Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

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Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians. 2009. New York: Alfred A. Knopf  Books for Young Readers. ISBN-13 9780375846847

The Lunch Lady graphic novel series is about an ordinary lunch lady with extraordinary crime fighting skills and interesting devices. She uses spork phones, lunch-tray laptops, and many more unique tools to defeat villains at the Thompson Brook School. In this particular volume, the villains are librarians who want children to read books instead of playing video games. 

Readers can identify with the lunch lady and the desire to take out villains and bullies. Readers will care about what happens to her and will want her to defeat the villains each time and return unharmed to the school cafeteria. The plot is not completely believable, but children will still love the idea of the lunch lady battling the librarians. The plot is original and will the keep the reader's attention the entire time. 

The setting is in a school and very important to the story. Readers can compare the cafeteria of Thompson Brook School to being similar to their own school cafeteria. The theme of good being more powerful than evil is very apparent and very satisfying in the end. The clear and consistent point of view encourages the reader to believe that it is possible for a lunch lady to have these crime-fighting abilities. The lunch lady and her sidekick, Betty, use the boiler room to try out their nifty crime-fighting tools. One tool Betty introduces to the lunch lady is 'Taco-vision Night Goggles'. "They fit right over your glasses. Splat! Oops! That was just a regular taco. Sorry about that. Here's a towel." This scene is hilarious and children will be rolling with laughter throughout the entire story with scenes similar to this.

The entire Lunch Lady series is a great series for children and even adults. This is perfect for reluctant readers or those who just want something different to read. Each graphic novel is entertaining and a quick read. I love this series and will continue to recommend it to everyone.

The Lunch Lady series has been a two-time Children's Choice Book Award winner  and a Will Eisner Comic Industry Award nominee.

If you enjoy this volume in the Lunch Lady series, you may also enjoy Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain, Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute, and Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit.

Hornbook Guide to Children
"This tongue-in-cheek graphic novel series, illustrated in bold black-and-white with vibrant highlighter-yellow accents, is a strong choice for superhero-spoof fans."

School Library Journal
"The winking references to book fairs, read-a-thon enrollment, and media specialists fit well with the story line. With its appealing mix of action and humor, this clever, entertaining addition to the series should have wide appeal."

Further activities for the Lunch Lady series can be found at:
http://www.lunchladycomics.com/index2.html

http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/lunch-lady/

http://www.studiojjk.com/activities3-6.html

The Underneath

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Appelt, Kathi. The Underneath. 2008. Ill. by David Small. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN -13 9781416950585

This low fantasy story written for children is about an old hound dog, Ranger and his survival under the porch of his abusive owner's shack. Ranger develops a special friendship with cat and her kittens and together, the group touches the reader in a way that few books can.

The main character, Ranger, is not human, but readers will have no problem identifying with him. Readers will easily develop a kinship with Ranger and will care what happens to him and the family of cats. The plot is believable since many animals are chained up in the the same manner as Ranger. The plot is original and since readers will want the best for the group of animals, it keeps their interest through the entire story. Overcoming the obstacle of the abusive owner, Gar Face, is certainly a quest for the entire group.

The setting takes place deep in the woods of the bayou. This is important to the story because Gar Face loves to hunt for alligators that live in the swamp. The description is so well done, that readers who have never seen a bayou, can still imagine what it would be like. The theme reflects the universal truth that good is more powerful than evil. The love that the animals feel for each other is another theme and proves that love is more important than power. 

The clear and consistent point of view encourages the reader to believe that animals can develop relationships such as that in the story and communicate with one another in their own way. "Here was mostly what the kittens needed: A mother cat who fed them, a perfect place to play, and a hound who promised to watch over the." Appelt's voice creates a distinctive framework for the story and I don't believe any reader will be disappointed. I highly recommend this story to readers of all ages, although animal lovers should keep a stash of tissues handy. This is a book readers will not want to put down until the end in anticipation of a happy ending for Ranger and the family of cats.


Awards and nominations for The Underneath are: Newbery Award-Honor 2009, National Book Award-Finalist 2008, Land of Enchantment Book Award-Nominee 2009-2010, PEN Literary Award-Winner 2009, and several more. 

If you enjoy this title, you may enjoy Keeper, also written by Appelt. 

School Library Journal
"Small's black-and-white illustrations add a certain languid moodiness to the text. Themes of betrayal, hope, and love are reflected in the three stories, but this is a leisurely, often discouraging journey to what is ultimately an appropriate ending."

Hornbook Guide to Children
"Appelt spins a lyrical, circling narrative, its characters well realized in Small's excellent full-page drawings. This fine book is distinguished by the originality of the story and the fresh beauty of its author's voice."

Further activities for The Underneath can be found at:
http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/adlit_guided_disc/28352/

http://www.emporia.edu/dotAsset/756df51c-f6a0-4b76-ad9a-33cac0e0842f.pdf

http://www.conversationpieceslearning.org/the-underneath.html

Speak

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Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 9780374371524

This contemporary realistic fiction novel takes readers through the healing process of Melinda Sordino after she is raped at a party by a popular young man. She is rejected by everyone after she calls the police and must begin to face what happened and open up to others about the truth.

Melinda's character is absolutely believable throughout the entire story. Her internal journey and emotional growth are very significant. The language is fresh and reflects how young adults think and act. The plot is very true to life and extremely engaging. It contains some unexpected twists and turns and the conclusion is inevitable, but not completely obvious. The setting is recognizable as being in the present and believable. The description of the high school and hospital are accurate. The story transcends the setting and has universal implications for readers in several different situations. 

The theme of Melinda growing into adulthood is a major element in the story. The themes and topics emerge naturally and have a personal resonance with the reader. There are many great quotes in the book, but one that will really resonate with readers is "It's easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say." The style has Anderson's distinct stamp of reaching children and young adults. The dialogue is natural and believable and the balance between narration and dialogue is perfect. The point of view is appropriate and the tone, mood, and physical organization reflects Anderson's personality completely. The story includes the gender quotient of female vs. male and does not stereotype. It is not overloaded with cultural details and presents real people with real problems.

Speak is a very well-written story that will have readers wanting Melinda to heal and finally "speak". Although this book is intended for young adults, I also recommend it to adults and I believe they will highly enjoy it . This is a very gripping story that will not disappoint. 

Awards and nominations for Speak are: National Book Award-Finalist 1999, Golden Kite Award for Fiction 2000, ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2000, Printz-Honor 2000, Edgar Allen Poe Best Young Adult Award-Finalist 2000, and many more. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these other titles by Laurie Halse Anderson: Chains, Forge, Fever 1793, Twisted and Prom.

School Library Journal
"Anderson expresses the emotions and the struggles of teenagers perfectly. Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story."

Booklist
"Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers."

Further activities for Speak can be found at:
http://austinenglish3.wikispaces.com/Speak

http://www.viterbo.edu/perspgs/faculty/GSmith/LessonPlanforSpeak.htm

http://hypermedia.educ.psu.edu/k-12/units/findyourvoice/unitplan.html

The Green Glass Sea

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Klages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 9780142411490


The Green Glass Sea is a historical fiction story that takes place in Los Alamos, New Mexico during WWII. Los Alamos is a town where the scientists working on "the gadget" and their family members reside. "The gadget" is very secretive and will change the world and how people look at war forever. 

The characters are very believable in this story. Dewey Kerrigan is ten years old and very bright. She lives with her grandmother in the beginning, but later moves to Los Alamos to live with her father. Many children can relate to Dewey's experiences in the story. Another character, Suze Gordon, is a girl who wants to be part of the crowd so badly, that she bullies the other children. Dewey is able to transform Suze into someone who no longer bullies. Children can also relate to Suze's experiences of wanting others to accept her. The plot presents the history during WWII accurately and is not overwhelmed with details. It is realistic to the time period, however, because this part of history is not regularly discussed, many children will not know how realistic it really is.

The setting is an integral part to the story, as this is where the scientists and families lived during this time in history. The time and place are vividly described and helps contribute to the authenticity. The themes of family, friendship, the need to 'fit in', and war are all relevant today, just as they were during WWII. The style captures the flavor of the time with "you read about the war. Somewhere else. Hundreds of people probably died yesterday. We knew this one" and many more phrases.The literary elements are woven together to create a seamless story. 

The story is very authentic and the author provides references for further research, discussion questions, and activities.  Although this story is authentic, I'm not positive children will relate at all. Perhaps if this story was part of a lesson about WWII and the atomic bomb, children may understand the topics that Klages is 'tip-toeing' around. 

The Green Glass Sea was a Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction winner in 2007. Other awards and nominations include: Locus Award-nominee, Nene Award-recommended, Isinglass Teen Read Award-nominee, and many more.

If you enjoy this title, you may enjoy White Sands, Red Menace, also written by Ellen Klages.

School Library Journal
"Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful way."

Booklist
"The novel occasionally gets mired down with detail, but the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history class."

Further activities can be found at:
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/obok/2009/activities.pdf

http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/lit_circle_pdfs/greenglasssea_t.pdf

http://historyexplorer.si.edu/books/book/?key=570

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

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Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN-13 9780805088410

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Fentress, Texas in 1899. This is a story about an eleven year-old girl, named Calpurnia Virginia and her resistance to become what society expects of young ladies during this time in history. Being the only girl of seven children makes this even more difficult for her. 

The characters are believable and many young females can relate to Calpurnia and the expectations of what others want her to do with her life. Calpurnia's grandfather, Captain Walter Tate is another believable character. Many young people can relate to having a grandparent who is similar to Walter.  The plot is realistic to the time period and it is presented accurately. The plot also presents the history accurately and is not too overwhelming. 

The setting is vividly described and is an integral part to the story. The time period of 1899-1900 and living in a small town in Texas are explicit. The universal theme of coming-of-age reflects the time of the turn of the twentieth century, but also reflects the time of today. The style captures the flavor and speech patterns of the era. The author's voice and manner are reflected and all the literary elements are woven together to create a beautiful, well-written story. Kelly acknowledges several people at the end of the book, but no sources are cited for authenticity and further reading. 

Calpurnia continues to resist what society and especially what her mother wants her to become when she tells her "It means that a girl from a good family has become a young lady and is ready to be introduced into Society". The story takes place during a time that is very much different than today, especially for young women. Young women were expected to "step-out" and hope to find their future husband. The woman was then expected to stay home and raise the children. This is not the life for Calpurnia. She loves nature, insects and the worst of all, science. She enjoys spending time with her grandfather who teaches her many things about life. This is a very enjoyable story for children and adults about "going against the grain". 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was a Newbery Medal Award nominee in 2010. Other awards and nominations include: Children's Book Committee Award-winner, Texas Lone Star Reading List-commended, Beehive Awards-nominee, and many more.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy: Cornelia and the Audacious Escapes of the Somerset Sisters, Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered, and The Sisters Brothers.

School Library Journal
"The book ends with uncertainty over Callie's future, but there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel."

Booklist
"The eye-catching jacket which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel."

Further activities for The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/ncslmayabookaward/middle-school/interesting-links-2010-2011

http://evolutionofcalpuniatate.wordpress.com/activities/

http://www.lessonindex.com/The_Evolution_of_Calpurnia_Tate_by_Jacqueline_Kelly.htm

Out of the Dust

scholastic.com











Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809

Out of the Dust is a historical fiction novel based on the dust bowl that occurred in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. The story follows fourteen year-old Billie Jo and her experience of the dust bowl from 1934-1935 and the loss of her mother and baby brother.  Written in free-verse poetry style, Billie Jo documents her experiences in a journal format.

Billie Jo's character is very believable throughout the story as she experiences the hardships of the Great Depression. Her mother is expecting a baby soon and with times being tough, Billie Jo takes on a job of playing piano for a band to help earn money for the family. The language used is appropriate for the time and readers will have no problem relating to Billie Jo's character. The history is presented accurately and in terms that children can understand. The plot is not overwhelming with details and is very realistic to the time period of the Great Depression. 

The setting is an integral part of the story since the dust bowl affected those who lived in Oklahoma at that time. The time and place are vividly described continuously and contributes to the authenticity of the story. The reader is able to understand the pain and hardship Billie Jo endured. The theme of the story is still relevant today, with Billie Jo experiencing the loss of her family members, financial struggles, and a strained relationship with her father. Hesse's style of writing helps create a wonderful story using literary elements. Hesse captures the speech patterns during the years of the Great Depression by including phrases like "The farm won't fail. Long as we get some good rain".

Out of the Dust is a wonderfully written story about the hardships families experienced, not only during the Great Depression, but those who survived the dust bowl. Young readers are able to relate to Billie Jo's character as she talks about school, testing, death, and sadness. The experiences of the characters are very detailed, but unfortunately, the sources are not referenced for further information about the Great Depression or the dust bowl. This is a quick read and perfect for reluctant readers. 

Out of the Dust was the Newbery Award Winner for 1998. Other awards and nominations include: Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Young Reader's Choice Award-nominee.

If you enjoy this novel, you may also enjoy these titles written by Karen Hesse: Letters from Rifka, Witness, The Music of Dolphins, and Safekeeping. 

If you would like to read further about the dust bowl, you may enjoy: Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the school at Weedpatch Camp, The Great American Dust Bowl, and The Dirty Days: A Young Girl's Journey to and from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl. 

School Library Journal 
"After facing loss after loss during the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, Billie Jo begins to reconstruct her life. A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose-poetry."

Booklist
"The story is bleak, but Hesse's writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love."

Further activities for Out of the Dust can be found at:
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/khesse.html

http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/out-of-the-dust/

http://www.prestwickhouse.com/PDF/SAMPLE/304477.pdf

Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America

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Murphy, Jim. 2000. Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590673092

In Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America, Murphy presents a social history type informational book for children about the blizzard of 1888 that affected the northeastern United States. Unusually mild weather was experienced in March of 1888 and weather forecasting equipment to predict the approaching storm did not exist. The mild weather misled millions of people into celebrating the beautiful weather outdoors. 

Murphy has a reputation for providing factual social history informational books to children and has excellent credentials. Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America, received positive reviews by knowledgeable reviewers. The sources used to create this book are cited and only facts from the event are provided. The Illustrations and photos match the text throughout. 

The organization is in an easy to follow layout. The book begins with the beautiful weather experienced prior to the blizzard, the blizzard hitting the northeast, the resulting loss of life and property after the storm ended, and ending with the changes that were made to help prevent tragedies similar to this from happening again. Reference aids including a table of contents and index are available. 

The design is very attractive and inviting for those who are curious about this horrible disaster that affected so many. The illustrations and photographs compliment the text and help provide the reader with an image of what people experienced during the blizzard. The style is lively and interesting, encourages curiosity, and encourages further reading. Murphy provides just enough information about the blizzard of 1888 and demonstrates his passion for writing throughout.

The blizzard of 1888 really did change America and Murphy explains how in the final chapter. In 1888, the streets of New York were cluttered with garbage, trash cans, and other debris. The streets were also covered by a canopy of electrical wires that hung from above. The blizzard created a disaster with debris flying through the streets and the weight of the snow caused the wires to dangle dangerously close to the streets. These factors, along with several feet of snow caused transportation to come to a complete halt. Getting legislation passed to help prevent events such as this from happening was very difficult, "but the blizzard had fostered in the public a mood for change." Because of this blizzard, the subway system was created, electrical wires were placed underground, and sidewalks were required to remain free of debris. "By 1894, all wires in New York City had been banished underground, and other cities - including Washington, D.C.; Boston; Albany; and Buffalo, to name a few - followed its example." This is a very interesting and educational read and will be very much appreciated by those who love to read about historical events.

Awards and Honors for Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America include: Robert F. Sibert nominee for Outstanding Nonfiction, The Jefferson Cup Award, ALA Notable Book, and ALA Best Books for Young People. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these other titles by Jim Murphy: The Great Fire, The Long Road to Gettysburg, and The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution. 

Booklist
"Like Murphy's award-winning " The Great Fire" (1995), this is an example of stellar nonfiction. The haunting jacket illustration grabs attention, and the dramatic power of the splendid narrative, coupled with carefully selected anecdotes, newspaper accounts, and vintage and contemporary photos, will keep the pages turning."

School Library Journal 
"Authentic photographs, drawings, and maps that demonstrate the course of the storm, all done in the same sepia tone as the text, perfectly illustrate the book. Overall, a superb piece of writing and history."


Further activities for Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America can be found at:

http://www.teachertreasures.com/uploads/weather_tt.pdf

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/thismonth/weather/index1.html

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/blizzard-lesson-plan

The Tarantula Scientist

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Montgomery, Sy. 2004. The Tarantula Scientist. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618147993.

This photo essay informational book follows scientist Sam Marshall. Marshall studies tarantulas and is in search of the Goliath birdeating tarantula in South America. Sy and Bishop follow Marshall, documenting his search in text and photos. 

The Tarantula Scientist presents factual information about tarantulas and is recommended by knowledgeable reviewers. Montogomery and Bishop both have the reputation of providing excellent works of nonfiction for children and neither disappoint with The Tarantula Scientist. The sources are cited in the selected bibliography found in the back of the book.

The organization follows a logical pattern with an introduction of Sam Marshall, and introduction to tarantulas, and French Guiana, South America, where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found. The book continues with information about spiders, Marshall finding the Goliath birdeating tarantula, and ending with why the earth needs tarantulas. Reference aids are found on every page with photos and text describing the photos. A map of where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found is included in the front and an index can be found in the back. Subheadings are also found throughout. 

The design of the book is very appealing to children, as well as adults who appreciate tarantulas. The tarantula on the front cover will attract many fans immediately. The vocabulary is appropriate for the intended age group and a glossary is included in the back for those who want or need it. Both Montgomery and Bishop's passion for their work are demonstrated in this book. The Tarantula Scientist encourages critical thinking and further reading. A section is included for what to do if you visit French Guiana, South America and what to do if you purchase a tarantula as a pet.

Children who love spiders, and especially tarantulas, will love this book. Readers will learn many facts about tarantulas and that they really are not that bad. "Tarantulas are understudied and underappreciated," says Marshall.  This informational book will be a great addition to your library or even personal shelf. 

The Tarantula Scientist was a Robert F. Sibert Award Nominee in 2005.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these titles by Sy Montgomery: The Tapir Scientist, The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, and The Snake Scientist. 

School Library Journal
"Informative, yes, but even more important, this is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work, both in the field and in the lab, questioning, testing, and making connections. A treat, even for arachnophobes."

Booklist
"Enthusiasm for the subject and respect for both Marshall and his eight-legged subjects come through on every page of the clear, informative, and even occasionally humorous text. Bishop's full-color photos, which concentrates on detail, not scale, are amazing."

Further activities for The Tarantula Scientist can be found at: 

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/tarantula/

http://symontgomery.com/wp-content/themes/toolbox/downloads/tarantula-activities.pdf

http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/TARANTULA%20SCIENTIST.pdf

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)

amazon.com











Krull, Kathleen and Paul Brewer. 2010. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country). Ill. by Stacy Innerst. Boston: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN 9780152066390

This informational book is a biography of Abraham Lincoln and explains his love of humor throughout his life. The book describes the difficult life Lincoln had as a child on the frontier, including the loss of his mother at a young age. His hardships never seemed to cease and he soon realized humor was a way to find an escape, even as President of the Unites States.

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country), is a very well written and accurate informational book. Krull has a great reputation for providing factual information to young people. Krull includes her sources and does state that Lincoln's jokes were compiled by many people after his death. Some jokes were told third-hand or further. This book was reviewed by knowledgeable reviewers and all had positive remarks. 

The organization is very well done with a clear sequence of events, beginning with Lincoln as a child living on the frontier, in the middle as president, and ending with his death. The design of the book is also very well done. The acrylic artwork is very appealing and follows the text on each spread. The illustrations communicate the subject matter effectively. The style is very clear and interesting. Krull's passion for writing informational books definitely shows in her work. She uses appropriate vocabulary and provides just enough information about Lincoln's life that will educate and entice enquiring minds to read more about Abraham Lincoln. 

"I'd rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh." These were all great ways for Lincoln to overcome the harships in his life. From the loss of his mother, the difficult life on the frontier, politics, and life in the white house, Lincoln always found humor as a way to thrive and become one of the best presidents this country has ever known.

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country) was nominated for the Cybils Award for Nonfiction Picture Books in 2010. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these works by Kathleen Krull: Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman, The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny), and Louisa May's Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women.

If you are looking for more books written about Abraham Lincoln, you may enjoy: The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Fleming, Candace, Who Was Abraham Lincoln by Pascal, Janet, and Abraham Lincoln by Emerson, Judy. 

Booklist
"Laughter is not only good medicine. It can also be a political tool, human motivator, and saving grace, as the authors show in this upbeat overview of Lincoln's life...the text emphasizes how Lincoln coped with a joke on his tongue and a smile on his lips."

School Library Journal
"The legends that endure about Lincoln are many, his log-cabin childhood, his honesty, his eloquence. What is less-often discussed is how he used humor to diffuse tense political situations, disarm critics, and undo the stresses of running the country."

Further activities for Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter saved the President (and the Country) can be found at:

http://www.alincoln-library.com/facts-about-abraham-lincoln.shtml

http://blog.richmond.edu/openwidelookinside/archives/author/bc5xm

http://norfolksamericanconnections.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/if-i-were-president-linkin-lincoln-and-norfolk.pdf

What My Mother Doesn't Know

goodreads.com


Sones, Sonya. 2003. What My Mother Doesn't Know. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN 0689855532

In this poem verse novel, Sones introduces Sophie, a fifteen year-old  girl and her experiences with love and other coming of age events. In her intro, Sophie states "This book is about me. It tells the heart-stoppingly riveting story of my first love. And also of my second. And, okay, my third love, too." Sophie tells about her life experiences with family, love, and friends.

This verse novel is perfect for reluctant readers who want to read the experiences of a young lady and how she deals with things. This is a quick read and very entertaining. Most young adults can relate to the events in Sophie's life and that's what makes it so appealing to them. Although this book is on the Banned Book List, I believe it is a 'must have' for libraries.

If you enjoy this book by Sonya Sones, you may also enjoy: One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know, and Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy.

Awards Include: 

Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005-2006)

Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book (2002)

American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults (2002)

American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers (2002)

Booklist Editor’s Choice (2001)
Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003-2004) 

Kirkus Reviews

Starred review "A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."

Booklist

Starred review "Fast, funny, touching."

Further Activities for What My Mother Doesn't Know can be found at:

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=124

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=124
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/what-my-mother-doesnt-know

This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness

goodreads.com

Sidman, Joyce. 2007. This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-13 9780618616800

In this two-part collection of poems, Sidman has presented a collection of apology poems and responses. The first collection of poems are apologies from a group of students written to someone in their life that they feel they should apologize to.  The second collection of poems are responses back to the student from the person they apologized to. The poems are in order in each section to match the apology with response. This collection of poems include rhymes, haiku, snippets, and more.

Some of the poems are funny, some sad, and others just entertaining to read. In Secret Message  by DaRon, he writes "Well, big brother, here's my secret message: I'm sorry I'm such a "weird kid." I'm sorry I embarrass you." DaRon places the poem in his brother's car under the seat in hopes that he will find it. LaMar, DaRon's brother, finds the poem. In his response, LaMar writes: "But I been thinking about you, little bro, since you put that note in my car. You got your own stuff-stuff I don't have." Both children and adults will find this unique collection of poems enjoyable. 

Most who read this collection of poems are not aware that "the class" is entirely fictional. Sidman wrote each poem as the student and the recipient, creating fictional names and situations. This collection is written so well that the reader, given they know the truth,  may forget the poems are completely fictional. 


If you enjoy this title by Joyce Sidman, you may also enjoy: Red Sings From Treetops: A Year in Colors, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night, and Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. 


This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness was the Children's Book Committee Award Winner 2010, the Cybils Award Winner 2007, and was a Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2009.  

Publishers Weekly (03/05/2007):
Sidman ("Song of the Waterboatman and Other Pond Poems") explains, via an introduction from one of the book's sixth-grade characters, that the poems contained in this often humorous and touching anthology were inspired by the title poem of apology, which was penned by William Carlos Williams. The student in Mrs. Merz's class who introduces the book explains that some of the students received answers to their "sorry" poems.”

School Library Journal (05/01/2007):
Gr 4-7-“Mrs. Merz assigns her sixth-grade students to write poems of apology, and what emerges is a surprising array of emotions, poetic forms, and subjects from dead pets and biting hamsters to angry siblings and betrayal of trust. “



Further Activities for This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness:
http://www.americascores.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/This-Is-Just-to-Say-Apology.pdf

http://edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_38_112.html

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/just-say

http://writingfix.com/poetry_prompts/poems_of_apology1.htm

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars

kidscorner.org

Florian, Douglas. 2007. Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 9780152053727

This compilation of twenty poems has a topical connection to things found in space. The individual poems each focus on something different, such as the sky, the solar system, Saturn, Jupiter, and minor planets. Each spread features a poem and an illustration of the poem topic. The illustrations are gouache, collage, and rubber stamps. 

Most of the poems are simplistic and quick. The rhyme of each poem is found at the end of each line.The imagery in each poem creates a vivid image of each line. "Nothing's as black as a black hole. (Not black ink or lumps of coal)", a line from "The Black Hole", helps create the image of a very, very dark place.  The unique illustrations were created by using primed brown paper bags. The illustrations help make this book of poems more appealing to both children and adults. 

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars was a 2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee. It was also nominated for several other awards including: Young Hoosier Book Award 2010, Keystone to Reading Book Award 2008-2009, and Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award 2009. 


If you enjoy this book of poetry by Douglas Florian, you may also enjoy: Laugh-eteria, Beast Feast, Insectlopedia, In the Swim, and On the Wing.

School Library Journal (07/01/2007):
Gr 1-5 “The pleasing blend of faded shades and brilliant colors, of old-fashioned prints and fanciful sketches, makes the illustrations seem both antique and high-tech. An appended "Galactic Glossary" provides additional information. In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy. “

Booklist (04/01/2007):
“This large-format book looks at astronomy through the magnifying, clarifying lens of poetry. Each broad double-page spread features a short, accessible poem about a subject such as the sun, each of its planets, a comet, a constellation, or the universe, set within an impressive painting.”

Further activities for Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars can be found at:

http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/Comets-Stars-the-Moon-and-Mars-ideas.html

A poetry kit from Harcourt, Inc is also available:
http://www.harcourtbooks.com/Comets/default.asp

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

pbskids.org

Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking Children's Books. ISBN 0670878553. 


This story begins with Joseph in a field of flowers with chickens, a turkey, a cat, and a goose. Joseph is wearing an overcoat which reaches to the top of his shoes. The overcoat is tattered and patched along the bottom edge. Rather than tossing the coat, he finds another use for the overcoat by trimming off the bottom and creating a jacket. When the jacket becomes worn, Joseph trims it to make a vest. When the vest becomes worn, he makes a scarf, then a necktie, then a hanker-chief, then a button. Joseph loses the button and now has nothing. He decides to make a book about the overcoat to show "you can always make something out of nothing". 


This is a wonderful story with wonderful watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations. The illustrations help make this story more appealing to children. Also appealing, are cut-outs within the story. Each time a clothing item becomes too tattered and worn, a cut-out can be found in the shape of the next item Joseph will make. Children will have fun guessing what the item is just by the shape. Assorted Jewish items can be found within the collages, but children may not identify what those items are. Although recognizing these items is not vital to the story, finding them can still be fun and perhaps lead into learning opportunities on Jewish culture. 

On the first page of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, are the words "He wore the coat for a long time and then something happened to it". Time is represented in this story by each clothing item becoming tattered and children are able to witness the transformation of  the overcoat into something smaller each time. This story can open up discussions about appreciating what you have, recycling clothing, and recycling in general. 


Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is the 2000 Caldecott Medal Winner and the National Jewish Book Award winner for 1999. It can also be found on the Texas 2x2 List. 


If you enjoyed this story by Simms Taback, you may also enjoy There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,  and This is the House that Jack Built.


School Library Journal (01/01/2000):
Pre-Gr 3." Clever die-cut holes provide clues as to what Joseph will make next: windowpanes in one scene become a scarf upon turning the page. Striking gouache, watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof."

Booklist (01/01/2000):
Ages 4-7. "Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again."

Further activities for Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, can be found at: 
http://www.wordsalive.org/vol_resources/elibookenrichmentguide_josephhadalittleovercoat.pdf

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/westonwoods/study_guides/joseph_has_a_little_overcoat.pdf

http://pjlibrary.org/pj-blog/index.php/archives/2436/simms-taback-joseph-had-a-little-overcoat/

Easy Work! An Old Tale

www.goodreads.com

Kimmel, Eric A. 1998. Easy Work!: An Old Tale. Ill. by Andrew Glass. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823413497

This version of a Norwegian Folktale takes place in Oregon during the nineteenth century. In Easy Work!: An Old Tale, Mr. and Mrs. McTeague maintain a cabin with their infant, a cat, a dog and a cow named Abigail. Mr. McTeague believes his daily work is much more difficult than Mrs. McTeague's. "You should stay home and do what I do. Then you'll know what work really means." The two decide to switch places and thus begins the chaos. The story focuses  on Mr. McTeague's inability to complete any of Mrs. McTeague's daily chores. He invents ways to make the chores easier, including tying a rope to the dog's tail to rock the cradle, to put the baby to sleep. His inventions result in the total destruction, the cabin burning down, and Abigail running away.  Needless to say, Mr. McTeague realizes just how difficult Mrs. McTeague's daily chores are and says nothing more. The two went back to their original chores and Mr. McTeague never again questioned which of the two had an easier time. 

Although Easy Work!: An Old Tale is based on a folktale from many, many years ago, it applied during the nineteenth century and still does to this day. Children will find the antics of Mr. McTeague to be hilarious. The watercolor illustrations are very colorful on each spread and  help convey the images of chaos Mr. McTeague causes as the story progresses. In a group setting, children may even tell stories of their parents having similar conversations as Mr. and Mrs. McTeague. 



If you enjoy this folktale by Eric Kimmel, you may also enjoy: Anansi and the Magic Stick, Cactus Soup, Iron John, and Seven in One Blow.

School Library Journal (06/01/1998):
K-Gr 3--Here, the well-known Norwegian folktale, "The Man Who Was to Mind the House," is set in Oregon. Glass's lively illustrations are done in a scratchy, folksy style and suit the text perfectly.”

Booklist (04/15/1998):
Ages 4-8. Kimmel pours a classic Norwegian folktale into an American pot, and Glass brings it to a rolling boil with dappled scenes of domestic chaos. "Kimmel's version of a story that has become a staple of feminist folktale collections will be a cheery alternative..."

Further activities are available for Easy Work!: An Old Tale and other Eric A. Kimmel titles are available by signing up at:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/bookwizard/books-by/eric-kimmel