UEL PGCE group 2011-2012 discussion
P6 on programme reviews
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Hello,Please find some new reviews below:
You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Clockwork
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Way Back Home
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Not Now, Bernard
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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This review is about ‘Benjamin Zephaniah’ Poet by Verna Wilkins.http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
A true story of childhood loneliness and anger; a broken family life and a genius mind that led to happiness. This shows how reflection and education can change personal outcomes. A good book to include in biographies, black history month, Drama and PSHE.
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Hi, Here is my review of 'The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business' by Werner Holzworth and Wolf Erlbruch. This is not a book I have come across before.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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A review of 'Farm Boy' by Michael Morpurgohttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
My review 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/67...
My review of 'Room on the Broom' by Julia Donaldson
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
Review of 'The Devoted Friend' by Oscar Wilde
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
Doing It by Melvin BurgessMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was introduced to me during the Young Adult Fictions undergrad course which I studied in 2007.The original cover of the edition which I read depicted a young woman with her pants down accompanied by a title in bold yellow print - 'Doing it'. Pretty self explanatory.
The story focuses on a group of adolescent boys picking, and stumbling their way through girls, relationships, and life in general.
Burgess used strong language throughout the book, but it was not to my mind, overused. It seemed appropriate for the characters and their various predicaments.
'Doing it' was an enjoyable read, though slightly embarrassing to take out in public - due to its sleeve picture. It captivated, amused, and enthralled me, and provided me with a light hearted insight into teenagers lives, and the issues and complexities that c
an surround them. I would recommend this book to young adults from 14 years upwards due to the issues covered, and language.
View all my reviews
Alison wrote: "Thanks Kay. What age would you recommend this book for? And can you see any links to it (e.g. Life and Living Processes- Science)?"This book was actually read to Nursery children, but I think I would suggest it for KS1. Although I suppose it does fit into Knowledge and Understanding of the World for EYFS. Being able to provide them with information about creatures and their 'business' within a safe and secure environment.
With regard to Life and Living Processes, it fits into both KS1 SC2 (1c) and KS2 SC2 (1c) in relation to life processes of animals.
This is my review of Shaun Tan's The Red Tree (Finally - to match the 5 star rating I gave it a few weeks ago). Hope you like it.http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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Twelve by Nick McDonellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Twelve by Nick McDonellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
In this book, Twelve refers to the new drug which the young Middle Class youths are partaking of in Manhattan U.S.A.
The book focuses on a group of adolescents whose lives intertwine via school,and the Party scene, which involves habitual and customary drug use. It tells of the highlights and consequences of these recreational highs.
Nick McDonell gives a concise and believable account of the privileged youths and the impact that 'soft' drugs has on this particular generation.
Recommended for 14/15yrs and over due to subject.
View all my reviews
In this book, Twelve refers to the new drug which the young Middle Class youths are partaking of in Manhattan U.S.A.
The book focuses on a group of adolescents whose lives intertwine via school,and the Party scene, which involves habitual and customary drug use. It tells of the highlights and consequences of these recreational highs.
Nick McDonell gives a concise and believable account of the privileged youths and the impact that 'soft' drugs has on this particular generation.
Recommended for 14/15yrs and over due to subject.
View all my reviews
Address Unknown by Katherine Kressmann TaylorMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This small,but concise book contains a series of letters between two friends and business partners. One friend, Max Eisenstein, lives in California his respondent Martin Schulse, in Germany. The letters start in November 1932, and ends in March 1934 - Pre Second World War.
It displays an era of Nazism, and the effects that it had on the ordinary citizen. The manipulative and subtle ways that Hitler used to captivate and coheres a Nation.
Propaganda, and National Pride are surrounding issues and how these processes had positive and negative connotations.
The book also showed the despair and anguish, that losing a loved one; whether mortally, physically, or emotionally, can unleash.
'Address Unknown', is a very clever piece of writing. In a very short story the author covers friendship, betrayal.patriotism, racism. and other social issues.
The story develops into an "Ah ha..." moment - especially as you near the end of the book.
This is a very captivating and enthralling book, I would recommend this to children aged 8 years and over, as its tone is very general, and addresses some Q standards relating to self responsibility.
View all my reviews
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith KerrMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A tiger went to Sophies' house - she entertained him, but he ate all the food in the house.
When Sophies' dad came home, there was no food in the house, so they went to a cafe to eat then Sophie and mum went shopping - for the house. They also brought some tiger food for their guest, but he never returned.
Book prettily illustrated, suitable for KS1/2
View all my reviews
The Outsiders by Susan E. HintonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The author, S.E Hinton, was only 17years old when she wrote this book.
This story is one of love, honesty, and society, inclusiveness, and alienation. It is written in a classically contemporary way, in that the issues affecting the main characters Ponyboy, and gang are as relevant and prevalent today today as it was when it was first written.
The story is set in 1950/60's U.S.A. and exists to show camaraderie and resilience, which the boys and their friends exuded towards each other.
The boys in the gang share the traits that they are all 'outsiders', due to one thing or another, and that they come from near poverty with little or no adult input.
The book depicts gangs and the associated violence, the accepted rules, and codes of ethics surrounding these organizations, and the barriers that society erects to restrict accessibility to its privileged confines.
The pertinence of the characters in the story, and the experiences of our youths highlighted by the disturbances this Summer was very tangible.
I would recommend this book to children aged 12yrs and upwards - its a wonderfully thought provoking read.
View all my reviews
Elmer by David McKeeMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sory of a coloured elephant who feels cnspicuous about his multicoloured self.He decided to colour himself with berries, and for a while he was happy. He then began to feel not special, so when the rain came he allowed himself to be rinsed off, and the colour with it.
This story is quite moralistic, and shows that he was happier when he was himself - he found self-acceptance.
Beautifully illustrated, concisely told, moralistic - We are all special and unique.
Elmer by David McKeeMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sory of a coloured elephant who feels cnspicuous about his multicoloured self.He decided to colour himself with berries, and for a while he was happy. He then began to feel not special, so when the rain came he allowed himself to be rinsed off, and the colour with it.
This story is quite moralistic, and shows that he was happier when he was himself - he found self-acceptance.
Beautifully illustrated, concisely told, moralistic - We are all special and unique.
View all my reviews
View all my reviews
How to Catch a Star by Oliver JeffersMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book focuses on a boy who loved stars and decided to get his own one. The story tells of his perseverance at attempting to capture one.
He eventually got one - from the sea - he was finally happy and satisfied.
Beautiful illustrations, simply, and concisely told - a lovely flow to the story.
A lesson outline could be to ask the children how they would capture a star... Ask the children if they could draw a star and name it after someone who means a lot to them.
View all my reviews
The Gruffalo's Child by Julia DonaldsonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Gruffalo child was intrigued by a story her dad old her about the big bad mouse
lurking in the deep, dark wood.
The Gruffalo child then had an adventure looking for the big bad mouse. She then saw a small an ordinary looking mouse who she wanted to eat. the mouse was very clever and said, 'wait, and look at this...I'll show you the big bad mouse' with that, the mouse positioned herself on a branch, and silhouetted herself against the moon, whereby a huge shadow appeared of a big, bad, immense creature.
The Gruffalo child ran away, and did not feel the need to look for the big, bad mouse again.
Lovely atmospheric illustrations - Perfect to read, or be read to.
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Oxford Reading Tree: Stage 7: More Stories A: Chinese Adventure by Roderick HuntMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is 3 2pages long, and is aimed for children in KS1 assisted and KS2 unassisted. This is an adventure story focusing around Biff, Chip, and Kipper.
The children are transported back in time, to replace their Grans vase which was broken.
It took them to The Forbidden City, in Ancient China. The children are portrayed as heroic, and doing the right thing.
I enjoyed reading this story, and the children in year 3 who read it, said that they liked the book, because it was '..interesting', and thy liked the pictures of Ancient China.
I would recommend this book to any age up to 7/8 years of age for mainstream (Medium Ability) children, as it is entertaining, engaging, (particularly with the questions at the back of the book).
Finally, it is informative, and a lovely book to read, or be read to.
View all my reviews
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark HaddonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is well deservedly, a modern classic. This book was part of the recommended reading list that was linked to the young adult fictions module I studied at University.
I had never come across it before so was quite pleased when a few colleagues gave it high ratings.
I found the book very easy to read, it was very also very reader friendly, in its page layouts.
The story follows a year old Christopher, a youth with Aspergers Syndrome. He undertakes a journey which through his experience becomes an adventure of vast proportions and implications.
Mark Haddon, Pulls us into Chris' world of detail, order, and fastidious logic to bring the reader an exciting, emphatic, and at times amusing read of classic proportion.
View all my reviews
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark HaddonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is well deservedly, a modern classic. This book was part of the recommended reading list that was linked to the young adult fictions module I studied at University.
I had never come across it before so was quite pleased when a few colleagues gave it high ratings.
I found the book very easy to read, it was very also very reader friendly, in its page layouts.
The story follows a year old Christopher, a youth with Aspergers Syndrome. He undertakes a journey which through his experience becomes an adventure of vast proportions and implications.
Mark Haddon, Pulls us into Chris' world of detail, order, and fastidious logic to bring the reader an exciting, emphatic, and at times amusing read of classic proportion.
View all my reviews
Mod
Twelve by Nick McDonellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
In this book, Twelve refers to the new drug which the young Middle Class youths are partaking of in Manhattan U.S.A.
The book focuses on a group of adolescents whose lives intertwine via school,and the Party scene, which involves habitual and customary drug use. It tells of the highlights and consequences of these recreational highs.
Nick McDonell gives a concise and believable account of the privileged youths and the impact that 'soft' drugs has on this particular generation.
Recommended for 14/15yrs and over due to subject.
View all my reviews
JenniferI have also read The Curious Incident ... some years ago and found it very good. It is interesting the way he uses prime numbers for the chapters, reflecting the boy in the story. It is not often you have a novel with over 2oo chapters!
Mark Haddon has another book 'A Spot of Bother' which is supposed to be equally as good. I haven't yet had the chance to read it.
Badger's Parting GiftsBadger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley is a book for sharing as it is beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written. I love the way the colours in the illustrations reflect the mood of the story.
This is a book that is excellent for primary aged children as an introduction to the topic of death and bereavement. The book explores the emotions of loss and emptiness one feels when a loved one is lost. The story suggests grief can be eased with a celebration of life and remembrance of good times. This is ideal as a starting point for discussing this sensitive topic.
The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers is about a boy who can't stop eating books; especially red ones. He finds that his intelligence increases proportionately to the amount of books he devours. Until one day it all goes wrong...
This is a fun book and I would definitely have it in my classroom as a book that children can read and enjoy independently. The book is witty and very imaginatively written.
The illustrations, however, are the highlight of this book. The book looks like it has been bitten through and the illustrations on every single page are amazing with great attention to facial expressions, body language and the background. The illustrations are more riveting than the book and this is why children want to read this book over and over again.
Through the Magic Mirror by Anthony Browne is a book which could inspire children to unleash their imaginations and let their creativity go wild. It is about a very bored little boy who travels through his mirror into a surreal world and back.
I found the story was written in a way that reflected the little boys boredom and the illustrations told the story of the surreal, wild experience he had; I am not sure if it can be compared to a dream or a nightmare.
I would suggest this book to be suitable for KS1, or maybe suitable for older children as a tool to get their creative juices flowing for various cross curricular activities.
This colourfully illustrated book is ideal for sharing with very young children, EYFS or KS1.
It tells the story of Harris, a small hare with 'enormous' feet, who manages to find independence with the guidance of his Grandad.
The content is relatable to younger children who are starting to become independent but still need some help from caring adults around them.
Dogger by Shirley Hughes is a classic story that is delightfully heart warming. It is about a boy who has lost his favourite toy and how his sister helps him in this situation. The book is elaborately illustrated and thus is great for sharing and independent reading.
This book suits children in KS1, but the morals and themes within the story make it ideal as a story to introduce discussions realting to kindness, relationships and attachment-useful in KS2 too.
This book by Jeannie Baker is a stunning picture book which uses vibrant photos/illustrations of the Australian rainforest.
The book can be creatively used to discuss various themes, such as conservation and evolution. The images, minimal text and the map in the book does well to describe the location with clues from the past and present and also raises questions about the rainforest in the future.
This book cannot be seen simply as a geograhical book. The possibilities for the usefulness of this book in KS1 and KS2 are various in art, citizenship, debating, persuasive writing, for instance.
I would definitely have this book in a KS2 classroom and it would have to be the large edition for full effect.
The Willow Pattern Plot - Oxford Reading Tree Stage 7: More Stories B (Magic Key): by Rod HuntMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book interested me with the chores necessary to clean a big house in the past - 200 yrs back.
It showed and contrasted chores and it shows the varying roles of children, their counterparts then and now. Opens up for vast discussion points.
Children will love and appreciate the colourful illustrations of the familiar characters; Biff, Chip, and Kipper.
View all my reviews
The Willow Pattern Plot - Oxford Reading Tree Stage 7: More Stories B (Magic Key): by Rod HuntMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The story follows Biff, Chip, and Kipper as they go back in time to a place where they make willow pattern pottery..
They end up in ancient China where they meet a girl called Kim who had a cruel dad who wanted her to marry for money, not love.
The story informs children of choices,obligations,family, and culture.
The illustrations, as standard with this series of books are bright and breezy. Easy reading for mainstream yr 3 children, and a lovely book to read assisted, or indeendently.
View all my reviews
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HeartbeatHeartbeat is a feel-good book by Sharon Creech. It is written in an almost musical manner; the tempo, pace and beat of Annie, the main character, and her life is evident from the very beginning, thus the name of the book being 'Heartbeat'. The pace is almost an insight into the way she is feeling at different points in her life, which would be greatly useful when teaching to children the different ways in which words can be used to create rhythm and emotion simultaneously.
The book covers important themes, including dealing with delicate family issues, and growing up. This book would be brilliant to read with a class of children in KS2, and is dynamic in the way that it can be read together as a class in the musical, rhythmic parts of the book and to the class in the more sensitive areas of the book. An excellent read, by a great author!
The Boy Who Lost His FaceThis book is a humorous yet meaningful story about a boy, and the consequences he faces for actions that he is pressurised to do by the people he thought were his friends, who actually turn out to be his worst enemies. Louis Sachar, a favourite author of mine, explores important and thought provoking ideas in his own amazingly subtle way, making you laugh and reflect throughout the course of the book.
The Boy Who Lost His Face would be perfect for sharing as a class in KS2. The themes within the storyline aids in getting children thinking about peer pressure, family and friend relationships and the sense of moral conscience, which could be useful for PSHE discussions and the like. Louis Sachar succeeds in getting accross a wonderful message in a witty story once again!
Mod
Happy New Year Everyone,Please use the links below to read my reviews of four children's books.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Regards,
Liam
Review:
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie BakerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book by Jeannie Baker is a stunning picture book which uses vibrant photos/illustrations of the Australian rainforest.
The book can be creatively used to discuss various themes, such as conservation and evolution. The images, minimal text and the map in the book does well to describe the location with clues from the past and present and also raises questions about the rainforest in the future.
This book cannot be seen simply as a geograhical book. The possibilities for the usefulness of this book in KS1 and KS2 are various in art, citizenship, debating, persuasive writing, for instance.
I would definitely have this book in a KS2 classroom and it would have to be the large edition for full effect.
View all my reviews
UEL PGCE group 2011-2012
Books mentioned in this topic
My Name Is Mina (other topics)The Rabbit Girl (other topics)
Coraline (other topics)
The Jungle Books (other topics)
The Incredible Book Eating Boy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Neil Gaiman (other topics)Mini Grey (other topics)
Andy Stanton (other topics)
Roald Dahl (other topics)
Julia Donaldson (other topics)
More...
Here is my review on 'Good Little Wolf' by Nadia Shrieen.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...