Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Children's Literature
The following posts are part of an assignment for one of my college classes. The direction was to read books from specific lists and then to write a summary about each book. I hope that these will entice you to read one or more of the following books. I would highly recommend any of them.
Caldecott Medal Winners
Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten’s first full moon. New York: Greenwillow Books.
This is a story about a little kitten who is experiencing a full moon for the first time. She thinks the moon is a big bowl of milk, so she tries everything she can think of to try and get to the milk. She experiences everything from fireflies, to tall trees and ponds. She goes home wet and deflated when she finds a nice bowl of milk on the porch.
The illustrations for this story are different shades of grey. It portrays how the night would look when the moon is full. Illustrations are simple, yet tell the story of the little kitten.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner
Wiesner, D. (2006). Flotsam. New York. Clarion Books.
Flotsam is a story about a curious young boy who is enjoying a day at the beach with his family. As he investigates near the water’s edge, an underwater camera washes ashore. When he takes the film into be developed, he discovers a whole different world living under the sea. He also notices that when he looks at the photos with his microscope he sees pictures within the picture. This wordless picture book gives a different perspective to the story as more of the details are noticed.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner
Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale. New York. Hyperion Books for Children.
Knufflebunny is about a little girl, Trixie, who goes to the Laundromat with her daddy. She inadvertently lost her stuffed bunny into the dirty clothes and daddy put it into the washing machine. As Trixie and her daddy started walking home Trixie realized that her bunny was missing. Since she is unable to tell her daddy what happened, she throws a temper-tantrum until finally her mommy realizes what happened. They rush back to the Laundromat to find that her bunny was in the wash. Trixie’s first words were KNUFFLEBUNNY!
This story uses both photos as the backdrops and colored drawings to depict the movement of people. This method helps readers form a better understanding of where the story is taking place.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Reading level: 2.1
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book
This is a story about a little kitten who is experiencing a full moon for the first time. She thinks the moon is a big bowl of milk, so she tries everything she can think of to try and get to the milk. She experiences everything from fireflies, to tall trees and ponds. She goes home wet and deflated when she finds a nice bowl of milk on the porch.
The illustrations for this story are different shades of grey. It portrays how the night would look when the moon is full. Illustrations are simple, yet tell the story of the little kitten.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner
Wiesner, D. (2006). Flotsam. New York. Clarion Books.
Flotsam is a story about a curious young boy who is enjoying a day at the beach with his family. As he investigates near the water’s edge, an underwater camera washes ashore. When he takes the film into be developed, he discovers a whole different world living under the sea. He also notices that when he looks at the photos with his microscope he sees pictures within the picture. This wordless picture book gives a different perspective to the story as more of the details are noticed.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner
Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale. New York. Hyperion Books for Children.
Knufflebunny is about a little girl, Trixie, who goes to the Laundromat with her daddy. She inadvertently lost her stuffed bunny into the dirty clothes and daddy put it into the washing machine. As Trixie and her daddy started walking home Trixie realized that her bunny was missing. Since she is unable to tell her daddy what happened, she throws a temper-tantrum until finally her mommy realizes what happened. They rush back to the Laundromat to find that her bunny was in the wash. Trixie’s first words were KNUFFLEBUNNY!
This story uses both photos as the backdrops and colored drawings to depict the movement of people. This method helps readers form a better understanding of where the story is taking place.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest level: K-3
Reading level: 2.1
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book
Newbery Award Books
Gantos, J. (2000). Joey Pigza loses control. New York. Scholastic.
This is the sequel to Joey Pigza swallowed a key. Joey and his doctors have a found a patch that slowly releases the meds he needs to stay in control. He always wondered about his father, and since there is nothing for Joey to do at home by himself besides get into trouble, his mom agrees for him to go and live with his father and grandmother for the summer. Once he gets there, Joey realizes that his dad really is like him before medicine. His father is trying to turn over a new leaf with Joey and encourages him to join the baseball team. Joey’s father thinks that things are going great and that Joey doesn’t really need his medicine, so he gets rid of it. Joey has to use the skills taught in school to get through the week. Slowly day by day as the medicine leaves his system, Joey feels himself losing control and has to figure out how to get out of his situation.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.9
Awards: Newbery Honor Book (2001), ALA Notable Book (2001)
Park, L. (2001). A single shard. New York. Dell Yearling Books.
As an orphan who lives under a bridge, Tree-ear goes in search of work so that he and his friend Crane-man may eat. He comes upon the talented potter Min. At first Min would only let him do jobs like fetching wood for the kiln in town and then cutting clay out of the river’s edge. Tree-ear’s dream is to become a potter. One day the royal emissary comes to commission a potter. Min is such a perfectionist that he doesn’t have a lot to show the emissary. Since they have heard of his work from others, they invite him to come to Solang to show his work. Min is too old to make the journey, so Tree-ear offers to take the pottery for him. Along the way Tree-ear runs into trouble and learns about himself and finding the courage to do the right thing.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.7
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner (2002), Notable Book Award (2002)
Peck, R. (2000). A year down yonder. New York. Scholastic.
Mary Alice has been sent to live with her with her grandmother until her father could find a new job and get the family back on their feet. She was going to have to go to school in the “hick-town” where everyone thought she was rich, coming from Chicago and all. Mary Alice soon realizes that her grandmother is a feisty lady who goes out during the middle of the night to collect fox fur and doesn’t really care what the down says about her or her tactics. Throughout the school year, Mary Alice realizes that she is going to miss her grandmother and considers her a role model.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.2
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner (1999), ALA Notable Book (2001)
This is the sequel to Joey Pigza swallowed a key. Joey and his doctors have a found a patch that slowly releases the meds he needs to stay in control. He always wondered about his father, and since there is nothing for Joey to do at home by himself besides get into trouble, his mom agrees for him to go and live with his father and grandmother for the summer. Once he gets there, Joey realizes that his dad really is like him before medicine. His father is trying to turn over a new leaf with Joey and encourages him to join the baseball team. Joey’s father thinks that things are going great and that Joey doesn’t really need his medicine, so he gets rid of it. Joey has to use the skills taught in school to get through the week. Slowly day by day as the medicine leaves his system, Joey feels himself losing control and has to figure out how to get out of his situation.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.9
Awards: Newbery Honor Book (2001), ALA Notable Book (2001)
Park, L. (2001). A single shard. New York. Dell Yearling Books.
As an orphan who lives under a bridge, Tree-ear goes in search of work so that he and his friend Crane-man may eat. He comes upon the talented potter Min. At first Min would only let him do jobs like fetching wood for the kiln in town and then cutting clay out of the river’s edge. Tree-ear’s dream is to become a potter. One day the royal emissary comes to commission a potter. Min is such a perfectionist that he doesn’t have a lot to show the emissary. Since they have heard of his work from others, they invite him to come to Solang to show his work. Min is too old to make the journey, so Tree-ear offers to take the pottery for him. Along the way Tree-ear runs into trouble and learns about himself and finding the courage to do the right thing.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.7
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner (2002), Notable Book Award (2002)
Peck, R. (2000). A year down yonder. New York. Scholastic.
Mary Alice has been sent to live with her with her grandmother until her father could find a new job and get the family back on their feet. She was going to have to go to school in the “hick-town” where everyone thought she was rich, coming from Chicago and all. Mary Alice soon realizes that her grandmother is a feisty lady who goes out during the middle of the night to collect fox fur and doesn’t really care what the down says about her or her tactics. Throughout the school year, Mary Alice realizes that she is going to miss her grandmother and considers her a role model.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.2
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner (1999), ALA Notable Book (2001)
Coretta Scott King Award
Curtis, C. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. New York. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.
Kenny, Byron, and Joetta Watson are your average brothers and sister. They love their family and usually do what they are told without too many arguments. That’s until Byron decides to push the limits with his parents. He would light matches in the bathroom while “making a movie”. After repeatedly being told not to, momma was at her wits end and tried to burn his fingers so that he would know what it felt like and he wouldn’t do it again. Byron also took a perm to his hair and straightened it out. Once his father came in and shaved him bald, it was decided that he would go and live with their grandmother for a while until things were back under control. Coming from Flint Michigan across country to Birmingham Alabama was quite an adventure including being part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.0
Awards: Newbery Medal-Honor Book 1996, ALA Notable Books 1996, Coretta Scott King Award-Honor Book 1996.
Weatherford, C. (2008). Before John was a jazz giant: a song of John Coltrane. (S. Qualls, Illus.). New York. Henry Holt.
This biography of John Coltrane tells of the sounds he heard as a child growing up. He heard simple sounds like “hambones knocking in Grandma’s pots” to “momma cranking the phonograph” which he turned into music later on in life. Although several members of his family passed away and money became tight, he was able to pour his life into his music. John started out playing the clarinet and then switched to the alto saxophone. The pictures in this story are deep blues, reds, and yellows which show the sounds that John experienced.
Genre: Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.8
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award- Honor Book 2009; ALA Notable Book 2009; Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2009
Kenny, Byron, and Joetta Watson are your average brothers and sister. They love their family and usually do what they are told without too many arguments. That’s until Byron decides to push the limits with his parents. He would light matches in the bathroom while “making a movie”. After repeatedly being told not to, momma was at her wits end and tried to burn his fingers so that he would know what it felt like and he wouldn’t do it again. Byron also took a perm to his hair and straightened it out. Once his father came in and shaved him bald, it was decided that he would go and live with their grandmother for a while until things were back under control. Coming from Flint Michigan across country to Birmingham Alabama was quite an adventure including being part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.0
Awards: Newbery Medal-Honor Book 1996, ALA Notable Books 1996, Coretta Scott King Award-Honor Book 1996.
Weatherford, C. (2008). Before John was a jazz giant: a song of John Coltrane. (S. Qualls, Illus.). New York. Henry Holt.
This biography of John Coltrane tells of the sounds he heard as a child growing up. He heard simple sounds like “hambones knocking in Grandma’s pots” to “momma cranking the phonograph” which he turned into music later on in life. Although several members of his family passed away and money became tight, he was able to pour his life into his music. John started out playing the clarinet and then switched to the alto saxophone. The pictures in this story are deep blues, reds, and yellows which show the sounds that John experienced.
Genre: Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.8
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award- Honor Book 2009; ALA Notable Book 2009; Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2009
Pura Belpre’ Award
Brown, M. (2007). My name is Gabito: the life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (R. Colon, Illus.). New York. Rising Moon.
This story is based on an autobiography of Garcia Murquez’s life. It tells of his childhood with his grandfather and the life they led as fruit pickers. The text is written in both Spanish and English with words incorporated into the pictures.
Genre: Picture Book; Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.6
Awards: Tejas Star Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
Deedy, C. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale. (M. Austin, Illus.). New York.Peachtree Publishers.
This Cuban folktale describes how a grandmother cockroach helps her granddaughter find a suitable mate. She says that when you spill coffee on a potential mate’s foot, their reaction will tell the tale as to how they will be as a spouse. Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha spills coffee onto several prospects including a rooster, and a pig before finding her mate in a mouse who uses the coffee test on her. This story has a good sense of voice and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Genre: Picture Book; Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.1
Awards: Children’s Book of the Year 2008; ALA Notable Book 2008; Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009
Gonzalez, M. (2007). My colors, my world mis colores, mi mundo. San Francisco. Children’s Book Press.
This is a wonderful bilingual story about a little girl who enjoys all of the colors that nature gives us. She sees the pink in the desert sunset, to the greens of a cactus, to the shiny black hair of her papi. This book has simple, vibrant colored pictures. The back of the book shares a little insight as to who the little girl in the story is, and a bilingual color glossary.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.0
Awards: Pura Belpre’ Honor Book
Montes, M. (2006). Los gatos black on Halloween. (Y. Morales, Illus.). New York. Henry Holt and Company.
This story is about los monstrous who come out on Halloween for a monstrous ball. They start to dance and get into the music when there are tres loud raps on the door. They become scared of what comes in and the go and hide. The text is mainly in English with main words in Spanish. It is a story written in rhyme. There is also a glossary in the back of the book with a pronunciation guide. The color pictures in the book have somewhat of a blurry, dark view to portray the “ghostly” look.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.5
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2007; Pura Belpre Award 2008
This story is based on an autobiography of Garcia Murquez’s life. It tells of his childhood with his grandfather and the life they led as fruit pickers. The text is written in both Spanish and English with words incorporated into the pictures.
Genre: Picture Book; Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.6
Awards: Tejas Star Book Award Nominee 2009-2010
Deedy, C. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale. (M. Austin, Illus.). New York.Peachtree Publishers.
This Cuban folktale describes how a grandmother cockroach helps her granddaughter find a suitable mate. She says that when you spill coffee on a potential mate’s foot, their reaction will tell the tale as to how they will be as a spouse. Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha spills coffee onto several prospects including a rooster, and a pig before finding her mate in a mouse who uses the coffee test on her. This story has a good sense of voice and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Genre: Picture Book; Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.1
Awards: Children’s Book of the Year 2008; ALA Notable Book 2008; Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009
Gonzalez, M. (2007). My colors, my world mis colores, mi mundo. San Francisco. Children’s Book Press.
This is a wonderful bilingual story about a little girl who enjoys all of the colors that nature gives us. She sees the pink in the desert sunset, to the greens of a cactus, to the shiny black hair of her papi. This book has simple, vibrant colored pictures. The back of the book shares a little insight as to who the little girl in the story is, and a bilingual color glossary.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.0
Awards: Pura Belpre’ Honor Book
Montes, M. (2006). Los gatos black on Halloween. (Y. Morales, Illus.). New York. Henry Holt and Company.
This story is about los monstrous who come out on Halloween for a monstrous ball. They start to dance and get into the music when there are tres loud raps on the door. They become scared of what comes in and the go and hide. The text is mainly in English with main words in Spanish. It is a story written in rhyme. There is also a glossary in the back of the book with a pronunciation guide. The color pictures in the book have somewhat of a blurry, dark view to portray the “ghostly” look.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.5
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2007; Pura Belpre Award 2008
Informational Books
Bishop, N. (2008). Frogs. New York. Scholastic.
Nic Bishop has a knack for taking amazing photos and putting them together in ways that keep your interest in the topic. Frogs is no different. This book has vivid photos of frogs in action whether it’s jumping out of the water to catch a caterpillar, or eating a mouse. There are also interesting facts about each type of frog or toad. For example: Did you know that there is a transparent frog? You can see all of it’s organs! Amazing!
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.7
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2009; Outstanding Science Books for Students K-12 2008; Teachers Choices 2009
Floca, B. (2007). Lightship. New York. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
This book retells the life of floating lighthouses. These were ships that were anchored in places where lighthouses could not be built but still needed to be there in the water to protect other ships from running up on rocks or land. This one lightship in particular, the Ambrose, is tested by waters and winds and yet she and her crew are able to keep everyone safe and sound.
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: 2008 Sibert Honor Book
Kerley, B. (2008). What to do about Alice?: how Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charming the world and drove her father Teddy crazy!. (E. Fotheringham, Illus.). New York. Scholastic Press.
This biography tells the story of how Alice Roosevelt dealt with life as a little girl in the White House once her father became President of the United States. She was the type of person who didn’t like to stay in one spot. She had a thirst for knowledge and wanted to meet everyone and anyone she could. Although Alice was prone to getting into trouble, she eventually regained a relationship with her father which she cherished.
Genre: Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.8
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2009; Robert F. Sibert Honor Book 2009
Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of the negro league baseball. New York. Hyperion.
This is a story that describes what life was like for a Negro baseball player back in the 1860’s. This describes all of the hardships and accomplishments that these baseball players had. This shows how segregation affected even the game of baseball. This story is divided into innings, nine innings in all, with extra innings being the footnotes and extra information. The book has amazing, real life paintings of players, game situations, and memorabilia from that era. This is truly a tribute to the men who helped shape the game of baseball as we know it today.
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 6.0
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009; Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009; Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book 2009; King Medal Award 2009
Nic Bishop has a knack for taking amazing photos and putting them together in ways that keep your interest in the topic. Frogs is no different. This book has vivid photos of frogs in action whether it’s jumping out of the water to catch a caterpillar, or eating a mouse. There are also interesting facts about each type of frog or toad. For example: Did you know that there is a transparent frog? You can see all of it’s organs! Amazing!
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.7
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2009; Outstanding Science Books for Students K-12 2008; Teachers Choices 2009
Floca, B. (2007). Lightship. New York. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
This book retells the life of floating lighthouses. These were ships that were anchored in places where lighthouses could not be built but still needed to be there in the water to protect other ships from running up on rocks or land. This one lightship in particular, the Ambrose, is tested by waters and winds and yet she and her crew are able to keep everyone safe and sound.
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: 2008 Sibert Honor Book
Kerley, B. (2008). What to do about Alice?: how Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charming the world and drove her father Teddy crazy!. (E. Fotheringham, Illus.). New York. Scholastic Press.
This biography tells the story of how Alice Roosevelt dealt with life as a little girl in the White House once her father became President of the United States. She was the type of person who didn’t like to stay in one spot. She had a thirst for knowledge and wanted to meet everyone and anyone she could. Although Alice was prone to getting into trouble, she eventually regained a relationship with her father which she cherished.
Genre: Biography
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.8
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2009; Robert F. Sibert Honor Book 2009
Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of the negro league baseball. New York. Hyperion.
This is a story that describes what life was like for a Negro baseball player back in the 1860’s. This describes all of the hardships and accomplishments that these baseball players had. This shows how segregation affected even the game of baseball. This story is divided into innings, nine innings in all, with extra innings being the footnotes and extra information. The book has amazing, real life paintings of players, game situations, and memorabilia from that era. This is truly a tribute to the men who helped shape the game of baseball as we know it today.
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 6.0
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009; Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009; Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book 2009; King Medal Award 2009
Children’s Notable Books
Hills, T. (2006). Duck and Goose. New York. Schwartz & Wade Books.
This cute story tells of soon to be friends Duck and Goose. They both come upon a ball, which they think is an egg, and say that it’s theirs. Through their time together, they find that even though their initial ideas of how to raise whatever was in the “egg” we different, they soon realized that they had a lot of things in common. Soon a little bird comes up and asks if he can play with them. This is when they find out that the egg is nothing but a ball.
Genre: Picture book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.1
Awards: ALA Notable Book
Mora, P. (2007) Yum! mmmm! que rico!: Americas’ sprouting. (R. Lopez, Illus.). New York. Lee & Low Books Inc.
This book contains 14 haiku poems talking about different types of food that are found in Americas. These are all foods that were here before the settlers came to America. These include blueberries, chocolate, corn, and chilies to name a few. The use of adjectives paints the picture as to how these foods taste. This book also has a section on each page that tells about the food as well.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 5.3
Awards: ALA Notable Book
Soto, G. (2000). Chato and the party animals. (S. Guevara Illus.). New York. Puffin Books.
Chato found out that one of his friends, Novio Boy, had never had a birthday party. He was from the pound and didn’t have any family or know when his birthday was. Chato decided to throw Novio Boy a surprise party, so he got everything together and invited everyone from the neighborhood. When the party was about to start, Chato realized that he hadn’t invited the guest of honor. A search party went out to see if they could find him, when they couldn’t, they thought that Novio Boy had been catnapped or killed. Luckily Novio Boy had only been dumpster diving and everyone had a great time at the party. This book is in English with a few Spanish words added in. A glossary is in the front of the book to easy reference.
Genre: Fiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2001
This cute story tells of soon to be friends Duck and Goose. They both come upon a ball, which they think is an egg, and say that it’s theirs. Through their time together, they find that even though their initial ideas of how to raise whatever was in the “egg” we different, they soon realized that they had a lot of things in common. Soon a little bird comes up and asks if he can play with them. This is when they find out that the egg is nothing but a ball.
Genre: Picture book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.1
Awards: ALA Notable Book
Mora, P. (2007) Yum! mmmm! que rico!: Americas’ sprouting. (R. Lopez, Illus.). New York. Lee & Low Books Inc.
This book contains 14 haiku poems talking about different types of food that are found in Americas. These are all foods that were here before the settlers came to America. These include blueberries, chocolate, corn, and chilies to name a few. The use of adjectives paints the picture as to how these foods taste. This book also has a section on each page that tells about the food as well.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 5.3
Awards: ALA Notable Book
Soto, G. (2000). Chato and the party animals. (S. Guevara Illus.). New York. Puffin Books.
Chato found out that one of his friends, Novio Boy, had never had a birthday party. He was from the pound and didn’t have any family or know when his birthday was. Chato decided to throw Novio Boy a surprise party, so he got everything together and invited everyone from the neighborhood. When the party was about to start, Chato realized that he hadn’t invited the guest of honor. A search party went out to see if they could find him, when they couldn’t, they thought that Novio Boy had been catnapped or killed. Luckily Novio Boy had only been dumpster diving and everyone had a great time at the party. This book is in English with a few Spanish words added in. A glossary is in the front of the book to easy reference.
Genre: Fiction
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.7
Awards: ALA Notable Book 2001
Bluebonnet nominated Books
DeFelice, C. (2006). One potato, two potato. (A. U’Ren, Illus.). New York. Farra, Straus and Giroux.
Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady are an extremely poor couple who have one of everything that they own, one hairpin, one blanket with holes, even one chair. One day while Mr. O’Grady was out picking potatoes, he came upon a big black pot. They soon realize that whatever is put into the pot a second one appears. They soon put their candle, hairpin, and potato into the pot. Then they try putting in the only money they have. The pot still works and doubles what they put in. While Mr. O’Grady is in town buying a warm blanket and chair, Mrs. O’Grady accidently falls into the pot. They soon have another couple to talk with and spend the rest of their lives together.
Genre: Fairy tale
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.4
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2008
Stevens, J. (2008). Help me Mr. Mutt: expert answers for dogs with people problems. New York.Harcourt.
Help me Mr. Mutt is written as an advice column. Mr. Mutt responds to letters that other dogs have written to him concerning their “human problems”. There is also another character in the house by the name of “The Queen”. She is a cat that doesn’t care much for what Mr. Mutt has to say. She ties him up and takes over his column. When the other dogs find out, they come in and run The Queen out of town.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.3
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009
Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady are an extremely poor couple who have one of everything that they own, one hairpin, one blanket with holes, even one chair. One day while Mr. O’Grady was out picking potatoes, he came upon a big black pot. They soon realize that whatever is put into the pot a second one appears. They soon put their candle, hairpin, and potato into the pot. Then they try putting in the only money they have. The pot still works and doubles what they put in. While Mr. O’Grady is in town buying a warm blanket and chair, Mrs. O’Grady accidently falls into the pot. They soon have another couple to talk with and spend the rest of their lives together.
Genre: Fairy tale
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.4
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2008
Stevens, J. (2008). Help me Mr. Mutt: expert answers for dogs with people problems. New York.Harcourt.
Help me Mr. Mutt is written as an advice column. Mr. Mutt responds to letters that other dogs have written to him concerning their “human problems”. There is also another character in the house by the name of “The Queen”. She is a cat that doesn’t care much for what Mr. Mutt has to say. She ties him up and takes over his column. When the other dogs find out, they come in and run The Queen out of town.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.3
Awards: Bluebonnet Nominated Book 2009
2x2 Reading List Books
Cowley, J. (2005). Chameleon, Chameleon. (N. Bishop Photo.) New York. Scholastic Press.
This nonfiction book tells the tale of a chameleon looking for food. As he walks from one tree to another he comes across other animals that are potentially dangerous. He walks step, by step, by step to the other tree and finds a caterpillar waiting for him to eat. He comes across another chameleon who thinks he is the potential enemy, but when Chameleon shows his bright colors, the quickly become friends. The photos in this story were taken by Nic Bishop. The pictures were shot while the animals were in captivity as it would have taken several months to take that many shots.
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.5
Awards:
Ubanovic, J. (2008) Duck soup. New York. HarperCollins.
This is a cute story about a duck, Max, who loves to cook. He has made soups of all sorts, but none of the recipes were his own. Then he finally makes his version of a soup but realizes that there is a spice missing so he goes out into the garden to pick it. His friends show up, smell the yummy soup and find a feather in the pot. They think the worse and go through the soup looking for their friend. Finally Max walks back in and everyone is glad that he didn’t become “duck soup”.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.4
Awards:
This nonfiction book tells the tale of a chameleon looking for food. As he walks from one tree to another he comes across other animals that are potentially dangerous. He walks step, by step, by step to the other tree and finds a caterpillar waiting for him to eat. He comes across another chameleon who thinks he is the potential enemy, but when Chameleon shows his bright colors, the quickly become friends. The photos in this story were taken by Nic Bishop. The pictures were shot while the animals were in captivity as it would have taken several months to take that many shots.
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.5
Awards:
Ubanovic, J. (2008) Duck soup. New York. HarperCollins.
This is a cute story about a duck, Max, who loves to cook. He has made soups of all sorts, but none of the recipes were his own. Then he finally makes his version of a soup but realizes that there is a spice missing so he goes out into the garden to pick it. His friends show up, smell the yummy soup and find a feather in the pot. They think the worse and go through the soup looking for their friend. Finally Max walks back in and everyone is glad that he didn’t become “duck soup”.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.4
Awards:
Children’s Choices Book
Holmes, J. (2007). Babymouse #8 puppy love. New York. Random House.
In this episode, Babymouse wants a new pet, other than a fish, since her last one died. Since she wasn’t allowed to get a puppy, Babymouse gets a hamster. Soon the hamster escapes, as does the animals that soon follow. They all end up under the bed at a disco. Finally a stray dog ends up in Babymouse’s life and she trains her to sit, fetch, and bake. In the end, Babymouse loses the puppy to its original owner.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 2.3
Awards: Children’s Choice 2009
Willems, M. (2009). The Pigeon wants a puppy. New York. Scholastic Inc.
Pigeon really wants a puppy. He knows that he can take care of it and feed it. When Pigeon realized that he can’t have a puppy, he throws a temper tantrum. Finally he gets what he wants, a puppy, but soon realizes that he may not really want to have a puppy. In the end he thinks that maybe he is a walrus kind of pigeon. This story has a fantastic sense of voice and will really appeal to younger students.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.2
Awards:
In this episode, Babymouse wants a new pet, other than a fish, since her last one died. Since she wasn’t allowed to get a puppy, Babymouse gets a hamster. Soon the hamster escapes, as does the animals that soon follow. They all end up under the bed at a disco. Finally a stray dog ends up in Babymouse’s life and she trains her to sit, fetch, and bake. In the end, Babymouse loses the puppy to its original owner.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 2.3
Awards: Children’s Choice 2009
Willems, M. (2009). The Pigeon wants a puppy. New York. Scholastic Inc.
Pigeon really wants a puppy. He knows that he can take care of it and feed it. When Pigeon realized that he can’t have a puppy, he throws a temper tantrum. Finally he gets what he wants, a puppy, but soon realizes that he may not really want to have a puppy. In the end he thinks that maybe he is a walrus kind of pigeon. This story has a fantastic sense of voice and will really appeal to younger students.
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.2
Awards:
Challenged Children’s Books
Henkes, K. (2003) Olive’s ocean. New York. Greenwillow Books.
Martha loves to write, in fact, she wants to become an author when she grows up. The problem is, is that her father wants to be a writer too and Martha doesn’t know if there can be two writers in one family so she doesn’t tell anyone about her dream right away. She and her family are getting ready to visit their Godbee (Grandmother) in Cape Cod. Right before they leave a stranger comes to the house looking for Martha and gives her a letter that her daughter had written right before she had been in an accident. The whole time she was at the beach Martha thought about her former classmate, her grandmother, and the boy across the way that showed an interest in her. This book shows how one young lady goes through life and grows up because of the events in her life.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.6
Awards: Newbery Honor Winner 2004
Martha loves to write, in fact, she wants to become an author when she grows up. The problem is, is that her father wants to be a writer too and Martha doesn’t know if there can be two writers in one family so she doesn’t tell anyone about her dream right away. She and her family are getting ready to visit their Godbee (Grandmother) in Cape Cod. Right before they leave a stranger comes to the house looking for Martha and gives her a letter that her daughter had written right before she had been in an accident. The whole time she was at the beach Martha thought about her former classmate, her grandmother, and the boy across the way that showed an interest in her. This book shows how one young lady goes through life and grows up because of the events in her life.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.6
Awards: Newbery Honor Winner 2004
Folktales or Fairy Tales
Karin, B. (1989) Cinderella. United States. Little Brown & Company.
This version of Cinderella holds true to the well known version of the fairy tale. All of the maidens are invited to the palace for a dance, Cinderella’s wicked step-sisters were able to go, but Cinderella was too tired and didn’t have anything to wear. She soon meets her Fairy Godmother who sets her up to go to the ball. When the clock strikes 12 Cinderella goes back to the life that she led and everything disappeared. At the end of the story Cinderella and the prince are reunited when he comes around to find the owner of the glass slipper, and they decided to get married and live happily ever after.
Genre: Fairytale, Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.5
Awards:
Minters, F. (1994) Cinder-elly. New York. Viking.
This version of Cinderella takes place in New York City. Elly, Nelly, and Sue are sisters who are invited to go to a basketball game. Nelly and Sue are the only two who have the clothes to go, so Elly stays home to clean. Her Godma shows up and puts her into clothes and glass hightops. She turns a garbage can into a bicycle and tells Elly that she needs to be home by 10pm. Prince Charming was playing in the basketball game and first meets Elly when the basketball gets away from the Prince and she hands it back to him. Of course, at the end of the night Elly runs out of time and leaves one of her shoes behind in the rush. The Prince finds the shoe and posts “wanted” posters asking for the owner to call him to retrieve the shoe. In the end, the Prince and Elly ride off into the sunset in a cab.
Genre: Fairytale, Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.8
Awards:
This version of Cinderella holds true to the well known version of the fairy tale. All of the maidens are invited to the palace for a dance, Cinderella’s wicked step-sisters were able to go, but Cinderella was too tired and didn’t have anything to wear. She soon meets her Fairy Godmother who sets her up to go to the ball. When the clock strikes 12 Cinderella goes back to the life that she led and everything disappeared. At the end of the story Cinderella and the prince are reunited when he comes around to find the owner of the glass slipper, and they decided to get married and live happily ever after.
Genre: Fairytale, Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.5
Awards:
Minters, F. (1994) Cinder-elly. New York. Viking.
This version of Cinderella takes place in New York City. Elly, Nelly, and Sue are sisters who are invited to go to a basketball game. Nelly and Sue are the only two who have the clothes to go, so Elly stays home to clean. Her Godma shows up and puts her into clothes and glass hightops. She turns a garbage can into a bicycle and tells Elly that she needs to be home by 10pm. Prince Charming was playing in the basketball game and first meets Elly when the basketball gets away from the Prince and she hands it back to him. Of course, at the end of the night Elly runs out of time and leaves one of her shoes behind in the rush. The Prince finds the shoe and posts “wanted” posters asking for the owner to call him to retrieve the shoe. In the end, the Prince and Elly ride off into the sunset in a cab.
Genre: Fairytale, Folklore
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.8
Awards:
Poetry
Cullinan, B.(1996). A jar of tiny stars: poems by NCTE award-winning poets. (A. MacLeod, illus). New York. Wordsong.
This book is a collaboration of poems written by winners of the National Council of Teachers of English Award. There are about 5 poems from each poet, a portrait, and a quote about writing poetry. An interesting thing about his collection is that the poems are voted on by students as to which ones are their favorites.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.2
Awards:
Silverstein, S. (1974) Where the sidewalk ends. New York. Harper & Row.
This is a collection of Shel Silverstein poems that have tickled young readers for years. Some popular poems that have been heard include; Sick; Band-Aids; For Sale; andickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.9
Awards:
This book is a collaboration of poems written by winners of the National Council of Teachers of English Award. There are about 5 poems from each poet, a portrait, and a quote about writing poetry. An interesting thing about his collection is that the poems are voted on by students as to which ones are their favorites.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.2
Awards:
Silverstein, S. (1974) Where the sidewalk ends. New York. Harper & Row.
This is a collection of Shel Silverstein poems that have tickled young readers for years. Some popular poems that have been heard include; Sick; Band-Aids; For Sale; andickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too.
Genre: Poetry
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.9
Awards:
Historical Fiction
Avi. (2002). Crispin: the cross of lead. New York. Scholastic Inc.
Crispin is a 13 year old orphan who lives with her mother in a very small village. At the time he was only known as Asta’s Son. Soon his mother dies and a chain of events causes Crispin to flee the village for his life. That’s when he runs into Bear, a juggler who roams from village to village to try and make money. In the end, Crispin looses everything he ever cared about, but gains his freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.3
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner 2003
Hesse, K. (1997). Out of the dust. New York. Scholastic Inc.
Thirteen year old Billie Jo is growing up in Oklahoma during the Depression and Dust Bowl. This story is written as a set of poem to tell the story of Billie Jo’s life. Early on in life, there was an accident that killed her mother, unborn brother, and left Billie Jo with crippled hands. All Billie Jo wanted to do was play the piano, and now she didn’t know what she was going to do. She was having a tough time adjusting to everything that was happening in her life and thought that running away would solve everyone’s problems, but soon realized that she had made a mistake and came back home to her waiting father. The descriptions of how life was back then is so vibrant, that one can actually feel what it would be like to be caught in a dust storm.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.5
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner 1998; Scott O’Dell Award
Crispin is a 13 year old orphan who lives with her mother in a very small village. At the time he was only known as Asta’s Son. Soon his mother dies and a chain of events causes Crispin to flee the village for his life. That’s when he runs into Bear, a juggler who roams from village to village to try and make money. In the end, Crispin looses everything he ever cared about, but gains his freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.3
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner 2003
Hesse, K. (1997). Out of the dust. New York. Scholastic Inc.
Thirteen year old Billie Jo is growing up in Oklahoma during the Depression and Dust Bowl. This story is written as a set of poem to tell the story of Billie Jo’s life. Early on in life, there was an accident that killed her mother, unborn brother, and left Billie Jo with crippled hands. All Billie Jo wanted to do was play the piano, and now she didn’t know what she was going to do. She was having a tough time adjusting to everything that was happening in her life and thought that running away would solve everyone’s problems, but soon realized that she had made a mistake and came back home to her waiting father. The descriptions of how life was back then is so vibrant, that one can actually feel what it would be like to be caught in a dust storm.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.5
Awards: Newbery Medal Winner 1998; Scott O’Dell Award
Fantasy and Science Fiction
DiCamillo, K. (2006) The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge,
Mass. Candlewick Press.
Edward was a rabbit who belonged to a little girl, Abilene, who absolutely adored him. Edward on the other hand only cared about himself. This all changed when Edward fell off of a ship and sank in the sea. He went on an adventure that took him into the hands of a fisherman’s wife, on a train with a hobo, and then into the hands of a very sick little girl. He is finally broken into pieces and taken to a toy repairman. Finally he ends up back into the arms of Abilene.
Genre: Fantasy
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.8
Awards: ALA Notable Book
L’Engle, M.(1962). A wrinkle in time. New York. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Meg and Charles are in search of their father. He is a physicist for the government, by now he has come up missing. They go on an exciting adventure with their friend Calvin through time to search for him. They meet Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which who help the children learn to expect the unexpected. This book depicts time travel and all of the odd things that can come with it.
Genre: Science Fiction
Interest Level:5-8
Reading Level:4.7
Awards: Newbery Award Winner 1963
Mass. Candlewick Press.
Edward was a rabbit who belonged to a little girl, Abilene, who absolutely adored him. Edward on the other hand only cared about himself. This all changed when Edward fell off of a ship and sank in the sea. He went on an adventure that took him into the hands of a fisherman’s wife, on a train with a hobo, and then into the hands of a very sick little girl. He is finally broken into pieces and taken to a toy repairman. Finally he ends up back into the arms of Abilene.
Genre: Fantasy
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.8
Awards: ALA Notable Book
L’Engle, M.(1962). A wrinkle in time. New York. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Meg and Charles are in search of their father. He is a physicist for the government, by now he has come up missing. They go on an exciting adventure with their friend Calvin through time to search for him. They meet Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which who help the children learn to expect the unexpected. This book depicts time travel and all of the odd things that can come with it.
Genre: Science Fiction
Interest Level:5-8
Reading Level:4.7
Awards: Newbery Award Winner 1963
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Book Fair
We have just completed our first book fair. Our first night coinsided with Literacy night. I was impressed by the number of people we had at the fair. I had two of my friends come along to help volunteer. They didn't feel like they did very much, but just knowing that they were there to help and support my efforts was very encouraging. The first couple of days went really well. I was exausted by the end of the day, but then by Thursday I was SO over the whole book fair deal! One of my scanner/printers went bezzerk, I only received 1/10th of an order and I had whole classes bombard the library without having permission from their teachers.
I have a 2nd book fair coming up in March...I now know what I can do differently to make the next fair an even better success! Stay tuned for more updates!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
LOVE MY JOB!!
We are almost through our first 9 weeks of school. It seems like we just started yesterday! Currently we have about 850 students coming through the library each week. My schedule has recently changed where I only see K-2 on a set schedule and 3-5 comes beyond their outclass time. It has been interesting to watch the teachers buy into the new schedule. I am hoping that by next year the whole school will be on a "pick your own schedule" schedule.
It is amazing just how much I have learned while being in this job. I have learned how to weed, discard books out of the system, copy files to add new books, fix books, and manipulate our check-out system and on-line catalog.
I AM having trouble getting a purchase order written correctly...I have three floating out there and have had to do one over 2 times. I am VERY frustrated knowing that I have screwed it up. Now I am anxious to have the updated PO's accepted and get the book orders in so that my students can have new books. The kids are excited because I have allowed some of them to help pick out some of the books that we will be adding.
Some of the activities that I have been working on include: "Book-It", Bluebonnet Books, Reading Rangers. I am extremely proud of Reading Rangers! It is the name of my 4th-5th grade helpers. I had 65 students sign up to volunteer!!! That is amazing to me!!! Yeah!!
It is amazing just how much I have learned while being in this job. I have learned how to weed, discard books out of the system, copy files to add new books, fix books, and manipulate our check-out system and on-line catalog.
I AM having trouble getting a purchase order written correctly...I have three floating out there and have had to do one over 2 times. I am VERY frustrated knowing that I have screwed it up. Now I am anxious to have the updated PO's accepted and get the book orders in so that my students can have new books. The kids are excited because I have allowed some of them to help pick out some of the books that we will be adding.
Some of the activities that I have been working on include: "Book-It", Bluebonnet Books, Reading Rangers. I am extremely proud of Reading Rangers! It is the name of my 4th-5th grade helpers. I had 65 students sign up to volunteer!!! That is amazing to me!!! Yeah!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Amazing!!
We are coming closer to the end of our first quarter of the school year. Where has the time gone? I have enjoyed every minute of working with the students. My 5th graders have sometimes caused havic in the library, but we have come to an understanding and they are working very hard at making good choices. I am about to start having 4th and 5th graders come in as library helpers this next week. They will be such an asset to what we are trying to do. They will get to know the 1st graders and kindergarteners. This should help the little ones feel less afraid of seeing the "big kids" in the hallways.
I LOVE MY JOB!!! I have found what I want to do for my last 15 years in education. I have also helped a couple of other people begin thinking about going for their masters. That's a great feeling in it's self.
What did I get into?!
Looking back on the days prior to school opening up, I was wondering..."What did I get into?" I was feeling the pressure of getting the library ready for students on the first day, and I was also trying to make sure that everything was done correctly. My aide and I spent a week making sure that the nonfiction section was shelved correctly. Some said that we should have just put the books up and then went back later to fix it, but I didn't want to have to do things twice. Even though it took a long time for the books to go up, I am glad we did it that way as we were able to take out the books that were WAY outdated and had a real feel for what our collection contained. Here are a couple of pictures of some of the boxes that we emptied. In all, I think we unpacked about 500 boxes!! Holy Cow!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
First day of school is one week away
I can't believe that the summer has passed by so quickly. It seems like it was just yesterday when I was saying good-bye to my students and packing the room up.
We are waiting for permission to step inside our newly remodeled school and put my library back in order. It hit me a couple of weeks ago that yes, my library would be in boxes too! It hadn't crossed my mind that I would be affected in the renovations. I will be spending the four days before school starts getting shelves in the right spots/right distance apart, and then getting the books in the correct order. I will also have to make sure that my computers are working and all of the latest updates have been installed.
I have met several members of the school staff including my teaching team, and I think that we are going to have an outstanding year. I have continually heard that the students are wonderful and have a thirst for learning. My goal is to help them become enthusiastic about learning new things and give them the tools to enhance that enthusiasm.
We are waiting for permission to step inside our newly remodeled school and put my library back in order. It hit me a couple of weeks ago that yes, my library would be in boxes too! It hadn't crossed my mind that I would be affected in the renovations. I will be spending the four days before school starts getting shelves in the right spots/right distance apart, and then getting the books in the correct order. I will also have to make sure that my computers are working and all of the latest updates have been installed.
I have met several members of the school staff including my teaching team, and I think that we are going to have an outstanding year. I have continually heard that the students are wonderful and have a thirst for learning. My goal is to help them become enthusiastic about learning new things and give them the tools to enhance that enthusiasm.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Starting out
I have been asked by several of my friends to start a new blog. Recently I received a new position as an elementary librarian. This blog will document my first years as a new librarian.
I am extremely excited about this next stage of my career. One of my goals is to collaborate with the teachers in my new school and to bring the PK classes into the library as well. My opportunity to start collaborating is starting even before school begins. I have the opportunity to join the entire 4th grade team at a two-day writing conference. We will be listening to Tony Stead discuss how enhance students' writing. I will be sure to post what we have learned.
I am extremely excited about this next stage of my career. One of my goals is to collaborate with the teachers in my new school and to bring the PK classes into the library as well. My opportunity to start collaborating is starting even before school begins. I have the opportunity to join the entire 4th grade team at a two-day writing conference. We will be listening to Tony Stead discuss how enhance students' writing. I will be sure to post what we have learned.
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