Spiders

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. Yes, this book is about creepy crawling SPIDERS!! This nonfiction read by Nic Bishop takes readers on an exploration of Mother Nature’s most amazing creatures! With jaw dropping photos and interesting fun facts readers are able to explore spiders including their  physical characteristics, diet, behavior,anatomy, life cycles, and so much more!This award winning book will have readers second guessing themselves about spiders! The author includes many close-up photos of these amazing arachnids. Readers will feel like the spiders are coming out of the book! In addition, most photos are attached with captions that give readers extra fun facts about spiders making this a suitable read for 3rd grade! After reading this book, young readers that hate spiders will grow to love these unique creatures! Spider Unit http://www.teachingheart.net/aspiderunit.html All about Nic Bishop http://www.nicbishop.com/ More books by Nic Bishop!

Rosa

Giovanni, N., & Collier, B. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt. This is the biography of a historic Civil Rights hero, Rosa Parks.This book starts off with Rosa happily doing her daily duties. Until she got on the bus after a hard days of work. Rosa sat down in the neutral section of the bus and was rudely asked to give up her seat for a white man. She didn’t understand why she was being asked to move because she was sitting in her designated seat. Rosa thought she wasn’t doing anything wrong and was tired of white people bullying people of color. She became so frustrated, she refused to give up her seat. Rosa Parks' traumatic experience on bus in Montgomery, Alabama changed American history forever. This Coretta Scott King and Caldecott award reading book is filled with accurate facts about Rosa’s life before, during, and after the bus incident. Bryan Collier’s award winning illustrations bring this biography to life. This nonfiction read has many themes that readers can connect with including bravery, courage, segregation, and heroism. After reading this book, young readers will learn that separate is not equal. More books about the Civil Rights movement.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963

Curtis, C. P. (1995).   The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY:  Delacorte. The Watsons go to Birmingham is told in the eyes of a 10 year old boy named Kenny.His older brother Byron is always getting into trouble causing his family to take a trip to Birmingham, Alabama to see their grandma in hopes to straighten Byron up. Their trip to  Birmingham, Alabama should make everything a lot better, but the  Watson family quickly learn that things can get even worse vacationing in the South. In the last few chapters, Kenny experiences things that a normal 10 year old shouldn't face such as rush with death, discrimination,and low self-esteem. Surprisingly, throughout it all his brother Byron “the troublemaker” is by his side the entire time.After the trip to Birmingham, Byron grows into a very caring individual and Kenny learns that with family strength and love you can overcome any obstacle.  This historical fiction novel combines comedy and drama all in one read. While reading this book you will naturally grow a connection to the “Weird Watsons” finding yourself laugh,cry,smile, and fuming with anger. Although part of this book was funny to read, it does get serious when the author integrates the historic tragic event of the 1963 Birmingham Church bombing. This event in the novel reveals to readers how dangerous it was to be a person of color living in the South during the Civil Rights movement. There are multiple major themes this book covers including race, friendship, family, bullying and growing up. One part that will have readers laughing out loud is when Byron decides to kiss his reflection on a snowy car window! Check out one of my Favorite parts in the book! This is exactly what I envisioned in my head while I was reading! Lol!! https://youtu.be/0uE2EMgvXfM Movie Trailer You have to Checkout the movie! Teaching Resources For the book http://iqlearnonline.org/course/view.php?id=149

Textbook Assignment #5

Comics Squad: Recess!

Holm, J. L., Holm, M., Krosoczka, J., Pilkey, D., Santat, D., Telgemeier, R., Roman, D., ... Yang, G. L. (2014). Comics Squad: Recess!.New York : Random House. Comics squad: Recess! Is a book compiled with 10 short comic stories that is all about recess! This book features well-known authors and illustrators such as Jennifer Holm, Dav Pilkey, Eric Wight, and Gene Yang.With popular fictional characters making their appearance, this makes this book a fun read! The book starts off with The Super-Secret Ninja Club. An uncool boy named Daryl is doing whatever it takes to join this cool “Secret Ninja Club” including training to improve his ninja skills all winter long! After the break, he doesn’t see The Super-Secret Ninja Club anymore. Instead, there is a dodge-ball club!  The story ends with an amazing ninja dodge-ball twist with Daryl getting the Super-Secret Ninja Club back together. With his cool ninja moves he is promoted to be the  Super Ninja Trainer!  This comic book doesn’t end here! You have to keep reading to see the recess adventures of Babymouse, Lunch Lady, Scratch the Squirrel, Dog Man, Jimmy Sprinkles and so many more! This graphic novel will have readers laughing so hard! The author creatively combines their writing styles and recess stories all in one book! In addition, with the silly illustrations readers will feel like they are at recess. Although the drawing styles in each story are different,  the color scheme (orange, black, and white) are the same through the entire book. Most young readers will be able to connect with something in this book all kids love which is RECESS!! This book is recommended for ages 7+. Interview with the Author! https://youtu.be/UiTRmUGRAeA If you want a similar comic book read, check out Comics Squad: Lunch!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret  NY:  Scholastic. The Invention of Hugo Cabret takes readers on the journey of a young orphan boy's life. His uncle trained him to keep time at a train station but upon the disappearance of his uncle, Hugo must take care of himself. He is forced to steal from different shops in the train station in an attempt to survive. He soon discovers toys he can utilize to help him with his other job, rebuilding a mechanical machine that writes messages, better known as an automaton. The owner of the toy shop, Papa Georges, finally catches Hugo in the act. Out of anger, Papa Georges retaliates by taking Hugo’s journal right out of his hand! He opens the journal and is surprisingly fascinated by the automaton that Hugo’s father drew before he died. Hugo will do anything it takes to retrieve the only memory he has from his beloved father. The journal is also the delicate “key” to helping him rebuild the automaton. Therefore, Hugo tries to earn the journal back by working at the toy shop, where he befriends Papa Georges’ Goddaughter, Isabelle. Hugo soon realizes Isabelle holds the ultimate key to starting this mechanical machine. The two young friends uncover an ancient mystery and embark on an unspeakable journey, connecting their world's forever.Brian Selznick creatively combines mystery, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy in one unique read! Some young readers may prematurely judge this book based on the length (about 530 pages), but as the old saying goes “Never judge a book by it’s cover”! When readers open this book they will find it hard to close. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is half text and half illustration, making this book a suitable read for grades 4 and up. The detailed illustrations are a bonus which make readers feel like they are watching a 1930’s film. This title encourages readers to think deeply while exploring multiple themes which include friendship, acceptance, creativity, confronting your past, and coping with grief. Lessons & Activities The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Flashlight Readers Activity Hugo Cabret Game! Book Trailer https://youtu.be/dYiumrSxAg8 Movie Trailer If you like this book, you have to see the movie! Interview with the Author https://youtu.be/SfBEUhP9aCY More books by Brian Selznick

Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade. NY: Houghton Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade is a Nonfiction picture book about the life of Tony Sarg, the inventor of the balloons in the Macy's parade. This book is a timeline of his life sharing how creativity molded his life starting from when he was just a  boy, devising a plan to feed the chickens without getting out of bed through Macy’s noticing his talent and wanting to partner with him. This book takes readers on an informational journey of the successes and failures of Tony Sarg’s life.  This award winning book pays tribute to Tony Sarg. Before reading this book, many readers wouldn’t think twice about the Macy’s Day Parade! However, after reading this book readers will learn the backstory of it all! Readers will also learn the importance of thinking outside the box, patience, creativity, and determination. In addition, this inspirational read will encourage young people to never give up in times of with failure.Although this is a recommended read for grades 2-3, this book is the perfect thanksgiving read for ALL AGES! Book Trailer https://youtu.be/FrWBtMqDSUE All About the Author Meet Melissa Sweet! Lessons & Activities Balloons over Broadway Activity Kit More Books by Melissa Sweet

Geisel Award List

Rapunzel's Revenge

 

Hale, S., Hale, D., & Hale, N. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York, N.Y: Bloomsbury. Rapunzel’s Revenge is the Wild Wild West version of your classic Rapunzel tale! Rapunzel lives in a huge mansion and has everything  she wants or so she thinks. Most of the time she suffers from boredom and loneliness. Deep down within her, Rapunzel feels like she’s missing something and she is curious about is outside the big mansion she lives in. Rapunzel’s curiosity gets  the best of her and on her 12th birthday she went against her "mother's" wishes and explored what was on the other side of the stone wall. After doing so, Rapunzel runs into her biological mother and the puzzle pieces start to come together! She now knows that her Mom isn’t really her Mom and that she has to escape! Instead of waiting on an handsome prince charming to rescue her, she decides to be her own hero and just like the title says devises a plan to go on on revenge!  Along the way she meets another fairy tale favorite, together they go on a long wild ride to revenge! Rapunzel’s revenge  is a traditional fairy tale in comic book format. The lively illustrations will make readers feel like they are watching a wild wild west movie! Shannon Hale's writing style combines humor, drama, action, and fantasy all in one read. Many readers will be able to connect with the anger and sadness Rapunzel feels when she learns the truth about what is on the other side of that stone wall.This book is the perfect read for any reader that likes fairy tales, adventure, comedy, or comic books...making this a perfect read for EVERYBODY! Book Trailer https://youtu.be/Q4_Slu5J67M All About the Author! Biography of Shannon Hale Lessons & Activities Rapunzel’s Revenge Teaching Guide More books by Shannon Hale

Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow

Bartoletti, S. C. (2005). Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction. Hitler Youth is not a book about Hitler as a child, instead about the influence Hitler had on many children and teenagers during this time period. This book focuses on 12 German youngsters first-hand accounts about joining Hitler Youth.  The Nazi party attracted many youth through promising them fun, adventure,and a great future during a time when many Germans were in poverty. As a result, some young people decided to enroll in the organization in hopes that they would make a better life for themselves and their family. This was Hitler’s plan to mold the young minds into making them become anti-Semitic and eventually join the Nazi militia.  Although this book is a chilling heartbreaking read, it will give readers a better understanding on how Hitler rose to power. Hitler Youth : growing up in Hitler's shadow  is Sibert & Newberry Honor nonfiction-memoir book.  The first few pages introduces 12 children that the book focuses on.Susan Bartoletti combines narrative and expository writing allowing the reader to feel like they are connected with each child’s experience during the Holocaust. As readers explore, they will feel like they are looking through  a photo album. The book includes many black and white photographs that connects with what the German children had witnessed. This book will leave readers of all nationalities reflecting on the negative or positive effects one person can have on a community. Book Trailer https://youtu.be/cuK0YNDUtEE Interview with the Author! Susan Campbell Bartoletti Scholastic interview! The Author Read Aloud! More books on the Holocaust

It's a Book

Smith, L. (2011).  It’s a book.  NY: Roaring Brook It's a book by Lane Smith is a picture book about a donkey, monkey, and mouse. They are all hanging out in the living room the donkey is entertained by an electronic device and the monkey is enjoying a simple book. The donkey is curious about what the monkey is staring at in his hands.He begins to interrupt the monkey’s enjoyment by asking him questions and the monkey redundantly replies by saying, “It’s a book”. At first the donkey is very negative about the book because it doesn’t tweet, text, or blog. The donkey thinks that the book has too many words, but the monkey allows him to take a peak in the book. Surprisingly the donkey gets hooked and can not put the book down. He has one more silly question for the monkey and the quiet mouse has a  jaw dropping response that will leave some readers laughing or speechless! Lane Smith’s illustrations just add to the humor of this short read. This simple read gets readers to reflect on how entertainment is quickly changing and how it will impact our society in the future. At first, this book looks like the perfect picture book for young readers, but at the end of the book the mouse rudely calls the donkey a “jackass”. Although this word was an acceptable synonym for donkey ages ago, it is not an acceptable term in the classroom.and can be offensive to some readers. Book Trailer Check out this hysterical animated book trailer! If you liked this book, you definitely have to read the sequel! Interview with the author! https://youtu.be/e0hNlYw1Uko Teaching Ideas & Lessons to go along with this book! http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/library/books/its-a-book

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B., Zelinsky, P. O. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: W. Morrow. Dear Mr. Henshaw is a story about a boy named Leigh Botts. He wants to be just like the author of one of his favorite books, Mr. Henshaw! Through letters the two begin to communicate. Leigh begins to open up revealing to Mr. Henshaw many things from how neglected he feels because of his parents divorcing to the experiences of being the new kid in school! Mr. Henshaw replies back with advice and words of encouragement helping Leigh deal with his conflicts. This starts a flourishing Pen Pal friendship and Leigh learns to grow as a writer as well as grow as a person. Dear Mr. Henshaw is a realistic fiction book written in a unique way! The author creatively uses the format of letters to tell the story of Leigh Botts. After reading this book, it will leave readers reflecting on the negative effects of divorce and bullying. In addition, making this an inspirational read that will influence many people that are going through difficult times in their life to just write! Lessons & Activities http://www.ocde.us/CharacterEd/Documents/mr-henshaw.pdf Book Trailer https://youtu.be/6A3Sa4gFGJA Can’t get enough of Leigh Botts!? Read the Sequel!