Spotlight Friday: Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series 8.12.16

Time to get ready for the weekend!

Kick up your feet and find a good place to read.

Sharing #booklove for your classroom or library.

Spotlighting a book or two because these books deserve the spotlight!

The ending of the Elephant and Piggie books had us all very melancholy.

But I'm here to let you know that we haven't seen the last of the fun duo!  Have you heard the news about Mo Willems' new project?  A new series called "Elephant and Piggie Like Reading".  Featuring a new author/illustrator for each book, with an introduction and conclusion by Elephant and Piggie, see told you we haven't seen the last of them!  The first two books very much have an "Elephant and Piggie" feel to them.  The story is moved along through conversation, the characters are humorous and have over the top reactions to things, and they definitely appeal to young readers.

Here's a little more about each book and how you may want to use it in your classroom this year:

The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat

Goodreads summary:

Four friends. Three cookies. One problem. 
Hippo, Croc, and the Squirrels are determined to have equal cookies for all! But how? There are only three cookies . . . and four of them! They need to act fast before nervous Hippo breaks all the cookies into crumbs!

Classroom ideas:

• great book to use when you're getting ready to introduce the concept of division
• turning point - where did the author give us clues to the solution before the four friends realized what they could do?

We Are Growing by Laurie Keller

Goodreads summary:

Walt and his friends are growing up! Everyone is the something-est. But . . . what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own!

Classroom connections:

• I can't wait to use this book at the beginning of the school year!  Have students reflect on individual talents.
• use to teach superlatives
• fluency - Elephant and Piggie books were always fun read alouds because you could add such expressive voice.  This one is no exception!

Look for both of these books on September 20th from Disney Hyperion.

Unbound - a review 8.11.16

There has been a lot of controversy this past year in the kid lit world.  From incorrectly portrayals in illustrations to those in text, to misinterpretations to misunderstood reviewers, to taking liberties with language.  My good friend Lesley shared this link that was shared by Grace Lin.  I'm not sure who originally said it, if it was Ms. Lin, or someone else, but I think it holds a lot of truth.  "things are not getting worse, they are getting uncovered.  we must hold each other tight & continue to pull back the veil."

All of this is in my mind as I write this review.  As most of you know, I am a white reader.  I grew up in what many would say in a privileged manner.  I am a copious reader and I learn and grow through books and conversation.  I just finished reading the book Unbound which is about a young African American girl in the 1800s who is being "brought up to the big house" to serve the Master and Missus.  It is written by Ann E. Burg, a white author.  Because of recent controversy, I almost shied away from writing this review.  Who am I, a white reader to review a book about a controversial time period written by a white author?  But I don't want to shy away from conversation.  If I get something wrong, I'd rather talk about it then not say anything at all.  I'd rather learn from my thinking than not grow at all.  So, here goes.

Unbound

by Ann E. Burg

published by Scholatic

September 27, 2016

Goodreads summary
The day Grace is called from the slave cabins to work in the Big House, Mama makes her promise to keep her eyes down. Uncle Jim warns her to keep her thoughts tucked private in her mind or they could bring a whole lot of trouble and pain.

But the more Grace sees of the heartless Master and hateful Missus, the more a rightiness voice clamors in her head-asking how come white folks can own slaves, sell them on the auction block, and separate families forever. When that voice escapes without warning, it sets off a terrible chain of events that prove Uncle Jim's words true. Suddenly, Grace and her family must flee deep into the woods, where they brave deadly animals, slave patrollers, and the uncertainty of ever finding freedom.

With candor and compassion, Ann E. Burg unearths a startling chapter of American history -- the remarkable story of runaways who sought sanctuary in the wilds of the Great Dismal Swamp -- and creates a powerful testament to the right of every human to be free.

My thoughts
I think historical fiction has such an important place in the reading lives of our youth.  We can teach them and tell them and show them about history.  But the way to make it make sense to them is relate it to them.  Historical fiction does this by having characters that are their age experiencing history and giving the reader a window into what it could have been like for them to live during a time period.

This book is an amazing window to what growing up as a slave could have been like.  From what I think I know, the events in this book seemed authentic and raw.  I enjoyed the character of Grace because we see her fight with wanting to do the right thing, yet needing to please her elders.  She is a flawed character because she doesn't always do what is right, yet we understand her reasonings.

The author's note at the end of the book was interesting.  Burg talks about The Great Dismal Swamp, a real location that can be found between Virginia and North Carolina.  This marshy location gave refuge to slaves who were on the run.  Within the deeply wooded marsh area, runaway slaves settled and learned to live on the land and face the perils of the wilderness, all which gave them freedom and was better than being enslaved.

This novel in verse has a rhythmic feeling to it and I think young readers will appreciate the voice but also there being just the right amount of words spoken in the book.

Look for this book on September 27th. 

2016 #pb10for10

It's 10for10 Picture Book Day!
#pb10for10

10for10 Picture Book Day is one reason I look forward to August!  Getting new picture book ideas is always fun, but my favorite part is seeing how people put picture book ideas together.  I see ways to put picture books together that I never would have thought.  So many wonderful ideas as we start our new school year.

Thank you Cathy Mere at Reflect & Refine and Mandy Robek at Enjoy and Embrace Learning for organizing this day. Stop by the Google Community to see even more ideas, or look for the hashtag #pb10for10.

I seem to go with a theme for this day, I guess my mind is always on the start of the school year at this time of year.  Last year, my #pb10for10 post was about 10 books you could use for Quick Writes at the beginning of the year.  See that post here.  Sticking with the beginning of the year theme, here are 10 books that would be great to use at the beginning of the year.  Whether it's to set the tone of your classroom community, give ideas on how to problem solve, or to put the new year in perspective, these books are sure to give you and your students a lot to talk about!

Books About Perspective

Use these books to help your students think with a new perspective,

think about things a little differently.

Dear Dragon

by Josh Funk

 illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo

They All Saw a Cat

by Brendan Wenzel

School's First Day of School

by Adam Rex

illustrated by Christian Robinson

Looking at Things a New Way

When students get stuck, how do they go about solving their problem?

Sometimes you have to look at things in a new way.

A Unicorn Named Sparkle

by Amy Young

What Do You Do With a Problem?

by Kobi Yamada

illustrated by Mae Besom

Turn That Frown Upside Down

We all have those days.  But how you deal with them make a difference.

Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus

by Edward Hemingway

My Teacher is a Monster! (No I'm Not)

by Peter Brown

Look for the Positives.  In Everyone

It's easy to get caught up in what is wrong.   What is not right.

Use these books to encourage everyone to look for the best.

Excellent Ed

by Stacy McAnulty

illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach

We Are Growing

by Laurie Keller and Mo Willems

publishes Sept. 20th

Working Together

Round up your classroom community and think about 

how you'll work together this year.

Bring Me a Rock

by Daniel Miyares

Here's to everyone having a great start of the school year!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday 8.10.16

Every Wednesday I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog is to give educational professionals

new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

You'll have to excuse me this week because I'm cheating just a wee bit.  My book to share with you is a fiction story, but it has some great nonfiction elements to it so I'm including it here.  And the library where I'm at this summer doesn't have a great selection of new non-fiction, so I'm having to stretch it a bit.

Our Very Own Dog

written by Amanda McCardie

illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino

published by Candlewick Press

The family in this story is getting a dog, But what is wonderful about the story is the dog is a rescue, it has come from an animal shelter.  The author walks us through things you do for all dogs - things the dog would need, what to teach them - but also things that are important for rescue dogs, such as be patient around them, letting them come to you.

What is wonderful about this book is the information that is found on every page.  In smaller print, are facts about dogs that go along with what is happening on the page.  For example, on the page it talks about fitting your dog for a collar, the smaller print talks about how there should be enough space for two fingers to fit between the dog and the collar.  The back matter is full of additional information and even includes an index and other books about dogs.

I was fortunate to receive a finished copy of this book from Candlewick Press.  It looks like this book will be released February 2017.  I'm not sure if there are any plans for it to be released sooner.  Keep it on your TBR list!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8.08.16

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

I love retellings of fairy tales.  The Rat Prince is a unique retelling that I think will appeal to middle grade readers.  Read all about it HERE.

A new Josh Funk book that will absolutely appeal to readers!  This is going to be a fun read aloud for the fall!  Ideas to use it in the classroom HERE.

Picture Books


Wolf Camp by Andrea Zuill
4/5 stars
Kids will enjoy this silly book.  This would be a fun fiction picture book to pair with the informational text From Wolf to Woof by Hudson Talbott.


Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff
3/5 stars
A diverse group of neighbors come together to share in an ethnic meal and a story about a family custom.  Centers around a Jewish tradition.  There's been a lot of discussion of books being windows and mirrors.  This book could fulfill either category for students.


Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman
4/5 stars.
A book about families.  That's how this book should be read.  But I wonder how many classes that do a unit about families but don't have this book, or something similar, included.  We really need to be diligent about the diversity we have in our libraries and read alouds.

Informational Texts


Living In... Mexico by Chloe Perkins
4/5 stars
I'm trying to buy more in this series, especially for students who are from that particular area.  I know they'll be excited to share books about where they have roots!

Graphic Novels


Hippopotamister by John Patrick Green
4/5 stars
Fantastic graphic novel for the early crowd.  Has the frames of graphic novels and the story  line you would see in a picture book.  Repeating lines and predictable plot line make this an easy book to sell to young readers!  Hope to see more for this age group from Green.

Middle Grade


Maxi's Secrets by Lynn Plourde
5/5 stars
Within a few chapters I knew this was going to be a special book.  I've never owned a dog, but my niece is deaf.  So if you have a member of the deaf community, whether human or animal, I'm going to like you.  Then we have Timminy, our main human character who is short statured.  Plourde never tells us if Timminy has a specific condition, just that it could be genetic since his uncle is short statured.  As many of you know, my daughter has just completed her third limb lengthening.  Many of the patients who are lengthening are short statured.  Many of them go through lengthenings because it helps alleviate pain in the joints.  Although lengthenings are never mentioned in the story, my heart naturally went to Timminy.
This book is about friendship, it's about overcoming difficulties, it's about figuring out who you are.  But mostly this book is about heart.  
At the end of each chapter, Plourde leaves us with a secret, and the secrets are amazing life lessons.  This would be a great read aloud - so much to talk about.
I hope this book is on your fall TBR.  You may want extra copies.


Young Adult


Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
5/5 stars
I got this book through NetGalley and it's been keeping me company while I work out at the gym.  Oh my gosh.  It's an amazing book.  Preorder it now.  Put it on hold at the library.  Whatever you need to do to get this book in your hands.  Raw.  Honest.  Haunting.  This is going to be such an important book about mental health.  The main character in the story is a cutter, someone who inflicts self-harm upon themselves in order to feel a "release".  
I do not work with young adults.  My building has Kg-4th grade students.  But that doesn't mean I won't come into contact with someone who is dealing with this.  It's a book that I would want to have in my arsenal should I need to recommend it to someone.
It's a very important book.

Currently Reading


Wish by Barbara O'Connor


We Were Here by Matt de la Peña
My #voxerpeeps decided awhile back this summer we would all read a de la Peña book this summer and discuss.  Since the original decision we've gone on to decide this will be the beginning of something new.  We're going to take turns reading diverse books.  Through literature and open conversation, we're hoping this leads to some insights for all of us.

Only two more weeks left for my summer #bookaday challenge.  How are you doing on yours?

Spotlight Friday - Pirasaurs! 8.05.16

Time to get ready for the weekend!

Kick up your feet and find a good place to read.

Sharing #booklove for your classroom or library.

Spotlighting a book or two because these books deserve the spotlight!

Pirasaurs!

written by Josh Funk

illustrated by Michael Slack

published by Scholastic

August 30, 2016

And now an introduction by author Josh Funk:

We’re Pirasaurs! We’re Pirasaurs!

We grunt and roar and sneer!

We’ll steal your books with tails and hooks

And own the blogosphere!

We’re Pirasaurs! We’re Pirasaurs!

We pose a giant threat!

We’ll slash and duel and soon we’ll rule

The world-wide internet!

We’re Pirasaurs! We’re Pirasaurs!

Our story is fantastic!

This grand hardback by Funk & Slack

Is published by Scholastic!

… and will be available on August 30th wherever books are sold!

I'm so excited to share Josh Funk's new book, Pirasaurs! with you!  Funk dazzles us with rhymes that roll right off the tongue and will delight young readers.  Mixing pirates and dinosaurs?  Kids will ask to read this book over and over.  I particularly enjoyed Michael Slack's illustrations.  The color palette was eye catching and fun.  Be sure to look for this book on August 30th!

Classroom connections:

• in Pirasaurs, Funk pairs two unlikely things together - dinosaurs and pirates.  Go back through the text and find how Funk joined the two together (ex. cannon ball and past, large Brontosaurus/who has a long neck being the lookout).  Writing exercise, think of 2 things that don't go together and try to join them into a story.
• talk about the turning point, when what is typically happening changes direction.  Our little pirate friend is having a hard time at first fitting in with the experienced pirates.  What is the turning point for him?
• with younger students, talk about the lesson learned
• check out the rhyming Funk uses.  How does he keep the rhythm just right?

Be sure to share the trailer with your students!  Have fun sharing and reading Pirasaurs! this fall!

RAWR!!!

The Rat Prince - review 8.04.16

"Heroes come in many guises."

The Rat Prince

by Bridget Hodder

published by Farrar Straus Giroux

publishes August 23. 2016

This is the tagline for Bridget Hodder's debut novel, The Rat Prince.  A Cinderella story, but with new heroes, new twist, new point of view.  

What happens in so many retellings is it ends up being the same story with small changes.  While I believe there are some parts that cannot be changed, I love finding books that feel fresh and new.  It's an "old" story with familiar pieces but lots of new spins!

Told in alternating chapters between the Rat Prince, Char, and Cinderella, or Lady Rose, we learn that, like in the regular story, Cinderella has been demoted to a scullery girl while her evil stepmother rules the castle.  However, their are new surprises with both Cinderella's family and the stepmother's daughters.  Sides have been drawn - the other service people in the house, down to the rats, have taken sides.  But that's not all - the prince is not the prince of the storybooks.  You'll find yourself rooting for a new prince and wondering how Hodder will tie everything together!  What I loved was there was a piece of folklore that seemed to come from Eastern folklore.  It brought a new element to the storyline.

Don't be fooled by the cover!  I love the regal colors, it's gorgeous, but while I think a mature 3rd grade reader could take it on, it does have rich language that is indicative of an older time period.  I think this book would fit well in a 4th-6th grade classroom/library, with outreach to 3rd and 7th grade.

Happy "new" reading!

Amazon summary:

The Prince of the Rats is changed into Cinderella's coachman on the night of the big ball. Now he and Cinderella must work together to vanquish her wicked stepmother and save the Kingdom of Angland from a terrible threat. With courage, heart, and a dash of magic, can they also find a happy ending? The spell ends at midnight, and the clock is ticking...