Ashlei’s Comments (group member since Oct 27, 2011)

Ashlei’s comments from the http://www.EDUG573Fall2011 group.

In the Beak of a Duck Silly Poems for Children and Grown-Ups by Alan Gettis

This poem book is similar to Shel Silverstein’s poem books, such as Where the Sidewalk Ends. It is full of goofy, yet entertaining, poems accompanied by silly pictures that children and adults would get a giggle out of. The book consists of over 70 short poems that will surely get students engaged and interested in listening and hopefully writing poetry.

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems by Kristine O’Connell George

This book is full of poems with the common theme of being a big sister. Jessica’s little sister, Emma, does the typical little sister duties and isn’t always a “good” little sister. From embarrassing Jessica at soccer games, making her late for school, “shopping” in her room, to cheating at games the poems also model love and a bond between two sisters. Reading these poems would be an excellent way to model poetry while allowing time for students make countless connections within their own lives.

Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman

Moses and his classmates are all deaf. Their teacher takes them to a concert which is performed by a deaf percussionist. Each student is given a balloon to help them hear/feel the vibrations of the music being played. When the concert is over the students get the chance to go on stage and make music with the instruments. While the percussionist signs to the students she tells them that they can be and do anything that they put their mind to despite their being deaf. This is an excellent book to model to students how all students can achieve great things despite any “disabilities” they may have. It is also a good book to help children learn the basic signs in sign language.

Georgia O’Keeffe: Portraits of Women Artists for Children by Robyn Montana Turner

As a child and young adult Georgia O’Keeffe was not encouraged to become an artist like girls and boys are today. Georgia’s mother, Ida, wanted her daughters to be artistic not only in the traditional women’s work such as sewing and quilting but in painting and drawing as well. That is why she sent her daughters to an art school especially Georgia. Georgia O’Keeffe has her own ideas about what her artwork should look like and did not appreciate it when her art teacher touched up her paintings. She sketched caricatures of high school teachers and did paintings using watercolors, charcoal, and oil. Most of her paintings represent a found memory. For example, the painting, The Shelton with Sunspots, which is a representation of how she thought of her and her husbands’ modern apartment in New York’s highest skyscraper. O’Keeffe rarely signed her work but did leave a mark on the twentieth-century when it came to art. I choose to read this book because my mother is an Art teacher and I can remember how she would always talk to my brother and me about artists and their work when we were younger. Georgia O’Keeffe was one that she talked about. Reading about Georgia I discovered she enjoyed to express what she saw in her mind and felt in her heart on the canvas. Having this understanding of her paintings makes her art work more meaningful and significant.

The Visit by Testa Fulvio

Mark, Emma, and Louis were on a hike when they came across Tony who was waiting at the bus stop. The three encouraged Tony to come with them and for the first time Tony, a city boy, journeyed through the country. Tony was fascinated with everything he saw in the country, including the real live cow! When Tony catches his bus to head back to the city he is so appreciative towards Mark, Emma, and Louis for sharing and teaching him about their world, the country. And while Mark, Emma, and Louis watch Tony’s bus drive off they too are appreciative towards Tony for he taught them about his world, the city, without realizing it.
Great book to read aloud to demonstrate individuals differences in terms of where they live and how they perceive things as a result. I enjoyed how each child learned something about the other’s world without actually realizing it at the time through conversation.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

I had never heard of this book until my mom stumbled across it in her school’s library and recommended it. It’s a touching story about two young boys and their “freakishness.” Max had been called countless names growing up because others had coined him as slow, dumb, stupid, etc. Max’s body was growing abnormally faster than children his age resulting in others being afraid of him and being cruel. Freak, was another child who appeared “freakish” to others because he had a little body. This book is a great story about how two very different, yet very similar, children form a unique bond and triumphs over what others consider imperfection. Highly recommend!

Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder

Will Page, a twelve year old, who lost his family on account of the Civil War and disease is sent to live with his mother’s sister and family. Will, once a privileged young boy, now has to live with relatives in the rural life of Virginia Piedmont and do his share of work. Will is not fond of having to work aside his Uncle and when the opportunity comes for Will to go back to him hometown to live with a family friend, he is surprisingly torn on whether to leave or stay. Through their differencing of opinions on the Civil War, Will soon realizes that his thoughts towards his Uncle were wrong and goof people have different views.

At first I was not sure if I would like this book. But, while reading it I found myself getting caught up in it and being scared that Will would not come around to seeing that his Uncle was a good man despite the fact that he chose not to fight in the war. Throughout this story it became obvious that Will and his relatives needed each other more than they knew. It was an inspiring story in many ways, especially in the sense that many people have different views on things but that does not make them less of a person.

George Washington and His Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora

This is a clever story informing readers of George Washington’s battles with toothaches. It is believed by some that Washington had wooden teeth but after reading this story you will find it is only a myth. When Washington was only twenty-four he started losing a tooth a year and by the time he was elected into office he only had two left. He was worried to smile for fear that others would laugh at him and think down upon him for he was President with no teeth. After losing all his teeth his dentist came up with false teeth that enabled Washington to smile and talk with everyone without having any fear.

This was excellent! I enjoyed reading this story because there were facts present in the material but it was presented in a humorous yet true manner. I also like how at the end of the story there is a time line of important events as well as letters, diaries, and accounts from his own letters. I really do not like reading factual books, but this book was different. It is a good book to read to students because without them knowing it, they are learning information.

The Buggliest Bug by Carol Diggory Sheilds

There is news in the air that there is a contest to see who the “Buggliest Bug” is. After school bugs take the stage for the contest, Damselfly Dilly begins to wonder what the real purpose behind the contest is. To everyone’s surprise the judges are arachnids who plan to have all the contestants for supper. Damselfly Dilly saves the day and turns out to the real winner of the “Buggliest Bugs.”

I happened to be in our school’s library getting a book for a student and this book’s cover caught my eye. Not only is the cover intriguing but so are the illustrations. I could see how this book would be inviting to younger children. The pages consist of bright, detailed pictures. I enjoyed reading this book for “fun” and liked how it was told from a bug’s perspective rather than the traditional humans.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

Molly is the smallest girl in her whole entire class. She is taught by her grandmother to stand tall and be proud and that one day the world will look up to her rather than her looking up to the world. She moves away and has to start at a new school where she is picked on by a bully for being small. She soon comes to realize that everything her grandmother once told her about standing tall was true.

Awe-inspiring!!! The illustrations in this book were great! The use of bright colors captured my eyes. The story itself was incredible. While reading I thought about other children who are teased because of appearance and such and admired Molly Lou for standing up for herself and not backing down. It definitely showed her strength of character.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

LOVE LOVE LOVE War Horse!! There are several issues/areas that can be integrated with this book. War Horse if a novel taking place during WW1 told from a horse, Joey, perspective. Prior to being sold into the War, Joey was a farm horse and taken care of and deeply loved by Albert. After being torn apart from Albert, Joey becomes a cavalry horse in WW1 and is titled the ultimate war horse. As mentioned, Joey is telling the story of the War and questions if it will ever end, explains his job of carrying wounded soldiers, and heavy artillery. Albert soon enlists in the War hoping to found his beloved friend, Joey. It is an inspiring story about friendships, how horses changed people’s lives during this time, and advancements with technology.
After thoroughly enjoying this book and seeing all the connections and integrations that could be made from it, I knew my students would love it. I introduced it all on Monday as well as background information on WW1 (they are beginning to study it in Social Studies this week- perfect timing). Students did not begin reading yesterday, but they were left in suspense after showing them the movie trailer (the movie comes out at Christmas) and first thing this morning they were asking when they would begin the reading today. LOVED IT!

The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff

This book was a Rebecca Caudill Nominee in 2010. It is a story about a fourth grader, Georgie. See Georgie can’t sit on the floor and bring his knees to his chest and hold them. He cannot take his right arm and stretch it over his head and touch his left ear. He cannot reach the white board in class without a step stool. Georgie is only 42 inches. The story involves several topics such as accepting differences, overcoming fights with friends, and worries of a new baby entering the family to name a few. It is a kid friendly book that ties in issues that several of them can relate to, especially finding the “thing” about them.

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Rose was told her Father’s, Sheldon Russell Curtis, story many times. She remembered almost every word so she could retell it. Her Father was fighting in a battle when he got wounded and was left behind to die. Pinkus, a colored boy wearing Union colors like Sheldon, picked him up and carried him off the field and took him to his mother’s, Moe Moe Bay. Moe Moe Bay tool care of both boys as if they were both her sons. Pinkus and Sheldon became close during the recovering days but they knew that they had to leave soon because they were putting Moe Moe Bay in danger. However, it was too late to leave because the Confederate troops came and Pinkus and Sheldon found Moe Moe Bay lying in the grass, still. While on their way back to find their troops, they were caught and thrown into boxcars where they were sent to the worst Confederate camp. When unloaded from the boxcar Pinkus and Sheldon held tight to one another’s hand but they were eventually torn apart. Sheldon was released from prison a few months after being captured but Pinkus never returned. Sheldon survived to tell his story and it has been passed down through generations with no alterations.
What a great yet sad book! This book talks about several things such as the Union and Confederates, slaves, a friendship that is built between different races, and other issues. I enjoyed reading how the story had been passed down through generations and the handshake continued.

The Meaning of Life… And Other Stuff by Jimmy Gownley

The Meaning of Life is one of seven in the series where the character, Amelia McBride, continues to mature and is learning about things in life like friendship, life, and love. Amelia encounters struggles such as her parents’ divorce, the club created with her friends, and her spot on the cheerleading squad all within this comic. Several of the issues discussed are those that children can easily relate to.
I can see how students would enjoy this type of graphic novel; however, I personally did not care for it. I have never been a big fan of comic strips; therefore, I was immediately turned off from the presentation with speaking bubbles and such. But, I can see how children would enjoy this and feel success through reading it. The talking bubbles and illustrations provided a “quick” and enjoyable read for kids.

Randall’s Wall by Carol Fenner

Randall Lord, an eleven year old, comes from a penniless family who face such harsh circumstances from the outside world. Randall, like his siblings, hides behind an invisible wall. This imaginary wall protects them from unkind looks, comments, and prevents him from being hurt. The kids at school want nothing to do with Randall because of his smell and uncleanness. They avoid him at all times and leave when he comes near. Randall stands up for Jean, a classmate, at the bus stop one morning and this starts a new experience for Randall. Jean convinces him to take a bath at her home not only washing his body but also his clothes. After this encounter, Randall’s wall begins to crumble when he is around Jean and he learns to trust and let her in his world. During class, Randall often escapes into his drawings and when they become public, a completely new world begins again for Randall. Not only is Randall seen as a brilliant artist bit he is accepted in a class at a museum and his family is given money by an organization which Jean’s mother is involved with. His family moves to a better environment and the doors for Randall Lord begin to open.

Highly recommend this book! After reading the first two pages, I was skeptical about finishing it. They were full of harsh comments that others were saying about Randall and describing how the poor boy felt. This bothered me, I like books with a happy story  I think we need more people like the character Jean in the world. She took a scarred, outcast classmate and broke down his wall simply be being nice and talking to him. In my years teaching I can recall a few “Randalls” not just needing some walls broken down.

The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi

When Osa was full-grown and left her village, she soon discovered that her village was like no other. She begins be telling her story of how her village became the way that is now; men living in square houses and women in round ones. When she was young her Gran’ma Tika told her the story of the Old Mother Naka who slept soundly until one day long, long, ago when Naka began to awake from her sleep. The voice of Naka roared and thundered about covering the land and people with ashes. Naka had spared all the people of the village and two houses; one square and the other round. At once the village chief began ordering people about; you to that house, you to this house. And that is how the village became the way that is has been for so many years; men in the square house, women in the round and the gathering together for meals.
I enjoyed this book because from a different culture than mine one, one that many are not use to. I think it is good for adults and children to read about other cultures and ways of living whether through folktale stories or other sources. Grifalconi did a superb job in her illustrations. The illustrations look as if they were painted or used oil pastels with bold brush strokes to call the reader’s attention to the illustrations.

Lon Po Po; A Red Riding Hood Story from China by Ed. Young

Lon Po Po is a Chinese Folktale, similar to Little Red Riding Hood. Shang, Tao, and Paotze were left alone in their home while their mother went to go visit their grandmother, Po Po. While she was away, a wolf disguises himself as the sibling's Po Po and enters their home. The children became suspicious of their Po Po due to her unusual behavior. Shang soon realized that Po Po was indeed a wolf in disguise and tricked the wolf into letting them get some gingko nuts at the top of the tree outside their home. As they hoisted the wolf up the tree, they eventually let it go causing the wolf to crash to the ground. The children quickly raced down the tree and into their home locking the door behind them.
While reading the dedication page, I found it amusing that the author dedicated the story to all the wolves in the world. I think this story would be an excellent story to read to elaborate on comparing and contrasting of two different tales and cultures.

I Can Be Anything! By Jerry Spinelli

This picture book is about a young boy who is trying to decide what he wants to be when he grows up. He has quite an imagination and cannot decide between jobs such as a dandelion blower, puddle stomper, mixing-bowl licker, and make-believe critter to name a few. The book focuses on things that a young child can be right at the very moment and represents having dreams and creativity.

This book is very inviting to a reader of any age. The use of bright watercolor illustrations always captures my attention and I enjoyed the clever way that the text appeared on the pages throughout the book. I like books similar to this and agree with the recommendation on the book that it would be perfect for graduation

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

Ed, Ned, and Ted are dust bunnies that love to rhyme. Bob has a hard time with finding words to rhyme with Ed, Ned, and Ted. Throughout the book while the other three dust bunnies are becoming frustrated with Bob’s inability to rhyme with them, they discover that he is actually trying to save them from the big, scary monster’s attack of the broom and later the vacuum.
The book is written with little ones in mind. The illustrations are of silly, bright colored dust “balls” while using large print. A super amusing book to assist younger students with rhyming words.

No T. Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo

Tess lets a highly-strung beastie T. Rex escape into the Library. While enjoying the beastie’s wild behavior, Tess soon realizes this T. Rex is out of control. T. Rex is destroying the Library by ripping pages out of books, clawing, and gnawing on the books. Tess pleads for him to stop. With her quick thinking, she discovers the only way to put an end to this T. Rex’s misbehavior is to send him to time-out in his book.

This was such a cute book! Younger children would love the illustrations and the use of entertaining text throughout the story. It would be a good read aloud for younger children, especially when teaching them how to/not to behave in a Library with the use of an untamed dinosaur.