FOREVER

Module 15

Forever by Judy Blume

Katherine finds here self attracted to a friend's friend named Michael. As the relationship unfolds sex is discussed. This story is about young people engaging in sex at a very young age. They soon realize that their relationship may not be forever. The book is full of suggestive language and is very informative. I can see why this book would be censored.

I would not recommend this book for my teenage daughter. I would like to be the person who explains relationships and sex to her. I think it depends
on the parent whether their child should read this book.

How to use this book in a lesson.

Open Discussion if allowed

Bibliography

Kingsbury, Karen. Forever. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House, 2007. Print.

Dancing on the Roof

Module 14

Dancing on the Roof by Linda Sue Park

Summary

The book dancing on the roof is a book of original sijo poems. These poems deal with little experiences of daily life situations. Silo poems are a very old Korean form of poetry.

My Impression

I enjoyed reading the poems. They were fun to read with sometimes unexpected twist.
I also really like the cartoon like artwork. I would definitely recommend this book for the young and old or just everyone.

Use in the library

Read a Loud Activity
Write your own poem





Bibliography

Park, Linda Sue. Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (poems). New York: Clarion, 2007.
Print

Shelley Fu, illustrated by Joseph F. Abboreno, Chinese calligraphy by Dr. Shewin Fu,
Ho Yi the Archer and Other Classic Chinese Tales.
Linnet Books, 2000.


The stories are about creation, love and morality. Ho Yi the Archer and Other Classic Chinese Tales string the reader through trials and tribulations. There are stories of the Monkey King, the beautiful creator Pan Gu, the brave yet heart-broken archer Ho Yi and the lovelorn tale of the White Snake.

I enspecially enjoyed the story “The Man in the Moon.” Set during floods and famine, a boy saves a wounded sparrow. The sparrow, which is a god, is set free, but returns with a seed. The boy plants the seed and nourishes the plant until one day a giant grourd sprouts. Treasures pour out of the gourd like water. Alas, a neighborhood boy is envious and soon figures out a way to wound the same sparrow and trick it. This boy also receives a seed and a plant, but instead of a treasure filled gourd he is visited by an old wise man who convinces him there are more treasures on the silvery moon for the taking. On the moon the boy only needs to chop down a tree filled with jewels to be wealthy. Unfortunately, the tree will never fall, but the boy does not hear the warnings of the wise man. Sometimes, if you look up at the right time, the boy is still there on the moon bathing in his own greed, unable to chop down the treasure-filled tree. He stays to remind us that good will eventually be rewarded, and evil punished; it is just a matter of time.

I would recommend this book to readers interested in learning more about Chinese mythology. Shelley Fu offers historical context for each story, and comparisons to Greek and Roman mythological creatures. She also provides a pronunciation guide and a detailed list of characters. There is a list of further suggested readings and a multimedia resource guide. If you have not yet indulged in Chinese Mythology, this is the perfect book to start with.

Pei Pei Sung

The Storm in the Barn

Module 13

The Storm In the Barn by Matt Phelan

Summary

The storm in the barn takes place in the year of 1937 during the dust bowl. The main character is an 11 year old boy named Jack. Jack does not seem to have an easy time dealing with life. Jack family is having a hard time and has decided to move on. The problem is Jack has a sister who is sick and may not survive. While this is happening Jack is trying to solve a mystery. Jackie thinks there is something or someone deserted in the barn. Possibly a figure with a face like rain but it never rains where he lives. So we see Jack as a person with unexpected courage as he tries to solve the mystery.

My Impression

I really enjoyed reading this little story. The ups the downs and unexpected twist. I would recommend the book for someone who like to read sensitivity with a side of suspense



Bibliography

Phelan, Matt. The Storm in the Barn. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick, 2009. Print.


Editorial Review
Tall tale. Thriller. Gripping historical fiction. This artful, sparely told graphic novel ― a tale of a boy in Dust Bowl America ― will resonate with young readers today.

Rosa

Module 12

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Summary

Rosa is a story about a seamstress by the name of Rosa Parks. One day Rosa went about her regular routine to catch the city bus. She went to the front of the bus and got on to pay her fair and got off and went to the back of the bus to get on. Although the bus was full Rosa found a seat. As the bus got more crowded the bus driver asked Rosa to give up her seat on the bus. Rosa refused and the police were called to take Rosa to jail. Rosa was not aware of it at the time but her refusing to give up her seat help spark the Civil Rights Movement. The story start to go in another direction and the focus was not exactly on Rosa. It focused more on the struggle and the bus boycott. Martin Luther King Jr. is even part of the story. The bus boycott Rosa help ignite lead to a decision by the Supreme Court that segregation on the buses was wrong.

My Impression

As always I enjoy reading a book about triumph. I also enjoyed looking at the great illustrations by Bryan Collier. This book is a great picture and a tribute to Rosa Parks.


Use of the book in the library

Role Play- Student will listen to the story Rosa. Students will act out the scene from the bus the day Rosa Parks was arrested. Students will have a better understanding of what happened that day on the bus with Rosa Parks. Student will discuss how they felt going through what Rosa experienced.

Bibliography

Rosa
Giovanni, Nikki. Rosa. New York: Scholastic, 2006. Print.

Review

Reviews

"Paired very effectively with Giovanni's passionate, direct words, Collier's large watercolor-and-collage illustrations depict Parks as an inspiring force that radiates golden light." -- Booklist, Starred Review

"Purposeful in its telling, this is a handsome and thought-provoking introduction to these watershed acts of civil disobedience." -- School Library Journal

"Giovanni and Collier offer a moving interpretation of Rosa Park's momentous refusal to give up her bus seat. The author brings her heroine very much to life...a fresh take on a remarkable historic event." -- Publishers Weekly

"An essential volume for classrooms and libraries." -- Kirkus Reviews

George Washington's Teeth

Module 11

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora

Summary


This is a very informative and sort of hilarious book. The book is about George Washington and his struggle with rotten teeth. The events of his life were address in the book as he battled tooth problems. By the time George Washington was President he had on two teeth in his mouth. Eventually George Washington lost all of his teeth. During all the major battles and important events in George Washington’s life he was battling problems with his teeth. George Washington eventually received false teeth made from hippo tusk that fit perfectly. They were not made of wood. Also the book has a very detailed timeline which was taken from George Washington’s, letters, diaries and other historical records.

My Impression

I truly enjoyed this little story. I loved the pictures in the book. I also learned some history I did not know about. With all the accomplishments he made, who would have thought he was having problems with his teeth. It’s a good thing for George Washington he is not living during this time. His problems about his teeth would be on every talk show, every news show and his teeth would be the subject of every comedian’s jokes. I would recommend this book for everyone to read young and old because it is entertaining as well historical.

How would I use this book as a lesson.

Read A Loud

This book can be used to teach lessons on taking care of your teeth. Discuss George Washington’s Teeth. Include Hygiene items such as Toothpaste, toothbrush and dental floss. Talk about why each is important. Ask students to share their daily regiment for taking care of their teeth.
Ask questions as to why they think George Washington had problems with his teeth.

Bibliography

Chandra, Deborah, and Madeleine Comora. George Washington's Teeth. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003. Print.

Strawberry Hill

Module 10

Strawberry Hill by Mary Ann Hoberman

Summary

Allie moves to Stamform Connecticut from New Haven during a time of the Depression. Allie is a ten year old little girl from urban New Haven. They lived in New Haven but her father worked in Stamford. So Allie’s father found a place for them to live in the new town. Allie did not want to move and leave her best friend Ruthie behind. Her new town was nothing like she imagined it would be. She expected some sign of strawberries. The name Strawberry hill made Allie think her town would be something different. Allie does meet new friends and learns valuable lessons when she witness racism and prejudice. She was surrounded by friends with personal issues. Allie’s mother taught her the difference between right and wrong and to treat every fair. She learns to deal with all the friends she met on Strawberry Hill Street and at school but learned valuable lessons in the process.

My Impression
Strawberry Hill is well written. The book is not what I expected when I saw a little girl on the cover with ponytails. I expected to read about a little girl going to a happy place with green grass and lots of flowers. The book looks at how racism affects people and the people inn their lives.

Lesson

This book can be used in the library and classroom to teach a great lesson about compassion, true kindness and friendship. Students will discuss each subject to share their thought on each subject.

Bibliography

Hoberman, Mary Ann., and On. Strawberry Hill. New York: Little, Brown and, 2009. Print.

Reviews
Strawberry Hill


"With story lines that are simple but never simplistic and perfectly crafted chapters in which the ordinary has the opportunity to become special, this is reminiscent of books by Elizabeth Enright and Sydney Taylor."

Booklist starred review

"Here is someone who knows how to bring detail and language into just the right balance to catch you up and pull you into the story. . . Hoberman maintains an exquisite balance between Allie's perspective and that of the adults around her, allowing for both a child's way of thinking and a polished narration."

New York Times Book Review

"Hoberman draws a full portrait of life on Strawberry Hill . . . Allie's plight will be utterly relatable to contemporary readers and the resolution is both satisfying and realistic."

Publishers Weekly

"Hoberman . . . makes a stunning debut with this charming book for middle-grade readers partly inspired by her own experience growing up during the Great Depression. With a poet's economy of words, she brings to vivid life a childhood from 70 years ago."

Buffalo News

"A charming coming-of-age story that introduces a feisty new heroine for girls to embrace."

Children's Book-of-the-Month Club

"A delightful and endearing autobiographical coming-of-age narrative."

BookPage

"A family story in the best sense of the word, with incidents and anecdotes about life in a well-adjusted family . . . a clear, fresh first-person point of view that knows and sees just what a ten-year would experience."

A review of this book by Sylvia Vardell.

"Poet Hoberman's debut novel, inspired . . . by her own youthful experience, is a pleasantly nostalgic read, but it also manages to be surprisingly contemporary and very effective in its handling of middle-grade relationships. Allie's struggles with the bestowing of the 'best friend' title will ring true with kids . . .The adults, too, are engaging and complex . . ."

Recommended. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Cam Jensen Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones

Module 9

Cam Jensen Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones by David Adler

Summary

Cam is a student with a photographic memory. It comes in handy when she is trying to solve a mystery. Eric and Cam goes on a field trip with their class to the museum. The class is viewing the Dinosaur display. Cam had seen the display before. She uses her photographic memory and realizes some bones are missing from the skeleton of the Coelophysis dinosaur. Cam and Eric spring into action to solve the mystery. They follow a truck from the museum on their bikes to a house and end up coming face to face with the thieves. With some assistance Cam and Eric is able to solve the mystery.



My Impression

I enjoyed reading the story “Cam Jensen Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones.” It was exciting and very entertaining. The book was short and easy to read with some humor. The book is great
for young readers who are beginning to read chapter books.

Bibliography

Adler, David A. Cam Jansen: the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones. New York: Puffin, 2004. Print

The Night Tourist

Module 8

The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh

Jack is a shy ninth grade student who lives with his father. Jack is not like a normal teenager, he is usually by himself reading a book. Jack is also very shy who is a prodigy. Jack is in a serious accident and almost loses his life. Jack goes to New York to see a doctor. This is where Jack meets a young girl by the name of Euri. It is then that Euri and Jack visit Grand Central Station where he learns secrets. He learns of the ghostly underworld buried below the train station. Jack’s guide becomes Euri because she is supposed to be a ghost. She tells him he could possible find his mother who had died eight years ago in New York. They search at night so they would not be captured by underworld authorities. Along the way they solved mysteries.

My Impression
This is not usually the type of book I will read. I did not think I would like it but I really enjoyed reading it. It actually captured my attention from the beginning. I just decided to become a part of the story and try to figure out the outcome of the story. The more I read the more I needed to know. The book is very thrilling and exciting. I would recommend this book for those who love a thriller.


How can I use this story in a Lesson?
Create a Character Web. Draw a picture of the main character in the center circle. In each of the spaces, the student will answer the question about the character. Who? What? Where? How? Why? When?

Bibliography

Marsh, Katherine. The Night Tourist. New York: Hyperion for Children, 2008. Print.


Book Reviews

BookBrowse
If you're familiar with the Orpheus myth, you'll have a good gist of how the story will progress, but not without some unexpected twists and turns, and an ending that, despite the odds, manages to surprise. A couple of times, convenience for the sake of the storyline takes the place of credibility (would Jack's father really have let him travel to New York by himself, especially knowing what he did about Jack?); but such contrivances are few, and overall Marsh stays true to the essence of the original story while putting a modern and very witty spin on the timeless themes of love, loss and longing.
Full Review (members only, 968 words).


Kirkus Reviews
Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology and appreciative of sophisticated wordplay will especially enjoy this intricate read.

Children's Literature
This novel has an unusual situation, but it may be hard for older middle school or high school readers to be patient and stick with the story.

Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. [T]his intelligent and self-assured debut will compel readers from its outset, and leave them satisfied as it explores universal themes of love, loss and closure.

The Washingtonian - Whitney Spivey
Although Marsh eloquently combines her interests in ancient Greece and historical New York, The Night Tourist lacks depth in the fantasy realm. The author spins a colorful tale of an extraordinary underworld, yet she often uses the supernatural context to facilitate events that merit more explanation. Too often, events fall into place a little too easily.

The Thirteenth Child

Module 8

Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede

This is a story about a thirteenth child who happens to be a girl named Eff. We all know thirteen usually means bad luck. She also has a twin brother who is the seventh child of a seventh brother. The brother’s name is Lan and he is considered lucky because of the 77 thing he has going on. He is treated like royalty and his sister Eff is treated like Cinderella’s step sister. This book is filled with lots of superstition, but it also tells a story of a family who tries to protect a child from the problems she may face. It is great for Eff that her parents do not believe in all the Thirteenth Child foolishness but it is so sad that other family members do. Eff parents are so concerned about her they move away from her town to a place where no one knows she is the thirteenth child. Eff’s only problem now is will that thirteenth superstition affect her life and should magic be a part of it.

My Impression

This book is a very exciting. "Thirteenth Child” is a great book to read. I never thought I would be reading a book that is about magic and superstition and actually enjoying it. The book brings to life some of the beliefs that still exist among many people. I can think of the superstition that existed in my family when I was a young girl. It is believed a black cat is bad luck. My aunt was driving down the street one day and a black cat crossed in front of her car, she backed up and turned the car around and went the another way to get to her destination. I just could image what the thirteenth child was going through with all those aunts, uncles and cousins.


How would I use this book as a lesson in the classroom?

Have students suggest different superstitions. Ask students if they believe in superstitions. Explain why or why not.
Make a chart of the top 5 superstitions the students are familiar with. Find out which is the number one superstition by having the students vote on the ones they know about. Tally up the votes to determine what the biggest superstition in the class is.
Discuss and share - Students will share what number child they are in their family, for example I am child number 2 out of 6. What number are you? Would you like to be a child in a family of 13 children? Would you like to be number 13, why or why not?

Bibliography

Thirteenth child
Patricia C.Wrede - Scholastic Press - New York - 2009

Travel Team

Module 7

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

Travel Team is a book about a young man named Danny. Danny has always played on the basketball team. One year Danny didn’t make the team because the coach wanted bigger players and Danny was too small. Danny was one of the best players in his town. Danny also has a famous dad named Ritchie Walker. He was one of the best basketball players in their town of Middletown until he was in a car accident and could no longer play Pro basketball. His dad came up with a great idea to start a travel team for his son. They did not have a lot of hope of winning when they started but they made the playoffs. It is hard to believe but Danny’s dad Ritchie was in another car accident. Danny would have to coach the team.

My Impression

This is a very interesting book. It keeps your attention and remains exciting. I would highly recommend this book for persons who want to read a good story about hard word and perseverance, especially sports fans. Anyone who reads this book will be inspired to work hard and never give up on their dreams.

Bibliography

Travel team
Lupica, Mike. Travel Team. New York: Philomel, 2004. Print.

Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes

Module 7

Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

The plot is very interesting. We see this young girl who is scarred for life because of what happened to her as a child. Then we have a devoted fat friend who stands by her side and does whatever it takes to show his loyalty to her. Their problems bring them together and they deal with their problems together.
Sarah is in a Psychiatric hospital and her friend Eric tells the story about their friendship, mainly in school. Great details are given so we get the picture of what is happening as we read the story. The characters are very believable in the story. There is also rich characterization. We are exposed to the good and bad sides of the characters. There is abuse, violence, physical appearance issues and lies along with dedication and sacrifice for friendship. There is also humor.


I was drawn to the book because of the characters. I believe a child may want to read the book because of the strong characters in the book. The book also has lots of drama. I would recommend this book for ages 10 and older. I really enjoyed reading the book. I began reading and could not put it down. The characters are very believable and realistic which captured my attention throughout the book.

Bibliography

Chris Crutcher - Greenwillow Book/HarperTempest/HarperCollis Publishers - New York, N.Y. - 2003

Editorial Reviews



From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up?An obese boy and a disfigured girl suffer the emotional scars of years of mockery at the hands of their peers. They share a hard-boiled view of the world until events in their senior year hurl them in very different directions. A story about a friendship with staying power, written with pathos and pointed humor.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



Review
“[A] transcendent story of love, loyalty and courage…Superb plotting, extraordinary characters and crackling narrative…unforgettable.” (Publishers Weekly (* Starred Review *) )

“Pulse-pounding, on both visceral and intellectual levels—a wild, brutal ride.” (Kirkus Review (Pointered Review) )

“A masterpiece.” (School Library Journal (*Starred Review*) )

Because of Winn Dixie

Module 6

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DICamillo

The story is about a young girl named Opal. One summer Opal and her father who is a preacher moved to a place called Naomi Florida. She is in a strange place and has no friends. Opal goes into the local Winn Dixie supermarket and finds a dog she names Winn Dixie. Opal and Winn Dixie become best friends. Winn Dixie helps Opal get over her loneliness from leaving her friends behind and not having a mother. Together Winn Dixie and Opal meet many new friends. Opal learned more about her mother who had abandoned them when she was very young. Opal also developed a better relationship with her father and all her friends became part of her family.



The book is told in first person. I feel the book flows smoothly because the story is told by the character. We don’t have to figure out who is speaking.
I enjoyed reading the story because it is not predictable. It is not like one of those stories you know what is going to happen next. This book also reminds me of home because I grew up in a small town with a local Winn Dixie and the book brought back childhood memories. I certainly would recommend this book to others to read. It has loneliness, sadness friendship, love, relationships and betrayal all in one book. The book does have universal appeal. I know young children love this book but I enjoyed it also. The book touches on subjects that affect the young readers and older age groups. Many of today’s issues are part of the book.

Bibliography

Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo - Candlewick Press - Cambridge, Mass. - 2001

Lion and the Mouse

Module 5

This is a story about a mouse whose is caught by a lion and pleads for his life. The mouse pleads her case and asks the lion for her release. The mouse explains that one day the lion may need her help. The powerful lion does not ever believe he will need the assistance of a little mouse but he does let her go. One day the lion does need the little mouse assistance. The little mouse hears the lions mighty roar because he is trapped in a hunter’s net. The little mouse comes to his rescue and nibbles holes in the net to rescue the lion.


My Impression
I truly enjoyed reading the book “Lion and the Mouse”. It reminded me of the Aesop Fables The Lion and the Mouse. It is pretty much the same story but told by a different author. The illustrations in the book are great which adds a lot more to the story. I would recommend this book to the young and old because there is a great lesson in the story. Never judge a person or animal by their size.

How would I use this story in a lesson?

A skit would be perfect. The characters are the lion, the mouse and the hunter. Use the skit to show both sides of the story. The first skit is when the lion let the mouse go free and the second skit the lion would not let the mouse go free. Discuss to decide which skit should be the correct one and why?

Bibliography

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion & the Mouse. New York: Little, Brown and for Young Readers, 2009. Print.

The View From Saturday

Module 4

“The View From Saturday” is a nice little story about an academic competition. This story is about four sixth graders who are never expected to succeed. The students are Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julien. These students become friends and come together after they learn some valuable lessons in life. These students have personal issues and issues with school. They are considered the underdogs and should never go beyond what others expect. In the book the story is told by these students. These students overcome challenges to become successful. The story is also about their teacher Mrs. Eva Marie Olinski who is in a wheelchair and paralyzed from the waist down. In the competition the team makes it to the final beating 7th and eight grade teams. The team goes to the state championship.


My Impression

This is a very good book to read. It touches on the beating the odds and succeeding. I love books of this time because there is always a lesson to be learned. I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of the movie “Akela and the Bee”. A very inspiring story for all to read as all the students goes on a journey and learns a valuable

How would I use this as a lesson in the Classroom

Role Play a academic competition based on a lesson the students are studying in the class. A spelling Bee would be great because most kids never get the opportunity to compete.

Bibliography

Konigsburg, E. L. The View from Saturday. New York, N.Y.: Atheneum for Young Readers, 1996. Print.

Sounder

Module 4

Sounder by William Armstrong

Sounder is a story of a poor young African American boy and his struggles to help his family. His father was arrested for stealing a ham to feed his family. As the sheriff was taking the father away Sounder the family dog chased them and was shot by the deputy. Sounder is not around for months, he finally returns lame and cannot bark. The boy searches for his father. On his search he stumbles on a school house that has African American students who are having school.
The teacher offers him a place to stay and allow him to attend school. The young boy’s father returned after many years away partially paralyzed. The father dies and sounder dies shortly after he does.

My Impression

I enjoyed reading the book. I had the opportunity to see the movie “Sounder” first. The movie was made about 25 miles from my home town. I actually knew one of the little boys in the movie who had a couple of lines to say. When I read the book I knew what to expect and I was not disappointed with the writing. I recommend the book and the movie.

Bibliography

Sounder
Armstrong, William Howard, and James Barkley. Sounder. New York: Harper & Row, 1969. Print.

Reviews

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Sounder is no beauty. But as a coon dog, this loyal mongrel with his cavernous bark is unmatched. When the African American sharecropper who has raised Sounder from a pup is hauled off to jail for stealing a hog, his family must suffer their humiliation and crushing loss with no recourse. To make matters worse, in the fracas, Sounder is shot and disappears. The eventual return of a tattered and emaciated Sounder doesn't change the fact that the sharecropper's oldest son is forced to take on man's work to help support the family. His transition to adulthood is paved by the rocks and taunts hurled at him by convicts and guards as he searches for his father. But along this rough road he ultimately finds salvation as well.
William H. Armstrong's Newbery Award-winning novel quickly became a classic as a moving portrayal of resilience and hope in the face of profound human tragedy. Decades later, the bittersweet story still rings true, as strong-spirited individuals continue to battle the evil of prejudice. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


Review
"The power of the writing lies in its combination of subtlety and strength." -- H.

"The writing is simple, timeless and extraordinarily moving. An outstanding book." -- Commonweal

The Three Pigs

Module 3

The Three Pigs by David Wiesner


Summary

Almost everyone has heard of the story “The Three Little Pigs”. Well this story is based on the original story. The three pigs went out in the world to seek their fortune. They built their houses out of straw, sticks and bricks just like in the original story. Just like in the original story the wolf blew the houses down made of straws and sticks. But something different happened in between the visit to the house made of bricks. The pigs escape and somehow show up in other stories and nursery rhymes like hey diddle diddle. It is little confusing but it is an interesting twist. The pigs return home and the story ends as usual, the big bad wolf cannot blow the house down made of bricks.


My Impression
I enjoyed reading the story “The Three Pigs”. It was very predictable and unpredictable. It was predictable because I have read the original story many times. For the person who never read “The Three Pigs will see this story as an exciting story for children. The illustrations are very beautiful and very detailed. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a wonderful and exciting story.

How can I use this story in the classroom?
Read the story of The Three Pigs and use a sequence graphic organizer to retell the story telling what happened 1st , 2nd, and continue in order. Post the chart in the classroom. Have students see if they can retell the story in order.

Reviews

Review:
"Wiesner's brilliant use of white space and perspective...evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities." Publishers Weekly
Review:
"A clever tale that will keep kids poring over every detail." Children's Literature
Review:
"Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite." School Library Journal

Bibliography

The three pigs
David Wiesner - Clarion Books - New York - 2001

Moses: When Harriett Tubman Led Her People To Freedom

Module 3

Moses: When Harriett Led Her People To Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford

The book Moses: When Harriett Tubman Led Her People to Freedom was a very good book to read. Harriett was born as a slave and spent most of her life as a slave. In the book it shows how Harriett’s faith in God prayer helped her to escape to freedom. Her faith in God is also what allowed her to return nineteen more times to free other slaves. Harriett Tubman was called the Moses of her people.

My Impression
I love reading about Harriett Tubman. It just amazes me how one woman could do so much especially during a time when all the odds are against her. Then I read a found that it had everything to do with her faith in God. The story should be an inspiration to all who are afraid to dream. Just think if Harriett Tubman did not have the faith to believe she could escape, there may be many family trees without any branches.

I love using the website below. It can be used in the classroom. It is on the National Geographic Website. It can be used for history, geography, science and music lessons.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/99/railroad/j1.html

Bibliography

Good Night Moon

Module 2

Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise

This is very good bed time story. The story is very easy to read. The story takes place at night in a rabbit’s bedroom. Before he goes to bed he say goodnight to all the objects in the room and outside his window. The rabbit’s room is very eye catching and colorful with lots of details on each page. The story is actually mentioning everything in the room. The first page says:

In the great green room
There was telephone
And a red ribbon
And a picture of-

My Impression
The next page is a beautiful colorful picture with all the things the rabbit start to name in his room. He then says good night to the room and things inside and outside of the room before he goes to sleep.
This is a great bedtime story. It is that kind of book that put you in the mood for bed. I can remember growing up and hearing the Walton’s on the TV show say goodnight to everyone. This book really reminded me of the Walton’s. Good night John boy, only in this story it is Good night Moon. I love this book because it is short and easy to read. I recommend it for the young and the old.


As a lesson I will use this book to teach a match and identify lesson. Students will select a picture from a group of cards to match the items in the bedroom. (example – picture of the lamp in the book-student will locate a picture of a lamp, comb, brush, etc), this is great for Life Skills students

Bibliography

Good Night Moon
Margaret WiseBrown - Clement Hurd - Harper & Brothers - New York - 1947

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

Module 2

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs by Judi and Jon Barrett

As Henry and his sister are having breakfast, his grandfather tells them the story about a little town named Chewandswallow. In this little town food falls from the sky. Food falls three times a day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The forecast is always food. No rain or snow but just food. This is a delightful little book to read. There are not any grocery stores, but who needs them when you can go out each day and collect your food. The only problem with receiving three meals a day is you don’t have a choice of what you are going to have to eat. The menu sometimes consisted of mash potatoes, soup, juice and hamburgers. One day the weather changed and something went terribly wrong. The food begins to come in larger sizes and more of it came down. The town became dangerous and unlivable. The people of the town packed up and moved away to a place that did not have food on the forecast. They had to adjust to a new life with grocery stores and rain.

My impression
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was a very good book to read. It was very entertaining. The important to me about this story is the children loved the story. The story made the students really think about would they like their food to fall from the sky. I loved it and recommended the book to several friends for their children and grandchildren to individual reading or group story time.

How can you use this as a lesson in the classroom?

Create a chart with the Advantages and Disadvantages of having food fall from the sky.
Have the class suggest and list the Advantages and Disadvantages of having food
fall. See which one has the most suggestions. Discuss suggestions.

Bibliography

Barrett, Judi, and Ron Barrett. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. New York: Atheneum, 1978. Print.

The Giving Tree

Module 1
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The story the giving tree is about a friendship between a boy and a tree. The tree tried to give the boy everything he asks for. The little boy asks for money and the tree gave him apples to sell. He asked for a house and the tree offered branches for lumber. The tree was shade from the sun. If the boy is happy the tree is happy. The boy became too old to play in tree, he asked for a boat. The tree is cut down to a stump to make a boat. Eventually the boy leaves the tree. He returned years later when he was much older. The tree did not have anything left to give but he had a stump for him to sit. The tree was happy.

My Impression
This was a very good book to read. It seems the boy- turn man is very selfish. He wanted everything he could get from the tree. All he did was take and not give anything in return. I don’t remember reading anything in the story about the boy giving the tree anything. One thing I realized is the tree is a true friend. It does not matter how he is treated by the boy he is always there for him. There could possibly be a lot of lessons in this story. But, there was nothing in the story that really made it clear what it is. I am sure everyone will have their own interpretation of what the lesson is.


How would I use this as a lesson in classroom?
Discussion
The students will to the story the Giving Tree. The students will discuss if the boy is a good friend to the tree, why or why Not.
Students will create a tree and on that tree they will list one person’s name they consider a true friend. On each branch they will list which they chose that individual.

Bibliography

The giving tree
Shel Silverstein - HarperCollins - New York - 2004

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Module 2
As Henry and his sister are having breakfast, his grandfather tells them the story about a little town named Chewandswallow. In this little town food falls from the sky. Food falls three times a day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The forecast is always food. No rain or snow but just food. This is a delightful little book to read. There are not any grocery stores, but who needs them when you can go out each day and collect your food. The only problem with receiving three meals a day is you don’t have a choice of what you are going to have to eat. The menu sometimes consisted of mash potatoes, soup, juice and hamburgers. One day the weather changed and something went terribly wrong. The food begins to come in larger sizes and more of it came down. The town became dangerous and unlivable. The people of the town packed up and moved away to a place that did not have food on the forecast. They had to adjust to a new life with grocery stores and rain.

My impression
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was a very good book to read. It was very entertaining. The important to me about this story is the children loved the story. The story made the students really think about would they like their food to fall from the sky. I loved it and recommended the book to several friends for their children and grandchildren to individual reading or group story time.
How can you use this as a lesson in the classroom?
Create a chart with the Advantages and Disadvantages of having food fall from the sky.
Have the class suggest and list the Advantages and Disadvantages of having food fall. See which one has the most suggestions. Discuss suggestions.