affected them. But it is also a great resource people who know and love these siblings. Siblings can read this book and know they are not alone in their experiences, both frustrating and joyful. The responses are reflective, and there is relevant information about the needs of siblings on both sides of the realtionship. Any reader could learn from these teens about what it means to grow up and discover your own identity.

By Lauren--secondary teacher

What is God ? by Etan Boritzer

2009-10-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is one of the books in our home that we are always replacing because someone has borrowed it, and it never makes it back to us. For parents struggling with the complicated task of explaining God, our friends are relieved to have it as a resource. It is a useful, gentle introduction to the concept of religions and spirituality. By balancing information from several religions, and naming the "teachers" of these religions, it opens the door for conversations about what different faiths share. Religions share the concept that "you should be good to other people, just like you would want other people to be good to you". It then acknowledges that these are only some of the religions people believe in. There are others. One strength of the book is that it ASKS QUESTIONS and says MAYBE. The concepts are ideas and possibilities, and you can agree or disagree. So it is a good model for discussion and an exchange of ideas. The universalist approach to religion, "God is everything great and small!...All of us are God!" ,may not appeal to some readers. In our family we use it to discuss the connectedness of all people, all families.
I hesitated putting this up as a book for teachers, if teachers are not allowed to discuss religious topics in their classrooms. I have used it with secondary students to exemplify questioning and holding a open mind to ideas.
Lauren --Secondary Teacher

Throw Your Tooth on the Roof, Tooth Traditions from Around the World by Selby B. Beeler

2009-10-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you lose a tooth? Do you put it under your pillow and wait for the tooth fairy? Not if you live in Botswana! In Botswana, children throw their teeth onto the roof. In Afghanistan they drop their teeth down mouse holes, and in Egypt they fling their teeth at the sun! Throw Your Tooth on the Roof, travels around the world and discovers the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth. Selby B. Beeler spent years collecting traditions from every corner of the globe for this whimsical book, and G. Brian Karas adds to the fun, filling every page with humorous detail. He perfectly captures the excitement and pride that children experience when a tooth falls out. Perfect for any ages!

Lauren-elementary school teacher

Pirates Don't Change Diapers by David Shannon

2009-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Pirates Don’t Change Diapers is another fabulous picture book by David Shannon. Jeremy Jacobs is back to tell another story about his pirate ways. It is his mother’s birthday and Jeremy does not yet have a gift for his mother. Jeremy is left to care for his sleeping baby sister while his mother runs out and father is napping. Right away some old friends show up to dig up some buried treasure. Jeremy's baby sister is awoken and the pirates are clueless about baby-sitting. Jeremy attempts to show the pirates how to change a diaper, serve lunch, and even how to play a game of peek-a-boo. The pirates finally get baby Bonney to sleep and are ready to dig up the buried treasure when the map goes missing. Will they find the map and a gift for Jeremy’s mom in time? Aargh, I hope so!

Lauren-elementary school teacher

How I Became a Pirate by David Shannon

2009-10-26T11:33:00.001-07:00

Looking for a fantastic picture book? Look no further! David Shannon really hit it dead on with How I Became a Pirate. The pictures are so vivid, detailed and full of life. ‘How I Became a Pirate’ is the story of a young boy named Jeremy Jacob. He is at the beach with his family when he sees a pirate ship heading to shore. He tires to share the excitement with his family, but they are too busy dealing with a baby and other parental duties. The pirates come a shore and take Jeremy with them to help burry their chest of treasure. During the mission Jeremy gets first hand experience of the life of a pirate. Singing sea chanteys, learning pirate manners and sleeping with one eye open is all covered! Can Jeremy help burry the treasure before soccer practice the next day? You will have to find out!

Lauren- elementary school teacher

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho

2009-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hush by Minfong Ho and illustrated by Holly Meade is a lovely lullaby that comes from Thailand. The lullaby is about a mother who is hushing insects and animals that are trying to wake her sleeping son. Mosquitoes, lizards, monkeys and even elephants all come around their house during the babies nap. The pictures are beautiful and show traditional Thai homes and terrain. This book would make a great addition to any nighttime story!

Lauren- elementary school teacher

Honey, I Love and other love poems

2009-10-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield is composed of sixteen poems representing everyday life through a child's eyes such as: riding on a train, listening to music, jumping rope, and playing with a friend.
These short poems capture the emotions, especially love, felt by children. Diane and Leo Dillon add to the beautifully written script with their fabulous illustrations. Get lost in the imagery of this book.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

Author's Corner: Leo Lionni

2009-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Leo Lionni's stories are similar in theme as their characters explore who they really are. Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse and Tico are very similar stories. In Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, a wind-up mouse is in search of a friend and longs to become a real mouse. In Tico, a bird begins wingless and dreams of being like the other birds. One night, he is visited by a wishing bird who grants him his wish of having wings and gives him golden wings. His enthusiasm over his new wings diminishes as his friends don't accept him with his golden wings. He decides to give his golden feathers to people in need, but for every golden feather he removes, a black one takes its place. Once he has given up his last golden feather he returns to his friends who now accept his newfound wings. Both of these stories are great reads by themselves, but can also provide inquisitive discussions of self and identity. Teachers, you can add these to your critical literacy section!

Inch by Inch offers a different type of story. A clever inchworm escapes being lunch by showing how useful he can be to his predators.... he measures things for them! I like to use this book to introduce measurement in my classroom. After reading, we measure various objects with paper inchworms.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

D is for the Drinking Gourd by Nancy Sanders

2009-10-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

At first glance, this looks like a traditional ABC book; however, if you look a little closer you will find the history of African American culture. This sophisticated ABC book provides various terms to accompany each letter and also offers a brief detailed history of each word. "A is for abolitionists who were willing to take a stand." Although most may believe ABC books are for younger children, this one is great for older students learning about African American culture and struggles.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac

2009-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Most children learn about the story of the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, but the tale of the Native Americans is far less known. This is a must read during the Thanksgiving season to provide different perspectives of the first Thanksgiving. Based on a true story, Squanto, a Native American, and his friends have been visited by the explorers before; however, this trip was different. They misread explorers intentions and join them on their ship for a feast only to find the ship sets sail for Spain. Once there, he is forced into slavery and is sold off to the English. In desperation to return home, Squanto tries to learn as much as he can about the culture and learns to speak English. Eventually, he befriends the English and becomes an interpreter and guild for the Pilgrims. He becomes the first known Native American who seems to live in both worlds, the European and Native American.

~Erica, elementary school teacher

Wave by Suzy Lee

2009-10-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Follow the masterful use of lines and colors with Suzy Lee's, Wave. This is a story that truly does not need accompanying words as it is beautifully written/drawn to captivate the young. This picture book offers endless opportunities for children to predict what will happen next but there is a wave you wouldn't expect. Take a trip to the beach and explore what kinds of waves await!

~Erica, K teacher

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2009-10-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

I knew I had to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid (written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney) when students were trying to steal it from our school's book fair! I ended up laughing out loud, despite myself. Main character, Greg Heffley, relates his middle school adventures and misadventures in a journal his mother gave him... "Let me just say for the record that I think middle school is the dumbest idea ever invented. You have kids like me who haven't hit their growth spurt yet mixed with these gorillas who need to shave twice a day," Greg complains. The cartoons in this book help make the book appealing to children who normally are reluctant readers, but the funny dialogue is enjoyable for everyone. I've heard rumors that a "Wimpy Kid" movie is coming out in movie theaters in August. So if you are someone who likes to read the book first, you have only a few months to check it out.

-Barbara, Elementary School Reading Teacher

2009-10-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Notebooks of a Chile Verde Smuggler by Juan Felipe Herrera.
A unique rendition of autobiographical text, Herrera's Notebooks expands the boundaries of personal writing. In his life story, he includes poetry, photos from his family and his own life, and short snapshot writings. Herrera's choice of a writing style—that of a vignette—echoes diary or journal writing; his life moves at the pace of his chosen pieces. Deliberately leaving gaps in the his story, Herrera gives the reader easily accessible scenarios that leave him/her laughing and crying. His finale includes a couple of scripts, a "game show" and "ethnic sitcom," both of which emphasize Herrera's slice-of-life writing. Satirical, while still being realistic, Notebooks is a study not only of the life of one man, but also a peek into the byways of a cultural segment of American society. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

2009-10-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Man Who Swam Away and Left only His Wet Feet by Gene Frumkin.
Every so often, we language teachers must seek out literature that commercially resides on the margins, for one of the important traits of literature is that everybody writes. Making money does not preclude talented writing; indeed, these processes may be separate, each requiring their own set of skills and procedures. To that end, I love finding literature from unknown "corners" of our society. Gene Frumkin is one such writer. Living in New Mexico, Frumkin first published in the early 1970s. The Man Who Swam is a collection of poetry dating from that first volume. His themes include philosophy, everyday wonders, characters from his life, etc. Stylistically, Frumkin uses the entire page, something not usually chosen today. He believes in the long line with indented lines interspersed throughout; his writing, in fact, looks like a squiggly word picture with these "twists and turns." Considered to be a surrealist wordsmith, Frumkin delves into our mind trips with "clarity" (one reviewer notes). Another critic elegantly states that this text "invites reading and deepens with each new exposure." Wonderful as a high school/college classroom aide for quick views into language versatility and power. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

2009-10-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Poetry Slam, Inc. Individual World Poetry Slam 2006, #III (DVD).
Hold on to your seats...you've never seen or heard anything like this. In a blend of live drama and dramatic reading, current performers of poetry strut their verbal skills...and tricks...in front of a live audience for the world poetry slam championships. Diversity rules the event, with performers drawn from around the cultural spectrum. In addition, topics are varying from social struggles, war, homage, and farce. A worthy addition to a high school or college classroom to inspire verbal spontaneity and language interpretive skills. By Natosi, high school/college English instructor.

The Araboolies of Liberty Street

2009-10-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

The General and Mrs. Pinch rule the residents of Liberty Street, prohibiting all laughter, activity, and anything that looks like fun. (Not such a free street at all.) Joy and the other youngsters who live there are unhappy but there is nothing they can do about it, as the General threatens to "call in the army" for the least infraction of his orders. Then the Araboolies, who speak no English and who change skin color on a daily basis, move in. They even sleep outside while their animals live inside. Life on the quiet street becomes chaotic, exciting, wonderful, and fun---until the General really does calls in the army to remove the house and the Araboolies because they are different. This brightly colored picture book deals with subtle social themes of tolerance, conformity, the rights of an individual in a community. It's a great way to introduce these concepts. (K-3)
Beverly- Reading Tutor

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

2009-10-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

First in the series of three books thus far, I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter is great if you are into espionage. Cammie Morgan is a student at a very special school for girls and her mother is the head mistress (mom went there too). One thing, the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women isn’t some snooty prep school as it appears on the outside; it is actually a spy school. Cammie like all the others girls at the school is a genius, she is highly trained in hand-to-hand combat, is an excellent “pavement artist” in fact, they call her the “chameleon”, and she knows the languages and social skills of fourteen plus cultures. But when she is on a practice assignment in the local town she gets noticed, by an ordinary guy (who happens to be a hottie!). The boy, Josh, is her first “subject” in an offical report and her heart’s first flutter. She can handle just about any spy situation, but to handle a boy? Her life is less than ordinary, both parents were spies, dad never came back from a mission, and now her life is the academy, training for her future life. So how is she going to have a relationship with a normal guy who can never really know the truth? This is a great book and series for any girl or woman who dreams of being a part of a clandestine organization to protect the world from bad people. It is filled with secret passages, tech gadgetry, sub-ground levels that can only be accessed through retinal scans, and quirky ex-spy professors who test them to the brink of life. After all a spy’s life is just that. Because this was written in 2006, it is fresh and contemporary. It is a great vicarious experience! C. Murray

Fiesta Femenina

2009-10-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

If you love the rich traditional artwork and surreal folktales of Mexico then you will love Fiesta Femenina. This 2001 book specifically celebrates the heroines of various Mexican cultures such as the Mayan, Aztec, Mixtec, Yaqui, and Zapotec, thus covering virtually all regions. With each of Mary-Joan Gerson’s retellings there are colorfully saturated images by Maya Christina Gonzalez to captivate the senses and transport the reader to another reality that is so much a part of the Mexican tradition, particularly before Christianization. If you are seeking to empower our young Latinas this is a great starting place, as we should always begin where they are, not where we think they should be. Great for all ages and genders this book tells the story of power, glory, humility, and grace. These stories unify me with my own family history, the family I have married into, and my beautifully brown students whose power is unfolding to be fully realized and embraced. C. Murray

Ema Lea's First Tea Ceremony

2009-10-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

The first in a series of books focusing on Emma Lea and the art of tea does justice in teaching young ones to slowing down and quiet the soul. The author, Babette Donaldson, is from Nevada City and a serious tea ceremony devotee—so much so that she travels the world in search of the experience. In this 2008 story Emma is invited to a traditional English tea party at her friend Janelle’s house. Janelle and her family have recently returned from a trip to England and want to share their new found delight. On the walk home Emma sees her friend Sam, a Japanese-American, and mentions that she has just experienced a “real’ tea party. Sam needless to say, is a bit insulted. Unaware of the origin of tea, Emma and her mother are invited to join Sam and his mother for a Japanese tea cereony. The story then focuses on the details of this experience. Emma gains great respect for the Japanese culture and its introspective ways. By the end of the book Emma concludes there is no one proper way to experience tea, but that it opens up the world to her by sharing a cup of tea with diverse friends. A great read to gain appreciation for the Japanese tea ceremony and its history. This book has lovely water color artwork by Jerianna Van Dijk to portray Emma’s journey and a recipe for Matcha Mint Cookies to begin one’s own tea. C. Murray

Pockets

2009-10-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

This 1998 fanciful, oceanic tale by Jennifer Armstrong weaves magical realism into the lives of simple town’s folk through the gift of embroidery secretly stitched in the pockets of their clothes. This stoic work-oriented folk invite this disoriented, broken-hearted, beautiful young woman to join them until she rights herself. They of course ask if she has a trade or skill, upon which she shares her gift of sewing. The town’s people tell her she can stay because the tailor has recently died, but only if she keeps things simple, plain, and unadorned. They don’t want distraction from their duties. She complies for a while, then sews in her own pockets; sewing of the sea, sailing, and oceanic adventures, then realizes she could give this as a gift to people without the even consciously realizing it. Slowly the town’s people, with hands in pockets, begin to ponder and notice things, stop and smell the roses, look at the sky, and dream. This magic brings husbands and wives closer, children more joyful, the town simply comes alive. Once all is well, she herself is healed and ready to turn her sails for her old home. Personally, this book is the best worded picture book I have found because of its subject matter of the sea, its magical realism, and the artistry by Mary GrandPre is just stunning, carrying me away to those far distant places she stitches in pockets. C. Murray

Los Gatos Black on Halloween

2009-10-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Black in Halloween by Marisa Montes has received from Pura Belpre both honor and award. This seasonal, poetic delight weaves Spanish and English to tell of the black cats witnessing los monstruos of Halloween gathering for a midnight party. Under the fullness of la luna, they assemble one and all, las brujas, los esqueletos, la momia, and of course los muertos for dancing and musica. But of all the scary things we are introduced to they are terrified by the scariest things of all, horror of all horrors—human trick-or-treaters!
This book though short is loaded with amazing imagery and images by Yuyi Morales (of Little Sky) to tempt the imagination for a truly spooky Halloween. This 2006 book is appropriate for all ages and would be great for introducing Dia de los Muertos which follows Halloween on November 2nd. It includes a glossary and vivid images to clearly move beyond any language barriers. C. Murray

Blue Willow

2009-10-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

As told by author Pam Conrad, this is a fabled tale of what the pattern on Blue Willow China represents and its lesson. If parents do not listen to the true wishes of their children, the price of holding on too long may be irreversible. The young Kung Shi Fair and Chang are star-crossed lovers that wait to be united, but the girl’s over-loving/over-bearing father continues to push off the date for her to leave home and become a bride. This choking love does exactly that—it pushes her to extremes to reach her lover, thus extinguishes her life and love. This is a heart-tugging tale that probably all parents should read as their children move into adolescence. The book is beautifully illustrated by S.Saelig Gallagher and creates a sweetly tender world to escape into. Although published in 1999, this is a classic tale for all times and ages. C. Murray

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf

2009-10-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Simply put this is a great book by Jon Scieszka! A must on any child’s (or adult’s) bookshelf. Wonderfully witty and charming, it far outdoes his later book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Failry Stupid Tales. This 1989 retelling or rather other side of the story by A. Wolf of how things actually occurred is hillarious and completely creative. A. Wolf portrays himself as a nerdy, academic good boy who has a cold, wants to bake a cake for his granny’s birthday, and runs out of sugar. Thus begins the journey to each house for a cup of sugar, but it is his cold that makes him huff and puff, not the fact that he is a wolf who eats meat. A hoot to say the least. He claims he was framed by the press and the typical portrayal of wolves—all sensationalism. I could read this over and over—in fact I have. The illustrations by Lane Smith are fun and filled with interesting in detail. Just read it for yourself—it will put a smile on your face and make you laugh out loud. It does not matter how old or young, it is just great fun to read. C. Murray

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

2009-10-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

This 1992 Jon Scieszka book really is a collection of fairly stupid versions of fairy tales. This book would simply be great to use in a lesson comparing the historical shifts and changes in the tales over the centuries from Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, down to Disney and finally sarcastically crafted versions such as these. While the artwork is great, it is dark in nature and the book has an overall black humor to it. I would not suggest this as a read by itself, but again instead for comparative purposes. If you like the artistry and want to give the author another try, his True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf is just great. I would suggest this to older rather than younger readers. C. Murray

2009-10-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination

The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination by Jimmy Liao, poetically follows a young woman through her journey of finding what she has lost since becoming blind. Liao’s illustrations and colors capture how the young woman is imagining her surroundings, showing her creativeness, her questions, and her uncertainties. Not being able to see, she creates a colorful world that is real but imaginative to fill her heart once again. As a cancer survivor himself, Jimmy Liao “hopes that his work can brighten the lives of others” by looking into their hearts. “The Sound of Colors has been adapted into a stage play as well as a motion picture produced by award-winning Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai.”

CW - Elementary Teacher

Othello by William Shakespeare : Shakespeare Made Easy

2009-10-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Othello by William Shakespeare has been one of my favorite stories to teach. I have had magical teaching moments with this play.

I have taught it with students in "college prep/advanced" classes at a private high school and taught it with students in a multiple grade-level, continuation high school class of "struggling/disengaged" students.
(If I tried to create a description of my students to which no person would object, I could get no further in this post. Suffice it to say, I have read Othello with a variety of students, and many educators respond to the fact that I have done so, with a negative response of some sort.)
Despite whatever controversy there may be about teaching Shakespeare to students with lower academic skills, I recommend it. I recommend using an adapted version like the one published by Barron's :"Shakespeare Made Easy". I would NOT say it makes anything easy, but it offers a variety of accessibilty which is useful.

In a short review, this is what I want to share: EVERY time I read Shakespeare with my students, I have one or two students in each class period enter the conversation for the FIRST time in my class. Students who were either not confident, not interested, not learning become the leaders of discussion when we read Othello. I believe it is the beautiful language and the complex characters who remind us of parts of ourselves but who are so much more intense. I think it is the romance, the jealousy, the bawdy talk, the unraveling of tragedy.
The side-by-side modern English and original text format allows students and teachers to use both sides. By the time we finish reading, I have students choosing to read aloud from both sides--simultaneously. So as one "character" speaks in words closer to Sahkespeare's own, another character answers from the next desk in language more like that of today. And all the students are engaged because they want to know what happens next.

This was supposed to be a short post. Read it, teach it "---Then must you speak of one that lov'd not wisely but too well."

By Lauren, Secondary English Teacher

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

2009-10-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos unexpectedly answered questions I did not really know to ask.
It is the story of a family of immigrants from Bangladesh. They have been living, illegally, in New York for eight years; and the two teenage daughters see themselves as Americans.The family dreams and plans to become legal citizens, and the high-achieving eldest daughter dreams of becoming valedictorian and entering a good university. The story is told by the younger daughter, and like many young adult novels we see the main character find a purpose and her inner strength in order to guidse the family through adversity. The problems arise when the immigration policies change after September 11, 2001 . The family, like other illegal immigrant Muslim families they know, faces possible incarceration and deportation.

I have to admit that I did not know that the pursuit of illegal Muslim citizens was taking this form, so much of the reason I appreciate this book is that I learned about this piece of our current politics. More importantly for me, right now, this book reveals the story of my own community in a small northern California town. My students are not Bangladeshi nor Muslim, but many of them are illegal immigrants or have family members who are illegal. I know that many of them feel limited by their status or unwanted by their community. I have had students who lose their will to achieve or pursue their dreams, the way the older sister does in Ask Me No Questions. I have had a vague awareness of this part of their lives, and I have seen students and parents respond the way the girls do in this story. I now understand better their perspective. I also think that this would be a good choice for a classroom book in my middle school or anywhere there are students struggling with this dual-identity.

This story can open a conversation about the lives of teenagers who see themselves as part of a community, but know that the community can change its mind at any time and force them out.

By Lauren, a secondary English teacher

2009-10-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Helen Recorvits's My Name is Yoon, is a stimulating picture book about a young girl named Yoon who has moved to the United States from Korea, and is having difficulties finding her place. This story provides many lessons of friendship, hardship, and self awareness. I also find this story as a reminder to teachers who have children like Yoon in our classrooms. It reminds us of how they view the world around them, and how a little recognition can go a long way. Illustrator Gabi Swiatkowska provides soft but detailed imagery that captures the feelings and imaginations of children. A perfect read for any classroom no matter where your students come from.
C.W. - Elementary Teacher

2009-10-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America, by Bob Raczka is a wonderful book of art that captures the past. Raczka has selected just some of the paintings, sculptures, and photography that define America. This book has more to offer than what is depicted on each page. This selected few opens a door to further inquiry and exploration of the works of art he has provided and to discover other works of art that he does not provide. Art is a wonderful tool to use in the classroom for any subject. Art and the discussion of art provides students with not only a visual, but often answers and perspectives that students may not otherwise get in textbooks. It would be amazing to see what images students would add to or delete in Raczka’s collection, or what images they would choose to define America as they see it today. Will their choices show their knowledge and awareness of the diversity that makes up America today? Will they be waiting to paint the next classic?
CW- Elementary Teacher

El Canto de las Palomas

2009-10-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

"Calling the Doves" by Juan Felipe Herrera, is a gorgeous autobiographical picture book written in both English and Spanish. It has won many awards including the 1997 Ezra Jack Keats Book Award. The book describes the life of the author when he was young and his family who were migrant workers. Each page eloquently and with rich, colorful illustrations paints a picture of what Felipe's daily life was like. We learn about how his mother cooked breakfast, we listen to his father call doves, and feel the beauty of his mother reciting poetry, "Rhyming words would pour out of her mouth and for a moment the world would stop spinning".

This book would be a wonderful addition to any class library as it gives a beautiful window into the lives of migrant families. The descriptive language would be a perfect example to use with upper elementary students.

Rachael - 4th/5th Teacher