After this Semester

This semester changed my whole perspective on children's literature.  I find myself looking at aspects of literature that I never thought to look at.  I am exploring more genres, reading graphic novels, and looking at new topics for possible text sets I could use in my future classrooms.  I believe this class was really crucial for me as a future teachers because I did learn the power of books for children.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

Though this gave me a different perspective on another girl during the same war time but I found it very hard to get into.  I didn't connect with the main character and I think that is what ultimately made the book hard for me to read.

So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

This novel really moved me.  I couldn't put it down.  I really enjoy first hand accounts of history.  The way it was written I felt like I was there next to her along her long journey.  I experienced all of her emotions also.  I believe a books like this touch the audience and give you more than you bargained for.

When Summer Ends by Susi Gregg Fowler

This book talked about the four seasons of the year and all the things that happen in them.  All the holidays, the weather, and the fun things we do.  It made me think of which season I enjoy the most and what traditions I have at each holiday.  I also thought about all the good memories I have of these holidays and traditions.

One World by Michael Foreman

This book has really important moral about how it is important for us to protect our world because we only have one world and we need to take care of it.  I believe in doing my part to help preserve the resources we have because when they run out they are gone for good.  The illustrations were also done by Michael Forman and they reminded me of a childhood story of a little girl who discovered the seasons.  I love when I find a book that brings back memories.  

 

What the Elephant Told by Barbara Brenner and Illustrated by Akemi Gutierrez

I was first drawn to this book by the cover illustration.  I read the cover sleeve and found that Akemi Gutierrez has actually worked on many animated films for Disney.  I decided to get the book and I am really glad I did.  It was a fictional story of a boy befriending a young elephant that learned about each other.  There are true facts put into a fictional story that works!

Ten in the Meadow by John Butler

Ten little adorable animals playing hide and seek.  This is a very simple book that can help little kids learn the names of animals and where they are typically found in nature.  There is a bear, rabbit, badger, beaver, squirrel, porcupine, mole, mouse, raccoon and fox.  I would read this to preschoolers and kindergartens but no older.  

There are so many more stories that teach children a lesson, explore new places, and take you on adventures, etc.  This story does not do that.  I think this simple story line is for a younger audience therefore as a college student i feel very removed other than the exquisite illustrations.

Are You Going To Be Good? by Cari Best and Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

This is a story I totally loved!  I was totally a typical story about a kid being taken to a party with all adults and family.  Robert just captured my heart because he was just having fun and doing as he please and it turned out that, that was exactly what made his grandmother's 100th birthday special!  I would recommend this book to parents to read to their children.

Captain Duck by Jez Alborough

This is a picture book that is part of series.  Duck the main character always gets into trouble and brings his other animals friends along.  The book is illustrated like a series of scenes.  This makes it different from other pictures books with similar plots.  My child study student for Block A loves these books especially for the illustrations because they are able to follow along with every aspect of the story regardless of being able to read all the words.  These stories are always full of action and keeps your attention.  Also each page is laid out differently yet the words are always under the scene.  There is consistency yet variability.  It is not one of my favorites but I think that the story and the illustrations are ones the children enjoy.

Frindle

This was a children's novel by Andrew Clements that won the Christopher Award. Clements' imaginative characters bring the story to life. I love the idea of one kid being able to change the world given one idea. The word frindle changed the way everyone in the country saw a pen.

I Never Knew Your Name by Sherry Garland

This book was illustrated by Sheldon Greenberg. The illustrations in this book seem to reflect the two different boys. One page will be brighter colors and the next is darker representing boy who kept to himself. I think this book was considered controversial because the topic of suicide is delicate, personal, and brings about many feelings. This a book you have to be careful who you read it to because you never know whose life suicide may have affected. It is a difficult subject even for 4th graders and older kids.

Freedom's Fruit by William H. Hooks

Talking about spells and magical fruits when discussing slavery can be frowned upon because magic was not really used as a way to get out of slavery. Though is book is fiction I think people think that since slavery is such a serious topic it is important to write only realistic fiction about the time period. There is no way you could eat a fruit and then ultimately gain your freedom and start your life anew as a free person. That is no where near realistic.

Hair in Funny Places by Babette Cole

This book is obviously about puberty and dealing with all the changes that happen to both girls and boys during puberty. The pictures in the book can be seen as too graphic even though they are cartoonish. The book is for kids that are ages 7 and up. I think parents maybe concerned that reading about puberty in a book is not the proper way to educate their kids. I think it is a cute way to talk about a subject that can be hard to approach. It will always be an uncomfortable or funny topic for kids but at least this gives adults another way to approach this topic with children.

Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray

This picture book is geared to ages four to eight but the subject matter of farting and flatulence is not an appropriate subject. I don't think that children that age can think of it as anything else but funny. Also it goes into great detail about holding in farts for example which even makes me uncomfortable as a college student.

My Two Uncles by Judith Vigna

This book is considered controversial because it talks about Elly have an uncle who is gay. There are family members that do not approve of this therefore there is turmoil within the family. This is definitely a prevalent topic in today's society considering more gay people are coming out to their families and friends. Being accepted and people being open minded can be a rarity so the message of this book is important for children to understand that there are many different perspectives on topics such as being gay or lesbian.

Lit Class

I am enjoying exploring children's literature.  I like looking at childhood classics now from a adult/teacher's point of view.  Finding new books, authors, and genres I have never been exposed to or explored is an experience in itself.  I liked learning about the various genres and having a list of books to reference.  Also I liked learning about how to analyze picture books and look at them critically.  Overall this class has been fun and interesting.

Misfits Part 2

I didn't know how i really felt about this book after reading the first half of the book.  Once I read the second half of the book it really came alive for me and i think it has many good messages within it.  My favorite part was Bobby's speech for the No-name party.  I did not care for the ending really because it was too predictable but many stories are.

One Rainy Day

This picture book was adorable.  It was written by M. Christina Butler and illustrated by Tina Macnaughton.  The little hedgehog is so cute and cuddly looking that you can't help but love this story.  It is about helping other animals when they need help.  It is about giving all you can to others and help when you can.  I think using the animals and illustrations in this book was a great way to introduce helping and caring for other to children.

Kiss Me, I'm Perfect by Robert Munsch

This picture book is a play on words really.  The did not enjoy this one as much as the others I read.  It did use a lot of dialogue, sound words, and font changes throughout it but I did not particularly like the story line.  The illustrations by Michael Martchenko were too cartoonish for my liking.  It works for the story but they are not what I personally like.

Fidgety Fish and Friends

A vibrant picture book by Paul Bright and illustrated by Ruth Galloway.  The use of bright colors, many underwater creatures, and sound effects make this book fun and visually appealing.  I truly enjoyed the individual poems about different underwater creatures.  This book was not written as a story but as a book of mini poems.  I have a huge fan of poetry and I like the idea of introducing poetry to children through picture book such as this.

At Ellis Island by Louise Peacock

This book is illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop.  I have been very interested in Ellis Island since I went to New York and visited when I was in high school.  I was fascinated by how many people went through looking for a new life here in the US.  This book is a really good way to introduce the types of people, events, hardships, and hope that occurred during the mass migrations to America through Ellis Island.  This book tells the story a little girl's journey to America and through Ellis Island through letters she was writing to her dead mother.  

I Love You Because You're You

This picture book by Liza Baker and illustrated by David McPhail is about the Love between a mother and child.  This love in this book is between a mother fox and a baby fox.  It is about how no matter what you do you will always be loved regardless.  This shows kids about unconditional love.  

Moosetache

This is a picture book by Margie Palatini and illustrated by Henry Cole.  This  a silly book all children will love.   A moose tries to tame his big long mustache.  The illustrations really make the story come alive.  The writing, illustrations and font changes are what makes the story so good and funny.  I would definitely recommend this book.

Fish is Fish

The illustrations of this book are only on the bottom of the page to mimic being underwater.  The words are then only on the top of the page.  It is a story about how all creatures in the world are different.  Fish will always be fish.  The fish learns this through his friend the frog.  It is a story about learning and discovering.

No Kisses, Please!

This is another easy read picture book that talks about the classic trying to avoid kisses from relatives.  This book though uses a dog instead.  It is really cute all the ideas the dog comes up with to avoid a kiss.  The dog out smarts the family member.  This book is a cute book for little kids.

I Love You Through and Through

This is an extremely cute picture book about a little boy who is loved by the adults around him.  The illustrations and the parts that are loved are adorable and just make you smile.  The book uses many different background colors and various places for the print on each page.  This keeps it interesting because the little boy and his teddy bear are the only characters in the book.

Misfits Part 1

This book is unlike any book I read as a kid. I understand that these kids are the misfits the ones that band together because they are not accepted by others but I guess I wanted a story that was more engaging. I feeling like it is just documenting what is happening. I think it is awesome that the kids feel comfortable with each and talk about their insecurities and personal issues like being gay, political views, and liking different people. I think it is very mature for children their age. I liked the part where each of them listed what names they each had been called. I really think is a book that focuses on discovering yourself and becoming ok with who you are no matter what others think which I believe is an important message for children to understand.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Only after reading this novel did I realize who the author was! Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons was one of my favorite and most memorable reads as a elementary schooler. Love That Dog was definitely a change from Walk Two Moons but I enjoyed it just the same. I enjoyed seeing the growth of a child's writing. It is something truly special especially as a teacher to see the moment when I student truly connects to their work or finds the subject that inspires them.

Sharon Creech

Would I Ever Lie to You? by Caralyn Buehner

The silly distorted illustrations are what makes this book really interesting and make the words and story amusing. It is a story about cousins who are learning about the difference between lies and the truth through crazy scenarios.

Today I feel Silly and other moods that make my day by Jamie Lee Curtis

This book is written in a poem format where a few of the lines are rhyming. I am a huge fan of poetry and i think this is a great way to introduce poetry to them in a fun and silly way. I like that poems do not have to be serious, but can really show creativity and can be presented in many different ways. The color of this book really pops out at me and the lay out is different on each page.

Mirror by Alexandra Day and Christina Darling

One of the reasons I really enjoyed this book is because it is written as if this little girl is writing it. It uses I throughout the whole thing. She has several different experiences where what she sees in the mirror is not her reflection but several different things. I think it is a great way to think and talk about imagination. The illustrations are exquisite! The illustrations really take you on the journey with her.

Amazing Author's website!!!

This is Mary Downing Hahn's official website.  She is an amazing author who wrote several books I have read.  Her story lines and suspense are amazing!  Check it out!

http://www.childrensbookguild.org/hahn.html

Do Like A Duck Does

This is a cute story about Ducks following in line and a fox that tried to be a duck so she could have one of the ducklings for lunch.  It has sound words for kids to make the sounds a duck makes a long with you.  It is a good book for kindergarten or first graders.

Journey Home

Mai is a girl who is about to take a trip to Vietnam to help her Mom find her birth family who disappeared during the Vietnam War.  Mai is determined to help solve the mystery.  She wonders what she will learn about her Mom’s past and also what she will learn about herself.  Mai discovers that what happened in the past will change her life forever.  This is a story about self-discovery and finding oneself through family history. 

The stories I have read from historical fiction were amazing this week.  I love learning about history but learning about it through fiction was new for me.  Also learning about it from authors who have simplified it for young children was really interesting.

Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam

This story was written in a story-poem format to convey the thoughts and feelings of a solider who fought in Vietnam.  He is a solider that is forever changed by the death of this brother.  The author uses descriptive language to set the scene in Vietnam during battle.  This story-poem takes the reader into the forests where battle is describe from moment to moment.  It is as if you are really there experiencing the war alongside this solider.  The illustrations are done in such a way that it looks like each piece was cut out separately and then placed in the picture to create a unique illustration.  The illustrations complement the story and reflect its contents.  

Annie's Promise

This is a novel set in 1945 during World War II.  Annie is a twelve-year-old German girl who traveled to America with her family to start a new life.  She is trying to find independence from her protective parents.  Annie was sick for most of the past year so her parents have kept a close eye on her.  Annie get the chance to spend the summer at a camp called Quaker Pines with many other children from many different backgrounds.  This is where she learns about herself and her life begins to change.  This book is a good story to use to be able to understand the struggles of immigrants adjusting to life in America. 

An Ellis Island Christmas

This story was written from the point of view of a little six-year-old girl from Poland who goes with her mom and family to go join their father in America.  She describes the long boat ride and then finally seeing the statue of liberty.  Once her and family get off the ship they wait in line at Ellis Island to see if they will be allowed into America.  All of her family passes the inspection and then sit in front of the huge Christmas tree on Christmas Eve to wait for Papa.  I enjoyed this story because I am very interested in the Ellis Island experience and immigration to the United States in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. This is a story i strongly recommend.  

Finding Daddy: A Story of the Great Depression

Bonnie used to enjoy dancing while her dad played his fiddle.  Now that the Great Depression has set in her father has lost his job, then the house, and all their belongings.  Her father leaves to go find work but Bonnie and her dog go and search for him.  Along the way she finds ways to help her family.  She begins to sing in a café and people put coins in her hat.  She had to help her family.  She finds her dad and she knows things will be better now. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book it captured the sadness and then the joy at the end through the colors used.

"We Got My Brother at the Zoo" by John and Ann Hassett

This book has a pattern of starting out by saying Did you know we got my brother from _____?  It also has further narrative to explain each different place where they got his brother.  I think I would us this as a writing prompt.  I would allow my students to start out with a similar line and then have them write to elaborate on that first line.  I could also just have them plug in different words into the question for younger grades to get them brainstorming.

"Angel City" by Tony Johnson

This is a story about a African American man who stumbles upon a baby in a dumpster.  He takes the child home and cares for him as his own.  The baby is of Mexican heritage and from Georgia so the man makes sure to expose this child with the experiences of all his different cultures and background.  This would be a good way to explain cultural identity.

"The Sound of Colors" By Jimmy Liao

This book's subtitle is "A Journey of the Imagination" and I would say that is a very good description of this book.  It is a book that follows a girl who has become blind.  She is traveling everyday and learning to experience the world how she imagines it through its colors.  It is a little more advanced picture book.  I would use this to talk about color, imagination, and possibly what it would be like to be blind.  The illustrations demonstrate play with colors which add another dimension to the story.

"Terrible Storm" by Carol Otis Hurst

This picture book was a story about two older men reminiscing about the Blizzard of 1888.  It is a story that could be used as a good example of looking at one event from two different perspectives.  I would probably use this story to demonstrate that the same event can be viewed and experienced different by all involved.

"Deep and Dark and Dangerous" by Mary Downing Hahn

This children's novel was one of the best constructed ghost stories I have ever read.  The author does an amazing job of balancing detail with plot so that children are not overwhelmed or bored by either.  The story was about the mystery of a death of a ten year old girl thirty years prior.  The dead girl's ghost appears to two children to tell the truth of what happened to her.  I would recommend this author because she is a great read and it would be a book that would keep your students hooked!

"The Invisible Moose" by Dennis Haseley

This was picture book that encouraged the use of your imagination.  A moose goes on a trip to rescue a girl moose who was captured.  To do this the moose has to become invisible to do so.  This story has quite a bit of text and probably a second grader could read it with a little help.  I personally enjoyed the illustrations by Steven Kellogg.  They were exquisite and truly enhanced the story.  I would definitely read this story to my students.