Week 10

Week 10: Babymouse, Our Hero by Jennifer and Matthew Holm

Book Summary:

Babymouse’s day starts off bad when she misses her bus. She then finds it even worse when she discovers dodge ball will be part of her grade next week. With determination, she practices and becomes a hero when her team wins, but Felicia has the last laugh.

My Impressions:

Babymouse’s feelings about school and dodgeball are very relatable. I laughed out loud when she gave herself an award for successfully taking out the trash and when she says, “I’ve sprained my ear!” during a dodgeball game. The format of the book took some getting used to for me as I am not a comic fan, but I loved her personality. She accepts the good with bad, and in the end has a positive outlook.

Professional Review:

“Once again the authors maintain a hilarious side dialogue between Babymouse and the reader. Babymouse talks to her audience drawing them in, making friends of them and soon readers find themselves caught up in her world, her problems, and her triumphs.”

- Through the Looking Glass

Library Uses:

Create a book trailer for Mousebaby using images from the book.

 References: 

Holm, J., & holm, m. (2005). Babymouse, our hero. New York, NY: Random House.

Through the looking glass children’s book reviews. (2012). [Review of the book Babymouse

our hero, by J. & M. Holm]. Through the Looking Glass. Retrieved from http://lookingglassreview.com/books/babymouse-our-hero.

Week 10

Week 10: Scary Stories to tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

Book Summary:

Scary Stories is a collection of scary folklore including favorites such as The Big Toe, The Hook, and High Beams.

My Impressions:

I still check my backseat for knife wielding psychopaths, even when it is daylight, because of High Beams. Scary Stories is an excellent collection of oral tales I heard growing up. I still remember my cousins and I huddled around my mom as she told us High Beams, The Big Toe, and every father’s favorite for obvious reasons, The Hook.

Professional Review:

“Broiling with nail-biting suspense, gruesome goings-on, and shiver-inducing surprises, the books featured here are sure to satisfy readers who love to be scared silly.”

- Joy Fleishhacker, Curriculum Connections--School Library Journal

 Library Uses:

On Halloween have a scary storytime for middle school children. Build a fake campfire for students to sit around as you read scary stories. Invite students to dress in Halloween costumes and bring scary snacks.

References: 

Schwartz, a. (1981.) Scary stories to tell in the dark. New York, NY: Harper & Row, Inc.

Fleishhacker, J. (2010, October 6). Curriculum connections [Review of the book Scary

stories to tell in the dark, by A. Schwartz].  School Library Journal. Retrieved from

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketcurriculumconnections/887081-442/scary_stories_to_savor_and.html.csp.

Week 9

Week 9: Fold Me a Poem by Kristine O’ Connell George

Book cover image (OPTIONAL)

Book Summary:

The book is a collection poems based on the origami animals created by a boy. Vibrant illustrations give personality to the animals.

My Impressions:

I loved the illustrations in Fold Me a Poem, and the poems were simple and beautiful. Every year I have at least one or two expert origamists in my class. I love “Green Dog’s Surprise.” I often think, “You must have been up late last night,” when my students give me their creations.

Professional Review:

“Some of the selections exhibit a creative spark, while others tend to take their meaning from the illustrations, which are the real strength of the presentation. The vividly colored acrylics depict the boy actively engaged in play with his creations, and the details that Stringer provides infuse the verses with both energy and humor. Her illustrator's note offers insight into her own efforts to master the art of origami." Grace Oliff

Library Uses:

Create an Origami station in the library where patrons can create origami. Include colorful paper, Fold Me a Poem, and “how to” books with directions on how to create the shapes in the book such as penguin, lily pad and frog, and the dog.

Storytime: Read Fold Me a Poem, then have an expert show students how to create shapes. Extend the story time by collaborating with LA teachers during poetry units. Invite classes for a reading of  Fold Me a Poem, have guest expert show students how to create a shape, and then have them create their own poem about it in LA class.

References: 

George, K. (2005). Fold me a poem. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc.

Week 9

Week 9: Amazing Faces by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Book Summary:

Amazing Faces is a collection of universally themed poems by diverse authors.

My Impressions:

I read the first poems and noticed if I had not looked at the accompanied illustrations or the authors’ names, I would not have identified them with any particular ethnic group. I purposefully read the remaining poems without looking and the author’s name or the illustration and found the same to be true of most of them. My favorite was Me x 2 and Yo x 2 as it celebrates the author’s bilingual gifts.

Professional Review:

 “Illustrated with large, handsome watercolor portraits, the 16 poems in this anthology celebrate the rich diversity of American kids—what makes each one special and the connections between them. Most poems are original to this collection, except for the final, “My People,” by Langston Hughes, which is paired with a close-up view of a huge crowd of parents and kids of many backgrounds that also appears on the cover… A great collection for sharing at home and in the classroom.” --Hazel Rochman

Library Uses:

Create a display of poetry books by diverse authors.

References: 

Hopkins, L. (2010). Amazing faces. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books, Inc.

Rochman, H. (2010, April 15) Booklist review [Review book Amazing faces]. The

Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/Amazing-Faces-Lee-Bennett-Hopkins/pid=4067553.

Week 8

Week 8: Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

Book Summary:

Jack and Annie discover their tree house is magical when it takes them back in time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. As they explore, Jack writes his observations about Pteranodon and Triceratops in his notebook. When they spot T-Rex, Pteranodon swoops down and carries them away to safety.

My Impressions:

Dinosaurs Before Dark is a great beginner chapter book and will appeal to dinosaur lovers. The story gives a new twist to tree houses, which have always had a magical element to them. The mysterious gold medallion had me hooked on the next book in the series. I loved the illustrations of the tree house as well.

Professional Review:

“It's been 20 years since Jack and Annie, the famous siblings in Mary Pope Osborne's award-winning "Magic Tree House" series (Random), burst on to the scene and inspired countless children around the globe to follow their time travel adventures.”

-Debra Whelan

Library Uses:

Invite a magician as a guest speaker to perform magic tricks. Display Magic Tree House books, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi and other books with magic themes.

References: 

Osborne, M. (1992). Magic tree house: dinosaurs before dark. New York, NY: Random

House.

Whelan, D. (2012, May 10). Magic tree house turns 20: SLJ speaks with Mary Pope

Osborne. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/ home/ 894422-312/magic_tree_house_turns_20.html.csp.

Week 8

Week 8: Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine by Barbara Park

Book Summary:
The excitement begins when Junie B. Jones teacher prepares the class for a Valentine's Day party. She insists each student give everyone a valentine. Junie is outraged when she finds she is short one valentine. When she discovers a mushy, gushy valentine from a secret admirer, she she is shocked when she finds out who it is from.

Impressions:

Junie B. Jones is hilarious. I love that she doesn't care "valentime" doesn't have an "m" in it,  and "Silly Sausage" is my favorite new pet name. I have read negative reviews about grammar and her behavior, but the story is real and very typical of children her age. Kids want to laugh, and Junie B. is always up to something. 

Professional Review:

“it’s rare to find a child that isn’t quickly seduced by these silly, often slapstick stories. Even adults who are rankled by Junie B.’s impulsive, oft-unpunished shenanigans (playing with scissors or head-butting other children, for instance), can occasionally laugh at her odd little-girlisms.” - Grossman

Library Uses:

Have a mushy, gushy, valentine-writing contest during Valentine’s Day. The prize can be a heart shaped box of candy.

References: 

Park, B. (1999). Junie B. Jones and the mushy, gushy, valentine. New York, NY:

            Scholastic, Inc.

Grossman, A. (2007, July 26). Is Junie B. Jones talking trash. New York Times. Retrieved

from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/fashion/26junie.html? pagewanted=allMy

Week 7

Week 7: What the World Eats by Faith D’Aluisio

Book Summary:

What the World Eats explores the foods consumed by people around the world. Photographs of families with the food they eat in one week are provided along with how much they spend and where they buy it. Charts illustrating life expectancy, number of fast food restraunts per person, and obesity rates give further insight into the health and economic development of a country.

My Impressions: What the World Eats is one of most fascinating books I have encountered. There are endless opportunities for inferencing just by looking at the photographs. One can determine the wealth and availability of food in a country, determine the geographical location of a family based on available food, and determine if the family grows its own food or purchases it from a grocery store.

Professional Review:

“this brilliantly executed work visits 25 families in 21 countries around the world. Each family is photographed surrounded by a week's worth of food and groceries, which Menzel and D'Aluisio use as a way of investigating not only different cultures' diets and standard of living but also the impact of globalization… A wealth of supporting information—lush color photographs, family recipes, maps, sidebars, etc.—surrounds the text (superb design accomplishes this job harmoniously) and implies questions about global food supplies.” From Publishers Weekly

Library Uses:

Book Talk: Use What the World Eats, Material World, How People Live, and A life Like Mine.

Reference: 

D’Aluisio, F. (2008). What the world eats. New York, NY: Tricycle Press.

Children’s review. (2008, September 1). [Review of the book What the world eats, by F. D'Aluisio].

Publishers Weekly. Retrieved at http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-58246-246-2.

Week 7

Week 7: An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston

Book Summary:

An Egg is Quiet describes the shells, colors, function, and interior of eggs. Along with the text are beautiful illustrations of over 39 eggs.

My Impressions:

While the book provides interesting facts about eggs, it also reads like a short story or poem. It gives the egg human characteristics such as “an egg is artistic” and “an egg is clever.” The illustrations are beautiful, detailed, and realistic.

Professional Review:

“An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egg. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be found… A beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.” School library journal

Library Uses:

Purchase an egg incubator for the library and hatch an egg. Use the morning announcements to report the progress of the egg and invite students and teachers to visit the library to witness the egg hatching.

APA Reference: 

Aston, D. (2006). An egg is quiet. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, LLC.

Preschool to grade 4. (2006, June1). [Review of the book An egg is quiet, by D. Aston]. School Library

Journal. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/ CA6340872.html.

Week 6

Week 6: Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy by Phil Bildner

Book Summary:

During a hitting slump, Shoeless Joe seeks the help of his friend, Ol’ Charlie Ferguson, “the finest batsmith in all of South Carolina.” After a couple of tries, Ol’ Charlie makes a bat that ends Shoeless Joe’s hitting slump. With each career change, Shoeless Joe finds he needs Ol' Charlie's expert advice on bats to help him overcome his fear of hitting slumps.

My Impressions:

Many of us have superstitions or rituals to help deal with anxiety, but athletes have some of the most interesting. Shoeless Joe’s bats were fine; it was his confidence that needed repair. Everyone needs an Ol’ Charlie to reassure and push him or her in the right direction. The part I found stereotypical was when he asks Ol ‘Charlie to make a dark, scary bat and then names it Black Betsy.

Professional Review:

“Rookie Bildner hits a home run here, zeroing in on the bat as just the right lens through which to view his picture book biography. He strews the conversational prose with appealing colloquialisms in a catchy refrain ("sure as the sky is blue and the grass is green"). Payne's (The Remarkable Farkle McBride) portraits take on a tall-tale quality suffused with nostalgia; his strong-featured characters offer a riveting blend of humor and gravity. An afterword fills in the details of Jackson's life and career, including the 1919 Black Sox scandal.” From Publishers Weekly

Library Uses:

Create a bulletin board that displays rituals of famous athletes, authors, and politicians. Include Shoeless Joe’s care for his bats and the insistence they weigh 48 ounces. Ask coaches, athletes, and students to submit their rituals and display them as well. Michael Jordan wore his college shorts under his Bulls uniform, Serena William’s bounces the ball five times for the first serve and two for the second, and Toni Morrison drinks a cup of coffee as she watches the approaching light of day when she writes.

APA Reference: 

Bildner, P. (2002). Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy. New York, Ny: Simon & Schuster.

Children’s review. (2002, January 7). [Review of the book Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy by P.        
         Bildner]. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Shoeless-Black-Betsy-Phil- 
         Bildner/dp/0689829132/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid= 1344533832&sr=8-
         1&keywords=shoeless+joe+and+black+betty.

Week 6

Week 6: A Band of Angels by Deborah Hopkinson

Book Summary:  

Ella Sheppard Moore inspired a Band of Angels. Aunt Beth, the “treasure keeper,” tells the narrator a story of her great-great- grandmother, Ella. The story begins as Ella gains her freedom and saves money to attend Frisk, a school for African Americans. She arrives with six dollars, only enough for three weeks, but works late hours doing odd jobs to pay for her tuition. When the school can no longer support itself, Ella and the school chorus head north to earn money by holding concerts. One of the many obstacles they faced was finding an audience interested in their music until Ella sings an old slave song. Members of the audience said it was, “like listening to a band of angels.” Through several years of touring, the Jubilee Singers were able to raise the funds to rebuild the school, which later became known as Frisk University.

My Impressions:

My favorite line of the book is, “Everyone said singing was part of that child the way swallows are part of the sky.” What a beautiful way to describe a songbird like Ella! Music is such an important part of African culture and the book highlights this. Ella’s determination to stay in school is inspiring and something so many of our children have little concept of. What I found thought provoking was how songs about African-American experiences in our society were as popular then as they are now.

Professional Review:

 “Using the device of a family storyteller and a child narrator brings immediacy to the tale and a personal connection to the events. Colon's soft watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations are full of gentle greens and browns. The sepia tones add an antique look to the book. This heartwarming presentation is not a historical account, but rather a human look at recorded facts. A fine read-aloud with a good story, uplifting pictures, and fascinating information.?” Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY

Library Uses:

Storytime: I would read A Band of Angels and then have the school choir or local church choir sing songs such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” Many Thousand Gone,” and “Steal Away.”

or

Create a display titled “Music that Saved the World” with images of the original Jubilee Singers and Frisk University. I would include images of the artists creating the 1985 song “We are the World” and the 2010 “We Are the World, Haiti.”

APA Reference: 

Hopkinson, D. (1999). A band of angels. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

[Review of the book A band of angels by D. Hopkinson]. (2009). Amazon. Retrieved from

http://www.amazon.com/A-Band-Angels-Deborah-Hopkinson/dp/0689848870.

Week 5

Week 5: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book Summary:

Every year, one boy and one girl are selected from each district to participate in the Hunger Games, a game designed to remind citizens of the suffering and sacrifice of rebellion. Katniss's younger sister is selected, but she takes her place. Katniss fights for her life and forms a relationship with Peta, the boy chosen from her district, in order to survive. Together, they change the rules forever.

My Impressions:

The Hunger Games is disturbingly brutal, but I could not put it down. Katniss is a strong character and consistantly makes decisions based on her own survival, and I love that.  I personally found the Capital to be symbolic of the USA and its wealth. I could not help but wonder if impoverished countries look at the way we live, the things we do to our bodies to look young, and the violence of our culture in the same way Katniss viewed the extravagance of the people who lived in the Capital.

Professional Review:

“Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.'

Library Uses:

Have a Hunger Games movie poster give away, have people dress as their favorite characters, meet for the midnight release of the next film.

APA Reference: 

Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

Review of the day: the Hunger games by Suzanne Collins. (2008, June 28). School

Library Journal. Retrieved from http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/

afuse8production/2008/06/28/review-of-the-day-the-hunger- games-by-suzanne-collins/

Week 5

Week 5: Twilight

Book Summary:

When Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father, she meets and falls in love with Edward Cullen, a vampire whose feeds on animals instead of humans. Bella and Edward’s relationship faces many obstacles including Edward’s desire to feed on her, his reluctance to bring her into his world, a vampire who wants to kill Bella, and her fear he will leave her. Bella begs Edward to change her into a vampire so they can be together forever, but Edward refuses.

My Impressions:

Twilight’s appeal is the love story, not the vampires. Meyers conveyed the desire, emotions, and obstacles that come with a person's first love. The vampire aspect simply created the obstacles many young people face. I would define this a romantic fantasy, not because of the vampires but because it brings out emotions and feelings felt before you mature and have been in a long term relationship. Before you realize that over time the butterflies go away, the constant desire fades, and imperfections arise. I also found Edward slightly creepy with stalker tendencies when he watches her a night.

Professional Review

From Publisher's Weekly's starred review: "The main draw here is Bella's infatuation with outsider Edward, the sense of danger inherent in their love, and Edward's inner struggle—a perfect metaphor for the sexual tension that accompanies adolescence. These will be familiar to nearly every teen, and will keep readers madly flipping the pages of Meyer's tantalizing debut."

http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-307-28090-9

Library Uses:

Have a Twilight movie poster give away, have people dress as their favorite characters, meet for the midnight release of the next film.

APA Reference: 

Meyers, S. (2005). Twilight. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company.

Children’s review. (2005, October 3). [Review of the book Twilight, by S. Meyer]. Publishers Weekly.

Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-307-28090-9. 

Week 4

Week 4: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Book Summary:

The story’s problem is centered on Leo, the main character, and his relationship with Stargirl, an exceptionally kind, giving person who is unique in every way. At first Stargirl fascinates her peers and is accepted. Eventually her unique outlook on life and response to situations alienates her from the other students, and they begin to treat her cruelly.  Leo realizes his need for peer acceptance outweighs his love for her.  Stargirl tries to change to make Leo happy but is unhappy, and realizes she must let Leo go.

My Impressions: Most people experience peer pressure and first love. Stargirl captures the feelings of first love, the power of social pressure and its ability to make people conform, and how isolating it can be for those who do not fit in socially. I think back to all the Stargirls from my school days and remember the way they were treated. I was appalled by the way people treated Hillari dangled Cinnamon by the tail. If I had read this book as a teenager, I would have had more insight and tools on how to handle peer pressure and social acceptance.

Professional Review:

"Part fairy godmother, part outcast, part dream-come-true, the star of Spinelli's novel shares many of the mythical qualities as the protagonist of his Maniac Magee. Spinelli poses searching questions about loyalty to one's friends and oneself and leaves readers to form their own answers," said PW in our Best Books citation. Ages 12-up. (May)

Library Uses:

Create a Stargirl Club whose focus and purpose is to do kind things for other people. Jerry Spinneli’s website gives ideas on how to start a Stargirl society.

http://www.jerryspinelli.com/stargirl.htm

APA Reference: 

Spinelli, J. (2000). Stargirl. New York, NY: Knopf.

Children’s review. (2002, May 6). [Review of the book Stargirl by J. Spinelli]. Publisher’s Weekly.

Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-375-82233-9.

Week 4

Week 4: Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

Book Summary:

Ivy and Bean become fast friends when they realize the one thing they have in common is their creativity. Trouble is around the corner for the two girls as they seek revenge on Bean’s sister, Nancy by creating a magic dancing potion.

My Impressions:

Bean and Ivy is a great transition book for readers moving to chapter books as it has some illustrations. While there is some lying and name calling in the story, the characters are good-natured and receive consequences. I found their interactions to be real among siblings and friends.

Professional Review:

From School Library Journal

 “With echoes of Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, this easy chapter book will appeal to children who are graduating from beginning readers. The occasional black-and-white illustrations highlight the text and provide visual clues. The characters are appealing, the friendship is well portrayed, and the pranks and adventures are very much on grade level.” –Eve Ottenberg Stone

Library Uses:

Storytime Activity: Read section of book where Bean and Ivy use the dancing potion on Nancy. Have students create their own magic potion and ask them to share their potion with the group.

APA Reference: 

Barrows, A. (2006). Bean and Ivy. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Stone, E. (2006, July 1). (Review of the book Bean and Ivy by A. Barrows). School Library Journal.

Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6350093.html.

Week 3

Week 3: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Book Summary:

Jonas lives in what appears to be a perfect society. There is no pain, hunger, or violence. People are assigned partners, families, and jobs. When he is twelve, he is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories in preparation to be the Giver, a powerful position in his society. The Giver’s purpose is to store all the memories of pain, love, joy, loss, and war so that someone in the community will remember why the society was created. As the current Giver transfers memories to Jonas, he discovers the horrific cost of a perfect society and questions the humanity of it. With encouragement from the Giver and knowledge of Gabe’s fate, Jonas makes a decision that could change everything.

My Impressions:

The Giver is one of the most thought provoking children’s books I’ve read. I was left with the feeling that to live a life without pain is to not live at all. How can you know if you are truly happy unless you understand the pain you would feel if you didn’t have the things that bring you the most joy? The most disturbing part of the book was learning what release means. A syringe injected into the forehead of baby brings the horror of this community to light.

Professional Review:

“The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”

– School Library Journal

Library Uses:

There are rumors of a movie coming out based on the novel. Create a book trailer with current actors portraying the characters to share on the library’s website.

APA Reference: 

Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

Top 100 children’s novels. (2012, June 23). [Review of the book The giver, L. Lowry). School

Library Journal. Retrieved at http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/

afuse8production/2012/06/23/top-100-childrens-novels-4-the-giver-by-lois-lowry/

Week 3

Week 3: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Book Summary:

Though her family has tried to protect Cassie and her siblings from the horror and degradation of racism, she begins to see the injustices put upon her family through a series of heart breaking events. Cassie’s frustration over her circumstances is evident when she pretends to be friends and later beats up Lillian, a racist classmate who repeatedly humiliates Cassie. Cassie’s father, Papa, struggles to keep the family’s land, which provides a sense of security and independence, and sees it as the only way to keep his family together.  Papa’s integrity and courage are evident when he risks everything to protect T.J. from a lynch mob even though T.J. has brought heartache and financial problems to the family.

My Impressions:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was hard to read as I shed many tears over the for Cassie and her family. Books such as this are powerful and help readers understand the resentment that must be felt by those who experienced the humiliation and horrors of racism in our country.

Professional Review:

“I was exposed to, and distinctly remember, many classic picture books. But the most moving children’s book I’ve ever read was one I encountered as an adult, Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.” - Ann Martin

Library Uses:

During Freedom Week or Black History month, create a display of books with similar themes such as The Little Rock Nine.

APA Reference:

Taylor, M. (1976). Roll of thunder, hear my cry. New York, NY: Dial Books.

Martin, a. (2009). Everything I need to know I learned from a children’s book. New

York, NY: Holtzbrinick.

Week 2

Week 2: The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

Book Summary:

The relatives loaded up their car for a summer trip to their relative’s house. When they arrive, they are greeted with hugs, laughter, great food and conversations, and cramped sleeping arrangements. Finally, they load up to return home thinking about what’s ahead and the loved ones left behind.

My Impressions:

The Relatives Came captures the universal theme of the bond between family members. It brought back many fond memories of holidays spent at my Granny’s house. The images of the family crammed in the loaded car and being greeted by family members could have been photographs from my childhood. My favorite image was of the family happily eating as the grandmother continued to prepare food. So much happiness has occurred around family dinners.

Professional Review:

"In down-to-earth language that harbors strong emotion, Rylant recounts the festive celebration of the relatives’ stay and the ensuing sadness when they depart. The relatives in question are a large rural brood, depicted, in Gammell’s joyous color pencil drawings, as running the gamut from porcine to scrawny, old to young and rowdy to silent. In pictures of this group hugging, eating and sleeping, the unspoken closeness of the unnamed relatives can be felt. These softly colored pictures, which capture the spirit of the brief text, are large enough for sharing in groups." School Library Journal

Library Uses:

Create a bulletin board with an image of the book and ask students, teachers, principals, and staff to bring in photographs of their family gatherings. It would be a great way to start the year.

References: 

Rylant, C. (1985.) The relatives came. New York, NY: Bradbury Press.

Top 100 picture books poll results. (2009, April 14). [Review of the book The relatives came, by C. Rylant]. School 
       Library Journal. Retrieved fromhttp://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/   
      2009/04/14/top-100-picture-books-poll-results-45-41/#_.

Week 2

Week 2: Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg

Book Summary:

Alan takes on the task of watching his neighbor’s mischievous dog, Fritz , and an adventure begins. Fritz escapes from Alan to Abdul Gasazi’s garden, and to Alan’s horror, is turned into a duck. The duck escapes with Alan’s hat, so he returns to his neighbor’s home empty handed. When Alan explains the disaster to Fritz’s owner, she tells him Gasazi played a trick on him. Alan, confused by the reappearance of his hat and Fritz, must decide if Abdul Gasazi is the true magician or if the trick is on him.

My Impressions:

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi is a clever book with beautiful illustrations that have the reader asking more questions about the mysterious garden, Mr. Gasazi, and Fritz. My favorite illustration from the book is when Allan and Fritz nap. Fritz sleeps under the couch with his nose poking out, and you can’t help but ask, “Why is he doing that?” The entrance to the garden looks magical making it is easy to believe Mr. Gasazi has the ability to change Fritz into a duck.

Professional Review:

“Those eternal picture book fixtures, adorable ducklings and idyllic clambakes, do not feature in Chris Van Allsburg’s darkly fanciful works, nor do the friendly steam shovels and tugboats of storybooks past. Van Allsburg’s books, starting with “The Garden of Abdul Gasazi,” published in 1979, and “Jumanji,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, instead offer wonder with an edge to today’s eerily savvy and media-smart children.” – Leonard Marcus

Library Uses:

After showcasing The Garden of Abdul Gaszi, hold a school wide contest challenging students to turn a dog into a duck. Allow students to use any medium such as paper, clay, legos, or recycled materials.

References: 

Van Allsburg, C. (1979). The garden of Abdul Gasazi. New York, NY: Houghton

Mifflin.

Marcus, L. (2011, November 10). Choose your own adventure [Review of the book The garden of 
            Abdul Gasazi by L. Marcus]. New York Times.

Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/ books/review/ the-chronicles-of-harris-burdick-14-amazing-authors-tell-the-tales-by-chris-van-allsburg-and-othersillustrated-by-chris-van-alls.html?_r=1

Week 1

Title: Are you there, God? It's me Margaret by Judy Blume

Book Summary

Are you there God? It’s me Margaret is the story of a young girl whose family moves to New Jersey the summer before her sixth grade year. As most girls her age, she looks to her newly acquired friends in search of self identity and finds her spiritualty to be the most challenging to define. Throughout the story, Margaret also endures the physical changes, challenges, and desires brought on by puberty in a very honest way.

My Impressions

I first read Are you there, God? It’s me Margaret when I was in fifth grade and instantly became a fan of Judy Blume. I read every book she wrote and always found a character I could identify within the pages. I wondered if I would feel the same about the story as an adult or would I join the other mothers who banned her books from their children’s shelves. I have to admit, after reading the story as an adult, I couldn’t help but wonder if I already new about spin the bottle or did I discover it from her story. It’s been too long to know for sure, but I still love the story and believe it has a place on our shelves. Judy Blume’s books have a way of addressing pre-pubescent issues in a respectful and honest way. I know I said many prayers and performed many sessions of  “We Must Increase our Bust” only to conceal the answered prayers with oversized t-shirts and camisoles. The only area I felt was dated was the references to Playboy. I think the Internet has replaced the need for adult magazines in the home and know this is where many adolescents are going out of curiosity. I look forward to sharing this story with my daughter when she’s ready.

Professional Review

Publishers Weekly

"With sensitivity and humor Judy Blume has captured the joys, fears, and uncertainty that surround a young girl approaching adolescence."  

Library Use

Middle School

Collaborate with health and/or science teachers to create a collection of books (reference and fiction) that address puberty and the human body to  display in the library or classrooms.  

Bibliography

Blume, Judy. (1970). Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Bradbury Press. Scarsdale, NY.

Book review. (2001, April 1). [Review of the book Are you there God? It's me Margaret, J. Blume].   
        Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-689-84158-3

Week 1

Title: George and Martha: Two Great Friends by James Marshall

Book Summary

George and Martha: Two Great Friends is a book comprised of three stories detailing the friendship of two hippopotamuses who learn about privacy, vanity, and compassion through their experiences together. 

My Impressions

I loved the stories about George and Martha’s friendship.  All three stories taught basic character traits in a simple yet hilarious way. I laughed out loud when Martha hit George on the head with her tub for peeping on her. In every situation I knew the characters’ emotions by using the illustrations. It is obvious George thinks it’s funny when he replaces Martha’s mirror with a silly image and scares her. Both friends make mistakes, learn from them, and become better friends to each other.

Professional Review

Midwest Book Review
"Three fine stories of two great friends pack a fun beginner's picture book that tells of a friendship between two hippos. Stories tell of friends learning privacy, handling each other's habits, and facing disaster when a tooth injury changes appearance. Lessons impart the basics of friends making adjustments."

Library Use

Elementary School

I would show students the illustrations before reading the book and ask them to describe what the characters are feeling or thinking based on their facial expressions.

Bibliography

Marshall, j. (1972). George and Martha: Two Great Friends. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin  
        Company.

Midwest book review. (2007). Children's Book Watch . Retrieved from  
        http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/dec_07.htm