Thursday, September 20, 2018

#road2reading Challenge - some Princess books - 9.20.18


All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers 
at the start of their independent reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.


This week I am spotlighting three chapter books for those gaining their independence with those books, and all of them feature princesses.  Each one takes a different perspective with princesses.  
I find this subject interesting.  I book talk these books to all readers.  I talk to all readers the same.  I tell them about the stories, why I like the characters.  I try to keep to the storyline and not influence any genders.  But it's still girls that flock to these books.  When I see boys pick them up, I'm happy to remind them these books have a great story inside them.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  I'll keep sharing.
Until then, check these stories out!

The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare by Shannon Hale
The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare
written by Shannon Dale and Dean Hale
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This is the kind of princess story I like - one that turns what you may think about princesses in a different way.  We already know about Princess Magnolia and the Princess in Black.  We already know Princess Magnolia has some pretty great friends who are pretty tough, too.  This time the girls take on some STEM issues at their kingdoms' science fair, which just happens to have a monster.  Go monster-kicking-butt girls!

Absolutely Alfie and the Princess Wars by Sally Warner
Absolutely Alfie and the Princess Wars
written by Sally Warner
illustrated by Shearry Malone
The princesses in this story are the Halloween costume kind of princesses!  What is most important about this book is the message - what do you do when you've given your word to a friend but later you change your mind?  A dilemma many young readers will be able to relate to, this book, princesses or not, is one all kids will enjoy!


The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (Miranda and Maude #1)
Miranda and Maude:  The Princess and the Absolutely NOT a Princess
written by Emma Wunsch
illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner
Hmmmm.  Some things I enjoyed about this book.  There was an element of social justice.  The two girls used kindness to open their eyes and appreciate a new perspective.
But some things I didn't like.  This book really held up stereotypes of "princesses" - the princess ("real" princess this time) was stuck up, only liked frilly things, didn't like school, didn't seem to know much and really just liked nail polish.
There was also a lot of talk about test taking skills....
I will be interested in seeing what the intended audience of this book thinks.


Do you work with readers who are starting their journey on the road to reading?  Join Alyson Beecher from Kid Lit Frenzy and me every Thursday as we explore books and ideas to help readers have a successful start to independent picture book and chapter book reading. If you blog or have a Goodreads page, please link up with us!

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