Patrick's comments (member since Feb 02, 2009)

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

I nominate "Holes" by Louis Sachar. The relationship between Stanley and Hector or "Zero" is on that is one that will teach the reader that being nice to others can lead to success as well as great friendship. There are countless examples in this novel that will leave the reader feeling good about helping others. Good for grades 4th-6th

I nominate " There's a Wocket, in my Pocket" by Dr. Seuss. This one will be sure to have the children laughing as it's always fun to enjoy a rhyming book. It is a perfect book for a fun read aloud. Perfect for 1st of 2nd graders!

I nominate "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

This book offers moral support for students who stand up for something they believe in or are loyal to. Sometimes, it's hard for children to stand up to someone who has more say than them. This book ranges from 4th to 6th grade

I nominate "Becky and the Worrying Cup: A Children's Book about a Parents Cancer". This book is good for students who's lives have been affected by a parent being diagnosed with Cancer. It is a way to reach them and help them cope with the situation.

I nominate, "Bridge to Terabitha" written by Katherine Paterson. This book is a great adventure for students to read and offer many fictional character/things that will spark their imagination. Targeting grades 3 through 6

I nominate "Tar Beach" by Faith Ringgold. This is the touchy story of a girl who sits on a roof in Harlem and imagines flying and fixing everything thats wrong in the city. It expresses hard times that children in Harlem may encounter. It is meant for K-2 readers.

I nominate, "Berenstein Bears: Don't Pollute (Anymore). This book is targeted for K-4 children and stresses the importance of keeping the Earth clean. Once children read this, they can understand what to do and not do to keep our Earth the way it should be. Not to mention, The Berenstein Bears collection is popular amongst children of all ages.

I nominate "Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook" by Georgeanne Brennan. This is a fun, and easy way for children to learn to cook. Also, it was inspired by Dr. Suess and almost all children are familiar with and can't get enough of him. It also it is humorous which allows the children to be creative.

I nominate, "My Friend Rabbit" by Eric Rohmann. This book was given the Caldecott Medal and is meant for younger ages. It is a fast moving story of 2 friend, Mouse and Rabbit, who keep getting into trouble. This one the kids are sure to love.

This award goes to the best book that gives human characteristics to animals. Any animal can be used as long as it portrays some similarity to one human trait. For example, the animal can talk, walk, act, or resemble a human. They should play a large role in the story and can be the protagonist, or the antagonist.

These characters are important in developing the creativity of children. "The characters contain the crucial human link, the element of human density, for the reader to identify with." Along with that, the character should be someone that touches the child and excites them to read.

I hope everyone has fun using personification as they nominate!

Nominations due by 3/05/09

Fletcher, Ralph. (1993). What a writer needs. Portsmouth, New Hampshire:
Heinemann