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

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

Lena by Jacqueline Woodson
Lena and her younger sister Dion were running away from home. Their mom had died and their father was abusive to them. They were hitchhiking from Ohio to Kentucky, where their mothers family is from, and they are hoping to find a home. Along the way, they meet to very kind and caring people. Towards the end, they meet, Miz Lily. Miz Lily figures out that they are on the run, and helps them to re-connect with their friend Marie, whose father agrees to take them in.
This book was hard for me to get into. But once I got about three chapter in, I enjoyed it. I would be concerned about students reading it and thinking hitchhiking is easy and safe, as the bad side of hitchhiking was not discussed, nor was what could happen to young children who hitchhike. Other then that, this was a good story that I would recommend for my students.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The story begins with Max going to bed wearing his wolf suit. A forest began growing in his room. There was also an ocean, and Max jumped in a boat. . Max came to the place where the wild things are. Max was able to tame them with a magic trick. He was made kind of the wild things. Then, the wild rumpus started. After the wild rumpus, Max sent the wild things to bed, but then he became lonely. Max left, and the wild things wanted him to stay. Max made it back to his room.
I enjoyed reading this story. It has been many years since I have read it, and I had forgotten what happened. I think this is a wonderful book for young students, although it might be scary for very young children. I would recommend it for maybe 2nd or 3rd grade.

Bluford High - Payback by Paul Langan
Tyray is usually the big man at Bluford High. That is until Darrell embarrassed him in front of the whole school. Now, no one respects him and people who he harrassed are now harrassing him. The only way Tyray can think of to get his respect back it by getting a gun and shooting Darrell.
I would recommend this book. It was a good story and even thought it deals with a violent topic, there is not a lot of graphic violence in the book. The Bluford High series is very popular with my students. They can easily relate to the characters and what they are going through.

Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter
Orphan Pollyanna has gone to live with her Aunt Polly. Aunt Polly agreed to take Pollyanna because she felt it was her duty. Aunt Polly likes things to be a certain way and always under control. Pollyanna is a free spirit who enjoys playing the glad game. Pollyanna changes the lives of everyone around her.
I would strongly recommend this book. It was light and carefree. I have enjoyed the movie for many years so I was eager to read the novel. I would not use it in my high school room, but would recommend it for younger children.

Vera Wang – A Passion for Bridal and Lifestyle Design by Diane Dakers
Vera Wang is known as one of the premier bridal gown designers in the world. She fell into the field of bridal design out of necessity. She was unable to find a gown for her own wedding, so she designed one for herself. Wang’s family came from China. As is the custom in Chinese families, Wang looks to her parents for direction in her life. Her father pushed her towards opening her own bridal store. Wang also worked for many years as an editor at Vogue. Wang’s business has expanded to include many different aspects of a wedding from the gown, to pictures, flowers, and many other areas. Wang has dressed many celebrities and has won many fashion awards.

I enjoyed this book. I know a little about Vera Wang, but it was interesting to learn about her background. I enjoyed learning about how her past has shaped her future. I would recommend it to anyone interested in fashion. It had enough information to keep me interested, but not so much that it was overwhelming.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
The novel begins with 16 year old Hattie at her Aunt and Uncle's house. Both of her parents are dead and she has been bouncing around from relative to relative. She received a letter informing her that she had inheritated land in Montana from an uncle. Hattie was off to Montana. The land would be hers, but she would have to successfully harvest a crop before the deadline or lose everything.

Tales from the Crypt - Yabba Dabba Voodoo by Fred Van Lente
The story started with the crypt keeper and two witches introducing the first story. It was about a man who was becoming undead. He was trying to find the woman who put a spell on him. The next story was about a man who stole the idea for a computer game from another man. The second man wanted revenge so he created a zombie to chase after the second man.
I did not like this book. I think it is because of the way that women were shown, large chests and dumb. The drawings were nice, but I did not like the sotries, that being said, it is a popular choice with some of my students.
Nancy Drew #2 Writ in Stone by Stefan Petrucha and Sho Murase
The story started with a car accident. Nancy Drew was babysitting at a house close by. She came out to see what happened. One of the people involved in the accident was a scientist who had discovered a rock. He invited Nancy to an exhibit presenting the rock. The rock ended up being stolen. Nancy was on the case. It ended up that the scientist was actually the one who stole his own rock.
I liked this book. Maybe because I read a lot of Nancy Drew books when I was younger and loved them. I like dectective stories. This one was pretty easy to follow. I will be taking it into my room and recommending it to my students.

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