November 2014 – Page 3 – Unleashing Readers

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/10/14

July 27, 2015November 10, 2014 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…you just might discover the next “must-read” book!

Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join us! We love this meme and think you will, too.

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Congratulations to
LINDA B.
for winning set of The Worst Witch series

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Books We Want To Reread

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: I am actually in the middle of four books!!! But I have not finished any of them (I’ll tell you more about them below). I did finish Dragons Beware! by Juan Aguirre which is just as good as the first! I cannot wait for it to come out, so I can buy it for my classroom. I also read Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin which I am definitely going to feature on one of my library posts. It was very good!

With Trent, all 3 new books we read this week were quite good. First, we read The Listening Walk by Paul Showers which had so many fun onomatopoeias! I’ll post about this one in a library post as well, but I will say now: If you teach elementary, get this one and do some listening walks with your kids! Trent and I also read Waddle! and Swing! by Rufus Butler Seder. These books have scanimation illustrations which are so much fun! Great reading with the boy!

Ricki: This week, I read a book that I am book-talking at the ALAN Workshop: Stone Cove Island by Suzanne Myers. This page-turner is reminiscent of a classic text taught in many schools. I can’t share which text—because it would spoil a plot twist. I also read Snowman’s Story by Will Hillenbrand. Henry and I started several books, but he wasn’t in the mood to read anything other than ye ol’ Goodnight Moon. Henry and I enjoyed the CT Children’s Book Fair this weekend. We met several characters like Llama Llama, Pokey, and Clifford (to name a few). We also were fortunate to speak with Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic. She is awesome!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am currently reading Amulet 6 by Kazu Kibuishi, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul by Jeff Kinney, Mira’s Diary: Bombs Over London by Marissa Moss, and Ares by George O’Conner. All are super good (in very different ways)! I hope to finish some of them this week (although I am focused on getting ready for NCTE/ALAN which is creeping up super quickly!).

Ricki: I am still reading Lynn Atkinson Smolen and Ruth A. Oswald’s Multicultural Literature and Response: Affirming Diverse Voices. This is my last PD text for my independent study. I’ll be wrapping a new picture book for every day of December (leading up until Christmas). Henry and I will read a new book every night. Luckily, I don’t need to go broke doing this. My friend, Wendy Glenn, gave me a bunch!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Characters We Wish Would Get Their OWN Book

Friday: Snowman’s Story Blog Tour

So, what are you reading?

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!

and

You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang

November 9, 2014November 7, 2014 by Kellee

You Are (Not) Small
Author: Anna Kang
Illustrator: Christopher Weyant
Published August 5th, 2014 by Two Lions

Goodreads Summary: Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all. The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of New Yorkercartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size–it all depends on who’s standing next to you.

About the Author and Illustrator: You Are (Not) Small is the first collaboration of this talented husband-and-wife team. Anna’s childhood experience growing up in a town where she and her family were one of the few Asians was an instrumental part of the inspiration for the book. Of this experience, Anna says, “I eventually learned that how you saw others—and yourself—largely depended on your personal experience and your community, which shapes your perspective.” Christopher adds, “When I was growing up, I was always the second smallest in my class so this story is near and dear to me. I learned the valuable lesson that there are good things about being small, there’s always someone taller, and humor is a wonderful way to handle/celebrate our differences.”

Christopher Weyant’s work has been published worldwide in books, newspapers, magazines, and online. His cartoons are in permanent collection at The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. Anna Kang received her MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. You Are (Not) Small is their first children’s book; they are currently at work on a sequel. They live with their children in New Jersey.

Kellee’s Review: I love these little monsters! They are so persistent and determined! And what makes this book even better is the the colorful, thick-lined illustrations. They are very eye catching. As much as I love these little (tiny? big? giant?) creatures, kids will love them even more and will be surprised by the twist towards the end of the book.

Ricki’s Review: With my husband’s and my genetics, my son is destined to be short. I was always the shortest student in my classes, and this story would have made me feel a lot better as a child! I value books that teach children to celebrate their differences and to feel comfortable with themselves. This would also be a great book to prevent bullying. The confidence of these characters is admirable, and they make great role models. This would be a fantastic read-aloud.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This fun, seemingly simple book is more than it seems! It gives amazing opportunities to talk about perspectives, adjectives, and interjections. The creatures could also easily be compared and contrasted. It is a great introduction to all of these concepts.

A downloadable classroom guide is also available through Amazon.

Discussion Questions: Which of the monsters do you think is big? Which do you think is small?; What other adjectives could you use to describe the ___ monster?

We Flagged:

Read This If You Loved: Big Bug by Henry Cole, Horns to Toes by Sandra Boynton, Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae, Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea, The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail by Maureen Stolar Kanefield

Recommended For:

and

**Thank you to Deborah Bass for providing these books for review.**

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin (Kellee’s Review)

April 15, 2015November 6, 2014 by Kellee

Rain Reign
Author: Ann M. Martin
Published October 7th, 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

Goodreads Summary: In her most powerful novel yet, Newbery Honor author Ann M. Martin tells the story of girl with mental/emotional challenges and the dog she loves.

Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.

Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.

Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.

My Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: If you have read A Corner of the Universe, you know what an emotionally-charged author Ann M. Martin can be, and she once again tells a heart-wrenching story with a voice that will not leave your head. In Rain Reign, Martin tackles Rose’s story. Rose is such a true character. A brilliant young girl with OCD and Asperger’s syndrome who is obsessed by homonyms. She is a girl that is so unique and intriguing. As a teacher, I very much connected with her and how I would nurture her gifts within my classroom; however, I also saw the challenges that Rose faces as well.

What makes this book truly stand out is the first person point of view. You, as the reader, are in Rose’s mind and living her life. You experience the neglect of her father, the love of Reign, the obsessiveness, the homonyms, the outbursts, and the support of her uncle. Because I was IN her life, I just couldn’t put down the book. I had to know that Rose and Rain were going to be okay.

As a teacher, I want kids to read this book because they will fall in love with Rose and Rain. Through this love, they will build empathy in their hearts because they will just want to know that Rose and Rain will be okay.

Ricki’s Review: Check out Ricki’s Review here!

Discussion Questions: How do you feel about Rose’s dad?; Can you think of homonyms that weren’t mentioned in the book?; Do you think it was right of Rose’s dad to take Rain?; How would you feel if your dog disappeared?

We Flagged: “I’m going to tell you a story. It’s a true story, which makes it a piece of nonfiction.

This is how you tell a story: First you introduce the main character. I’m writing this story about me, so I am the main character.

My first name has a homonym, and I gave my dog a homonym name too. Her name is Rain, which is special because it has two homonyms–rein and reign. I will write more about Rain in Chapter Two. Chapter Two will be called “My Dog, Rain (Rein, Reign).”

Something important about the word write is that is has three homonyms–right, rite, and wright. That’s the only group of four homonyms I’ve thought of. If I ever thing of another four-homonym group, it will be a red-letter day.” (Chapter One)

Read This If You Loved: Rules by Cynthia Lord, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper, Each Kindness by Jaqueline Woodson

Recommended For:

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

November 5, 2014 by Kellee

Nonfiction Picture Book 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!

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla
Author: Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Published October 7th, 2014 by Clarion Books

Goodreads Summary: In a spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, the Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate and the artist G. Brian Karas present the extraordinary real story of a special gorilla.

Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact.

This is his true story and includes photographs of Ivan in the back matter

My Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Anyone who knows me knows that I adore apes (see my Nerdy Book Club Top Ten Ape books and my Hurt Go Happy interview with Ginny Rorby as well as my Hurt Go Happy, Primates, and Endangered reviews). They are such fascinating creatures. I enjoy reading about them and am a true advocate for their care here on Earth. This book is just another supporting document in the beauty, intelligence, and awesomeness of these creatures. Katherine Applegate has written a perfect companion to her Newbery winning One and Only Ivan which takes the reader into Ivan’s life and once again makes our heart break for him. It is written in verse with words that transport you into Ivan’s life. This book made me cry because of the power of the words, but more importantly, the power of Ivan’s story. Please read this. You will thank me (and curse Katherine Applegate for the tears).

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The best way for this book to be used in the classroom is in conjunction with The One and Only Ivan or other books about animals in captivity or apes. It will start lots of conversation and is a wonderful introduction into empathy for all living things.

Discussion Questions: Why was it wrong for the poachers to take Ivan?; Do you think wild animals should be allowed to be pets?; How do you think Ivan felt when he went to Atlanta?

We Flagged:

Read This If You Loved: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby, Endangered and Threatened by Eliot Shrefer, Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya, Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell, Primates by Jim Ottaviani, Little Beauty by Anthony Browne, Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel

Recommended For:

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Want to Reread

November 4, 2014 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: Top Ten Books We Want to Reread

We’d love to reread these books because they were incredible!

Ricki

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I could read this book a thousand times and never get tired of it. I last read it over a year ago, and I am antsy to read it again.

2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

This is one of my favorite books. I haven’t read it in a few years, and I would love to get lost between the pages again.

3. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

This is one of my favorite classics. I have a beautiful, illustrated, vintage version that I would love to read.

4. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

I haven’t read this book since I was very young. I bought a version and want to reread it again as an adult.

5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Along the same lines, I’d love to reread this classic I enjoyed as a young girl

Kellee

1. The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry

My favorite. I love to read it over and over and over.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians then The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Despite what The New Yorker says, I love Percy Jackson! I read all of the original series and then the first of the Heroes of Olympus series, but I haven’t read the rest! So, I’d love to reread them all and then continue the series.

3. Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I never read the final book in this series, so I would love to reread and finish.

4. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz

Stormbreaker is one of my go-to book talk books because it is such a fun series, and I would truly enjoy living Alex’s adventures with him again.

5. The first book of so many series that I have not finished

I have so, so, so many series that I have started and not finished, and it has been too long to just jump into book 2 or 3. This means there are a lot of Book 1 of series that I need to reread.

Which books would you reread?

and

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/3/14

July 27, 2015November 3, 2014 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Congratulations to
TRACY B.
for winning a set of Maggie and Bramble series

Congratulations to
CRISTEN K.
for winning a copy of The Shadow Lattern

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Characters Who We Would Love To Be For Halloween

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: This week was a great week! Halloween is so much more fun when you have a child!! Trent was one adorable dinosaur (and bee, pumpkin, and penguin over the last couple of weeks). Trent and I also read a fun Halloween themed book: Five Black Cats by Patricia Hegarty. It has great rhythm which made is so much fun to read.

I also was able to reading Mira’s Diary 2: Home Sweet Rome by Marissa Moss. I am a fan of these books because it teaches history while taking the reader on an amazing adventure. I have now started the 3rd one.

Ricki: I agree with Kellee. My little giraffe had an awesome Halloween, too! We read an awesome, new book by Oliver Jeffers called Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters. This book was great fun. I love Oliver Jeffers’ quirky sense of humor. I will post a full review soon! We also laughed with Bob Shea’s Don’t Play with your Food (Thanks for the recommendation, Carrie!). I highly recommend both of these picture books. I finished reading Mingshui Cai’s Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults: Reflections on Critical Issues. This was a very interesting text that addressed many of the ongoing debates about multicultural literature. It made me think a lot—and thinking is a good thing!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: Like I said above, I am now reading the 3rd Mira’s Diary book which takes place in London. So far, so good! With Trent we are working our way through a Sesame Street box set of board books. So far we’ve read Zoe’s Gift and Grover’s Opposites and they are pretty cute books that serve a specific purpose. Will be good for teaching lessons later in Trent’s life.

Ricki: This week, I plan to read Goodnight Moon seven more times, based on my son’s demands. We will also read some great picture books. I let him pick, so I can’t predict those titles for you. I am in the middle of Suzanne Myers’ Stone Cove Island and really enjoying it. Lastly, I am reading Lynn Atkinson Smolen and Ruth A Oswald’s Multicultural Literature and Response: Affirming Diverse Voices. This should be my last, long PD text for the semester’s independent study. Then, I am off to start writing my literature review for my dissertation—ahh!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Books We Want To Reread

So, what are you reading?

and