Maira’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2014)

Maira’s comments from the Reading Rams Summer I, 2014 group.

Shanay wrote: "I can't help but to wonder why the townspeople were unhappy, why were they rioting and burning down the place. I wish the book gave more detail and explanation as to why the things were going on."

Shanay I agree, I found myself wondering the same thing. On the back cover it talks about riots in L.A. but not much more information is given.

Smoky Night was an interesting read with a great lesson. I would have liked to know why the people were rioting. As a mother I cannot even begin to imagine how the mother was feeling while the riot was going on. I would be panicking. I can understand how Daniel feels after losing his pet. I went out of town this past weekend and while I was away I was notified that my cat was nowhere to be seen. I was so sad especially because I was away and could not help look. When I got back home I looked for her and I found her. I was so glad and relieved, which I am sure is how Daniel and Mrs. Kim felt too after finding their cats. The best part of the book is when Daniel teaches the adults an important lesson. Daniel and the two cats teach the adults not to judge people until you get to know them. This book could be used for a variety of activities in the classroom. Students could write about past scary experiences and make creative illustrations to their story. Students could also learn about peer pressure, stereotypes, community outreach programs, etc. What would be the appropriate age for reading this book?

V wrote: "I wouldn't put my book down so I am in the photograph with my face buried in the book instead of taking in the grandeur of the mountains. I'd like to get that picture from my mom and have it blown up into a poster to post in my classroom. "

V, I think that's a great idea. I wish I had a picture of me reading under the sheets to do the same with.

Cynthia wrote:"The details that were included for each story were so captivating and I can see how children would be motivated to read these stories if they have not already."

I agree Cynthia. Students who have not read the stories mentioned in this book would be motivated to do so.

Jenna wrote: "I was really excited to find that this Isabella book was in existence because I already loved the one in which she becomes different famous women in history (My name is not Isabella)."

I didn't know there was another book but it sounds awesome I will have to check it out.

Isabella Star of the Story is a great children’s book. It has amazing illustrations and a fantastic message. I love how each character Isabella becomes is from a great book. I like how the book suggests other books for the readers to read. The book illustrates how reading takes you to places you have never been to or even thought about. If I had never read the books this book suggests I would definitely do it after reading this book because I would wonder about the characters Isabella becomes.

I love to read and this book reminds me of how much my imagination works when reading a book. The last page of the book reminds me of when I use to pretend to be asleep but really I would be reading under the sheets with a flashlight. I could never put a good book down. My mom would always yell at me to go to bed. The love I have for reading is what I want to pass on to my students. I know that because of all the technology today it won’t be easy but I like a good challenge.

If I were to read this book in the classroom I think the children would love it. I would like use it to start literature circles in my classroom. I would also like to use it as a writing activity. I think the students would enjoy picking a character and making up who they are or what their story could be.