A different kind of choose your path book. In a choice chapter book, you are still the protagonist, but throughout there book thou are given choices a...moreA different kind of choose your path book. In a choice chapter book, you are still the protagonist, but throughout there book thou are given choices and you only continue when you choose the right one. Thus book definitely would be a great introduction to camping and takes the reader through some really realistic situations. Though a bit didactical, it definitely works in teaching safety- I even learned a few things.(less)
What a great narrative about facing your fears! Mixed with Jon Klassen's brilliant illustrations, Snicket's story takes us into the mind of a little b...moreWhat a great narrative about facing your fears! Mixed with Jon Klassen's brilliant illustrations, Snicket's story takes us into the mind of a little boy who is afraid of the dark. (less)
"Hauling his battered suitcase along behind him, Jingo wandered out onto Bridges Road. All the way he kept telling himself that the Chatswood ghosts were very disrespectful and didn't deserve to work with him." (Book #2, Location 34)
"The moon was starting to drag across the sky when the Ghost Bus appeared. Jingo stuck out his thumb to flad it down. The Ghost Bus was the sort of old-fashioned car that had to be started with a hand crank, and its headlights could only be turned on with a switch near the grille."(Book #2, Location 40) (less)
A cute (non)scary ghost story early chapter book that features 3 very different ghost personalities. I loved the vocabulary throughout this book that...moreA cute (non)scary ghost story early chapter book that features 3 very different ghost personalities. I loved the vocabulary throughout this book that was not overwhelming yet showed that the author was obviously not writing down to her readers. She also had allusions to fairy tales, word play, and onomatopoeias making the narrative more interesting. I also found the author's humor really rang throughout. I could definitely see these books being used as a read aloud in a classroom as well as a great mentor text to introduce narrative elements since it has a perfect plot arc, conflict, and interesting characters.
"On Tuesday evening Toby, the caretaker of Chatswood Manor, called a meeting. All three Chatswood Manor ghosts were there, as well as two crows and a stone gargoyle. "That gargoyle is worse than Hansel and Gretel," muttered Winifred as she swept a trail of rocks from the carpet. "Ahem!" Toby adjusted his half-moon spectacles and consulted a sheet of paper with a squiggly graph on it. Now, listen up, spooks. You're here because my research shows that you're all lazy to the bone!"" (Book #1, Location 5) (less)
Many of this book was strategies I already use, but he also gave me many new great ideas. A wonderful resource for teachers teaching unmotivated stude...moreMany of this book was strategies I already use, but he also gave me many new great ideas. A wonderful resource for teachers teaching unmotivated students. (less)
This year I am teaching a Developmental Language Arts class for incoming ESOL students who, when they enter my school, have been in the United States...moreThis year I am teaching a Developmental Language Arts class for incoming ESOL students who, when they enter my school, have been in the United States for less than a year or score low English proficiency on the CELLA test when they enter. I knew this class would be a challenge as I do not know any other language, but I also knew (and now know) that this class was going to very rewarding. With teaching a different group of students than I've ever had before, my thinking when searching for books to use in their class has changed and I am always looking for books that they'll connect to and books that celebrate world cultures. This book is perfect for my class! It'd be a way to build class community because many of my students come from Hispanic countries and they can share the music/dances with my non-Hispanic students. It also gives them the ability to share their language with me and the rest of the class. Finally, since it is such a well done biography, it gives them all an opportunity to learn about a fascinating young man. (less)
*A wonderful follow-up to the first Hero's Guide. I was worried that it wouldn't be as good (sequel-syndrome), but the characters grew, the story move...more*A wonderful follow-up to the first Hero's Guide. I was worried that it wouldn't be as good (sequel-syndrome), but the characters grew, the story moved along nicely, and it made me even more excited for book 3. Everyone's place in the group is questioned in this book, including their place within their relationships.
I read this book for a different purpose than just to review, I wanted to really look at the princesses in the book for our girl power series we'll be doing at the end of the month and I am so impressed at the different personalities and how each princess is so unique.
Mentor text for: Making connections (like fractured fairy tales), Characterization, Multiple Story Lines, Humor, Rhyming Poetry/Songs (p. 4 et al.), Foreshadowing, Letter Writing (p. 208), Grammar (Princes Charming, Dwarves), Idioms (p. 311), Synonyms (p. 361), Oral Tradition (the bards) (less)
I found this book fascinating. It dealt with many different topics from stuttering to racism in the South and definitely shows the power of others in...moreI found this book fascinating. It dealt with many different topics from stuttering to racism in the South and definitely shows the power of others in helping a young person find his/her voice (and in this book, that is a literal statement). I loved how it was written because although our narrator wasn't very vocal in his life, he loved writing and found his voice through his writing. It is through this art that he is able to tell his story. It is also quite interesting that though he is writing his story, he withholds his name until the very end because he has trouble saying it himself. He is referred to mostly as "Little Man" throughout the book.
But, by far, my favorite thing about this story is all of the characters our narrator gets involved with when he begins his paper route. First is Little Man's first crush, a pretty young wife who likes to drink and who Little Man cannot figure out. Second is a homeless man who bullies Little Man out of some of his possessions and is haunted by his past. Third, and most importantly, is a Merchant Marine who shows Little Man that there is more out there and that he can be whomever he wants to be. It is through these different adults that our narrator really starts to become his own.
In the classroom, this book would be a great discussion start about many different topics. Since it is historical, it gives a different perspective into many different topics including television and racism. Vawter also writes this novel with a great voice and makes interesting choices with punctuation that would be interesting to talk to students about.
Snatch of Text: p. 11 (simile), p. 101-102, p. 108-109 (poetry) Mentor Text For: Voice, First Person Point of View, Grammar, Simile, Making Predictions, Contractions (p. 30), Poetry (p. 108-109) Writing Prompts: There are some unexpected players in this young boys life that he would have never thought would affect him the way they did. Think of someone in your life that you thank for helping, influencing, or changing you and write them a thank you letter. Topics Covered: Candide, Voltaire, Speech Pathology, Baseball, Alcoholism, Anxiety, Infidelity, Genetics, Fathers, Heidegger, Existentialism, Segregation, Linguistics, Language, Race Relations, Faith, History of the Alphabet (p. 64-65), Myths (p. 66), Television (p. 44) (less)
This year I have more students who want to join the military then every before. Because of this, I am trying to bulk up my nonfiction books that have to do with the military to A) Interest them & B) Teach them about what their dreams entail. This book will definitely fit both of my goals.
Being a U.S. SEAL is not something to just mention lightly. They are some of the most respected members of our military and I personally had no idea how much went into becoming one. This book definitely lays out all aspects of becoming, being, and living as a SEAL so students who are interested in doing so will know exactly what they need to do to reach their goal. It is also done in a very structured way with chapters dealing with each aspect and many photographs and facts to back up the chapters. It also has many other text features including maps and a glossary to assist the reader. This is definitely an inside look at being a SEAL and I can see why my students find this nonfiction book fascinating. (less)
Someone described Skinny to me by saying that it reminded her of an episode of Glee and I completely agree: very realistic, easy to connect to and ove...moreSomeone described Skinny to me by saying that it reminded her of an episode of Glee and I completely agree: very realistic, easy to connect to and overall positive. This novel is a huge hit in my classroom with the girls and I am glad I can now discuss it with them. (less)
Protecting apes is a passion of mine and I love that this nonfiction book for kids not only teaches kids about orangutans, which are such amazing crea...moreProtecting apes is a passion of mine and I love that this nonfiction book for kids not only teaches kids about orangutans, which are such amazing creatures, but it also teaches the reader about what it means to be endangered, rain forests, palm oil and how even the littlest person can help. I like that no where in the book does it seem to talk down to the reader. When I look at nonfiction for kids, I want it to include the same facts as it would for adults and this one does.
I love that this book (and I hope a series) shows children that they can make a difference. That the decline in our Earth does not have to be something that we just sit and come to terms with; there are ways to make it better.
The first half of the book is primarily about the orangutan species and what makes them unique as well as why they are endangered. The second half shares how kids can help the orangutans. All of this is accompanied with beautiful illustrations and fun facts throughout.
Mentor text for: Nonfiction Text Features, Author's Purpose
Snatch of text: "Even if you can't visit, you can help." (p. 21)
"Orangutan Fun Fact: Not just birds have nests. Orangutans will build a nest every night high in the trees, to sleep in. Sometimes they even add a roof of leaves!" (p. 8)(less)
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