How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous

Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. NY: Walker Our history teachers failed us! How they Croaked is a nonfiction read that tells the story ...I mean ENDING of the life of well-known historical figures including Julius Caesar, Christopher Columbus, Cleopatra, Pocahontas, and many more! We learn the uncensored details of how these people died  from getting stabbed repeatedly 23 times by a knife to getting beheaded. This page-turner includes many random interesting facts along the way! With the gruesome weird stories of their death, readers will either find themselves laughing out loud or trembling in fear! How they Croaked could be a very serious read, but the illustrations adds humor to death! Instead of using a boring history cover, Kevin O’Malley creatively attracts students with the illustration of creepy Dr. Skeleton on the front cover. In addition, Georgia Bragg’s writing style exposes young readers to new vocabulary in the book, including synonyms for the word death like “croaked”and “kicked- the- bucket”. After reading this book, you will have plenty of interesting information to share in your history class!   Readers should be forewarned about the details they are about to learn from this text and it may not be an appropriate classroom read aloud. All About the Author! http://georgiabragg.com/aboutpage/ Book Trailer https://youtu.be/v_g1DKSH6T8 Lessons & Activities Learning Unit Learn about how they CHOKED!

The Nest

Oppel, K., & Klassen, J. (2015). The nest. NY: Simon & Schuster. The Nest is about a  boy named Steve who is mentally unstable.The birth of his baby brother Theo should be a blessing, but it is actually a curse in disguise which adds to Steve’s mental instability. His dream is to make everything better for his family by finding a cure for his sick baby brother. One day, Steve is it out playing and notices these scary wasps swarming around, he tries to ignore them, but panics and gets stung. After Steve’s horrible experience the wasps begin to invade his dreams. The angelic queen wasp begin to communicate with him in his sleep. She promises Steve  that she will make his dream of curing Theo come true. Steve can not say no to the queen wasp’s offer and think his life will finally be perfect. Instead of his dream coming true, his dream becomes a nightmare. Steve soon finds that he is now trying to protect his baby brother Theo from the wasp’s deadly promise even if he has to sacrifice his own life. After reading this spine-chilling book, readers will think twice about wasps! Kenneth Oppel’s suspenseful writing will  make it very hard for readers to put the book down. This book is a recommended read for ages 8 and up. There are multiple themes/morals in the book that will promote discussion and critical thinking.The dark illustrations adds to the creepiness of the book and enables readers to connect with the character’s internal battles, fears, and experiences in this frightening tale! Book Trailer You have to check out this creepy read! Reading Guide & Enrichment Activities! http://www.kennethoppel.ca/images/The%20Nest_RGG.pdf More Books by Kenneth Oppel

Textbook Assignment #4

The Graveyard book

Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Pub. The Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman tells a story of a boy named Nobody Owens  (Bod) who survived a gruesome murder of his entire family. Bod, only a toddler at the time, snuck right out of the house and finds his way in a graveyard where he is adopted and raised by Mr. and Mrs. Owens which are ghosts.His biological parents, now ghost are worried about their baby boy thinking that the murderer will come back in search of Bod to finish his job. The Graveyard community decided to give Bod protection using a mysterious being named Silas as his bodyguard.They also gifted the orphan boy with a special power to become invisible to living people while he is in the graveyard. As Bod grows older, he meets many friends along the way including a living girl named Scarlett. He becomes curious about many things from surviving in the living world to more importantly finding the person who murdered his family.He decides to do something that is the most forbidden, exploring the living world. Things get out of control when he leaves the graveyard in hopes of finding the truth, but soon finds out with truth lies sacrifice.Although the first chapter may be slightly inappropriate for young readers I still think this is a must read mystery, fantasy, and horror book all in one! Neil Gaiman suspenseful writing will have readers questioning every part of the book.This books leaves readers reflecting on the importance of coping with death and caring for others. All about the Author! https://youtu.be/_eJW63DiZh4 Book Trailer https://youtu.be/P_UUVwTaemk Lessons & Activities https://sites.google.com/site/theghoulgate/activities-based-on-the-graveyard-book More books by Neil Gaiman

The crossover

Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover.Boston ; New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The Crossover is about  two twin brothers named Josh (Filthy McNasty)  and Jordan(JB). They have some things in common like being almost 13 years old, talented basketball players, and brothers! However, the twins are  physically and mentally different in many ways. Through this poetic novel Josh takes readers on his journey of growing up and sharing the challenges of adapting to change when his brother JB decides to become distant because he has a girlfriend. Josh also copes with emotions about his father’s bad health. Josh learns to grow and mature through it all and with his talent on the court he may be able to overcome his obstacles. Although this book centers around basketball, this is a must read for grades 5 and up! The award winning book is realistic fiction read in poetry format. With the text written in verse, this is a quick read making this book perfect for students that get overwhelmed by too many words. The author is very creative with the title The Crossover although this is a basketball move, it also connects to the overall theme of coming of age. The text has a rhythmic feel and readers will naturally feel like they are playing basketball or listening to a rap song! Interview with the author! https://youtu.be/8ygCxaDqswA All About the Author! http://kwamealexander.com/about/me/ More Books by Kwame Alexander

Skulduggery Pleasant (Book 1)

Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. New York: HarperCollins. Skulduggery Pleasant tells the story of a 12 year old girl named Stephanie Edgley. After her Uncle Gordan dies, she is left with his wealth and estate.  During the reading of the will, she notices a strange friend of her uncle in a trench coat (Skulduggery).  While she is at her uncle’s estate exploring his writing, she receives a creepy phone call from someone demanding that she gives her a key. After she refuses, the mysterious caller breaks into the house trying to attack her. That is when her uncle’s strange friend, Skulduggery appears to defend her! Stephanie finds herself partnering up with Skulduggery and goes on a dangerous magical journey in hopes to solve the mysterious death of her uncle.   This is a recommended read for young readers that are interested in adventure,mystery,or fantasy! Landy’s creatively integrates  illustrations with the first letter of each chapter. This book is full of action and suspense making it hard for readers to put it down! The universal theme of the novel includes friendship, death, family, and betrayal. This is a suitable read for ages 10 and up. Book Trailer! https://youtu.be/PvFtUp03mTg More books From the Skulduggery Series!

Magic Windows

Garza, C.  L.  (1999).  Magic windows.  San Francisco, CA:  Children’s Book Press. Magic Windows by Carmen Lomas Garza is a Nonfiction read that introduces readers to the Mexican culture through beautiful cut-paper art. The author includes a description that goes with each pictures in English and Spanish. Readers will explore Carmen Garza’s life and the significance of Mexican traditions through each picture.  Carmen Lomas Garza is a very creative author allowing readers to view the beautiful Mexican culture through her art which are like “Magic Windows”. The author will attract young readers with the colorful cut-paper art making this a suitable read for grade 3 and up. Each picture  connects to both English and Spanish descriptions making this an appropriate read for bilingual students. This book overall theme includes family, culture,creativity and art. More artwork by Carmen Lomas Garza! http://carmenlomasgarza.com/artwork/ More Books on Spanish Culture

Out Of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010).  Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum. “I can’t talk. I can’t walk. I can’t feed myself or take myself to the bathroom.” This is a book that tells the story of a 12 year old girl  named Melody with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that affects the muscles. Although most people doubt that she is able to achieve anything,   Melody’s parents never gave up and enrolled her into a regular school. Even though Melody can’t do much because of her disability, she is very smart and has a photographic memory which allows Melody to notice and remember everything. This causes Melody to feel like she is out her mind because she is not able to communicate her thoughts or feelings to anyone. The story takes us on a journey of Melody’s challenges of not being “normal” and the internal battles she has to face making her just want to give up on life. However, she learns that with supportive family, friends, and technology, she is finally able to find her voice. Out of My Mind is an award winning realistic fiction book. This is a recommended read for ages 10+ and anyone that may have a connection to a disabled person. The author adds a very significant detail of a fish in a bowl on the front cover which allows readers to connect it with the conflict in Melody’s life. After reading this book readers will learn the importance of true friendship, family, and acceptance. Book Trailer https://youtu.be/nCG6e2DifxY Lessons & Activities WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS DAY https://sharondraper.com/core/oomm.pdf More books on disabilities

Textbook Assignment #3

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K., & Diamond, D. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper Entertainment. Bridge to Terabithia is a classic tale about a boy named Jess Aarons who had dreams to become the fastest runner in 5th grade. The 5th grade marathon race finally comes, but the new kid on the block, girl named Leslie wins! At first Jess was really jealous of Leslie, but he finds they have a lot of in common. Through their imagination they grow a strong magical friendship! The two besties find their escape in a forest and run into a fantasy land naming it Terabithia. Terabithia is an amazing land that makes all of their imaginations come true.Jess and Leslie experiences so many things together that makes their friendship grow. Things dramatically change when  a tragic event occurs and Jess is left alone feeling like his whole world is shattered. At the end, Jess learns that with loss there are always memories and with sadness comes strength. Bridge to Terabithia is a low fantasy fiction novel and a recommended read for ages 10+. After reading this book,readers will learn some important lessons including the value of creativity,  coping with loss, building friendship and so much more! In addition, readers will be able to connect to the bond of Jess and Leslie’s friendship and the battles they face trying to fit in at school. Once you open up this book, get ready to escape reality! Movie Trailer https://youtu.be/1OZTV7Zu2bo Book Trailer https://youtu.be/0GOfZCs60E0 Lessons & Activities Bridge To Terabithia Novel Study

Good masters! Sweet ladies!

Schlitz, L. A. (2007).   Good masters, sweet ladies  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press. Good masters!Sweet ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz is a historical fiction read that takes place during the Medieval time period. This book provides stories of 12 children living in a village. Readers will explore the daily lives of children that are both less fortunate and well off. The stories will reveal to readers the struggles, mischief, and success that each child went through. This book also provides information and background on different jobs, popular sports, and social norms during this time period. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is a Newberry award winning historical fiction book about the Middle ages. Laura Schlitz uniquely combines real facts about the Medieval days. This is the perfect read for anyone ages 10 and up and will surely get readers interested in learning more about this time period. Robert Byrd’s illustrations brings this book to life making readers feel like they are living in the village! After reading this book, readers will have empathy and a better understanding of what it was like being a child during the middle ages! Book Trailer https://youtu.be/FTo9jKNvtUs Fun Medieval Activities http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson156.shtml http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/medieval-times Great Book to introduce Drama! http://www.childdrama.com/lessons.html Books about the Medieval Days

The Legend of The Bluebonnet

DePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet.   NY: Putnam. This is a traditional tale about a girl who saves her land.The great spirits are angry at the selfish Indian tribe causing severe drought, famine and sadly death. In order for this drought and famine to end, the Indian people must sacrifice something valuable. A young girl named She-Who- Is-Alone decides to sacrifice her prized possession,her warrior doll. This doll is very sacred to She-Who-Is-Alone because it is the only memory she has of her beloved family. After she made her sacrifice and begged for forgiveness, the great spirits accepted her apology. The tribe was gifted with rain and the Texas land was blessed with beautiful bluebonnets. This is a fiction legend in picture book format. The illustrations look like they were painted using beautiful watercolors. Tomie DePaola creatively integrates the history of the Native Americans in this fictional tale.The author’s note at the end of the book informs readers about the importance of the research that went into this legend along with the history of bluebonnets. After reading this tale, many readers will learn to think about others first. Lessons and Activities that go along with this book! http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/blueb.html Interview with the Author! https://youtu.be/LiaDW1VR8xU More legends by Tomie DePaola!