Blog Set #5 A Big Guy Took My Ball

Willems, M. (2013). A big guy took my ball!. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. Piggie found a big ball to play with, but a big guy took it away. Piggie is devastated, so she decides to ask Gerald for help. Gerald and Piggie discover that the ball belongs to the big guy. Together they learn that everyone has the ability to become friends. True to the elements of a fantasy, Gerald is sent on a quest to get Piggie’s ball back. It is clear to the reader that the plot of the story is strong, believable, and realistic. Everyone has experienced having something taken away from them. If you love the adventures of Piggie and Gerald, you must read Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems.

Lunch Lady

Krosoczka, J. J. (2014). Lunch Lady and the schoolwide scuffle. New York: Knopf. Dr. Van Grindheimer, the evil superintendent, has taken over Thompson Brook School along with her convict friends. Her goal is to vaporize the moon. The students along with the superhero Lunch Lady join forces to defeat her and take back their school. They succeed and everything goes back to normal. The story’s theme resonates with children who often feel they struggle and are oppressed by school officials. The school setting further adds to the connection kids feel with the story because they spend most of their day in school following rules that sometimes don’t make sense to them. Check out the book trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NDV3lKIMUo .

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret: a novel in words and pictures. New York: Scholastic Press. Twelve year old orphan, Hugo Cabret is hiding a secret. Hugo needs to finish the automaton that his father found before his death, in order to get the secret message. In his quest to repair his beloved automaton, Hugo befriends Isabelle and together they discover the secret of the automaton and Georges Méliés, the cinema legend. In this fantasy, Selznick created characters that the readers can identify with. Readers follow the story of Hugo and care for him and hope that he is able to get a happy ending. The theme of determination is present throughout the book as Hugo overcomes the various difficulties he encounters on his quest to fix the automaton and help Georges Méliés along the way. View the book trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYiumrSxAg8 .

Skulduggery Pleasant

Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery pleasant. New York: Harper Collins. Skulduggery Pleasant is not your average detective. In fact, he isn’t even human; he is a skeleton with magical powers. Alongside his new teenage partner, Stephanie, they must defeat the evil Serpine from destroying humanity and bringing back a greater evil. In this high fantasy series, Landy develops his characters in a way that we are able to identify with them. Readers care about what happens to Skulduggery and can identify with him, even if he isn’t human. The strongly developed setting of the story makes readers wonder if maybe there really is an underground magical world that we don’t know exists. If you like the high action world of magic, then the Harry Potter series will be a great read!

Babymouse: A Very Babymouse Christmas

Holm, J. L., & Holm, M. (2011). Babymouse: a very Babymouse Christmas. New York: Random House. Babymouse has lost the true spirit of Christmas. All she cares about is getting a Whiz Bang on Christmas morning. When she finally gets what she wanted, she realizes that sometimes the most important gifts are the ones we hadn’t expected. In this low fantasy graphic novel, readers can identify with Babymouse, especially the children. All children have experienced what it feels like to really want a particular gift. Furthermore, the setting of the story is realistic and believable. Just like Babymouse, kids spend most of their time at school and at home. If you loved Babymouse you'll also enjoy the Squish series by Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, S., & Hale, D. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York: Bloomsbury. After many years of being lied to and even locked in a tower Rapunzel sets out to get revenge on the woman she once thought was her mother, Mother Gothel. Along with her new partner Jack, Rapunzel must rescue her real mother and destroy Gothel and her magic in order to restore the land from desolation. Rapunzel finds a way to destroy the witch and finally gets her happily ever after. This non liner graphic novel is loaded with the elements of fantasy. The strong development of the characters makes Rapunzel a believable, yet multidimensional heroine that readers care for. The plot is captivating and suspenseful making readers cheer on Rapunzel in her quest to destroy Gothel and her magic. If you enjoyed Rapunzel's Revenge pick up a copy of Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale.

The Graveyard Book

Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: Harper Collins. Nobody Owens, fondly known as Bod, is a normal boy who happens to live in a cemetery and has been raised by ghosts following the death of his parents. Bod must never leave the graveyard if he wants to stay alive, and protected from the man who killed his family. As Bod becomes a man he learns that in order to defeat his enemy he must face his fears. Gaiman stays true to the elements of fantasy with his characters, and he makes us care about what happens to Bod. Additionally, Gaiman uses distinct language and dialects with his characters that reflect where they lived and during what time period. The book trailer can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UUVwTaemk .

The Underneath

Appelt, K. (2008). The underneath. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Puck and Sabine are two little twin orphaned kittens that live with Ranger, an old hound. Ranger has helped look after them since their birth. Tragedy strikes when their little family is separated by Ranger’s evil owner, Gar Face. Puck and Sabine defy all odds and find a way to save their beloved Ranger. Appelt’s plot leads the protagonists on a quest to defeat Gar Face, while facing dangerous obstacles. This fantasy has multiple universal themes that can be incorporated into a lesson on identifying theme. Here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ4Ds1Yub3Q .

Blog Set #4 Good Masters, Sweet Ladies

Schlitz, L. A. (2007). Good masters! sweet ladies!: voices from a medieval village. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press. Set in a Medieval Manor in England during 1255, readers learn about what it was like to be a child during these difficult times. Each of the 21 short plays is told from the perspective of different children who lived in that time period. Readers get to see what it was like to be a child of nobility or a child who was forced to be a runaway hoping to gain his freedom. The style of this historical fiction takes readers back on a journey to Medieval England. The dialect used is strong and well developed. Not only is the style reminiscent of Medieval times, but the setting also plays an important role. The setting is vividly described and allows the readers to go back in time to 1255. A book trailer can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6rVF_J6pyw .

We Are The Ship

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of Negro League baseball. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League, along with the Negro baseball players defied all odds for the love of the game. They faced segregation, discrimination, and the Great Depression and overcame their odds until the finally got Negro players like Jackie Robinson to play with whites in the Major Leagues. They paved the way for future generations of black baseball players. The theme of perseverance can resonate with readers of all ages. The setting permits the readers to see what it was like to be a black baseball player traveling and facing severe discrimination. If you enjoyed this book, also look for Negro Leagues: All-Black Baseball by Laura Driscoll.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963

Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Yearling. Kenny Watson lives with his family in Flint, Michigan. His older brother, Byron is a juvenile delinquent who keeps getting in trouble so Mama and Papa decide that Byron will live with Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama. Life in Birmingham is difficult for blacks in 1963 in the mist of the Civil Rights Movement. A tragedy puts his little sister, Joetta, in danger and changes their lives forever. The setting of the story is well developed, and gives readers a glimpse of what life was like for blacks in Alabama in 1963. Readers are able to see that segregation was a big problem in the South, but not in other parts of the United States like Michigan. To learn more about the book view the book trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iasrbNWMJ8 .

Blog Set #3 Bridge To Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper. When Leslie Burke moves in to the neighboring farm, Jesse Aaron’s life is changed forever. Jesse and Leslie form a special bond and are inseparable. Leslie teaches Jesse to use his imagination and together they create a secret kingdom called Terabithia. After Leslie’s tragic death, Jesse learns see the world in a new way just like Leslie taught him. The plot adds depth to the story and has some unexpected events. The climax of the story makes readers want to continue reading to see how Jesse will deal with Leslie’s sudden death. Paterson also included several themes, which are discretely embedded in the story. Readers are able to see how Jesse deals with grief, death, and loyal friendship. This story can be used to teach a lesson on theme and older readers can identify and discuss the different themes found within the book.

Rules

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. Twelve year old Catherine desperately wants to have a normal family life. She feels like her whole life has to revolve around her little brother David, who is autistic. Catherine’s life is turned upside down when she meets a new friend Jason and Kristi, the new girl who moves in next door. Catherine must decide what really matters to her the most. Is her new friendship with Kristi more important than Jason and his feelings? Catherine learns that hiding the truth can cause more pain than she imagined. Readers are able to connect with Catherine on many levels. Readers can see her strengths and weakness as the story progresses. She emotionally grows and changes throughout the story. Readers can identify with Catherine’s struggles to adjust to her family life that she is often embarrassed of. The story’s theme is also an important aspect of the story. Family and friendship are present throughout the story and are easy themes for readers to connect with. The book trailer can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxNGaC-bbRA

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Hard Luck

Kinney, J. (2013). Diary of a wimpy kid: hard luck. New York: Amulet Books. Greg Heffley has officially lost his best friend Rowley to a girl! When Rowley gets a girlfriend he no longer has time to hang out with Greg. Greg quickly realizes that finding a new best friend in middle school is not so easy. Tired of struggling Greg turns to a Magic 8 Ball to help him make all his life changing decisions. The plot of the story is realistic and readers can identify with Greg’s struggles as he loses Rowley. Many middle school boys know what it is like to lose a friend because of a girl. This situation not only happens to boys, girls also experience this when their friends get boyfriends. The plot has an added comic twist when Greg decides to leave destiny to his Magic 8 Ball. Not only is the plot realistic, but so is the setting. Greg’s middle school and home are perfect for this story as we follow Greg and his everyday struggles to find his place. If you liked Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Hard Luck look for Middle School The Worst Years Of My Life by James Patterson.

Out Of My Mind

Draper, S. M. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Melody Brooks is often underestimated by her doctors and teachers because she has cerebral palsy. She is simply seen as a girl with a disability. Melody is smarter than her doctors and teachers and she sets out to prove herself despite the fact that she can’t talk. With the help of those around her and her Medi-Talker Melody shows everyone that despite her disability she is smart and brave and can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Draper’s use of a female protagonist is consistent with the elements of contemporary realistic fiction. Older books tend to only use males as the protagonist. Recently, female protagonists are no longer considered a taboo. Draper’s style also adds depth to Melody’s story. There is a balance between the dialogue and the narration. Melody tells her story and allows the readers to take a journey with her as she sets out to prove that she is not just a girl with a disability. If you liked Out Of My Mind then look for Rules by Cynthia Lord.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Harper Collins. Sixth grade student Leigh Botts has always admired author Boyd Henshaw. Now a new student at a new school, Leigh struggles to adjust to his new surroundings and his parents’ divorce. He misses his father greatly, but never gets to see him because he is a truck driver and Leigh must learn to deal with his disappointment and anger. Leigh starts writing to Mr. Henshaw and his life changes forever. The style of the story is unique and very well developed. Told predominately from Leigh’s point of view in a series of letters and diary entries to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, readers get an inside look at the pain and loneliness Leigh feels after his parents’ divorce. The tone of the story is an adequate balance between humorous and serious. The setting of the story is realistic. Readers can easily identify with Leigh’s mother as she struggles to work long hours and go to school. They don’t have very much money, so Leigh and his mom have to live in a very small and deteriorated house. Dear Mr. Henshaw can be used to teach a lesson on author study. Teachers can ask students to study an author of their choice and present their findings as an oral report, power point presentation, or a newspaper article.

Blog Set #2 Hitler Youth

Bartoletti, S. C. (2005). Hitler Youth: growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. Readers are transported to a time when Germany was deceitfully overtaken by Adolf Hitler. Hitler heavily relied on the youth to help him gain control over Germany, thus the Hitler Youth group was created. Young boys and girls were trained in combat and Nazi ideals. Later the Hitler Youth helped Hitler capture and persecute millions of Jews. The Hitler Youth finally came to an end in 1945 after Hitler committed suicide and Germany lost the war against former allies. The organization of the book helps readers understand the stories of those who were members of the Hitler Youth as well as Jews who recounted the horrors of Hitler’s reign. Readers are provided with detailed photographs, maps, timelines, an index, and a table of contents. The book is written in chronological order to help readers understand the formation and the final demise of the Hitler Youth. If you liked this book also read Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps by Andrea Warren.

How They Croaked

Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: the awful ends of the awfully famous. New York: Walker & Company. Before modern medicine the world was a scary place. Georgia Bragg gives readers an insight to the gruesome deaths of 19 of the world’s most famous historical figures. From King Tut to Albert Einstein readers are given the bloody truth about their final demise. The organization of this informational book is clear and concise. The deaths of these historical figures are presented in chronological order. Readers are also provided with timelines, definitions, and factoids between each of the chapters. For easy navigation of the material readers are also given a table of contents, an index, and bibliographic sources. A book trailer can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_g1DKSH6T8 .

Balloons Over Broadway

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: the true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Parade. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. This biography tells us how the floats of the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came to be. As a child Tony Sarg was fascinated with marionettes and moving toys. His big break came when Macy’s department store asked him to create a Christmas window display. His display was a huge hit and he was asked to help with a parade for the store employees. Every year the parade got bigger and Sarg eventually came up with the idea of parade floats. The design of the book is attractive and inviting. The illustrations compliment the text and show the creative process of Tony Sarg. Readers are given detailed illustrations of how the floats were eventually constructed. If you liked this book also read Milly and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey.

Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt. Rosa Parks played an important role in the American Civil Rights Movement. A firm believer of equality, Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. Consequently, Rosa was arrested. Rosa’s arrest led to a bus boycott by the African American citizens. Her act of bravery led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was illegal. The design of the book is eye-catching and appealing to readers. The illustrations complement the text and grab the attention of the readers. The illustrations are presented in a way that depicts Rosa as a beacon of light. Teachers can incorporate this book in a lesson of character traits in which students will identify Rosa’s character traits.

It's So Amazing

Harris, R. H. (1999). It's so amazing!: a book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies, and families. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press. Talking about sex with children can be a difficult and embarrassing situation for parents and children. Kids often have questions about babies and sexuality, but are too embarrassed to ask. This book allows families to discuss important topics such as babies, sexuality, changing bodies, and diseases in a caring and age appropriate way. Furthermore, the text is supported by detailed visuals and explanations of our bodies and the functions of our various body parts. This informational book accurately gives children and parents the sensitive information they are looking for. Harris provides the readers with a list of professional sources that were consulted for this book. A note to the reader from Harris further explains that this book has been updated when new information is learned. For more information on teaching kids about reproduction and their bodies read Amazing You: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Gail Saltz.

Magic Windows

Garza, C. L. (1999). Magic windows. San Francisco,CA: Children's Book Press. Magic Windows allows readers to look at the life of the author Carmen Lomas Garza through her cut-paper art. Readers can see and read about her family, her heritage, and her love of cut-paper art. She learned her art as a little girl from her grandmother and has spent the last 27 years expressing herself and depicting memories of her family and her Hispanic heritage. Garza’s conversational style gives readers an intimate look at her life. She clearly conveys her passion for her cut-paper art, her family, and her heritage in her writing. To learn more about this art read Haz Papel Picado part of Time for Kids Nonfiction Readers by Conni Medina.

Spiders

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. This informational book takes young readers into the world of spiders. This non-fiction easy reader helps kids take a journey into the life of a spider. The book is full of fun facts about the different species of spiders, their appearance, and their life cycles. The design of the book is eye-catching and effective. Bishop captured captivating shots of the spiders for his book. Each page has a full page colored photograph that helps further explain the text. Bishop also enlarged the font and used a different color of text to highlight important information. The design of the book helped communicate the subject of the book effectively. If you want to learn more about spiders look for Spiders by Seymour Simon.

Blog Set #1 This Is Not My Hat

Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press. A little fish has stolen a big fish’s hat. He is confident he will not be found and plans to hide. The little fish is betrayed by a crab that spotted him with the stolen hat. The big fish emerges as the winner and gets his hat back. Klassen’s use of the color black throughout the book symbolizes the deceitful act the little fish committed as well as foreshadow his grim end. The illustrations also play an important role in the story. Through the illustrations readers are able to see and understand the information that has been omitted by the narrator. Klassen allows the readers to know a secret that the little fish is not aware of. If you like this book also read I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen.

It's A Book

Smith, L. (2010). It's a book. New York: Roaring Brook Press. While a monkey is reading a book, a donkey keeps pestering him on whether or not the book is an electronic device. The donkey wonders why the monkey would want to read a book with so many words. After the donkey gets a hold of the book he gets hooked and captivated by the story, but fails to understand that a book will never act like an electronic device. Smith’s style adds humor to the story. The hilarious dialogue between the donkey and the gorilla will captivate young readers. The theme will also resonate with parents, as more parents face the challenge of getting kids to spend less time with their electronic devices. This book can be used to teach a compare and contrast lesson in which students will compare and contrast printed books to electronic books.

The Three Pigs

Wiesner, D. (2001). The three pigs. New York: Clarion Books. The Three Pigs have set out to build their houses. As the Wolf threatens to blow each pig’s house down they are blown out of the story. When the Wolf gets to the last pig they all decide to run away from the story. As they travel through other stories they meet other storybook characters. When they return home their new friend a dragon scares the Wolf away for good and they all live happily ever after. The textures used in the illustrations give life to the story. The characters are given a 3-D effect as they travel throughout the pages of the book into other stories. The plot begins like the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs and then is given a twist as the pigs leave the story and travel into other stories and finally giving a new ending to the classic tale. The book trailer can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U41VWexL6gE

Mirror Mirror

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror mirror: a book of reversible verse. New York: Dutton Children's Books. Several classic fairy tales are given a new spin. Written as poems, and then reversed and read from bottom to top are given a brand new spin. Singer’s style makes this book of poems an instant hit. Filled with wordplay and figurative language the poems come to life at the turn of every page. Cleverly written as poems with reversible verse, Singer gives each fairytale a chance to show both sides of the story. Children who enjoyed this book will also want to read Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer.

Where the Wild Things Are

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. New York: Harper. Max misbehaves and gets grounded by his mom. As a punishment he is sent to his room without supper. He travels to the land of the wild things and becomes their king. Max gets lonely and decides to go home. The plot of the story is believable. Just like Max, when kids misbehave they are grounded. Max has a creative imagination which he uses to go to a new land where he can do whatever he pleases and young readers can relate to this. This story can be used to teach a lesson on plot in which students will be required to fill out a plot diagram using the story.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet: an old tale of Texas. New York: Putnam. The Comanche people were suffering from a drought and famine. The Great Spirits let the people know that their selfish ways caused their calamity and asked for a sacrifice of their most prized possessions. She-Who-Is-Alone sacrificed her doll that was made by her deceased parents. The people were forgiven and in return were given Bluebonnets. The color palette used complements the text. As time passes the colors change to reflect the time of day. The setting of the story is very important because it is a tale of Texas. The author further reflects the setting with the Bluebonnets. This story can be used to teach a lesson on folk tales.

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach: a Cuban folktale. Atlanta,GA: Peachtree. Martina is finally ready to look for a husband. As her relatives help her prepare, her Cuban grandmother gives her some shocking advice. Her Abuela tells her about the coffee test. As Martina spills coffee on all her suitors’ shoes they all react angrily and reveal their true colors. Finally ready to give up, Abuela shows Martina, Pérez the mouse. They are a perfect match and they get married. The illustrations perfectly complement the story and accurately captivate the emotions of the characters. The plot is witty and adds humor to the story. If you liked this Cuban folktale, look for Rabbit Wishes: A Cuban Folktale by Linda Shute.