Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
An informational text about, you guessed it, Hitler Youth. There were things that surprised me, like how it was set up like the Scouts. They did a lot of camping and having campfires, much like my experiences with Girl Scouts. It wasn't meant to be the atrocity it became, but then, neither did Germany as a whole at that time.
Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer
Poetry based on fairy tales. Two poems per fairy tale, as well as two pictures per fairy tale. The pictures are meant to mirror each other. The poems are written using the exact same words, but backward.
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
Basically, the same story we all know, but with a twist. The pigs end up in other nursery rhymes and stories, make friends with the characters, and bring them back to their own story to defeat the Wolf.
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
This is the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, and how he came up with the idea of the floats used in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
Spiders by Nic Bishop
An informational text about spiders. Awesome pictures. Even if you are not a fan of spiders, you can appreciate these pictures.
Primates by Jim Ottaviani
An informational text in the style of a graphic novel. In this case, it is about Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas and their contributions to the study of primates.
It's So Amazing by Robie Harris
I had a hard time getting my hands on this one, and, frankly, I could have done without reading this one. It is about the facts of life, including how babies are made, menstruation, circumcision, adoption, STD's, and love. Unfortunately, this book will stick with me because I am scarred for life from some of the illustrations. Naked, hairy cartoon me. Old cartoon women with saggy boobs. Come on! No child needs to see that!
My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
Robert thinks his teacher is a monster until he sees her one day in the park, and they hang out. He begins to see her as a regular person, until they are back in the classroom.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Honestly, when I saw the size of this book, I started cursing my professor. It's 620 pages, and I have this long-ass reading list. I am generally not bothered by the length of a book, but, again, I have a long-ass reading list. My school librarian pointed out it wasn't truly that long, and I would knock it out in no time. She was right; I finished in about an hour and a half.
This is the story of Rose in 1927, told mostly in pictures. And the pictures! Simply stunning! Rose is 12, has a fascination with an actress (who turns out to be her mother), and is deaf. She runs away from home because her father is overbearing, and they think she can't make it in the world because she is deaf. She finds her older brother in New York, and he helps her find her way in the world.
This is also the story of Ben, who is partially deaf (until he is truck by lightning through the phone, which makes him totally deaf), almost twelve, living in Minnesota, who has recently lost his mother. He finds some clues the night he is struck by lightning of the father he's never known. He runs away from the hospital to New York to find his father. While there, he sees some of his father's work in the Natural History Museum, and makes a friend. In his search, he meets Rose, who turns out to be his grandmother.
Lovely story that made me cry a little.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Something for Me
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My daughter wanted to read this, and it is a possibility for this year's TAYSHAS list, so I took a little time from my children's book reading to check this one out. It was a fast read, so there was no harm in reading something I wanted to.
Lara Jean is the middle daughter. Her mother died when she was younger, and her older sister Margot took over things so the household would run smoothly. Margot is dating the boy Lara Jean is in love with, although she thought she was over that. When Margot breaks up with the boy, Josh, Lara Jean realizes she still feels something for him.
Lara Jean has loved five boys in her life, and when she is over them, she writes them letters that she never sends as closure. One day, those letters somehow get mailed, and Lara Jean's life gets out of hand. One boy, Peter, gets Lara Jean's letter, and ultimately, he and Lara Jean decide they will pretend to date so that they can make the people they both really like jealous.
I liked this because it had a Can't Buy Me Love vibe. More importantly, it is ok for my daughter to read.
My daughter wanted to read this, and it is a possibility for this year's TAYSHAS list, so I took a little time from my children's book reading to check this one out. It was a fast read, so there was no harm in reading something I wanted to.
Lara Jean is the middle daughter. Her mother died when she was younger, and her older sister Margot took over things so the household would run smoothly. Margot is dating the boy Lara Jean is in love with, although she thought she was over that. When Margot breaks up with the boy, Josh, Lara Jean realizes she still feels something for him.
Lara Jean has loved five boys in her life, and when she is over them, she writes them letters that she never sends as closure. One day, those letters somehow get mailed, and Lara Jean's life gets out of hand. One boy, Peter, gets Lara Jean's letter, and ultimately, he and Lara Jean decide they will pretend to date so that they can make the people they both really like jealous.
I liked this because it had a Can't Buy Me Love vibe. More importantly, it is ok for my daughter to read.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Reading List #4-14
I have been remiss in keeping up with my reading list books, so I am playing catch up today.
It's a Book by Lane Smith
A cute book about a monkey and a donkey. The monkey is reading a book, and the donkey wants to know what it is. The donkey has a hard time understanding why the book is so entertaining to the monkey when it doesn't have the bells and whistles of his gadgets.
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a little pig, quite literally. She's probably about three years old. She doesn't like to nap, or go to sleep, she has to try on everything she owns when she gets dressed, and wears out everyone around her. She also goes to the beach and the museum. She's a cultured swine.
Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie De Paola
Beautifully illustrated, this is a story of sacrifice. There is drought and famine for the Commanche people due to the selfishness of the people. They are told that if someone makes the ultimate sacrifice of their most valuable possession, the drought and famine would end. None of the warriors or other adults would give up their most valuable possession, but a little girl gives up her doll. In return for her sacrifice, the gods decided to allow bluebonnets to cover the land every spring.
This is Not my Hat by Jon Klassen
Two fish, one big, one little. The little fish steals the hat off of the big fish while he sleeps. He thinks he gets away with it, but he's wrong. The end.
Me....Jane by Patrick McDonnell
A biography on the early life of Jane Goodall.
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach by C.A. Deedy
Martina is of age to marry, but all her suitors only want her to meet their needs, not because they actually love her. She finds someone who loves her for her.
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
Beautifully illustrated, told in nine innings, the story, from the beginning of Negro Baseball.
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Tells about the day Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat on the bus, and the aftermath in her hometown.
How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg
Informational text about nineteen historically significant personages. Gives the information, but also makes it interesting/amusing. I learned something, and I had fun doing it.
Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch
Elizabeth was a beautiful princess who was supposed to marry prince Roland. Unfortunately, a dragon came and burned everything, including her clothes, and took Roland with him. Elizabeth outsmarts the dragon and saves Roland, but decides he isn't worthy of her.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Children's books should not be this sad! I realize that they have to learn about sadness and death, but I would have a hard time, as a teacher, assigning this book to my class.
Jess is a loner. He is the only son in a houseful of daughters, and is often overlooked unless he forgets to do his chores. Jess has been practicing all summer to be the fastest kid in school, but then Leslie the new girl decides to race. Leslie wins, and is the fastest, but Jess doesn't seem to mind. They become inseparable friends. They create a "kingdom" of their own in the woods. Everything is hunky dory until one day a fatal accident claims Leslie. Jess is heartbroken, but doesn't know how to deal with his grief. Ultimately, it takes a talk with his teacher to see that he can move on.
So that was ten. Sheesh. I still have seven more for the first two assignments that are due at the end of the week.
It's a Book by Lane Smith
A cute book about a monkey and a donkey. The monkey is reading a book, and the donkey wants to know what it is. The donkey has a hard time understanding why the book is so entertaining to the monkey when it doesn't have the bells and whistles of his gadgets.
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a little pig, quite literally. She's probably about three years old. She doesn't like to nap, or go to sleep, she has to try on everything she owns when she gets dressed, and wears out everyone around her. She also goes to the beach and the museum. She's a cultured swine.
Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie De Paola
Beautifully illustrated, this is a story of sacrifice. There is drought and famine for the Commanche people due to the selfishness of the people. They are told that if someone makes the ultimate sacrifice of their most valuable possession, the drought and famine would end. None of the warriors or other adults would give up their most valuable possession, but a little girl gives up her doll. In return for her sacrifice, the gods decided to allow bluebonnets to cover the land every spring.
This is Not my Hat by Jon Klassen
Two fish, one big, one little. The little fish steals the hat off of the big fish while he sleeps. He thinks he gets away with it, but he's wrong. The end.
Me....Jane by Patrick McDonnell
A biography on the early life of Jane Goodall.
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach by C.A. Deedy
Martina is of age to marry, but all her suitors only want her to meet their needs, not because they actually love her. She finds someone who loves her for her.
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
Beautifully illustrated, told in nine innings, the story, from the beginning of Negro Baseball.
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Tells about the day Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat on the bus, and the aftermath in her hometown.
How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg
Informational text about nineteen historically significant personages. Gives the information, but also makes it interesting/amusing. I learned something, and I had fun doing it.
Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch
Elizabeth was a beautiful princess who was supposed to marry prince Roland. Unfortunately, a dragon came and burned everything, including her clothes, and took Roland with him. Elizabeth outsmarts the dragon and saves Roland, but decides he isn't worthy of her.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Children's books should not be this sad! I realize that they have to learn about sadness and death, but I would have a hard time, as a teacher, assigning this book to my class.
Jess is a loner. He is the only son in a houseful of daughters, and is often overlooked unless he forgets to do his chores. Jess has been practicing all summer to be the fastest kid in school, but then Leslie the new girl decides to race. Leslie wins, and is the fastest, but Jess doesn't seem to mind. They become inseparable friends. They create a "kingdom" of their own in the woods. Everything is hunky dory until one day a fatal accident claims Leslie. Jess is heartbroken, but doesn't know how to deal with his grief. Ultimately, it takes a talk with his teacher to see that he can move on.
So that was ten. Sheesh. I still have seven more for the first two assignments that are due at the end of the week.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Reading List #3
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The first time that I remember this book being read to me was when I was in kindergarten at Winship Elementary. I was in Mrs. Redd's class, and we were on one of our weekly library trips. This was a book that made an impression on me, and one that I made sure was in my children's library. I even have a wild thing that my son won for me from a claw machine. We saw the movie, and, unlike many, actually liked it.
You have to love Max. He is a typical kid, who, when he is mad, wants nothing to do with the ones who love him. He wants a place where he makes the rules, and once he gets it, tires of it quickly. It's different reading it as a parent than it was as a child. Still, it's a good book that stands the test of time. After all, we all have a little wild thing inside of us.
Reading List #2
Gregor the Overlander: Book 1 of The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
Even if this hadn't been on my grad school reading list, this was one that was on my to read list. My best friend's mother is a retired elementary school teacher, and both she and my best friend have been telling me for ages how good these books are. In fact, I started this one two years or so ago, but let other reading get in the way. I am, however, glad I read this book.
It's a Suzanne Collins book. She wrote the Hunger Games trilogy, so I knew it would be a good read. I had no idea how good until I actually started reading. It doesn't matter that this is a "kid's" book; anyone could read this and enjoy it.
Gregor is an eleven year old boy, living in New York City with his mother, two younger sisters, and his grandmother. His father disappeared two and a half years prior to the events in this story. It's summer, and Gregor is at home with his grandma and Boots, his baby sister. Gregor goes to the basement to do laundry, and plays with a ball with Boots. Boots climbs through the vent, Gregor goes after, and they end up falling to a land far below the surface.
In this new civilization, the humans ride giant bats, there are giant roaches, and giant rats. There is some tension between Gregor and Luxa, the heir apparent of the human civilization. Gregor learns that this is where his father wound up after going missing. There's a prophecy that involves Gregor, and rescuing his father.
This is an action story, but it also has heart. You can't help but sympathize with Gregor. For myself, I can't wait until I have time of my own again to finish the series.
Even if this hadn't been on my grad school reading list, this was one that was on my to read list. My best friend's mother is a retired elementary school teacher, and both she and my best friend have been telling me for ages how good these books are. In fact, I started this one two years or so ago, but let other reading get in the way. I am, however, glad I read this book.
It's a Suzanne Collins book. She wrote the Hunger Games trilogy, so I knew it would be a good read. I had no idea how good until I actually started reading. It doesn't matter that this is a "kid's" book; anyone could read this and enjoy it.
Gregor is an eleven year old boy, living in New York City with his mother, two younger sisters, and his grandmother. His father disappeared two and a half years prior to the events in this story. It's summer, and Gregor is at home with his grandma and Boots, his baby sister. Gregor goes to the basement to do laundry, and plays with a ball with Boots. Boots climbs through the vent, Gregor goes after, and they end up falling to a land far below the surface.
In this new civilization, the humans ride giant bats, there are giant roaches, and giant rats. There is some tension between Gregor and Luxa, the heir apparent of the human civilization. Gregor learns that this is where his father wound up after going missing. There's a prophecy that involves Gregor, and rescuing his father.
This is an action story, but it also has heart. You can't help but sympathize with Gregor. For myself, I can't wait until I have time of my own again to finish the series.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Reading List #1
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
As I previously mentioned, I have a reading list eighty-five titles long for one of my library science grad school classes. This is the one I decided to start with. If it hadn't been for the books of Beverly Cleary when I was young, I would not be the reader I am now. Actually, I had this book as a kid, but never read it. Probably would have gone my whole life without reading it, had it not been for this class.
Leigh Botts, a boy, begins writing to his favorite author in the second grade. This continues until he is most of the way through sixth grade. We learn of Leigh's frustrations over his parents' divorce, the kid stealing the good parts of his lunch, and the fact that his father doesn't keep his promises. It's rather depressing, but Leigh makes the best of it. He finds people that care about him, and finds redemption when another author refers to him as an author.
As an adult reading it, it gives keen insight on divorce from a kid's point of view. I feel like society never takes the view of the children into account, and Cleary brought that to the forefront in this book.
As I previously mentioned, I have a reading list eighty-five titles long for one of my library science grad school classes. This is the one I decided to start with. If it hadn't been for the books of Beverly Cleary when I was young, I would not be the reader I am now. Actually, I had this book as a kid, but never read it. Probably would have gone my whole life without reading it, had it not been for this class.
Leigh Botts, a boy, begins writing to his favorite author in the second grade. This continues until he is most of the way through sixth grade. We learn of Leigh's frustrations over his parents' divorce, the kid stealing the good parts of his lunch, and the fact that his father doesn't keep his promises. It's rather depressing, but Leigh makes the best of it. He finds people that care about him, and finds redemption when another author refers to him as an author.
As an adult reading it, it gives keen insight on divorce from a kid's point of view. I feel like society never takes the view of the children into account, and Cleary brought that to the forefront in this book.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Summer Book #25
Where She Went by Gayle Foreman
The sequel to If I Stay. I was not sure if I wanted to read this one. Seems like I read some of the reviews after I read the first book, and the consensus was that this was not worthy of its predecessor. It was also coming down to the wire, ie summer was almost over, and I wanted to read something that would be a reasonably quick read, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
At first, I was not sure I was going to like this one. Adam, the boyfriend, seemed so whiny and woe is me, that I was put off. However, as I got more into it, and Mia came into it, I liked it better. It told of their break-up, that even Adam didn't understand. I was happy to see that they could move past the things that happened, and find a way to live with themselves. I thought this was a perfect follow up, even if it didn't start as well as I'd have liked.
So, in nine days, school-my teaching gig-starts back up. Freshmen. Yea. In eleven days, grad school starts. I am studying library science, so there's a ton of reading (right now, 85 books. Yikes!), and I will discuss what I read here. Probably won't have much time for free reading, which makes me sad. Looking forward to this new chapter though.
The sequel to If I Stay. I was not sure if I wanted to read this one. Seems like I read some of the reviews after I read the first book, and the consensus was that this was not worthy of its predecessor. It was also coming down to the wire, ie summer was almost over, and I wanted to read something that would be a reasonably quick read, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
At first, I was not sure I was going to like this one. Adam, the boyfriend, seemed so whiny and woe is me, that I was put off. However, as I got more into it, and Mia came into it, I liked it better. It told of their break-up, that even Adam didn't understand. I was happy to see that they could move past the things that happened, and find a way to live with themselves. I thought this was a perfect follow up, even if it didn't start as well as I'd have liked.
So, in nine days, school-my teaching gig-starts back up. Freshmen. Yea. In eleven days, grad school starts. I am studying library science, so there's a ton of reading (right now, 85 books. Yikes!), and I will discuss what I read here. Probably won't have much time for free reading, which makes me sad. Looking forward to this new chapter though.
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