Ricki – Page 61 – Unleashing Readers

Animal Planet’s Animal Bites: Farm Animals and Wild Animals

October 15, 2016October 5, 2016 by Ricki

Nonfiction Wednesday

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!

Farm Animals

Wild Animals

Animal Planet
Published June 21, 2016 by Animal Planet

Farm Animals Summary: With more than 200 gorgeous animal photos of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas, and many others, Animal Planet Farm Animals is a fun, habitat-by-habitat guide that provides kids in the first years of schooling with the perfect bite-sized view of their favorite farm animals. Arranged thematically with focus on animal behavior and family relationships, young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. Special book features designed for this age group include Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in on the farm and at the petting zoo.

Wild Animals Summary: With more than 200 gorgeous animal photos of lions, giraffes, ibexes, flamingos, hippopotamuses, and many others, Animal Planet Wild Animals is a fun, habitat-by-habitat guide that provides kids in the first years of schooling with the perfect bite-sized view of their favorite wild animals. Arranged thematically with focus on animal behavior and family relationships, young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more. Special book features designed for this age group include Quick Bites sidebars with cool animal facts, simple infographics, and illustrated maps of life in the African savannah and Amazon rain forest.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.) project which partners with leading animal organization to make the world a better place for domestic and wild animals.

Kellee’s Review: I am so glad that Animal Planet is publishing this series that focuses on a different group of animals in each one. As a mom to a son that truly adores all types of animals, I am so glad that there are the variety of quality nonfiction animal texts out there for readers to access.

Ricki’s Review: My son can’t get enough of these books. We have read all of the Animal Bites series books thus far, and he constantly brings them to me to read. I like them, too, because I can learn so much from each of the pages. The photography is beautiful and they are very nicely formatted. While my toddler is probably the age demographic that these are marketed to, I think it shows that these books will be appreciated by kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: There are a wide variety of tools in these books that make it very easy for teachers to use them. They have colorful tabs, activities, resources, etc. I’d love to take each of the books in these series and create literature circles. It would be neat for each literature circle to pick out five interesting things they learned to share with the other groups. I imagine this would create interest and make the students more interested in reading the other books in the series.

Discussion Questions: What are some of your favorite facts from the books?; How do these books help you discover nature and animals more? How are the books formatted in ways that appeal to you visually? Which animal is your favorite, and why?

We Flagged: Some of the activities in these books sound like great fun:

In the farm activities section, for example, you can “race to the barn” with three other friends. Each of you will imitate an animal’s behavior from the text. You will see which animal probably moves the fastest. Also in this section, there is a craft section on how to make a flock of sheep!

Check out any of the Animal Bites books to find more activities to do in conjunction to the texts and information.

Animal Planet has also created FUN FACT cards for each of their Animal Bites books that can be accessed fore free HERE.

Read This If You Loved: Animal Planet’s Animal Bites: Ocean Animals and Polar Animals, National Geographic nonfiction animal texts, Seymour Simon animal texts, Extreme Ocean Records by Seymour Simon

Recommended For:

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Top Ten Tuesday: Villains We Love to Hate

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 by Ricki

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today’s Topic: Villains We Love to Hate

Adding to our original TTT villain post 🙂

Ricki

1. Mrs. Coulter of His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

She makes my skin crawl, but her intelligence is admirable.

2. Anna from Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

I suppose I don’t really hate her. In fact, I grew to love her. She stands out to me as an interesting villain.

3. Iago from Othello by William Shakespeare

I always think about dear Iago. He really is quite cunning.

4. O’Brien…Big Brother…or Winston himself in 1984 by George Orwell

Who is the villain? We could debate this for hours, and that is one of the many reasons I love this book!

5. The Man Jack (Jack Frost) from The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaimon

His anonymity was so intriguing!

Kellee

1. The BFG’s Brothers from The BFG by Roald Dahl

2. Miss Trunchbull from Matilda by Roald Dahl

3. The Twits from The Twits by Roald Dahl

For some reason when I started this list, I automatically thought of Roald Dahl, so my first three are from his books. Dahl was so good at humor and evil all in one. Although Miss Trunchbull doens’t really fit the “love” part of the post’s title, she really made the book what it was and was the perfect foe for Matilda. The Giant Brothers and The Twits are just so easy to love in all of their grossness.

4. Yassen Gregorovich from The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz

Yassen is a James Bond-esque villain with such an intense backstory and a heart that he sometimes shows. I still haven’t read the Alex Rider prequel about Yassen, but I know I need to!

5. Mother from Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Those buttons! So creepy!

Which villains do you love to hate?

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Kids of Appetite by David Arnold

September 29, 2016 by Ricki

Kids of Appetite
Author: David Arnold
Published: September 20, 2016 by Viking

GoodReads Summary: The bestselling author of Mosquitoland brings us another batch of unforgettable characters in this tragicomedy about first love and devastating loss.

Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell.
It begins with the death of Vic’s father.
It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle.
The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it.
But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between.

This is a story about:

1. A coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey.
2. The momentous nature of the Palisades in winter.
3. One dormant submarine.
4. Two songs about flowers.
5. Being cool in the traditional sense.
6. Sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards.
7. Simultaneous extreme opposites.
8. A narrow escape from a war-torn country.
9. A story collector.
10. How to listen to someone who does not talk.
11. Falling in love with a painting.
12. Falling in love with a song.
13. Falling in love.

Review: I fell into this book. From the moment I started reading, I had difficulty putting it down. David Arnold has true talent at engaging readers in a thought-provoking story in which the characters have great depth. The allusions to The Outsiders will not be lost on readers. This group of kids captured my heart just like the kids within the classic. Comparing the two stories is interesting, but this book explores very different issues, and I appreciated that the author didn’t seem to intentionally align the texts too much.

The point-of-view alternates between two characters, Vic and Mad. Vic has Moebius Syndrome, which causes partial facial paralysis. He is grieving the loss of his father and struggling to come to terms with his mother’s new relationship (and the mean-spirited step-brothers that come along with this). Mad is a tortured soul—dedicated to her grandmother but struggling with the losses of her parents and a very difficult situation (no spoilers here). The other members of the crew, who don’t have their own narrative sections but whose voices are very powerful, have individual struggles that weigh on them. This group of kids finds solace in each other, and the dynamic between them is unforgettable.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: I’d love to include this book in a group of literature circle books that all reflect disability. I think it would be particularly interesting to explore the intersections between friendship and disability. Students might examine and conceptualize their definitions of normal. The ALAN Review‘s Fall 2016 issue is about (Re)Defining Normal, and many of the articles would be very useful for this very topic.

Discussion Questions: What struggles do each of the characters face? How does each cope with these struggles in different ways?; How does Vic’s disability impact his interactions with others? How do others (strangers and other characters) respond to him?; What power does friendship have? How do each of these characters from different backgrounds come together, and why?; What is the role of Baz’s book? Why is it important to the story?

We Flagged: “‘We are all part of the same story, each of us different chapters. We may not have the power to choose setting or plot, but we can choose what kind of character we want to be'” (p. 104).

*This excerpt was taken from an advanced reader copy. The quote may change after the book is published.*

Read This If You Loved: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Martyn Pig by Kevin Brooks, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

Recommended For:

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on Ricki’s Fall TBR List

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Books on Ricki’s Fall TBR List

I should add that I’ve already read some incredible ARCs that will be released this fall. For the purposes of this list, I am including books that I haven’t read yet!

1. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

I love Nicola Yoon, so I am thrilled that this book is coming out. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

2. What Light by Jay Asher

I am intrigued by this book, which seems like a complicated love story. It looks like there may be a twist. I am excited to see Jay Asher has this solo novel coming out! I am sure that it will be very popular.

3. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

I just started listening to this book in the car. It is very dark, and I am interested to see where it goes.

4. Wirewalker by Mary Lou Hall

Ever since I received this book in the mail, I have been excited to read it. I had a few other projects to attend to first, but I think I will be reading it within the next few weeks, for sure!

5. Still Life in Tornado by A.S. King

To put it simply, A.S. King makes me very happy. Her books never disappoint in their cleverness. I am excited to read this one.

6. We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

I just about leaped for joy when I saw this third book in the picture book series is coming out soon.

7. Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

I absolutely loved Niven’s last book, so I will most certainly be reading this one.

8. My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

I will be reading this book in bright daylight. I am worried it will be scary, but I am so excited to read it.

9. It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt

I have heard this book is quite good, so it is at the top of my list!

10. Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel

Kenneth Oppel, I will read anything you write. Because every book has been incredible.

What books are on your Fall TBR list?

Top Ten Tuesday: Audiobooks We Love

September 20, 2016 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Ten Audiobooks We Love

Ricki

I am very picky about my audiobooks. In fact, I think I could recommend more books that don’t work well on audio than ones that do. That said, there is something remarkable about a book that works well as an audiobook. Often I think I’d prefer the audio over the print version for these texts. Below are five texts that made my ears sing. I’d recommend each of them highly.

1. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I can’t stop including it on my lists! I simply loved the audio and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a really great listen.

2. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This is the first adult book that I enjoyed on audio. The reader is fantastic. I was crying in my car while sitting in my garage through half of the book.

3. Knockout Games by G. Neri

When I think about this book, I remember physically cringing as I listened to several sections. The audio is fast paced, and I liked the narrator a lot.

4. All American Boys by Brendan Kiely

Both narrators are absolutely fantastic. I am so glad that I listened to this book. I wish I could relive it and listen to it for the very first time again.

5. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

This book is slower paced than the others listed above. It is a classic I always wanted to read. It took me several months to get through it (23 discs, I believe), but it was well worth it. East of Eden is quite an epic, and I recommend it highly.

Kellee

These audiobooks are the trifecta: great production, wonderful narrator(s), and an amazing story! You’ll also notice that they are all series because I couldn’t stop listening to them!

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Jim Dale is a brilliant narrator. I read the Harry Potter books first, but before book #7 came out, I wanted to reread, and I decided to listen. Man, am I glad I did! The only issue is that now I can’t listen to Jim Dale read anything else because all I hear is Harry.

2. Matt Cruse Series by Kenneth Oppel

This series is epic, and I think the full cast production of it really brings it to life! If you like unique ideas with epic plot twists and well-developed characters, you shouldn’t miss this series!

3. Curse Workers series by Holly Black

I loved Jesse Eisenberg’s production of this series. His voice was perfect for the tone and mood of the novels and Cassel’s personality. Another book with a very unique concept and strong characters!

4. The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series by Caroline Carlson

You all know I love this series because as I was listening to it, I couldn’t stop raving about it! Katherine Kellgren is brilliant! She does amazing voices and just brings the book to life!

5. Nate series by Tim Federle

These books are narrated by the author, and I don’t think they would have been as good any other way. Because Nate is from Tim’s imagination, Tim’s voice just perfectly fits the story.

Which audiobooks did you love?

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Shy by Deborah Freedman

September 15, 2016 by Ricki

Shy
Author and Illustrator: Deborah Freedman
Published: September 27, 2016 by Viking

Summary: Shy loves birds. He’d love to watch them fly and hear them sing, but he’s only ever read about them in books. . .until a real bird comes along. He’s dying to meet her, but there’s just one problem: Shy is, well, shy–so shy, in fact, that he’s afraid to leave the gutter of the book. Can Shy overcome his fears and venture out onto the page?

This sweetly relatable picture book from the acclaimed Deborah Freedman speaks to every child who’s ever felt like hiding instead of facing the daunting world.

Ricki’s Review: I have read this book dozens and dozens of times with my son. He absolutely loves the story. When my husband walked him upstairs to bed the night after we got the book, he didn’t even make it to the top of the stairs before he requested his reading choices for the night, “Race car books and Shy, please.” The book features a character who is Shy and who is unable to say hello to a yellow bird. I won’t give anything away, but this is a book that will teach many lessons to readers (and not just the shy ones!). It’s a daunting, scary world out there, and all kids will be fearful in situations. This book teaches lessons of courage and friendship. This stunningly beautiful book captured my attention from the start, and I immediately shared it with colleagues.

Kellee’s Review: Deborah Freedman can do no wrong. Her ability to illustrate differently depending on the story and her ability to tell such a wide variety of stories just moves her to an all-star level. In Shy, Freedman tells us a story of Shy who could represent any kid who fears doing something. His story helps kids who may feel like him go through his journey of facing his fears. I also love that books are such a large part of Shy’s life and really help him with the real world.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Teachers might have students analyze the way shyness is portrayed in this book. They can examine the wording, mood, etc. Then, as a class or in small groups, they might pick a different emotion to portray. They could create and publish their own creations. Then, they might compare and contrast the way the emotion shapes the text as a whole.

Discussion Questions: When is a time that you felt shy? Did you gain the courage to be brave? What happened to the bird when Shy wasn’t brave?; It isn’t until later in the book that we know what kind of animal Shy is. Why do you think the author structured the story this way? What does it add to your reading?

Flagged Passage: “But Shy didn’t know how to talk to a bird. What if he stuttered? What if he blushed? What if–“

Read This If You Loved: Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman, Little Tree by Loren Long, Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae, Say Hello by Jack Foreman, The Cloud by Hannah Cumming, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, By Mouse & Frog by Deborah Freedman

Recommended For:

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Top Ten Tuesday: Ten ALL TIME Favorite Sci-Fi Books

September 13, 2016 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Ten ALL TIME Favorite Sci-Fi Books

Ricki

I am not a crazy avid sci fi reader. I read maybe 15 science fiction books per year because there are other genres I simply enjoy more. That said, these books are among my favorites of all time (of any genre!).

1. 1984 by George Orwell

I absolutely loved teaching this book. I requested that my department order it because I knew it would be fantastic for discussions. To this day (four years after I finished teaching high school), students still email me about it!

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I know. It’s a predictable book on the list, but I would be remiss if I didn’t include it. This series has led to a lot of critical discourse and conversations, and I am grateful that it exists.

3. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I read this book in eighth grade, and I still think about it often. The writing is accessible to people of all levels, and it really makes me think about life and humanity.

4. Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This is yet another book that makes readers truly contemplate humanity. I think it is a particularly great book to examine the way some people in society perceive certain populations to be inferior.

5. Ashfall by Mike Mullin

This isn’t my favorite cover, but the book is phenomenal. I loved how it taught me about supervolcanoes–something I knew nothing about! I highly recommend this book if you missed it.

Kellee

I love sci-fi! It may be my favorite genre. Mostly because there are so many different types of sci-fi, so it is such a variety. There is dystopian, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, near future sci fi, James Bond-esque sci fi, etc.

1. The Giver (and its sequels) by Lois Lowry

My favorite BOOK of all time, much less of the sci-fi genre. I recently wrote my reading autobiography to share with my students as they wrote theirs, and this is what I wrote about The Giver: “It was during middle school that I also was exposed to the book that is still my favorite book. The Giver by Lois Lowry takes the reader into a future that was furthest from what I ever wanted to experience: no colors, no books, no music, no choice, no love, no feelings, nothing. This book was an ah-ha moment for me. It made me realize that the life that I had the honor of living was far superior to other options that are out there. It made me appreciate art and music and books and love even more than I had before.”

2. Life As We Knew It (and its sequels) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This is the first apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic book that scared me when I read it. The premise is something that seems so realistic and could happen, and the follow up is just terrifying!

3. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Ricki shared The Hunger Games, and I just had to share Divergent. When I read The Hunger Games I was blown away by the violent dystopian society, but the Divergent series really took it to the next level for me. I think it might have been the realism of it taking place in Chicago? Or that I understand Tris more than Katniss? But whatever it was, I really connected to The Divergent series.

4. Heir Apparent by Vivan Vande Velde

I included this on the list vs. some other favorites because it is a book that I don’t often hear about, and I think it is such a cool premise and all of my students that read it are just enthralled in it.

5. The Knife of Never Letting Go (and its sequels) by Patrick Ness

The Chaos Walking series is just brilliant. Serious. Brilliant. Read it if you haven’t.

Which science fiction books are your favorite?

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