Traditional Literature
Bagels from Benny - Aubrey Davis
Reading level - 3.0; Interest level - K-5
from Angela Burgess
It could always be worse - Margot Zemach
Reading level - 4.9; Interest level - 2nd-4th
from Nicole Guifarro
Fantasy
Stellaluna - Janelle Cannon
Reading level - 4.9; Interest level - pre K - 5th
from Kammie Ruth
Runaway Ralph - Beverly Cleary
Reading level - 4.1; Interest level - 3rd-5th
from Jessica Williams
Oh my, Baby Bear! - Audrey Wood
Reading level - 4.5; Interest level - K-2nd
from Roxi Harp
Multicultural
My diary from here to there - Amada Irma Perez
Reading level - 4.0; Interest level - K-5th
from Frances Phan
First day in grapes - L. King Perez
Reading level - 3.2; Interest level - 2nd-6th
from Keri Bass
Dona Flor - Pat Mora
Reading level - 3.6; Interest level - K-2nd
from Angie Selig
Realistic fiction
Love, Ruby Lavender - Deborah Wiles
Reading level - 4.2; Interest level - 3rd-5th
from Laura Cochrane
Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha! - Barbara Park
Reading level - 1.9; Interest level - K-2nd
from Cindy Brown
Biography
Helen Keller: Her life in pictures - George Sullivan
Reading level - 5.8; Interest level - 2nd-5th
from Melinda McLaughlin
Informational
Rain and shine: A first look at seasons - Sara Lynn and Dianne James
Reading level - 3.8; Interest level - K-6th
from Kristy Hollar
The Bermuda Triangle - Aaron Rudolph
Reading level - 5.0; Interest level - 5th-8th
from Angie Blair
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Junie B., First Grader (at last!)
Author: Park, Barbara
Title: Junie B., First Grader (at last!)
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Random House,
Inc., 76pp.
Summary: After our class book talks, I was inspired to read a book from the Junie B. Jones series. This book gave the accounts of Junie B. as she apprehensively begins first grade. This was a very humorous story, especially Junie’s unique views of herself, her classmates, and her teacher. Not only is Junie having difficulty adjusting to her new first grade class, but also begins to realize that she is experiencing problems with her vision. Everything begins to work out for Junie B. as she makes a few “real” friends, and she gets glasses that allow her to view the world in a different way. Junie B. learns the valuable lesson of change not always being a bad thing, and realizes that first grade will be as good as she makes it. I think this is a great story in which many readers could relate and enjoy.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Well-written; detailed plot; great characters and situations in which students can truly relate; illustrations which serve as visual cues of particular text
Reading level: 2.6 Interest level: 1st-5th
Thematic Areas: Identity; self-esteem; friendship; life changes; social interactions; diversity; humor
Content Areas: Social development and experiences
Potential Problems or Difficulties: N/A
Possible use in classroom: Each student could create their own mystery literacy box, in which they place the answers to comprehension questions asked after the read aloud of each chapter; students could cut out pictures that they feel relate to the story from magazines, pasting them on construction paper and sharing these with the class; using the Junie B. face mask printable online, students could cut out and color their mask, so they will look like the character as they retell the story to the class
Title: Junie B., First Grader (at last!)
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Random House,
Inc., 76pp.
Summary: After our class book talks, I was inspired to read a book from the Junie B. Jones series. This book gave the accounts of Junie B. as she apprehensively begins first grade. This was a very humorous story, especially Junie’s unique views of herself, her classmates, and her teacher. Not only is Junie having difficulty adjusting to her new first grade class, but also begins to realize that she is experiencing problems with her vision. Everything begins to work out for Junie B. as she makes a few “real” friends, and she gets glasses that allow her to view the world in a different way. Junie B. learns the valuable lesson of change not always being a bad thing, and realizes that first grade will be as good as she makes it. I think this is a great story in which many readers could relate and enjoy.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Well-written; detailed plot; great characters and situations in which students can truly relate; illustrations which serve as visual cues of particular text
Reading level: 2.6 Interest level: 1st-5th
Thematic Areas: Identity; self-esteem; friendship; life changes; social interactions; diversity; humor
Content Areas: Social development and experiences
Potential Problems or Difficulties: N/A
Possible use in classroom: Each student could create their own mystery literacy box, in which they place the answers to comprehension questions asked after the read aloud of each chapter; students could cut out pictures that they feel relate to the story from magazines, pasting them on construction paper and sharing these with the class; using the Junie B. face mask printable online, students could cut out and color their mask, so they will look like the character as they retell the story to the class
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Take a Look at Snakes
BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT
Information for students
Author: Betsy Maestro Title: Take a Look at Snakes
Book Genre: Informational Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 40
Summary: This book contains information on a variety of snakes. It tells about their habitat, food, anatomy, and their way of life. Snakes shed skin, eat live or dead prey, and have special censors that can let them know when an enemy is coming. Poisonous snakes hold their poison in their mouth and let it drip through their veins.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: lots of great information but still on a child’s level, great illustrations
Information for teachers
Reading level: 3.1 Interest level: 1.5
Thematic Areas: family, snakes, nature
Content Areas: science
Potential Problems or Difficulties: pictures of snake laying eggs and giving live birth may be not appropriate for some
Possible use in classroom: have a rat-snake for a classroom job, visit a zoo to look at the snakes, hatch snake eggs in incubator, take a hike through the woods to look for a snake skin, make a map or chart comparing and contrasting the different characteristics of the different species of snakes
Information for students
Author: Betsy Maestro Title: Take a Look at Snakes
Book Genre: Informational Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 40
Summary: This book contains information on a variety of snakes. It tells about their habitat, food, anatomy, and their way of life. Snakes shed skin, eat live or dead prey, and have special censors that can let them know when an enemy is coming. Poisonous snakes hold their poison in their mouth and let it drip through their veins.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: lots of great information but still on a child’s level, great illustrations
Information for teachers
Reading level: 3.1 Interest level: 1.5
Thematic Areas: family, snakes, nature
Content Areas: science
Potential Problems or Difficulties: pictures of snake laying eggs and giving live birth may be not appropriate for some
Possible use in classroom: have a rat-snake for a classroom job, visit a zoo to look at the snakes, hatch snake eggs in incubator, take a hike through the woods to look for a snake skin, make a map or chart comparing and contrasting the different characteristics of the different species of snakes
A Girl Named Helen Keller
BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT
Information for students
Author: Margo Lundell Title: A Girl Named Helen Keller
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42
Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: unique and colorful illustrations, simple, sign-language alphabet on back cover
Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.8 Interest level: k-2nd
Thematic Areas: blind, deaf, determination, love, family, patience, dedication, adversity
Content Areas: social studies, language arts
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.
Possible use in classroom: teach students the sign-language alphabet; in a large group, have students build a class list of all of the various adversities that people in the class have had or seen in the lives of others around them; set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and explain that there is to be absolutely no talking from anyone, and one person in each pair is to be blindfolded. Each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After everyone has had a try at the course, come back to the classroom and have students write in journals about how they felt not being able to talk and/or blind, was it hard to communicate, how did having partners help, were they able to work together to reach their goal?; Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on how to help the deaf and blind, women's rights and pacifism (against war and violence). With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.
Information for students
Author: Margo Lundell Title: A Girl Named Helen Keller
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42
Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: unique and colorful illustrations, simple, sign-language alphabet on back cover
Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.8 Interest level: k-2nd
Thematic Areas: blind, deaf, determination, love, family, patience, dedication, adversity
Content Areas: social studies, language arts
Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.
Possible use in classroom: teach students the sign-language alphabet; in a large group, have students build a class list of all of the various adversities that people in the class have had or seen in the lives of others around them; set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and explain that there is to be absolutely no talking from anyone, and one person in each pair is to be blindfolded. Each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After everyone has had a try at the course, come back to the classroom and have students write in journals about how they felt not being able to talk and/or blind, was it hard to communicate, how did having partners help, were they able to work together to reach their goal?; Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on how to help the deaf and blind, women's rights and pacifism (against war and violence). With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.
George Washington Carver
Author: Bolden, Tonya
Title: George Washington Carver
Book Genre: Autobiography
Publishing Info: Abrams Books for
Young Readers, 41pp.
Summary: This was a wonderful collection of the life and contributions of artist, poet, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver. The book begins by informing readers of what some may see as tragic circumstances, the loss of his mother when he was just an infant. No matter what changes or adversity Carver faced, he seemed to always maintain a positive outlook on life and its possibilities. Education was always essential to Carver, whether he was teaching himself or moving to various towns to seek higher education. From an early age, Carver had a special talent for agriculture and finding new ways to use every resource. The book gives countless examples of how Carver dedicated his life to “Learning all you can and then go out into the world, and give your learning back to our people.” Not only has Carver’s life been an inspiration to African Americans, but to people all over the world.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Very detailed; written in a manner easily understood by students; illustrations which include various photographs of Carver’s life, inventions, and paintings
Reading level: 7.4 Interest level: 3rd-8th
Thematic Areas: African American culture and leaders; courage; life-long learning; conservation of resources; self-reliance; inspiration for all readers
Content Areas: History
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some words may be too advanced or unfamiliar to some readers
Possible use in classroom: Use to reinforce lessons about American inventors; use in a thematic unit about African-American influences and leaders; have students journal about how the life of George Washington Carver has inspired their outlook on learning; in groups, have students research to find which of Carver’s contributions are still in practice today
Title: George Washington Carver
Book Genre: Autobiography
Publishing Info: Abrams Books for
Young Readers, 41pp.
Summary: This was a wonderful collection of the life and contributions of artist, poet, educator, and inventor, George Washington Carver. The book begins by informing readers of what some may see as tragic circumstances, the loss of his mother when he was just an infant. No matter what changes or adversity Carver faced, he seemed to always maintain a positive outlook on life and its possibilities. Education was always essential to Carver, whether he was teaching himself or moving to various towns to seek higher education. From an early age, Carver had a special talent for agriculture and finding new ways to use every resource. The book gives countless examples of how Carver dedicated his life to “Learning all you can and then go out into the world, and give your learning back to our people.” Not only has Carver’s life been an inspiration to African Americans, but to people all over the world.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Very detailed; written in a manner easily understood by students; illustrations which include various photographs of Carver’s life, inventions, and paintings
Reading level: 7.4 Interest level: 3rd-8th
Thematic Areas: African American culture and leaders; courage; life-long learning; conservation of resources; self-reliance; inspiration for all readers
Content Areas: History
Potential Problems or Difficulties: Some words may be too advanced or unfamiliar to some readers
Possible use in classroom: Use to reinforce lessons about American inventors; use in a thematic unit about African-American influences and leaders; have students journal about how the life of George Washington Carver has inspired their outlook on learning; in groups, have students research to find which of Carver’s contributions are still in practice today
A Letter to Amy
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Title: A Letter to Amy
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Harper Collins, 30 pp
Summary: Peter decided that he wanted to write his friend Amy a letter as an invitation to his party on Saturday. As soon as he took the letter outside to mail it, a nasty storm came and blew it away. Peter chased the floating letter all the way down the street. In a great hurry while chasing the letter, Peter bumped right into Amy on the street. He caught the letter before she could see it was to her. Because Peter grabbed the letter from Amy, her feelings were hurt. Saturday came and Amy did not show up to the party – or so he thought until she busted in the door with a huge “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER”.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Children would love this book. It involves friends and parties. The illustrations are great with a very believable story.
Reading level: 1.8
Interest level: K-4th
Thematic Areas: friendship; family; excitement; weather
Content Areas: science; language
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: This would be a great book to read and assign students pen pals – in another classroom or school. Children could make class mailboxes so that they could write each other letters in free choice centers. For exercise, children could play hopscotch outside during recess (like Peter did in the book).
Title: A Letter to Amy
Book Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publishing Info: Harper Collins, 30 pp
Summary: Peter decided that he wanted to write his friend Amy a letter as an invitation to his party on Saturday. As soon as he took the letter outside to mail it, a nasty storm came and blew it away. Peter chased the floating letter all the way down the street. In a great hurry while chasing the letter, Peter bumped right into Amy on the street. He caught the letter before she could see it was to her. Because Peter grabbed the letter from Amy, her feelings were hurt. Saturday came and Amy did not show up to the party – or so he thought until she busted in the door with a huge “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER”.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Children would love this book. It involves friends and parties. The illustrations are great with a very believable story.
Reading level: 1.8
Interest level: K-4th
Thematic Areas: friendship; family; excitement; weather
Content Areas: science; language
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: This would be a great book to read and assign students pen pals – in another classroom or school. Children could make class mailboxes so that they could write each other letters in free choice centers. For exercise, children could play hopscotch outside during recess (like Peter did in the book).
Bette Davis: Film Star
Author: Gene Brown
Title: Bette Davis: Film Star
Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Blackbirch Press, 64 pp
Summary: Bette Davis was the most famous female actress in the mid-1940s – she was also the most unusual. Bette got her strong-will from her mother, Ruthie Davis. She was born in 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts as Ruth Elizabeth Davis. Her professional acting career began in Rochester, New York in the year of 1928 where she played in a play called Broadway. Her director, George Cukor, loved her work and said that she had a type of “white heat”. She went from there to doing major Broadway plays. One of her cameramen (while shooting a very unimportant, forgettable movie) noticed that she had gorgeous eyes. From there, Bette’s career took off with a quick pace.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Young girls love to read about famous movie stars. This is a great book that would grab their interest. Highly recommend this book!
Reading level: 7.5
Interest level: 2nd-8th
Thematic Areas: love; family; friends; courage; movies
Content Areas: art; history
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: Children could make a class list/graph of their own favorite movies and actors/actresses. This would be a great book to read while doing a “career” unit. The children could write a story about what job they would like to have when they grow up.
Title: Bette Davis: Film Star
Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Blackbirch Press, 64 pp
Summary: Bette Davis was the most famous female actress in the mid-1940s – she was also the most unusual. Bette got her strong-will from her mother, Ruthie Davis. She was born in 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts as Ruth Elizabeth Davis. Her professional acting career began in Rochester, New York in the year of 1928 where she played in a play called Broadway. Her director, George Cukor, loved her work and said that she had a type of “white heat”. She went from there to doing major Broadway plays. One of her cameramen (while shooting a very unimportant, forgettable movie) noticed that she had gorgeous eyes. From there, Bette’s career took off with a quick pace.
Personal rating: ****
Rationale: Young girls love to read about famous movie stars. This is a great book that would grab their interest. Highly recommend this book!
Reading level: 7.5
Interest level: 2nd-8th
Thematic Areas: love; family; friends; courage; movies
Content Areas: art; history
Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems or difficulties.
Possible use in classroom: Children could make a class list/graph of their own favorite movies and actors/actresses. This would be a great book to read while doing a “career” unit. The children could write a story about what job they would like to have when they grow up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)