Author: Susan Patron
Title: The Higher Power of Lucky
Information: atheneum books, 2006, 9-12
Number of Pages 134
plot summary: Lucky lives in a small town called Hard Pan, with her guardian Bridgett. Lucky's mother died after a big rainstorm, so her father asks his first wife from France to take care of Lucky. Lucky listens in on all the support groups in town, and one day wants to be a famous scientist like Darwin. When she think that Bridgett is going to leave her, she runs away during a windstorm, but little Miles is already lost in the storm. She takes Miles to the old bunkers and take care of Him. the Towns people finally find them, and Lucky understand the meaning of a Higher Power.
Reaction: this was a cute book, i liked the characters and the description of the town.
Potential Problems: Lucky runs away, the littlest boy walks around freely asking everyone for cookies
Recommendation: i think that this is a great book for everyone.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body
Author: Joanna Cole
Title: The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body
Publishing information: Scholastic, 1990, 4-8
Number of Pages: 40
Genre: Informational
Summary of Plot: Mrs. Frizzle takes a trip into Arnold’s body. The class explores the digestion system, the brain, blood vessels, lungs, bones, nerves system, muscles, and the nasal cavity. Arnold all alone walks back to the school, to wait for the class. when the class get out the diagram the body.
Your Reaction to the book: other than learning so much, the great thing about this book is the side notes that tell you more.
Potential Problems: this book takes a look inside the human body, so if you have a weak stomach I don’t suggest you read this book.
Recommendations: kids who love to learn.
Title: The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body
Publishing information: Scholastic, 1990, 4-8
Number of Pages: 40
Genre: Informational
Summary of Plot: Mrs. Frizzle takes a trip into Arnold’s body. The class explores the digestion system, the brain, blood vessels, lungs, bones, nerves system, muscles, and the nasal cavity. Arnold all alone walks back to the school, to wait for the class. when the class get out the diagram the body.
Your Reaction to the book: other than learning so much, the great thing about this book is the side notes that tell you more.
Potential Problems: this book takes a look inside the human body, so if you have a weak stomach I don’t suggest you read this book.
Recommendations: kids who love to learn.
The Outsiders
Author: S.E. Hinton
Title: The Outsiders
Publishing information: Puffin, 1965, 9-12
Number of Pages: 192
Genre: fiction
Summary of Plot: Ponyboy is raise with the idea that there are two types of people in this world. Greasers and Socs. Ponyboy and his brother are greasers, and they hate the Socs. While he is walking home from the movies with his friend he is bet up by a groups of older Socs, but he is saved by his brother Sodapop and other greasers. His oldest brother Darry takes responsibility for his younger brothers and the gang. They next night Ponyboy and a couple of his friend go the movies and flirt with Socs girls. When Ponyboy get home get in a fight with his older brother and runs to the park. Him and his friend sit and watch the stars. They are attacked the Socs drunk boyfriends, and one of the Socs is killed. They run away and hide. They cut and dye their hair and live in a church for a week. When they hear about a rumble between the two groups they decide to go back and help their gang. While they were away from the church it catches on fire while a school group was inside. Ponyboy and his friend run into save the kids. Ponyboy’s friend is hit by a falling timber and is badly burned. After the fight Ponyboy’s friend dies from his wounds. At court he get off because the Socs death was not his fault and he get to stay with his brothers. At the end he understand the importance of family.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book had an interesting point of view. I like the difference between the brothers and their friends.
Potential Problems: there are a lot of violent scenes.
Recommendations: older boys, not for younger kids.
Title: The Outsiders
Publishing information: Puffin, 1965, 9-12
Number of Pages: 192
Genre: fiction
Summary of Plot: Ponyboy is raise with the idea that there are two types of people in this world. Greasers and Socs. Ponyboy and his brother are greasers, and they hate the Socs. While he is walking home from the movies with his friend he is bet up by a groups of older Socs, but he is saved by his brother Sodapop and other greasers. His oldest brother Darry takes responsibility for his younger brothers and the gang. They next night Ponyboy and a couple of his friend go the movies and flirt with Socs girls. When Ponyboy get home get in a fight with his older brother and runs to the park. Him and his friend sit and watch the stars. They are attacked the Socs drunk boyfriends, and one of the Socs is killed. They run away and hide. They cut and dye their hair and live in a church for a week. When they hear about a rumble between the two groups they decide to go back and help their gang. While they were away from the church it catches on fire while a school group was inside. Ponyboy and his friend run into save the kids. Ponyboy’s friend is hit by a falling timber and is badly burned. After the fight Ponyboy’s friend dies from his wounds. At court he get off because the Socs death was not his fault and he get to stay with his brothers. At the end he understand the importance of family.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book had an interesting point of view. I like the difference between the brothers and their friends.
Potential Problems: there are a lot of violent scenes.
Recommendations: older boys, not for younger kids.
The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Title: The Giver
Publishing information: Delacorte, 1993, 9-12
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Science fiction
Summary of Plot: Jonas is born within the ideal world. No one gets sick, there is always enough food, the population and weather is controlled, and every family has a daughter and son, and everyone sexual impulse are stifled with special drugs. At the age of 12 everyone receives a job, Jonas job is the new Giver. He meets the older giver and is given the memories of the town. At first Jonas receive good and happy memories, but as they continue Jonas loses his innocence and see his world for what it is. He learns exactly what his father job as a baby care provider means. When his father brings home a small little boy, Jonas runs away with him. As the journey through the snow, Jonas thinks he sees a town and hears singing.
Your Reaction to the book: after I put this down, I thought about it forever. I really liked it.
Potential Problems: The world Jonas comes from scared me a little bit and I am an adult.
Recommendations: I think that if a younger group of kids were to read this book they would not understand it. This book is for older kids.
Title: The Giver
Publishing information: Delacorte, 1993, 9-12
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Science fiction
Your Reaction to the book: after I put this down, I thought about it forever. I really liked it.
Potential Problems: The world Jonas comes from scared me a little bit and I am an adult.
Recommendations: I think that if a younger group of kids were to read this book they would not understand it. This book is for older kids.
The Cay
Author: Theodore Taylor
Title: The Cay
Publishing information: Laurel Leaf, 1998, 9-12
Number of Pages: 144
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Plot: Phillip and his mother are heading home, but their ship sinks. Phillip is saved by a West Indian Timothy and a cat. They survive on an island. The incident leave Phillip blind and he has to rely on Timothy. With a racist background, he learns to care and love his caregiver. They build a raft and get off the island.
Your Reaction to the book: I liked this book as a kid and enjoyed it even more now.
Potential Problems: the way Phillip treats Timothy.
Recommendations: I think boys would enjoy this book just as much as girls.
Title: The Cay
Publishing information: Laurel Leaf, 1998, 9-12
Number of Pages: 144
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Plot: Phillip and his mother are heading home, but their ship sinks. Phillip is saved by a West Indian Timothy and a cat. They survive on an island. The incident leave Phillip blind and he has to rely on Timothy. With a racist background, he learns to care and love his caregiver. They build a raft and get off the island.
Your Reaction to the book: I liked this book as a kid and enjoyed it even more now.
Potential Problems: the way Phillip treats Timothy.
Recommendations: I think boys would enjoy this book just as much as girls.
The Slave Dancer
Author: Paula Fox
Title: The Slave Dancer
Publishing information: Yearling, 1973, 9-12
Number of Pages: 177
Genre: Historical fiction
Summary of Plot: Jesse is kidnapped from the dock in New Orleans, and placed on a slave ship to play his fife. After his ship reaches Africa and the ship is filled with slaves, once day the slaves are brought up one the deck to dance to Jesses’ music. Before the reach America their ship is caught in a storm, the ship goes down with the slaves and the crew, except jesses and slave boy. They reach land and Jesse goes back home and the boy is taken away.
Your Reaction to the book: This was the first book I read in school that made me cried. Reading it later in life I can the contention between the crew better.
Potential Problems: this book is gruesome Fox does not try to cover anything.
Recommendations: if you are interested in history and slave ships, this is a good book to read.
Title: The Slave Dancer
Publishing information: Yearling, 1973, 9-12
Number of Pages: 177
Genre: Historical fiction
Summary of Plot: Jesse is kidnapped from the dock in New Orleans, and placed on a slave ship to play his fife. After his ship reaches Africa and the ship is filled with slaves, once day the slaves are brought up one the deck to dance to Jesses’ music. Before the reach America their ship is caught in a storm, the ship goes down with the slaves and the crew, except jesses and slave boy. They reach land and Jesse goes back home and the boy is taken away.
Your Reaction to the book: This was the first book I read in school that made me cried. Reading it later in life I can the contention between the crew better.
Potential Problems: this book is gruesome Fox does not try to cover anything.
Recommendations: if you are interested in history and slave ships, this is a good book to read.
The Very Busy Spider
Author: Eric Carle
Title: The Very Busy Spider
Publishing information: Grosset & Dunlap, 1985, baby- preschool
Number of Pages: 24
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Very one want to play, but the spider works to create her web.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a fun book. I love flip books.
Potential Problems: if you don’t like spiders don’t read this book.
Recommendations: great lesson for young kids.
Title: The Very Busy Spider
Publishing information: Grosset & Dunlap, 1985, baby- preschool
Number of Pages: 24
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Very one want to play, but the spider works to create her web.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a fun book. I love flip books.
Potential Problems: if you don’t like spiders don’t read this book.
Recommendations: great lesson for young kids.
Fanny's Dream
Author: Caralyn Buehner
Title: Fanny’s Dream
Publishing information: Puffin, 2003, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Fanny dream of going to the dance and falling in love with the mayor’s son, but the night of the big dance her fairy godmother does not show up. Heber Jensen shows up instead and asks Fanny to marry him after along time of pondering his question, she says yes. They get married and are happy, they work hard together, and laugh together; they have kids and love them. Years later the town has another party, and Fanny’s godmother shows up to help her get the party, but Fanny rejects her offer and stays with her family.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a cute book, and I think it really tells how life is.
Potential Problems: Fanny pulls some pranks in Heber that are not so nice.
Recommendations: If you have a little girl and you are worried she is taking the happily ever after to close to heart this is a great book for her.
Title: Fanny’s Dream
Publishing information: Puffin, 2003, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Fanny dream of going to the dance and falling in love with the mayor’s son, but the night of the big dance her fairy godmother does not show up. Heber Jensen shows up instead and asks Fanny to marry him after along time of pondering his question, she says yes. They get married and are happy, they work hard together, and laugh together; they have kids and love them. Years later the town has another party, and Fanny’s godmother shows up to help her get the party, but Fanny rejects her offer and stays with her family.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a cute book, and I think it really tells how life is.
Potential Problems: Fanny pulls some pranks in Heber that are not so nice.
Recommendations: If you have a little girl and you are worried she is taking the happily ever after to close to heart this is a great book for her.
17 things I'm not allowed to do anymore
Author: Jenny Offill
Title: 17 Things I’m no longer allowed to Do Anymore.
Publishing information: Schwartz and Wade, 2006, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: this little girl staples her brother’s hair to the pillow, freezes dead flies and other crazy ideas. Her parents and her teachers tell her, after she gets in trouble what she is no longer allowed to do.
Your Reaction to the book: I like the art work it is unique. It’s a mix of photos, ink and paint.
Potential Problems: this book could give your child some mean ideas and prank to play on other kids
Recommendations: the story is fun, but I think girls would enjoy it better because the main character is a girl.
Title: 17 Things I’m no longer allowed to Do Anymore.
Publishing information: Schwartz and Wade, 2006, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: this little girl staples her brother’s hair to the pillow, freezes dead flies and other crazy ideas. Her parents and her teachers tell her, after she gets in trouble what she is no longer allowed to do.
Your Reaction to the book: I like the art work it is unique. It’s a mix of photos, ink and paint.
Potential Problems: this book could give your child some mean ideas and prank to play on other kids
Recommendations: the story is fun, but I think girls would enjoy it better because the main character is a girl.
Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See
Author: Bill Martin
Title: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See
Publishing information: Harcourt School, 1993, baby- preschool
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: this rhyming picture leads kids through color and animals.
Your Reaction to the book: this book had great pictures, and would help kids read and recognize words.
Potential Problems: the colors and the animals sometimes don’t go together like horse and blue.
Recommendations: great book for little kids.
Title: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See
Publishing information: Harcourt School, 1993, baby- preschool
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: this rhyming picture leads kids through color and animals.
Your Reaction to the book: this book had great pictures, and would help kids read and recognize words.
Potential Problems: the colors and the animals sometimes don’t go together like horse and blue.
Recommendations: great book for little kids.
The BFG
Author: Roald Dahl
Title: The BFG
Publishing information: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1982, 9-12
Number of Pages: 221
Genre: fiction
Summary of Plot: Sophie is kidnapped by the BFG and taken to the land of the giants. There the BFG tells her how horrible the other giants are, and that they go and eat people every night. The BFG is called the Big Friendly Giant because he doesn’t eat people instead he captures dreams and then blows them into children’s rooms. When the mean giants go off to England to eat children, Sophie comes up with a great plan to tell the Queen of England. The BFG makes a special dream for the queen that tells her all about the mean giants eating children and how Sophie knows where a nice one is that can tell the Queen where they are. When the Queen wakes up Sophie is sitting the queen’s windowsill. With the help of the BGF they capture the giants and throw them into a pit.
Your Reaction to the book: this book is funny, the BFG talks funny and it become interesting translating what he is saying.
Potential Problems: if you look to deeply into the logic of this book, it won’t make any sense
Recommendations: I think this is a great book for everyone.
Title: The BFG
Publishing information: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1982, 9-12
Number of Pages: 221
Genre: fiction
Summary of Plot: Sophie is kidnapped by the BFG and taken to the land of the giants. There the BFG tells her how horrible the other giants are, and that they go and eat people every night. The BFG is called the Big Friendly Giant because he doesn’t eat people instead he captures dreams and then blows them into children’s rooms. When the mean giants go off to England to eat children, Sophie comes up with a great plan to tell the Queen of England. The BFG makes a special dream for the queen that tells her all about the mean giants eating children and how Sophie knows where a nice one is that can tell the Queen where they are. When the Queen wakes up Sophie is sitting the queen’s windowsill. With the help of the BGF they capture the giants and throw them into a pit.
Your Reaction to the book: this book is funny, the BFG talks funny and it become interesting translating what he is saying.
Potential Problems: if you look to deeply into the logic of this book, it won’t make any sense
Recommendations: I think this is a great book for everyone.
Stephanie's Ponytail
Author: Robert Munsch
Title: Stephanie’s Ponytail
Publishing information: Annick press, 1996, 4-8
Number of Pages: 24
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Stephanie wants to do her hair differently, but when everyone at school sees her ponytail, they want one to, so the next bay everyone shows up with a ponytail. Everyday Stephanie does her hair differently, but everyone keeps copying her. Finally she tells everyone that she is shaving off all her hair. The next day when she arrives to school, everyone has shaved their head, except Stephanie, her hair is in a ponytail.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book was funny. The pictures were entertaining, even the teacher and the boys try to copy Stephanie’s hair style.
Potential Problems: not everyone is going to get the same reaction as Stephanie got.
Recommendations: I think this is a great book for everyone.
Title: Stephanie’s Ponytail
Publishing information: Annick press, 1996, 4-8
Number of Pages: 24
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Stephanie wants to do her hair differently, but when everyone at school sees her ponytail, they want one to, so the next bay everyone shows up with a ponytail. Everyday Stephanie does her hair differently, but everyone keeps copying her. Finally she tells everyone that she is shaving off all her hair. The next day when she arrives to school, everyone has shaved their head, except Stephanie, her hair is in a ponytail.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book was funny. The pictures were entertaining, even the teacher and the boys try to copy Stephanie’s hair style.
Potential Problems: not everyone is going to get the same reaction as Stephanie got.
Recommendations: I think this is a great book for everyone.
Alligator Baby
Author: Robert Munsch
Title: Alligator Baby
Publishing information: Cartwheel, 2002, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Kristen’s mother is having a baby, but one the way home from the hospital they go through the zoo, and they bring back a baby alligator. After a couple failed attempts of bring back the right baby it up to Kristen to find the right baby.
Your Reaction to the book: this book is silly and fun.
Potential Problems: this story is meant to be funny; nothing about it could be real.
Recommendations: I think young kid would enjoy reading this book.
Title: Alligator Baby
Publishing information: Cartwheel, 2002, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: Kristen’s mother is having a baby, but one the way home from the hospital they go through the zoo, and they bring back a baby alligator. After a couple failed attempts of bring back the right baby it up to Kristen to find the right baby.
Your Reaction to the book: this book is silly and fun.
Potential Problems: this story is meant to be funny; nothing about it could be real.
Recommendations: I think young kid would enjoy reading this book.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Title: The Very Caterpillar
Publishing information: Philmel, 1994, baby - preschool
Number of Pages: 13
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: a caterpillar is very hungry so he eats his way through a lot of food. When he is full he curls up in a cocoon and sleeps. When he wakes up he is a butterfly.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a fun book to read to younger kids.
Potential Problems: this is not an informational book, so some of the things the caterpillar eats should not be fed to real caterpillars.
Recommendations: everyone will have fun reading this book.
Title: The Very Caterpillar
Publishing information: Philmel, 1994, baby - preschool
Number of Pages: 13
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: a caterpillar is very hungry so he eats his way through a lot of food. When he is full he curls up in a cocoon and sleeps. When he wakes up he is a butterfly.
Your Reaction to the book: this is a fun book to read to younger kids.
Potential Problems: this is not an informational book, so some of the things the caterpillar eats should not be fed to real caterpillars.
Recommendations: everyone will have fun reading this book.
The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
Title: The Giving Tree
Publishing information: Harper and Row, 1964, 4-8 (Publisher, Date, Reading Level)
Number of Pages: 64
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: A tree gives everything to a boy as he grows up. He gives apple, shade and wood for a boat and stump when the boy is a young man.
Your Reaction to the book: this book had a good lesson for everyone, sharing.
Potential Problems: even thought the tree gives everything and is sad it shouldn’t discourage us from sharing.
Recommendations: this book is a classic that everyone should read.
Title: The Giving Tree
Publishing information: Harper and Row, 1964, 4-8 (Publisher, Date, Reading Level)
Number of Pages: 64
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: A tree gives everything to a boy as he grows up. He gives apple, shade and wood for a boat and stump when the boy is a young man.
Your Reaction to the book: this book had a good lesson for everyone, sharing.
Potential Problems: even thought the tree gives everything and is sad it shouldn’t discourage us from sharing.
Recommendations: this book is a classic that everyone should read.
Love You Forever
Author: Robert Munsch
Title: Love You Forever
Publishing information: Firefly Books Ltd., 1995, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: A mother sneaks into her babies room and rocks him in her arms and says “I’ll love you forever/ I’ll love you always/ As long as I’m living/ My baby you’ll be. She continues this as he get older, even as a man she sneaks into his room to rock him. When she is an old lady, the man comes into her room and rocks her in his arms.
Your Reaction to the book: I love this book so much. I loved it when my mother read this book to me.
Potential Problems: if a child is missing a parent, or doesn’t live with their mom, this could be a hard book for them to read.
Recommendations: this is a great book to read to younger kids
Title: Love You Forever
Publishing information: Firefly Books Ltd., 1995, 4-8
Number of Pages: 32
Genre: picture book
Summary of Plot: A mother sneaks into her babies room and rocks him in her arms and says “I’ll love you forever/ I’ll love you always/ As long as I’m living/ My baby you’ll be. She continues this as he get older, even as a man she sneaks into his room to rock him. When she is an old lady, the man comes into her room and rocks her in his arms.
Your Reaction to the book: I love this book so much. I loved it when my mother read this book to me.
Potential Problems: if a child is missing a parent, or doesn’t live with their mom, this could be a hard book for them to read.
Recommendations: this is a great book to read to younger kids
Dear America; Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Dairy of Margart Ann Brandy
Author: Ellen Emerson White
Title: Dear America: Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Dairy of Margaret Ann Brandy
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1998, 9-12
Number of Pages: 197
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Plot: Margaret becomes a companion to Mrs. Carstairs on the titanic. Margaret’s older brother in already in America waiting for her arrival. While on the ship, she meets many rich and famous people, she also explores the ship. She makes friends with the cabin steward. When then the ship crashes into the iceberg she helps Mrs. Carstairs into a boat. Because of her lower class she is not allowed onto a boat right away, so she goes looking for her friend the cabin steward. When she finds him she learns that all the employees are sticking together and staying on the ship. Her time is running out and she is finally able to get on one of the last boats. From the water she watches the ship go down. Her boat is so close that they go back looking for survivors. When the sun comes up they are saved by a passing ship, and taken the rest of the way to America.
Your Reaction to the book: I like this book, because it has historical value.
Potential Problems: this book is an easy read, and doesn’t really give a lot of information, but enough to entertain kids.
Recommendations: kids who love history and want to learn more about the Titanic.
Title: Dear America: Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Dairy of Margaret Ann Brandy
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1998, 9-12
Number of Pages: 197
Genre: Historical Fiction
Your Reaction to the book: I like this book, because it has historical value.
Potential Problems: this book is an easy read, and doesn’t really give a lot of information, but enough to entertain kids.
Recommendations: kids who love history and want to learn more about the Titanic.
Lincoln: A photobiography
Author: Russell Freedman
Title: Lincoln: A Photobiography
Publishing information: Sandpiper, 1989, 9-12
Number of Pages: 160
Genre: Biography
Summary of Plot: look into Lincoln’s life through the photos. This book covers his life, career and death. It’s easy to read and the pictures are enjoyable.
Your Reaction to the book: I love learning about history and see pictures of the time period was awesome.
Potential Problems: some of the picture about the civil war can be a bit graphic.
Recommendations: even though this is a children’s book I think it’s a great book for everyone.
Title: Lincoln: A Photobiography
Publishing information: Sandpiper, 1989, 9-12
Number of Pages: 160
Genre: Biography
Summary of Plot: look into Lincoln’s life through the photos. This book covers his life, career and death. It’s easy to read and the pictures are enjoyable.
Your Reaction to the book: I love learning about history and see pictures of the time period was awesome.
Potential Problems: some of the picture about the civil war can be a bit graphic.
Recommendations: even though this is a children’s book I think it’s a great book for everyone.
Love That Dog
Author: Sharon Creech
Title: Love that Dog
Publishing information: Harper Collins, 2001, 9-12
Number of Pages: 128
Genre: poetry
Summary of Plot: Jack doesn’t like writing, but with his teachers promptings he tells, through poems about this dog, Sky. This book is filled with poems, originals and classic.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book was going to be boring, but with the poetry it’s entertaining.
Potential Problems: This is a sad and a happy book, so be aware of some sad parts
Recommendations: if you are trying to get kids interested or excited about poetry ask them to read this book.
Title: Love that Dog
Publishing information: Harper Collins, 2001, 9-12
Number of Pages: 128
Genre: poetry
Summary of Plot: Jack doesn’t like writing, but with his teachers promptings he tells, through poems about this dog, Sky. This book is filled with poems, originals and classic.
Your Reaction to the book: I thought that this book was going to be boring, but with the poetry it’s entertaining.
Potential Problems: This is a sad and a happy book, so be aware of some sad parts
Recommendations: if you are trying to get kids interested or excited about poetry ask them to read this book.
Stargirl
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Title: Stargirl
Publishing information: Knopf books, 2002, 12-14
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary of Plot: From the point of view of Leo, a popular boy at school. When a new girl, Susan aka stargirl, comes to school, she is different, she dressed weird and does what she likes, like sing happy birthday to random people. After being accepted by the school, she becomes popular and a cheerleader. When she starts cheering for both teams at the championships, everyone starts to hate her, except Leo. They start dating, and he learn from her how to caring, and selfish. The other girls at school are jealous and bully Susan and make her fell unwelcomed. Leo never sees Startgirl again. The school in never the same after Stargirl leaves, more people start acting as individuals.
Your Reaction to the book: This book taught me a lot, when I read it the first time in Middle school. Even though Stargirl is a little weird, I think she gets the point across to the reader.
Potential Problems: this book is for an older group of kids, I don’t think that younger kids would understand the politics in this book.
Recommendations: I think everyone who is going into their teenage years should read this book.
Title: Stargirl
Publishing information: Knopf books, 2002, 12-14
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary of Plot: From the point of view of Leo, a popular boy at school. When a new girl, Susan aka stargirl, comes to school, she is different, she dressed weird and does what she likes, like sing happy birthday to random people. After being accepted by the school, she becomes popular and a cheerleader. When she starts cheering for both teams at the championships, everyone starts to hate her, except Leo. They start dating, and he learn from her how to caring, and selfish. The other girls at school are jealous and bully Susan and make her fell unwelcomed. Leo never sees Startgirl again. The school in never the same after Stargirl leaves, more people start acting as individuals.
Your Reaction to the book: This book taught me a lot, when I read it the first time in Middle school. Even though Stargirl is a little weird, I think she gets the point across to the reader.
Potential Problems: this book is for an older group of kids, I don’t think that younger kids would understand the politics in this book.
Recommendations: I think everyone who is going into their teenage years should read this book.
Children Just Like Me
Author: Unicef
Title: Children Just Like Me
Publishing information: DK Children, 1995, 9-12
Number of Pages: 80
Genre: Informational
Summary of Plot: Learn about all types of children around the world. Even though we might look and act a little different we are all basically the same
Your Reaction to the book: I learned a lot from this book, there were so many things that I hadn’t even thought about when it came to kids from different parts of the world. My favorite part was looking at the different clothes.
Potential Problems: This book was put out by Unicef so it was sort of bias.
Recommendations: I think that this book would be great for younger kids because it has great pictures.
Title: Children Just Like Me
Publishing information: DK Children, 1995, 9-12
Number of Pages: 80
Genre: Informational
Summary of Plot: Learn about all types of children around the world. Even though we might look and act a little different we are all basically the same
Your Reaction to the book: I learned a lot from this book, there were so many things that I hadn’t even thought about when it came to kids from different parts of the world. My favorite part was looking at the different clothes.
Potential Problems: This book was put out by Unicef so it was sort of bias.
Recommendations: I think that this book would be great for younger kids because it has great pictures.
A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Title: A Single Shard
Publishing information: A Yearling Book, 2001, 9-12
Number of Pages: 152
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Plot: Tree-ear, an orphan in Korea in the 12th century, is passionate about ceramics. After breaking a piece of Master Min’s Tree-ear starts to work off the debt. Soon he is given more responsibilities. After an Embassy, from the royal palace, comes to their town and offers Min a commission, it is up to Tree-ear to get the pieces to the palace. He is robbed and the vases are destroyed. Tree-ear takes the biggest shard to the palace and gets his master another commission, and Tree-ear becomes a true apprentice.
Your Reaction to the book: this book has lot of historical facts. Each piece that is mentioned is in existence. I learned a lot about Korea and its art.
Potential Problems: This book talks about bravery, the one part I disagreed with was, committing suicide as an act of bravery.
Recommendations: this book would be great for kids who love reading about history or who is into ceramics.
Title: A Single Shard
Publishing information: A Yearling Book, 2001, 9-12
Number of Pages: 152
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary of Plot: Tree-ear, an orphan in Korea in the 12th century, is passionate about ceramics. After breaking a piece of Master Min’s Tree-ear starts to work off the debt. Soon he is given more responsibilities. After an Embassy, from the royal palace, comes to their town and offers Min a commission, it is up to Tree-ear to get the pieces to the palace. He is robbed and the vases are destroyed. Tree-ear takes the biggest shard to the palace and gets his master another commission, and Tree-ear becomes a true apprentice.
Your Reaction to the book: this book has lot of historical facts. Each piece that is mentioned is in existence. I learned a lot about Korea and its art.
Potential Problems: This book talks about bravery, the one part I disagreed with was, committing suicide as an act of bravery.
Recommendations: this book would be great for kids who love reading about history or who is into ceramics.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Author: Gary D. Schmidt
Title: Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Publishing information: A Yearling Book, 2004, 9-12
Number of Pages: 217
Genre: historical Fiction
Summary of Plot: Two kids from different worlds come together. Turner is new to town and he is the son of the new minister. A lot is expected from him, and he feels that everyone is watching him. Lizzie Bright a girl from Malaga Island, a community founded by a runaway slave, show turner a new world. Her learn what it mean to be yourself. When the elders in town decide to move the inhabitants from the island, Turner stands up against them. His father is killed trying to defend Turner’s life, and Lizzie is taken to mental hospital and dies 10 days later. Turner never forgets the lessons Lizzie taught him.
Your Reaction to the book: the book has a slow beginning, but when it picks up it becomes interesting. I liked the lessons that are taught in this book, I think they are great for all kids to learn.
Potential Problems: this book has some strong racist under tone from the towns people, and there is violence at the end, that might not be good for younger kids.
Recommendations: kids who are interested in historical events.
Title: Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Publishing information: A Yearling Book, 2004, 9-12
Number of Pages: 217
Genre: historical Fiction
Summary of Plot: Two kids from different worlds come together. Turner is new to town and he is the son of the new minister. A lot is expected from him, and he feels that everyone is watching him. Lizzie Bright a girl from Malaga Island, a community founded by a runaway slave, show turner a new world. Her learn what it mean to be yourself. When the elders in town decide to move the inhabitants from the island, Turner stands up against them. His father is killed trying to defend Turner’s life, and Lizzie is taken to mental hospital and dies 10 days later. Turner never forgets the lessons Lizzie taught him.
Your Reaction to the book: the book has a slow beginning, but when it picks up it becomes interesting. I liked the lessons that are taught in this book, I think they are great for all kids to learn.
Potential Problems: this book has some strong racist under tone from the towns people, and there is violence at the end, that might not be good for younger kids.
Recommendations: kids who are interested in historical events.
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Long Way from Chicago
Richard Peck
A Long Way from Chicago
Publishing info: Penguin, 1998, 9-12
Number of pages: 176
Genre: Fiction
Richard Peck
A Long Way from Chicago
Publishing info: Penguin, 1998, 9-12
Number of pages: 176
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Plot: every summer Joey and his sister Mary Alice visit their grandma in the country. Every chapter is a different year, and their adventures with grandma.
Your Reaction to the book: the best part is love that the grandma shows for her Grandkids. She never says it, but her actions speak louder than words. One year she gets Joey a free airplane ride at the fair, years later when Joey joins the air force, the Grandma stays up all might to watch his train go by her house.
Recommendations: the humor in this book makes this book great for everyone.
A Long Way from Chicago
Publishing info: Penguin, 1998, 9-12
Number of pages: 176
Genre: Fiction
Richard Peck
A Long Way from Chicago
Publishing info: Penguin, 1998, 9-12
Number of pages: 176
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Plot: every summer Joey and his sister Mary Alice visit their grandma in the country. Every chapter is a different year, and their adventures with grandma.
Your Reaction to the book: the best part is love that the grandma shows for her Grandkids. She never says it, but her actions speak louder than words. One year she gets Joey a free airplane ride at the fair, years later when Joey joins the air force, the Grandma stays up all might to watch his train go by her house.
Recommendations: the humor in this book makes this book great for everyone.
A Year Down Yonder
Richard Peck
A year down yonder
Publishing information: Dial, 2000, 9-12
Number of pages: 130
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary of Plot: During the Great Depression Mary Alice has to live with her grandma for a year. She used to spend a week every summer with her brother at her Grandma’s, but Joey is in West working. Her year with Grandma is filled with adventure. We see the care free, level headiness and hardworking attitude of Grandma. When she has to leave at the end of the year is sad to say good-bye.
Your reaction to the book: You come to love the characters in this book. Everyone has a person like Grandma in their lives. I loved this book.
Recommendations: The humor in this book makes it’s a great book for anyone to read.
A year down yonder
Publishing information: Dial, 2000, 9-12
Number of pages: 130
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary of Plot: During the Great Depression Mary Alice has to live with her grandma for a year. She used to spend a week every summer with her brother at her Grandma’s, but Joey is in West working. Her year with Grandma is filled with adventure. We see the care free, level headiness and hardworking attitude of Grandma. When she has to leave at the end of the year is sad to say good-bye.
Your reaction to the book: You come to love the characters in this book. Everyone has a person like Grandma in their lives. I loved this book.
Recommendations: The humor in this book makes it’s a great book for anyone to read.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Ruby Bridges
Author: Robert Coles
Title: Rudy Bridges
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1995, 7-10
Number of Pages: 13
Genre: Biography
Summary of Plot: Rudy Bridges comes from a religious family. When she is picked as one out of four black girls to attend an all white school, she does so bravely. She is escorted in the building everyday by federal marshals, and is the only kid in her class. One day she stops in the middle of the crowd to say her morning prayers, which she had forgotten to say earlier. After school, she walked a couple blocks away and said her second prayer. Later that year she is joined by other kids in her class room.
Your Reaction to the book: this book was interesting, with a religious message. I wish it could have told us more about her experience.
Potential Problems: This book is bias; it only gives the story from one perspective.
Recommendations: This story gives a great short story about a big event during the civil rights movement.
Title: Rudy Bridges
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1995, 7-10
Number of Pages: 13
Genre: Biography
Your Reaction to the book: this book was interesting, with a religious message. I wish it could have told us more about her experience.
Potential Problems: This book is bias; it only gives the story from one perspective.
Recommendations: This story gives a great short story about a big event during the civil rights movement.
Redwall: Martin the Warrior
Author: Brain Jacques
Title: Redwall: Martin the Warrior
Publishing information: Puffin/Philomel Books, 1993, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 376 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Summary of Plot: The co-founder of Redwall, this book starts with Martin as a slave for Badrand the Tyrant. Martin vows that he will be free and he will reclaim the sword Badrand stole from him. Soon after, Martin escapes with some friends. Tramun Clogg a pirate arrives and tries to claim some slave. Without success, he then decides the besiege the Fort. The slaves still in the fort take the opportunity to gather weapons for themselves.
Mean while Brome and Felldoh met up with traveling actors and Martin and his group are captured by shrews. After Martin saves the queen’s son they are set free. The Traveling Actors put on a play for the Fort and are able to free half of the slaves. When the other half of the slaves escape Badrang and Tramun join up to capture the escaped slaves. While the battle goes on to recapture slaves Tramun takes the fort, but Badrang retakes it making Tramun a slave.
Martin finally gets the help he need to attack the fort, he joins up with the Traveling actors and attack the fort. He reclaims his sword, but the girl of Martin’s dream is killed. Filled with grief he head towards Mossflower Woods, where he ends up in Redwall Abbey.
Your Reaction to the book: Martin the Warrior was the first book that I read in this series and I enjoyed it the most. Martin and his friends show true loyalty and friendship.
Potential Problems: there is more violence in this book, than any other in the series.
Recommendations: kids who like animals, or who are looking for another type of adventure book.
Title: Redwall: Martin the Warrior
Publishing information: Puffin/Philomel Books, 1993, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 376 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Mean while Brome and Felldoh met up with traveling actors and Martin and his group are captured by shrews. After Martin saves the queen’s son they are set free. The Traveling Actors put on a play for the Fort and are able to free half of the slaves. When the other half of the slaves escape Badrang and Tramun join up to capture the escaped slaves. While the battle goes on to recapture slaves Tramun takes the fort, but Badrang retakes it making Tramun a slave.
Martin finally gets the help he need to attack the fort, he joins up with the Traveling actors and attack the fort. He reclaims his sword, but the girl of Martin’s dream is killed. Filled with grief he head towards Mossflower Woods, where he ends up in Redwall Abbey.
Your Reaction to the book: Martin the Warrior was the first book that I read in this series and I enjoyed it the most. Martin and his friends show true loyalty and friendship.
Potential Problems: there is more violence in this book, than any other in the series.
Recommendations: kids who like animals, or who are looking for another type of adventure book.
Redwall
Author: Brain Jacques
Title: Redwall
Publishing information: Puffin/Philomel Books, 1986, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 352 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Summary of Plot: When the Abbey Redwall is under attack from the evil one-eyed rat, Cluny the Scourge, the young mouse Matthias finds the lost sword of Martin the Warrior and defends the Abbey. With the help of Methuselah, the old Liberian, he is able to go on the quest and find the legendary sword. The clues have been built into the walls of the Abbey. When they find the location of the sword, it’s gone. It was taken by a sparrow that lives on the roof and then the evil Adder, Amadeus. With the help of the wild shrews, Basil the Hare, the snow owl Squire Julian and the princess Sparrow he is able to overcome the evil adder. He gets back to Redwall as it falls to the Evil Cluny the Scourage. With the help of his old friend and the inhabitants of Redwall they are able to save their home.
Your Reaction to the book: I have always enjoyed reading the Redwall series. I think they are full of adventure and the characters show true bravery.
Potential Problems: there is a lot of violence
Recommendations: kids who like animals, or who are looking for another type of adventure book.
Title: Redwall
Publishing information: Puffin/Philomel Books, 1986, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 352 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Your Reaction to the book: I have always enjoyed reading the Redwall series. I think they are full of adventure and the characters show true bravery.
Potential Problems: there is a lot of violence
Recommendations: kids who like animals, or who are looking for another type of adventure book.
A Conspiracy of Kings
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Title: A Conspiracy of Kings
Publishing information: Greenwillow Books, 2010, ages 9- 12
Number of Pages: 336 pages
Genre: Fiction
Summary of Plot: The young Sophos is the heir to his kingdom, but he loves poets and has no interest in politics. While at his family’s villa he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. While performing manual labor he grows surer of himself as a leader. He escapes when he sees his father walk into a trap. He travels to Attolia to get support from his friend the king, Eugenides. The rest of the story revealed at the end with the twist in the plot. After leaving Attolia and some troops he lets himself be captured by the enemy. He lets them think that he will let them peacefully into his kingdom. After he is voted king he chases them away. His troops that he brought with him were hiding, waiting to attack. Attolia also sent troop to help.
Your Reaction to the book: This book is the fourth of a series. It follows the authors writing pattern, cleaver and witty.
Potential Problems: some time plans don’t always go according to plan. This book didn’t seem to have that problem.
Recommendations: This book would be a great read for kids if they love Greek or Roman mythology.
Title: A Conspiracy of Kings
Publishing information: Greenwillow Books, 2010, ages 9- 12
Number of Pages: 336 pages
Genre: Fiction
Your Reaction to the book: This book is the fourth of a series. It follows the authors writing pattern, cleaver and witty.
Potential Problems: some time plans don’t always go according to plan. This book didn’t seem to have that problem.
Recommendations: This book would be a great read for kids if they love Greek or Roman mythology.
Small Steps
Author: Louis Sachar
Title: Small Steps
Publishing information: Delacorte books for young readers, 2008, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 288 pages
Genre: Modern Fiction
Summary of Plot: Armpit from Holes, is trying to avoid falling back into his old life. He is attending school, so he can graduate, and has a job so he can have money. He is taking small steps to correct his life. But when X-Ray asked him for a favor, Armpit knows there is going to be trouble. They buy tickets to a Kaira concert and then scalp them. When Armpit wants to take his handicap neighbor, Ginny to the show, X-Ray gives Armpit counterfeit tickets. There is a big scene and Ginny has a seizure. Kaira invites the two backstage for the concert. Armpit’s life starts to get complicated when the police start asking questions about the tickets. Then Kaira asked Arm pit to come to San Francisco. The manager tries to frame Armpit for murdering Kaira, but Armpit ends up saving her. When Armpit gets home he decides to stick with taking small steps, and everything ends up working out for him.
Your Reaction to the book: This book was an interesting view of Armpits life. You can tell that he is sincere about wanting to change.
Potential Problems: turning over a new leaf is not as easy as this book presents it to be. There are a lot of struggles one faces, when trying to change.
Recommendations: young kids from taught backgrounds, I think that this book could help them see that change is hard but good.
Title: Small Steps
Publishing information: Delacorte books for young readers, 2008, ages 9-12
Number of Pages: 288 pages
Genre: Modern Fiction
Your Reaction to the book: This book was an interesting view of Armpits life. You can tell that he is sincere about wanting to change.
Potential Problems: turning over a new leaf is not as easy as this book presents it to be. There are a lot of struggles one faces, when trying to change.
Recommendations: young kids from taught backgrounds, I think that this book could help them see that change is hard but good.
The Littles
Author: John Peterson
Title: The Littles
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1967, age 8-11
Number of Pages: 80
Genre: Modern fiction, Fantasy
Summary of Plot: The Littles are tiny people who live in the Biggs’ house. When the Biggs leave for vacation and the Newmans move in. The Littles are worried that things will change, and not to their liking. The Newmans are messy and not very good cooks. The little have to chase away the mice trying to invade. Tom Little comes up with a idea to get the Newmans to help with the mice problem. Tom dresses up like a mouse and scares Mrs. Newman. Instead on lay out traps, the Newmans get a cat. Once again its little Tom who comes up with a solution, he trains the cat.
Your Reaction to the book: This book is short and fun. Tom little comes up with some great solutions to their problems
Potential Problems: Not everything has an easy solution.
Recommendations: Littler kids with short attention spans.
Title: The Littles
Publishing information: Scholastic Inc, 1967, age 8-11
Number of Pages: 80
Genre: Modern fiction, Fantasy
Your Reaction to the book: This book is short and fun. Tom little comes up with some great solutions to their problems
Potential Problems: Not everything has an easy solution.
Recommendations: Littler kids with short attention spans.
The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gailman
Title: The Graveyard Book
Publishing information: Haper Collins, 2008, age 9-12
Number of Pages: 307
Genre: Modern Fiction
Summary of Plot: After Nobody Owens family is murdered when he is one year old by a man names Jack. Nobody lives in the graveyard, watched over by the friendly spirits there. This book covers his adventures from a toddler to a teenager. He learns about the graveyard and the different talents of the ghost. Bod makes friends with a human girl, Scarlet, but she leaves when she is five. Later she comes back when she is fourteen and returns to the graveyards. Unknowingly she leads the man named Jake to Nobody. When the man Jake finds Bod, there is nobody who can help him. We find out that Bod’s family was killed because of an ancient prophecy, which would end the organization of Jakes. In the end Nobody succeeds, but leaves the graveyard because he is no longer a child.
Your Reaction to the book: This book was fun and interesting. The story keeps you in and you want to read more. It was tasteful for taking place in a graveyard.
Potential Problems: Some people probably would not like some aspects of this book, the ghouls and ghosts.
Recommendations: Those who are not afraid of ghost.
Title: The Graveyard Book
Publishing information: Haper Collins, 2008, age 9-12
Number of Pages: 307
Genre: Modern Fiction
Your Reaction to the book: This book was fun and interesting. The story keeps you in and you want to read more. It was tasteful for taking place in a graveyard.
Potential Problems: Some people probably would not like some aspects of this book, the ghouls and ghosts.
Recommendations: Those who are not afraid of ghost.
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