All My Class Readings

Chapter Books:
The Hunger Games
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Love That Dog
The Hinky-Pink
Dying To Meet You
Squirrel's World
Almost Astronauts
It's Perfectly Normal
Scary Stories
My Sister's Keeper
11 Birthdays
Savvy
Rules
Hoot
When You Reach Me
Twilight
Dork Diaries
Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice
Everything on a Waffle
The Wild Whale Watch
Junie B. First Grader Boss at Lunch
Beezus and Ramona
Sounder
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Twister on Tuesday
Bridge to Terabithia

Picture Books:
Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book
It's a Book
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Mirrette on a High Wire
One Fine Day
The Lion and the Mouse
Owen
Officer Buckle and Gloria
Lon Po Po
All Stations!
Frogs
That Book Woman
14 Cows for America
And Tango Makes Three
In Our Mother's House
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
Papa and Me
My Abuelita
Duck! Rabbit!
Tar Beach
The Uglified Duck

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Mini and her family are poor and Mini tries her best to change that. Her father tells stories and Mini is fascinated by them. Mini makes a purchase of a goldfish, which her mother feels is stupid and foolish but Mini believes it will change things. She becomes fiend with a dragon can't fly. Together they have adventures. This is a great book for anyone to read. I was fortunate enough to meed the author at ALA this summer, and got an autograph copy of it. I enjoyed reading this fantasy book.

Lin, Grace (2009). Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little Brown Books.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, changed my thinking a little of books written i the future. I am not a "future reader", but this book was amazing. It was my favorite of all the books I read. I feel in love with Katniss, and especially Peeta. I will definitely read book two, Catching Fire and book three, Mocking Jay. The friendship was nice o see i the pages. I only wish I had the same strength that Katniss had. I recommend this book to anyone. I need to get several copies for my classroom. I read this book on my kindle. I had a little bit of a problem getting into the book, but by chapter 4 or 5 I was hooked.


Collins, Suzanne (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash, by Trinka Nobel, is a funny book full of the silly adventures of a class trip and Jimmy's boa. A little girl gives all the funny details to her mother on how a trip to the farm becomes a chaotic day. This is a funny book, and I think all the lower grades should definitely read it. It touched my heart, and funny bone, because my son really loves reptiles and snakes.

Nobel, Trinka Hakes (2005). The Fay Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash. New York:Dial Books.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog, written by Sharon Creech, is a cute and funny book. Miss Stretchberry introduces poems to her class. Boys hate it, but the girls like it. Jack, a student, soon discovers that he does like poetry. I usually teach poetry in my 5th grade in April because it is poetry month. I plan to use this book as a short novel read as I do my monthly lessons in poetry. Maybe I'll win over more of the boys with reading this book. I enjoyed reading this one. This book is a Newberry winner.

Creech, Sharon (2001). Love That Dog. New York: HarperCollins.

The Hinky Pink

The Hinky-Pink is an old tale retold by Megan McDonald. It is a Bluebonnett Nominee book. This was a book that I did enjoy reading. It's about a young seamstress named Anabel who is called to make an important dress for Princess Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola. Anabel is sent to the tower where she has all the beautiful materials to make a beautiful dress. But he nights are restless when a "hinky-pink" won't allow her to get a good nights sleep. All the hinky-pink wants is a bed to sleep in and after many tries Anabel finally satisfies her. Anabel then has one day to create a stunning dress for the princess and that she does. This is a cute book to read to any little girl who loves stories abut princesses.

McDonald, Megan (2008). The Hinky-Pink. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Dying to Meet You

Dying To Meet You, written by Kate Klise, is a Bluebonnet Nominee. It's an interesting book written in the style of letters and newspaper clippings. It also includes drawings. Ignatius B. Grumply is the main character in the book. He has gone to go live in a mansion because he has writers block and he hopes he gets inspired. But to his surprise the mansion already has occupants. Seymour, an eleven year old boy lives there with his cat and Olive, a ghost. Together they are not about to give up their mansion to no one, especially Grumply, but in the end they all learn to live happily ever after. Iggy comes around and learns to love again and makes a family with the boy, his cat, and even Olive. I really didn't like this book. I didn't care for all the letter writing, but it was something different to read. It was also a quick read.

Klise, Kate (2009). Dying to Meet You. New York: Harcourt.

Squirrel's World

Squirrel's World by Lisa Moser is a Bluebonnet Nominee. It is an easy read chapter book about a squirrel who I sense has ADHA. In this cute book a squirrel, who is very hyperactive, has different encounters with three friends: a mouse, a turtle, and a rabbit. He is in his "own world" and behaves like it too. Squirrel wants to help each and everyone one and although he tries his best, his friends feel overwhelmed by him. But in the end he truly helps his friend rabbit, by showing him a way not to be afraid of the dark. This is a great read for any lower grade. I liked this book.

Moser, Lisa (2007). Squirrel's World. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

In Our Mother's House

In Our Mother's House by Patricia Polacco is a challenged book because it deals with same sex marriage. Two parents, both female, share their story of raising a family and the discrimination they experience in their neighborhood. Meema and Maemee are living a happy life, raising three children as normal as they can. But when a troublesome neighbor disagrees with their living arrangement and lifestyle, she tries to cause trouble. The children grow up to be successful adults and are grateful for having wonderful parents that raise then well and gave them a normal life, as best they could. I really enjoyed this book. I feel that more books like this one need to be out there to educate people and show them that children can be raise by same sex couples.

Polacco, Patricia (2009). In Our Mother's House. New York: Philomel Books.

Papa and Me

Pap and Me, written by Arthur Dorros, is a Pura Belpre award winner. It is beautifully illustrated book with bright and colorful drawings. I like it when I see bilingual books that are well written and bring true meaning to the Spanish culture. This is a story about how a little boy and his Papa spend the day together. They do ordinary things, like walk in the park and visit Abuelo and Abuela, but they do it in such a special way. The two really enjoy spending quality time together and you can see the special bond they have. I really enjoyed this book. It makes a great Father's Day gift as well, from a son to a father.

Dorros, Arturo (2008). Papa and Me. New York: HarperCollins.

My Abuelita

My Abuelita, written by Tony Johnston, is a Pura Belpre winner. It's a story about a little boy who lives with his grandmother, who is a storyteller. In the book he spend the day with his grandmother. I liked the book and was fascinated by the illustrations. The illustrator used clay to make the characters come to life. That made the book even more unique. This is a must read to any lower grade classroom, especially kinder.

Johnston, Tony (2009). My Abuelita. New York: Hartcourt.

Duck! Rabbit!

What is it? Is it a rabbit or a duck? This book keeps you guessing til the every end.
It i a good book for visualization and dialog. I can see students taking sides and debating on which is it. It's a good book and a funny one too. Students can learn about "not reading a book by it's cover." It teaches a lesson, as well.

Rosenthal, Amy. Duck! Rabbit! New York: ChronicallBooks.

Almost Astronauts

In the 1960s, 13 women become astronauts. Almost Astronauts, is a inspiring story of just that. The adventures and struggle these women faces in that time to accomplish something very big.. This is a great biography book. Those times were even harder because of the "women movement." These 13 couragoues women gave people, especially women, an insight on what happens if you follow your dream.. Although many struggles were encounter, the women conquered the struggles and were very successful. I like this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially a young lady wanting to follower her dreams in space or flying up in the friendly skies.

Stone, Tanya Lee (2009). 13 Astronauts. New York: Candlewick.

It's Perfectly Normal

If you do not want your children learning about their bodies by reading a book, then this is not the book for you. It's Prfetly Normal has illustrations of the human body and goes into detail about many sexual things. I did think maybe the book was too accurate, but I think it is still appropriate. Some parents might need this kind of book to discuss the birds and the bees. I did not have this book when I had "the Talk" with my girls, but I I just use it to help me with my son.

(2204) It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health. New York: Candlewick.

Scary Stories

This is a series, Scary Stories, and right now with Halloween these were always checked out from my library. I have about 3 of these and I can't keep them on the shelf. If you like scary stories like I do these are a quick read. Some of the stories are scary, but there is some humorous ones. I would first ask the students if they are afraid of scary things because these books do have some scary stories in them. I really like these books and look forward to more to come.

Schwartz, Alvin (1992). Scary Stories. New York: HarperCollins.

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a challenged book because it deals with the concept of raising a child to save another. I saw the movie and read the book, and of course the book is better. I cried more by reading the book then watching the movie. I watched the movie first because I had never planned to read the book. Now I am so glad I did. Jodi Picoult is a wonderful writer. She brings so much emotion to he pages. I enjoyed all the tears I shed by reading this book.


Picoult, Jodi (2004). My Sister's Keeper. New York: Atria.

And Tango Makes Three

In And Tango Makes Three, Roy and Silo are two male penguins, and with the help of a zoo keeper become parents - giving them Tango. This cute book is a challenged book because it involves two male penguins who like each other and want to raise a family. It's a picture book that is funny and also a true story. These penguins can be found at the New York Central Park Zoo. I really enjoyed this book. Although it is about two "daddies" I didn't see anything wrong with it. I hope more teachers read it to their students.

Richardson, Justin (2005). And Tango Makes Three. New York: Simon and Schuster.

14 Cows

14 Cows by Carmen Agra Deedy is on the New York Times Bestseller list. It is a true story and very inspirational. I really enjoyed this book and I plan to use it in my class for a future lesson. This book was written in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah. It is about how Kimeli, who once lived in Kenya, returns to his village after the September 11th tragedy in New York. Kimeli was living in New York when terrorists attacked. He comes back to tell the story and the people of Kenya offer 14 cows to the U.S. Embassy as a symbol of hope and compassion. This book has a powerful message and it is beautifully illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.



Deedy, Carmen Agra (2009) . 14 Cows. New York: Peachtree Publishers.

11 Birthdays

Don't we all wish we could have "do over" days. I know I do! That's exactly what happens to Amanda and Leo in the book 11 Birthdays. They both share the same birthday and for the last 10 years have celebrated it together, but their 11th birthday is different. They are not on speaking terms so they spend their birthday apart, but soon realize that their 11 birthday becomes a do over over and over. This is a cute book with a great message about how one's behavior and actions really make a difference. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to my students.

Mass, Wendy (2009). 11 Birthdays. New York: Scholastic Press.

That Book Woman

That Book Woman by Heather Henson is a Bluebonnet Nominee. Just like the mail was delivered by horse many moons ago - so were BOOKS! I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a story about how a "book woman" delivered books by horseback every two weeks to families. In one particular family there was a boy who did not read, so he hated that his sister read. But eventually curiosity gets the best of him and one day he asks his sister to teach him how to read. To his surprise she does not laugh or tease him, but instead teaches him how to read. Their mother is proud and shows her gratitute to the "book woman" but giving her a written recipe. In the end both the brother and sister share time reading. The last page of the book offers a history lesson on how the "book women" journey got started. This is a must have book for any library.

Henson, Heather (2008). That Book Woman. New York: Somin & Schuster.

Surfer of the Century

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku, written by Ellie Crown, is a Bluebonnet Nominee book. It is a non-fiction book about the life of Kahanamonku, who was a world record holder for swimming in the Olympics in 1921, 1920 and 1924. It gives details about his life and how growing up he struggled in school, but surfing and swimming became his passion. Surfing was not an Olympic sport, so when Duke was discovered for his surfing talent he was asked to try out in the swimming events for the Olympics. The book has a timeline in the end that gives the highlights of Duke Kahanamoku's life and the legacy that he left behind. I enjoyed this book and plan to use it in a lesson with my 5th grade students.

Crowe, Ellie (2007). Sufer of the Century. New York: Lee and Low Books.

All Stations! Distress!

All Stations! Distress!, written by Don Brown, is a book describing the events happening before, during, and after of the Titanic sinking. Brown does a great job of giving as much factual detail as possible and makes the book very interesting. I used this book as a supplement to a story we have in our basil textbook which has a story about the Titanic sinking. I used it for a compare and contrast lesson. This is a good book to have in the classroom.

Brown, Don (2008). All Stations! Distress!. New York: Roaming Book Press.

Frogs

Frogs by Nic Bishop is an expository book about - frogs. It is full of facts and information about frogs. The author provides excellent research and colorful pictures to give a clear picture of how the life of a frog is. The photo graphs are amazing, clear and bright. The book contains a glossary of terms and an index. It is a great book for expository learning. The book gives information on many different frogs, so it's excellent for a compare and contrast lesson and fact and opinion. I definitely would have this book in my classroom library.

Bishop, Nic (2008). Frogs. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Savvy

I really enjoyed this book. I wish I could get the "savvy" too on my 13th birthday. The Beaumont family live isolated from others because they are special powers and they feel they need to live away from people so they are not discovered. On their 13th birthday they receive a special power that makes them unique. When Mibs' father is in an accident she wants to use her special powers to help him. She stows away in a bible bus and encounters some trouble on the way. In the end she realizes that all she really ever needed was her family. I enjoyed this heart warming book. Law does an excellent job of showing the differences in each family member.

Law, Ingrid (2008). Savvy. New York: Dial Books.

Beezus and Ramona

Ramona is one of a kind and Beezus just doesn't know what to do with her sometimes. Beezus hates that Ramona gets all the attention. Anyone who has a little sister can relate to these books. Beezus has mixed emotions about her sister throughout the book. There relationship is tested time and time again. Beezus Quimby feels her 4 year old sister is a pain, embarrassing and most of all, annoying. Beezus hates having to pay for her sisters misdoings, like writing her name in the library book that Beezus checked out. Now she has to pay for it. Even though Ramona was an annoying little sister, Beezus sometimes feels guilty of how she treats her. But she wishes that her sister understood how to behave better. This book shows how sisters fight and get on each others nerves, but in the end they do really love each other. a cute movie was made this year from this book. I expect more to come.

Clearly, Beverly (1990). Beezus and Ramona. New York: Harper Collins.

Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book

Winner of a Pura Belpre Award, Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales , is a counting book and a story in one. Senor Calavera ( Skeleton Man) has come to take Grandma Beetle "with him", but Grandma is not ready to go and stalls him by telling him she has things she needs to take care of before she leaves with him. She has tasks from one to ten, in Spanish - una a diez. Each time Senor Calavera wants to take her she says, "Just a minute." This goes on and on until the end when there is a party. The children are not aware of why the skeleton is there, but they enjoy seeing the skeleton take part in the celebration. The skeleton decides to not take Grandma just now and enjoys the celebration. The art work is amazing, rich in bright colors. The illustrator captures the Mexican culture in the art work, especially in the characters. I love that its a counting book and a vibrant story at the same time.

Morales, Yuyi (2003). Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book. New York: Chronical Books.

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold has won a Coretta Scott King Award. In this book a little girl named Cassie has a head full of dreams as she travels in her mind all over the city. She goes to places that literally she can only "dream of going." The art work, drawn in quilt style, is so detailed and captures the dreams of Cassie's adventures. The illustrations are eye catching and original. The book has a special message about dreaming and also equality. The title is special to the story because it's where Cassie goes to dream, on the roof of the building that she lives in. Cassie spends her time there dreaming. The author does an excellent job of showing the reader Cassie's imagination and takes you on the trip with her through the city. The book is a work of art in itself.

Ringgold, Faith (1991). Tar Beach. New York: Dragonfly Books.

The Uglified Ducky

The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin is a Bluebonnet nominee and in my opinion well deserved. It is a book mainly for the lower grades. A moose named Maynard is separated from her mama and is taken in by a mama duck.. Despite the major differences between the moose and the ducks, the moose tries its best to fit in. The mama duck accepts him as he is. The animals enjoy listening to stories Maynard tells them in his moose speech. This book is great to introduce the topic of being different. It is also a good book to use with "The Ugly Ducking" in a compare and contrast lesson. The illustrations are funny and colorful. A CD is included in the story.

Claflin, Willy (2008). The Uglified Ducky. New York: August House.

Rules

Rules by Cynthia Lord is a Newberry Honor book. Catherine, a 12 year old girl, who has a younger brother named David who is autistic. Not only does she have to deal with a younger brother, who are usually embarrassing, but his disability seems to make things worst for her. she feels like she always comes in second with her parents because David requires so much attention. She create a set of "rules" that she wants David to follow to make this easier for her. What is unique about this book that each chapter is titled by a rule that Catherine sets for David. Catherine hopes to make friends with a new girl next door, but is worried that David will ruin that. With the help of another friend, Jason, who is a paraplegic and doesn't talk, Catherine begins to realize that there is much more to her brother than she thought. It's a heartwarming book, told from the side of Catherine. The love she has for her brother is sincere, but troubling at times. A good read, especially for anyone who has a family member with a disability. Patience plays a big role in this type of situation.

Lord, Cynthia (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic.

Hoot

Hoot is about a boy named Roy Eberhardt, who along with two other friends, want to protect the miniature owls that live at the site where a popular restaurant wants to set up shop. Roy is sort of an outcast. He doesn't have many friends and is the new kid in town. This story takes place in Coconut Grove, Florida. He soon has a bully pushing him around, Dana Matherson, but because of an encounter on a bus with Dana, that is how the story begins to unfold. Roy, along with Beatrice and her step brother Mullet, soon realize that they have to save the miniature owls , which are endangered, that are living in the construction area of the future pancake house. The three of them do their best to reveal that the construction company does know that owls are burrowing on the construction site. In the end, the dishonesty of the construction company is exposed. Mullet is sent to a detention center, but runs away and Roy does not know where he is. This is an excellent book to read in a 4th or 5th grade class. You can use it to integrate science into your lessons.



Hiaasen, Carl (2002). Hoot. New York: Knopf Books.

When You Reach Me

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a page turner. When You Reach Me,written by Rebecca Stead, has very realistic characters. Miranda and Sal are good friends and when Miranda receives mysterious letters, things start to happen. Sal and Miranda grow apart for a while, but in the end the mysterious man, who they think is crazy saves a life and all changes. This is a great read for a middle school student, although I have had 5th graders check it out from my school library.

Stead, Rebecca (2009). When You Reach Me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Twilight

I am not a "series" reader, but when the insanity of The Twilight series came out I jumped on the bandwagon. Shame on me! I also don't like stories about vampires, but I feel in LOVE with Edward. I am an Edward fan. Shame on me again! The story started a little slow for me and it took me awhile to like it, but by the middle of the book I loved it. It's obvious that it's Edward who will win Bellas's heart in the end, but Jacob is needed to stir up some interesting trouble. I have yet to read the fourth book, but from the first three that I have read, Twilight is my favorite. The book had plenty of action that was easy to visualize because the Meyers did an amazing job of describing it. The chemistry she created between Bella and Edward was sizzling. I love how Edwards family just loves Bella, well almost everyone, and how secure she feels around Edward.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Popular Party Girl

I was first introduced to this cartoonish book at ALA. I was able to get a couple of copies "free" from the publishing company. Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell is similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but from a girl's point of view. My students are on a waiting list to check out this book from my classroom library. Even the boys want to read it! it's a diary by 14 year old Nikki J. Maxwell who, because of her father's job (bug exterminator), has been awarded a scholarship to a fancy private middle school. Just like many teenagers, she keeps a diary where she vents about her parent, friends, not-so friends and her crush. Her diary includes illustrations of black and white sketches, which are funny and imaginative. Although a lot of the journal is about Nikki complains about her mean friends and embarrassing parents, I felt she was not-so perfect herself. She is a little mean and a bit of an instigator, but in the end it seems she gets her wish by maybe being Brandon's crush too. Over all it is a funny book and and an easy read.

Russell, Rachel Renee (2010). Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Popular Party Girl. New York: Simon and Schuster.

It's a Book

It's a Book is currently on the New York Times best seller book list. I am lucky enough to have a signed copy of the book that I got at ALA this past summer in Washington, D.C. Lane Smith uses the characters of a monkey, donkey and mouse to capture a cute scenario of a techno savvy donkey asking a book loving monkey what is he holding - which the donkey is holding a book. The donkey asks a series of questions, like ""Can it text?", Tweet?, Wi-Fi?". In the end the answer is, "It's a book, jackass." I read this book as a focus to my 5th grade reading class. Instead of saying "jackass", I used the word "donkey". My students liked the book because they related to how technology is taking over reading. The majority of my students, when polled, said they turn on a DSi or computer before opening their book to read. Below is a scanned pucture of my signed book.

Smith, Jane (2010). It's a Book. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

Owen

From the author of Chester's Way, Kevin Henkes tells a cute story about a mouse named Owen who doesn't go anywhere or do anything without his yellow, fuzzy, baby blanket. His blanket even has a name - Fuzzy. A noisy neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, gives Owen's parents advise about how to ween Owen from his blanket before kindergarten starts, but to no avail nothing works. His mother soon has an idea to sew handkerchiefs out of Owen's blanket so he can still have a little piece of comfort with him. Many children go through this type of separation with a blanket or toy. My daughter, who is now 14, still has a baby blanket that she had as an infant. I can no longer wash it because it will disappear if I do. She refuses to part with it and as of now still is on her bed. This was a book that I shared with her and we both laughed. Henkes illustrations are bright and beautifully done. The use of the bright watercolor illustrations bring the story to life.
It is a perfect book to read to kindergartners on their first day of school. Owen is a Caldecott Honor book.


Henkes, Kevin (1993). Owen. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Everything on a Waffle

Everything on a Waffle is just that - you eat everything on a waffle! This story is based in a Canadian town where Primrose Squarp loves a little restaurant called The Girl on the Red Swing. At this restaurant anything you order you eat on a waffle, but you can also order waffles. The owner, Kate Bowzer, decides to teach her to cook. Things don't always go with out a hitch, but Ms. Bowzer doesn't mind. I like that about her. The plot in the story is that Primrose parents are missing at sea and she is hopeful that her parents are alive. She is being raised by her Uncle Jack, but he does not have time to pay attention to her. This makes Primrose feel left out. She has a babysitter, Miss Perfidy, who doesn't like children. Primrose feels no one understands her, not at home or at school. Sometimes she goes over to the dock hoping her parents will arrive one day. It has humor and shows the side of a little girl who doesn't want to lose hope. This book is a Newberry Honor Book.

Horvath, Polly (2001. Everything on a Waffle. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice written by Phillips Hoose has won numerous awards. It is a Newberry Honor Book, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, and won a National Book Award. It was also a finalist in the Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction through YALSA at ALA. Awards well deserved. This chapter book gives insite to the fight a 15 year old girl had when she refused to give up her seat to a white person on a bus. Although she was arrested for it, she received little publicity for it becaus the community felt that no one would listen to her side of the story because she was a little girl. That same year Rosa Parks did the same thing and so started the Civil Rights Movement. Claudette suffered through her teenage years, but she still contributed to the Montgomery bus boycott started by the Rosa Parks Movement. The author tells Claudette's story in his book which give a lot of insight to the Civil Rights Movement. The book includes a lot of facts about segregation, the bus boycotts and the Civil Rights Movement itself. The book includes copies of newspaper clippings and black and white photos. Rosa Parks is most known for the bus boycott, but Claudette Colvin was the catalyst to the movement. I meet Mr. Hoose and Mrs. Colvin at ALA this summer. Below is a scanned copy of my autographed book. I was honored to have meet them, and they both took the time to talk a little with me.

Hoose, Phillip (2009). Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Mirette on a High Wire

Mirette on a High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully was a 1993 Caldecott winner. It is a story about a little girl, Mirette, who along with the "Great Bellini" conquer their fear. She and her mother run a boarding house where Mirette meets interesting people. When she meets the Great Bellini and discovers what he does, she soon becomes fascinated with high wire walking and is eager to learn the skill. Mirette convinces Bellini to teach her how to walk on a high wire. When Bellini is asked to perform, he needs the help of Mirette to finish the task. Together they entertain the crowd and become a show for the public. McCully's water color pictures in the book are amazing and eye catching. The colors are well blended together and there is lots of details in the pictures.

McCull, Emily Arnold (1992). Mirette on a High Wire. New York: Putman.

Sylverster and the Magic Pebble

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble won the 1970 Caldecott Metal. This is a cute story about "be careful what you wish for." Sylvester is a donkey who collects pebbles of all shapes and sizes. One day he find a pebble that will grant him anything he wishes. He mistakenly wishes himself to be a rock so he doesn't have to encounter a mean lion. But soon realizes that he made a huge mistake, and can no longer hold the pebble, which he needs to turn himself back into a donkey. His parents frantically look for him and desperately miss him. One day, while his parents are out having a picnic, his mother places the wishing pebble on Sylvester (the rock) and Sylvester is able to wish himself back to being a donkey. The illustrations of the animals are brightly portrayed with human characteristics. I love using this type of literature in my lesson's. The book also has emotion, which is excellent to teach character traits, feeling and motivation. Steig is both the author and illustrator of this heart warming children's book.

Steig, William (1970). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema, and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillion, is a 1976 Caldecott winner. This African folktale teaches a lesson about lying and it's consequences. It takes place in the forest and it starts with a mosquito telling a lie to an iguana. Due to the actions the iguana took after the mosquito told him the lie, a series of events unfold. The story explains why people swat at mosquitoes and why they are considered a pest. The illustrations in this book are amazing. It is full of brightly colored pictures that capture the interest of any reader. The illustrations have an excellent African representation.The white lining of the colorful pictures are eye catching. You can easily follow the illustrations with the text in the book. I have used this book to teach sequence of events. It's an age appropriate book for a 4th or 5th grade class.

Aardema, Verna (1975). Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ear. New York. Puffin/Dial.

Sounder

Sounder is the 1970 Newberry Medal winner. Sounder is the loyal dog of a young boy, who because of his fathers actions, the boy is now having to work even harder to help support his family. The family is very poor and the boy's father is a sharecropper, who can't support his family. Sounder accompanies the boys father each night as they go hunting, but always come out empty handed. Tired of their circumstances the father steals a hog and when arrested the boy is left to support his family. In the ordeal Sounder is shot and runs away. The boy visits his father one day, but the visit did not go well. His father asks him never to return. The father is then moved to work around the country with the prison system and the boy frantically searches for his father. Sounder returns one day, but never the same. The boy's life changes when a teacher takes him under his wing. In exchange for teaching the boy to read, the boy works for the teacher. His mother understands that the Lord has a plan for him. In the end his father returns because he is hurt from an explosion, and although the family is happy to have him home things are never the same. The father and Sounder die in the end, but the boy's future seems to be better for the family. The author give no names of the family members, only the dog Sounder. I thought that was unique in the story. It's a bit of a sad story but I felt that there was hope for the family through the boys future.

Armstrong, William H. (1969). Sounder. New York: Harper Collins.

Judy Moody Predicts the Future

Judy Moody Predicts the Future is the 4th book in Megan McDonald's Judy Moody series. This was the first book of hers that I had read and now I plan to start with book one. Judy Moody is silly and full of energy. In this book Judy eats 7 bowls of cereal to uncover the prize of all prizes - a mood ring! At first she is unhappy because her mood ring never changes color. It stays black for a while, but soon begins to change colors. She believes it has ESP powers and she starts to predict why certain things are happening. She gives herself the name Madame M. Her predictions don't go as planned, but because some do come true her friends and brother begin to think that she does have ESP. This is a funny series and you can't help but fall in love with Judy and her crazy ideas.

McDonald, Megan (2003). Judy Moody Predicts the Future. New York: Candlewick.

The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney is all about illustrations. This beautifully illustrated book tells a story about a mouse and a lion without text. A picture version to retell the famous Aesop story. The pictures come to life and are detailed to perfection. He uses panels in his art work and the illustrations are done in water color and pencil color. No words, other than some sounds, are need to retell this children's favorite tale. I had the honor of meeting him at ALA. Below is a picture I took of him along with a picture my friend Lucy took. I stood in line for quite some time to get this autograph, but it was well worth it. This might be the only book I have with no text, yet it was still a beautiful read. Explain that.

Pinkney, Jerry (2009). The Lion and the Mouse. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

One Fine Day

Winner of the 1992 Caldacott, One Fine Day is about a fox who drinks the old lady's milk and she cuts off his tail. He goes through a series of tasks he has to accomplish in order to get his tail sewn back on. He meets a cow to ask for the milk, the cow ask for some grass, the fox then asks the fieldfor some grass. This barganing continues throughout the book and in the end, after completeing many task, a miller finally gives him the grain he needs to begin his trading. In the end, the old woman keeps her end of the deal and after receiving her milf she sews the fox's tail back. The illustrations in this picture book are bright and realistic. The illustration of the miller, old woman, maiden, peddler and the animals are well drawn and true to life. They look like they were drawn with pencil color or some type of charcoal. This an excellend book to teach order of events.



Hogrogian, Nonny (1971). One Fne Day. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising has won a Pura Belpre Award. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, captures the life of Esperanza in this cultural book. Esperanza is a little girl who grew up in Mexico in the 1920's on Rancho de las Rosas. It is a vineyard that her family owns and works. It takes place at a time when Mexico is recovering from the revolution that happened 10 years earlier. Esperanza's birthday happens at a time when there is a celebration, but on her 13th birthday her father is murdered. Everything seems to go down hill from there. To escape ruthless uncles her family moves to California to work and Esperanza no longer feels special. She was use to being treated like a princess and having servants do things for her. Now Esperanza has to help her family regain back some stability. The ideas and thoughts of Esperanza are genuine and heart warming, as well as heartbreaking at times. The author did an excellent job of bringing the emotions across in this book. It is one of my favorites and a popular read in my class. Our 4th grade teachers read it in their class, but when they come to my class I still have lots of children check it out from my classroom library.

Munoz, Pam (2000). Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic Publishing.

Junie B., First Grader Boss of Lunch

I love Junie B! My girls, now teenagers, LOVED reading these books. I think we almost have all the collection. In the summer, as I helped them clean their room, I found this collection and wanted to bring them all to my classroom library. But my girls would not part with them. They haven't even read them in a long while, but they still wanted to keep them. Junie B is a rumbustious first grader who has her own theories on everything. In Boss of Lunch, Junie B. becomes a "helper" in the school cafeteria. Junie B love Mrs. Guzman, the cafeteria lady and she allows Junie B. to help out in the kitchen if she follows the cafeteria rules. Junie B. soon becomes the "boss" of the napkins and sponges and any thing else she can think of. Junie B. losses friends, but in the end is save by Mrs. Guzman and cookies. The book has dialogue and vocabulary suited for first and second graders. Barbara Park, the author knows exactly how children at that age speak.

Park, Barbara (2002). Junie B, First Grader Boss of Lunch. New York: Random House.

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The Magic School Bus: The Wild Whale Watch

Who doesn't want to ride in a magic school bus to experience science adventures? That's what you get if you are a student in Ms. Frixzzle's class. In this "whale of a tale adventure" the students travel in a sub-bus, in the ocean, and experience the wonderful world of whales. This book is one of many books in a series of The Magic School Bus. The chapter book gives plenty of dialogue between the students and the teacher, but with many facts in the book. My son loves these books and always remembers the facts he reads. I have them in my classroom library and the students love to check them out. I can't keep them on the shelf.

Moore, Eva (2000). The Magic School Bus: The Wild Whale Watch. New York: Scholastics.