Ericajean's comments (member since Jan 29, 2009)

Ericajean's comments from the Spring 09 LLED, Altoona group.

Date: March 25, 2009
Elise Broach
P.O. Box 613
Monroe, CT 06468
Dear Elise Broach:
My name is Erica Rumberger and I am currently attending the Pennsylvania State University pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. In my language and literacy block (LLED), each student was asked to create a children’s literature award that would be mailed to the winning author. As time passed, each student was asked to nominate one book for each person’s award. After receiving all of the books that people nominated, it was then my decision to pick a winner for my award.
I named my award the Sibling Addition Award and the requirements for the award are as followed: Have you read a children's book with an incredible story line about a big brother or big sister? This award will go to the book that demonstrates how an only child transitions into a big brother or big sister. It may be a child with some experience being a big brother or big sister but it must include a reference to the fact that they were an only child. It is required that the book be a picture book and be geared towards children in kindergarten through sixth grade. It is open to fiction, non-fiction, et cetera. Books for emergent through fluent readers are welcome. "A model is a standard of excellence to be imitated" (Cramer 168). A big brother or big sister is without a doubt a role model for their younger siblings. Cramer is ultimately talking about literature and writing but modeling can refer to a wide range of things. The Sibling Addition Award will go to the book with the best big brother or big sister; making sure to show the transition from an only child to a big brother/big sister.
I ultimately made this award for my younger siblings. First, for my younger brother who passed away in 2005 and then for my newest little sister who was just born this past Halloween (21 years after me). The reason this award is so important to me is because I know what it is like to have a new sibling. I especially know of the sibling rivalries as well as the jealously that occurs when one is no longer an only child. My brother and I fought constantly growing up but I would not have changed it, all the same.
I chose your book What the No-Good Baby is Good For to receive my award. I feel that it can relate to many children who go through the transition from only child to being an older brother or sister. John wants his sister gone so bad that when Mom finally agrees to send her away, he realizes that he would miss her being around. The use of repetition in this book helps to convey meaning. Mom keeps reinforcing the fact that the No-Good Baby is good for something after John realizes that something. As stated in Taberski (2000), “When language patterns are repeated and text structures are predictable, a child can participate more fully in the book and proceed more confidently” (p. 139). When students can familiarize themselves with a text, it will become much more meaningful. I chose your book because it met all of my criteria and would serve as a great example for siblings of all ages.
The nominator, Shawn Cunningham will be accepting the award on your behalf at our award ceremony. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Erica Rumberger

I nominate the Berenstain Bears and the Truth for the Best Moral Award. These books introduce a variety of morals in a kid-friendly way. Very easy read with bright pictures. Brother and sister learn to tell the truth after they get tangled in a lie. “No matter how you hope, No matter how you try, You can’t make truth, Out of a lie.”

I nominate Doo-Wop Pop by Roni Schotter for the The Hooper Humperdink Award for Best Use of Inventive or Unusual Language Award. This book could be used not only to introduce some form music; it can be used also for African American history. A janitor takes time to help a couple shy students gain their voice. Enough rhyming to catch one’s attention but not so that it overpowers the story. Be-boopa Bold! Awesome imagery.

I nominate Big Bad Wolf is Good by Simon Puttock for the Best Personification Award. The big bad wolf is an icon for many children and because they know of him, they would be most interested to pick up a book in which he is in. He tries everything to make friends and no one will listen to him because they are afraid of him. They slam the door in his face until he gets to ducks house. At first, she believes he ate her duckling but when he rescues him and takes him home, she finally lets him in for tea.

I nominate The Surrender Tree: Poem’s of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom. This Newbery Honor and Pura Belpre Award Winner is a great resource in understanding Cuba’s struggle for freedom. Cuba has spent a lot of time in our media headlines, which makes this book appropriate. Although not written directly for children 2nd to 3rd grade, a wise teacher could creatively incorporate it into a lesson.

I nominate Franklin’s Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois for the I Love You Award. Valentine’s Day is a universal symbol of love, which is passed on by the giving of Valentine’s Day cards. Franklin prepares cards for his friends, which ultimately end up ruined after falling in a mud-puddle. When Franklin discovers he has no valentines to give, he gets very upset until he realizes his friends understand. On his own, he makes new cards and declares that they are for “friendship day,” making sure they know it can be any day they want it to be. This book not only demonstrates friendship but also shows a strong moral. The pictures are brilliantly done and children will connect with this very cute story.

I nominate American Grub: Eats for Kids from all Fifty States. This fully packed book explores each state and chooses a recipe unique to that state. It includes background information, the recipe, as well as interesting facts. Pictures and colors are appropriate because they do not overpower the pages. I love it!

I nominate Kathy’s Hats: A Story of Hope by Trudy Krisher for the The Hope Award for Children Touched By Cancer Award. Many cancer patients are uncomfortable with losing their hair and cover their heads with hats for security. When a little girl began feeling different and embarrassed, her mother suggested putting on her “thinking cap”, which was most important of all. In the end, her classmates make her feel more comfortable by wearing hats until they all, including her, throw them into the air. Simple illustrations.

I nominate Earth Day—Hooray by Stuart J. Murphy. This story takes a realistic approach to recycling while still making it fun for children. When children begin picking up cans in a park to recycle to buy flowers for the park, they begin inviting others to do the same. This book would be great if teaching a math lesson because it allows children to add and see how math is useful in everyday activities. Friendly pictures make it a great read.

I nominate Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford. All I have to say is, WOW! This story is amazing. Winner of the Corretta Scott King Award and Caldecott Honor, this book follows Harriet on her path to freedom. Although God is a major source in the book, it shows her faith and plays a very important role in the story. She uses God as her guide and after she finds her own freedom, she risks her life to save others. This is very important in the African American culture. Pictures and text; Outstanding.

I nominate My Momma Likes to Say by Denise Brennan-Nelson for the Reading is Fun, While Enjoying Some Sun Award. This book is full of commonly used expressions that we would consider cliché. Each page can work independently of each other but can also work together. First, it takes a cliché like, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” and turns it into a rhyme of what a child may think it means. The illustrations coincide with the children’s thoughts and not the actual meaning. What makes the book even better is that in the corners, it describes each phrase in detail with facts. This book could serve very useful!

I nominate Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven for the Here You Go Award. What makes this story so powerful is the fact that it is based on a true story. During the Berlin Airlift, Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen supplied the children of West Berlin with chocolate and candy, hence the name the Chocolate Pilot. It is a really amazing story that gave the people of West Berlin hope during the blockade put into motion by Josef Stalin to block food, clothing, electricity, et cetera. Without the generosity of American and British Airplanes and support, some 2.2 million people would die. This book goes beyond showing how someone can do something that truly impacts someone else’s life in a positive way. The illustrations are very vivid and colorful giving the story an appealing look.

I nominate Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky for the Is That Elvis?! Award. This is one of my childhood favorites. Although, this version is slightly different in the sense that Rumpelstiltskin does not rip himself into two in the end, it would make for a better classroom story without the violence. A miller’s daughter is told to spin straw into gold and weeps until she is offered help from a tiny man who demands things in return. In the end, she outwits the little man and lives happily ever after. Illustrations go well with the story.

Have you read a children's book with an incredible story line about a big brother or big sister? This award will go to the book that demonstrates how an only child transitions into a big brother or big sister. It may be a child with some experience being a big brother or big sister but it must include a reference to the fact that they were an only child. It is required that the book be a picture book and be geared towards children in kindergarten through sixth grade. It is open to fiction, non-fiction, et cetera. Books for emergent through fluent readers are welcome.

"A model is a standard of excellence to be imitated" (Cramer 168). A big brother or big sister is without a doubt a role model for their younger siblings. Cramer is ultimately talking about literature and writing but modeling can refer to a wide range of things. The Sibling Addition Award will go to the book with the best big brother or big sister; making sure to show the transition from an only child to a big brother/big sister.

The deadline for nominations for this award is March 5, 2009.

This award will be dedicated to my two younger siblings. My brother who passed away in 2005 and my newest little sister who was born in 2008 (21 years after me).

Resource: Cramer, Ronald L. Creative Power: The Nature and Nurture of Children's Writing. New York: Allyn., 2001.