Unleashing Readers

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas by Lynne Cox

November 19, 2014November 19, 2014 by Ricki

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!

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas
Author: Lynne Cox
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Published May 13, 2014 by Schwartz & Wade

GoodReads Summary: World-renowned swimmer and bestselling author Lynne Cox and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Floca team up to bring us this inspiring story of an elephant seal who knew exactly where she belonged.

Here is the incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again—each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away—but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home.

Includes back matter with information about elephant seals.

My Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: I had never heard of this delightful elephant seal, and I was fascinated by this charming story. Lynne Cox excellently depicts this real-life seal who traveled hundreds of miles to return home. Floca’s illustrations are equally engaging, and children will be drawn to the beautiful details in this book. Readers will learn lessons of dogged determination and friendship. They will be spellbound by Elizabeth’s story and will long to learn more about elephant seals and New Zealand after reading this book. It would make a great pairing with a marine unit because of its connections to wildlife. Elizabeth is excellently personified, and children will feel connected to her.

Discussion Questions: How does Elizabeth show determination? How might you show determination in your own lives?; How does the author personify Elizabeth? Did you feel connected to her? How would the story be different if the author allowed Elizabeth to talk? Would you like the story more or less?

We Flagged: “Moving up the shore like a giant inchworm, she’d stretch herself out on the long, cool grass and take a nap in the bright sunshine.”

Read This If You Loved: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Ivan: The Remarkable Ture Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

Recommended For:

Top Ten Tuesday: Topics We’d Like to See More in Picture Books

November 18, 2014November 18, 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 Topics We’d Like to See More in Picture Books

Sorry—we went rogue on today’s top ten topic. We would love to read more about these topics, particularly as moms.

Ricki

1. Race/Ethnicity

I believe children should learn to appreciate different races and ethnicities at an early age. #weneeddiversebooks

2. Bullying

I don’t think we can have enough books about bullying. I would particularly like to read more books that discuss the bystanders of bullying.

3. Grief

There are some phenomenal books about grief, but I know parents and teachers would appreciate more books to guide children through difficult times.

4. Varied Types of Families

Too many picture books portray traditional families. I am always excited to read books like And Tango Makes Three that show the various, loving families that exist.

5. Books that Promote Reading

I tend to fall in love with any book that shows how cool and fun reading can be.

Kellee

Ah! Ricki stole all mine! That’s what I get for writing the post after her…

1. Penguins living in the South Pole not with polar bears or Santa AND apes being called apes, not monkeys

These are two pet peeves, and I would love if they would stop happening.

2. A variety of animals, not just the same ones over and over

Some of my favorite animal picture books I’ve read are favorites because they discuss a variety of animals, not just the same ones as Old McDonald has on his farm over and over.

3. School and learning

I would love to see school be portrayed as a positive place and learning as a the amazing thing it is.

4. Imagination

I love books like The Most Magnificent Thing and The Dot because of how much they promote imagination. Too often kids are losing that imagination time because of technology, so I would love to see more books talk about the importance of imagination.

5. Empathy

I know that this is very similar to Ricki’s bullying, but it is wider and deeper than just bullying. I want to discuss with kids how to be empathetic, how to not judge, how to want to help, how to be a good person, etc.

Which topics would you like to read more about in picture books?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/17/14

July 27, 2015November 17, 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.

Last Week’s Posts

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

Friday: Snowman’s Story Blog Tour

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

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: I was able to finish 2 of the 4 books that I was reading last week: Ares by George O’Connor and Amulet: Escape from Lucien by Kazu Kibuishi. They were both SO GOOD! If anyone ever questioned the brilliance of graphic novels, they just need to pick up these series. I also was able to read Exquisite Corpse by Penelope Bagieu, an adult graphic novel from France, and it has a twist I DID NOT see coming. Overall, a wonderful graphic novel reading week!

With Trent we read three new books this week. They all were from my mom and quite good. First, Watch Me Hop! had animated illustrations and a nice rhyme scheme, I Love You When… was another sweet “I Love You” book, but the best was Bob the Dog by Rodrigo Folgueira which was quite funny and had great illustrations.

Ricki: I am thrilled to say that I finished my last professional development text for the semester! Yahoo! I read Lynn Atkinson Smolen and Ruth A. Oswald’s Multicultural Literature and Response: Affirming Diverse Voices. I particularly appreciated the chapters devoted to different races and ethnicities. For instance, I learned a lot about Appalachian literature. There is a lot of practical advice for teachers in this text. The last chapter provided a great overview of different multicultural awards, a conference, and outreach programs devoted to multicultural literature.

I also finished listening to Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. I’ve wanted to read this book since it came out many, many years ago. On a whim, I reserved the audiobook at the library. It was an excellent book to listen to, and I loved getting lost in the Dutch, 17th-century setting.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I had planned on reading The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney, but so many students wanted to read it, I couldn’t keep it any longer. Dylan F. is now reading it, and I have a 5+ name waiting list. One day I’ll get to read it 🙂 I am still reading Mira’s Diary: Bombs Over London and am about half way through. It is as good as the first two, but I just haven’t found as much time to read as I liked since I am working on getting ready for NCTE (I’m presenting with Cece Bell, Nathan Hale, Frank Cammuso, and Trevor Pryce!) and ALAN (I’m moderating the Walden Award panel!). I also have The Silver Six by AJ Lieberman, a new-to-me graphic novel, to read. I love being introduced to new GNs! I am not sure how much reading I’ll get done over the next two weeks because of the conference, so we’ll see!

Ricki: I am free! Free to be! I am excited to get back into my groove of reading young adult literature. I feel like the world is my oyster, and I am pumped to get started on a few YA ARCs that I’ve received this month. One I am particularly excited to read is Audacity by Melanie Crowder.

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Topics We’d Like to See More in Picture Books

Thursday: Henry and Ricki’s favorite PBs, 6-12 months

Friday: Trent and Kellee’s favorite PBs, 6-9 months

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!

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Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review!: Snowman’s Story by Will Hillenbrand

July 27, 2015November 14, 2014 by Kellee

Snowman’s Story
Author: Will Hillenbrand
Published November 18th, 2014 by Two Lions

Goodreads Summary: One wintry day, a hat lands on the head of a newly made snowman and brings him to life. Hiding inside the hat is a rabbit, who listens to the snowman read a story to some animal friends. When the snowman falls asleep, the rabbit hops away with the book. But the snowman isn’t about to let his story. or the mischievous rabbit, get away. The chase is on! Filled with charm and fun, this wordless picture book from a beloved illustrator lets kids tell their own version of the story, even as they delight in the action-filled pages.

About the Author: Will Hillenbrand has illustrated many beloved picture books, including Kiss the Cow by Phyllis Root; and Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep!, and Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze! by Maureen Wright. He has also written and illustrated a number of picture books, including Down by the Barn, the Bear and Mole series, and Mother Goose Picture Puzzles. Will enjoys visiting schools to talk about the creative process involved in making a picture book. He lives with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian, in Terrace Park, Ohio. For more information, visit his website: http://www.willhillenbrand.com

Our Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book whisks readers into the brisk, wintery setting that fill the pages. As a rabbit jumps into a snowman’s hat, he comes alive with all of the forest animals. Rabbit steals the a book from the animals which sets them all on the move—they must get that book back! Children will be able to create their own stories as they read this magical tale, and the great element of wordless books is that readers can change the story each time they read along. These picture books are great to inspire creativity—they honor the child’s voice and imagination. Teachers might consider using them as starting points for creative writing opportunities in the classroom.

Discussion Questions: Why do you think the author chose the animals he did?; In what ways does the author tell the story without using words?; Do you like wordless picture books? Why or why not?; Write your own narrative following Snowman’s Story‘s illustrations. In what ways could you change your story while still staying true to the illustrations?

Fun Stuff!

Coloring Sheet!

Help Snowman Find his Story (free downloadable game!)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/34oypcr4qhrqxx2/Snowman%22s%20Story%20Game.jpg?dl=0

Book Trailer:

Follow all the stops on the SNOWMAN’S STORY blog tour!

Mon, Nov 3	As They Grow Up	http://www.astheygrowup.com/
Tues, Nov 4	Cracking the Cover	http://www.crackingthecover.com/
Wed, Nov 5	Geo Librarian	http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com/
Thurs, Nov 6	5 Minutes for Books	http://www.5minutesformom.com/category/feature-columns/5-minutes-for-books/
Fri, Nov 7	Momma Drama	http://blogginmommadrama.blogspot.com/
Sat, Nov 8	Booking Mama	http://www.bookingmama.net/
Mon, Nov 10	Just a Little Creativity	http://www.justalittlecreativity.com/
Tues, Nov 11	Kid Lit Frenzy	http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/
Wed, Nov 12	Children’s Book Review	http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
Thurs, Nov 13	Displaced Yinzer	http://www.displacedyinzer.com/
Fri, Nov 14	Once Upon a Story	http://mariaburel.com/
	Unleashing Readers	http://www.unleashingreaders.com/

GIVEAWAY

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**Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for providing copies for review!**

Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina L. Brooks

November 13, 2014 by Ricki

Writing Great Books for Young Adults
Author: Regina L. Brooks
Published: October 7, 2014 by Sourcebooks

Summary from the Publisher:

From a top young adult literary agent, the only guide on how to write for young adults.

With an 87 percent increase in the number of young adult titles published in the last two years, the young adult market is one of the healthiest segments in the industry. Despite this fact, surprisingly little has been written to help authors hone their craft and truly connect with the young adult audience.

Writing Great Books for Young Adults gives writers all the advice they need to tap into this incredible and innovative market. Literary agent Regina L. Brooks shows writers how listening to young adults will help them create characters their audience can identify with.

Topics covered include meeting your protagonist, engaging your readers, trying on points of view, and many more.

Review: Regina clearly positions herself as an expert of the field of young adult literature. Her knowledge is very apparent in her tips to writers. Interestingly, I wouldn’t just recommend this book for adults looking to write for young adults. Her tips are very useful for student writers as well. She provides insider advice about the industry and gives step-by-step tips for writers. Beyond being very informative, I was pleased with the fact that this book made me want to drop everything and write! Teachers would find this to be a valuable guide for students with its informative and inspirational writing advice.

Read an Excerpt from the Publisher by Clicking Here!

About the Author: Regina L. Brooks is the founder of Serendipity Literary Agency and has been developing award-winning authors and books for over a decade. She has been highlighted in several national and international magazines and periodicals, including Poets and Writers, Essence, Writer’s Digest, and Sister2Sister,Forbes, Media Bistro, Ebony, and Jet. She lives in New York City.

Connect with Regina: @serendipitylit facebook.com/serendipitylit serendipitylit.com

Recommended for:

*Many thanks to Kathryn Lynch and Sourcebooks for providing this book for review.*

From Kellee’s (Huge) Library Pile Part Two | Julia’s House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke, Frances Dean Loves to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif, Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds, Quest by Aaron Becker, & Flight School by Lita Judge

July 5, 2016November 12, 2014 by Kellee

Because of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? posts, I find myself often with huge piles of picture books from the library that were highly recommended by fellow bloggers. I celebrate many of the nonfiction pictures books on Wednesdays, but I want to share some of the fiction picture books I have enjoyed. So, I decided to start series here on UR where I can pass on the love for these books sporadically as I read them. Here is a list of some great pictures books that I’ve read recently from my huge library pile (part 2!).

Julia’s House for Lost Creatures
Author: Ben Hatke
Published October 14th, 2014 by First Second Books

I am a huge fan of Zita the Spacegirl, and I was so happy to see that Ben Hatke had written a picture book. I truly enjoyed Julia’s House for Lost Creatures. The illustrations are so much fun, and the story was simple yet entertaining. Julia loves her new house, but she finds that she is lonely. So, she decides to open her home to any lost or lonely creatures that need a home. Soon, though, she finds that some rules need to be set up to ensure that her house runs smoothly.

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance
Author: Birgitta Sif
Published August 26th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

Birgitta Sif’s other book Oliver really stuck with me (about imagination and empathy), so when I was told about Frances Dean, I knew I had to read it. Frances Dean is a kindred spirit who finds true joy in dancing; however, she soon notices that others are judging her, so she stops. But she then realizes that if she doesn’t dance, she isn’t happy, so she embraces who she is. This book is about empowerment and not hiding one’s gift.

Memoirs of a Goldfish
Author: Devin Scillian
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Published April 1st, 2010 by Sleeping Bear Press

This picture book was wonderful! It chronicles the life of a goldfish as he deals with what ends up being a quite hectic life. The illustrations were beautiful, the fish has an amazing voice, I love the premise, the theme is universal, and it would prompt great writing activities. Love it!

Going Places
Authors: Peter and Paul Reynolds
Published March 18th, 2014 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Peter Reynolds has a way of making his readers feel empowered. When you finish his books, you want to go DO something. This book is no different. Going Places promotes thinking outside of the box and collaborating.

Quest
Author: Aaron Becker
Published August 26th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

Quest is a beautiful continuation of Journey. Aaron Becker starts where the first book left off, but Quest is as unique as Journey was. The kids we met in the first book are swept into an adventure to save a king who has armed them with the tools to save the kingdom. I read this book over and over again because there are so many different little nuances in this adventure that promotes creativity, imagination, and teamwork. To be honest, I almost like Quest better than journey because the kids work together.

Flight School
Author: Lita Judge
Published April 15th, 2014 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

I really enjoyed this little, quirky book! The poor penguin just wants to fly. More than anything in the world. So, he goes to a flight school that promises that they can teach any bird to fly. Though they try and try, the poor penguin just fails, but he never gives up! You cannot help but love this little penguin! In addition, the themes in this book (determination, friendship, positivity) are deeper than the funny text that accompany it.

What picture books should I add to my pile next?

Want to see Part One? You can view it HERE.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters We Wish Had Their OWN Books

November 11, 2014 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Top Ten Characters We Wish Had Their OWN Books

We loved these characters and think they deserve their own books!

Ricki

1. Alaska from Looking for Alaska by John Green

I would love to hear the story from her perspective. It would make a wonderful book.

2. Jasmine from Tyrell by Coe Booth

Jasmine always intrigues me, and I continually think about her. I would love for her to have her own book.

3. Sohrab from Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Sohrab is one of my favorite characters of all time. I wish I could read the story from his perspective.

4. Tom Robinson from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Wouldn’t the story be different if we heard Tom’s voice?

5. Any other character from We Were Liars by e. lockhart

I would love to see Cadence from another character’s perspective.

Kellee

I realized while making this list that I just really want to hear stories with male protagonists told from the female character’s point of view.

1. Hermoine from Harry Potter by JK Rowling

I would love to hear Hermoine’s voice.

2. Annabeth from Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

Annabeth is one of the many reasons why Percy survives so many crazy situations. I would love to hear her thoughts!

3. Sabina Pleasure from Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz

I would love to hear what she thinks about Alex and what she thinks about being lied to.

4. Margo Roth Spiegelman from Paper Towns by John Green

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear Margo’s true thoughts?

5. Lady Brett Ashley from The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway isn’t the best writer of female characters, so I would love to learn more about Lady Ashley and truly hear her voice.

Which characters do you think are worthy of their own books?

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