#road2reading Challenge - Jasmine Toguchi Drummer Girl 4.05.18

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 reading journey.

Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

Last summer I found the "Jasmine Toguchi" series.  I knew it was going to be a fun series, but I didn't know how special she would be until I read her story.  This book gave me all the feels - she was a fun character that would be relatable to all young readers, and she puts a spotlight on her Japanese culture as part of her story AND this was a new transitional chapter book series!  I'm always on the lookout for a good transitional chapter book - it's hard to find books that have a great plot line, yet are an appropriate length and vocabulary for young readers.  Jasmine absolutely fits the bill.  And nothing tells you if a book is a success or not than by reading it out loud to children.  Our third grade teachers read the first book out loud this year because we were skyping with author Debbie Michiko Florence on World Read Aloud Day.  The kids absolutely loved reading Jasmine.  They always wanted to keep reading, never stopping for the day.  After they read the first book, they needed the second book.  WRAD was in February, but I haven't seen my Jasmine books since then - they are always checked out!  And now, we get the third book in the series:

Jasmine Toguchi: Drummer Girl

written by Debbi Michiko Florence

illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic

published by Farrar Straus Giroux

April 3rd, 2018

Goodreads summary:

It's talent show time at school, and eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is excited to show her stuff. But as she thinks about her strengths--tree-climbing, mochi making, collage--none of them feel quite right to perform on-stage. Jasmine's friends already have a talent: Tommy yo-yo's, Daisy dances, and Linnie plays piano. Plus, Maggie Milsap (aka Miss Perfect) is saying she'll have the best talent.

When Jasmine's mom introduces her to the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, Jasmine finally finds an activity that feels just right. But will she be good enough at taiko in time to beat Maggie Milsap?

Join Jasmine as she discovers her talent--and the difference between being the best and trying your best.

Lucky for us Debbi stopped by to chat with our readers!

1.  Do you have to think about anything different when writing a series like this?  (vs. if it were a picture book or older middle grade novel)

When I wrote Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen, I wrote it as a standalone. It wasn’t until my editor asked me to write three more books that I had to think about turning Jasmine Toguchi into a series. My editor encouraged me do develop mannerisms that could carry throughout a series, like phrases or passions. Jasmine’s “wowee zowee” for when she’s excited actually came from my editor who used the same phrase in an email to me. And Jasmine’s “walnuts” for when she was unhappy, came about because both Jasmine and I don’t like walnuts. It the first book, Jasmine’s favorite color is purple and she loves to make messes and climb trees, and those things carry through the series.

2.  I bet you've heard from young readers about how seeing Jasmine's culture/heritage in a book has meant to them.  Can you share a story?

I’m touched by how many readers and parents of readers have reached out to me and/or shared online how much Jasmine Toguchi means to them. Each note, tweet/post/DM, and letter means the world to me. In fact, I started keeping a special scrapbook to save everything in one place. Not long ago, I received a four-page letter from a young reader who wrote to me in both English AND Japanese, and made me a pink flamingo out of origami. It means so much to me that readers are able to see themselves in Jasmine and her stories.

3.  We've heard inspiration strikes everywhere!  What's been the craziest place you've been when you've had a big breakthrough or idea?

I’m not sure I have a craziest place, but once I solved a plot problem while I was out running. I didn’t want to forget it but I also didn’t want to stop running since I was using an app that was timing me. So I voice texted myself the idea while running. Another time, I came up with a story idea while I was driving. There was nowhere for me to pull over and I was in traffic so I chanted the idea out loud over and over until I was able to pull over in a parking lot and write it down. I tend to forget my ideas so I must write them down immediately.

4.  It's always so fun to hear about those changes that we never knew about that happens during the writing process.  Can you tell us about a pre-publication change in one of the books?

After my editor acquired Mochi Queen and asked me to write three more books, she suggested that Jasmine have a favorite animal. I wanted the animal to be unique and unusual, because Jasmine is the kind of kid who doesn’t follow the crowd. My editor is originally from Miami and, so, Jasmine’s favorite animal became the flamingo! I love that it’s such a big thing for Jasmine now, and she mentions this love in every book. In Book 4, Jasmine Toguchi Flamingo Keeper, coming out on July 3, Jasmine wishes for her very own pet flamingo. Stayed tuned to learn how that turns out!

5.  I love that Jasmine is accessible to readers who are starting to independently read chapter books.  Is there something you do to support your readers?

I’m thrilled that readers are discovering Jasmine Toguchi and I’m so touched by the support the books are receiving! For fans who reach out, I’m always happy to send signed bookmarks or bookplates. The same goes to educators and librarians. I also do school visits - details are available on my web site and I’m starting to book for the 2018 - 2019 school year. Also on my website are free downloadable activities for readers and fans such as Mochi Queen/King nametags and Jasmine paper dolls. And I put out a monthly newsletter that includes updates, crafts/activities, and tidbits about Japanese culture.

http://debbimichikoflorence.com/

Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog!

More about Debbi:

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of the chapter book series Jasmine Toguchi, about a spunky 8-year-old Japanese American girl: Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen (a Junior Library Guild selection); Jasmine Toguchi, Super Sleuth; Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl (a Junior Library Guild selection) (April 3, 2018); and Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper (July 3, 2018). A third generation Japanese American and a native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut with her husband, a puppy named Kiku, a bunny named Aki, and two ducks named Darcy and Lizzy. A former zoo educator and classroom teacher, she loves to travel with her husband and daughter.

And even luckier for us, Debbi and FSG is offering a copy of Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl to a reader!  Be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win - giveaway is open to US residents through Wednesday, April 11th.

Be sure to check out all of the Jasmine Toguchi books - your readers will thank you!

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!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Terrific Tongues! 4.04.18

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Every Wednesday I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

I bet you don't think about your tongue too often - until you bite it unexpectedly!  Ouch!  But many mammals have come to rely on it for an important tool.

Terrific Tongues!

written by Maria Gianferrari

illustrated by Jia Liu

published by Boyds Mills Press

Did you know a woodpecker uses its tongue like a sword?  It's as sharp as a sword and it can stab the food it needs to get when it's hiding beneath tree bark.  Handy!

Or that a gecko's tongue is like a windshield wiper, keeping its eyes clean since they don't have eyelids.  

And my favorite - did you know a tongue can be an air conditioner?  Like for a dog, their tongue helps cool them off when they stick it out and pant - it helps chill their blood and circulate it through their body!

I love the way this book is structured with front to back layouts.  The front pages show the tongue looking to the item it is being compared to.  Although this is silly, it also makes a visual connection for the young reader that helps them understand what could be an abstract idea.  Of course the silly visuals will just make this book so much fun to read and look at over and over again!

front layout... turn the page and see...

...the actual animal!

Author Maria Gianferrari has stopped by to answer a couple of questions.

1. Talk about the research a bit for this book.  It must have been interesting to learn all of the information and think of the comparisons for this book!

This story has its genesis long ago! It all started when my then toddler was obsessed with all things tongue. At the time, we were living in Berlin, Germany for my husband’s sabbatical. Every time we’d go for a walk, or read a book, or see a dog or some kind of animal, she would point at it and say the German word, “Zunge.” Her obsession became my obsession. I began to do some preliminary research and stumbled upon so many cool things that I knew I could write something about it. It started off as a poem, some of which has been retained at the end with the tongue functions. Once I had collected all of the cool details, and made comparisons, I had to study nonfiction picture books to figure out a format, and it eventually morphed into a book.

2. I'm always fascinated by what didn't make the book - what was an animal and its interesting tongue feature that didn't make the book?

The hummingbird was moved from the main text to fun tongue section and was replaced by an even cooler creature—a nectarivorous bat called the Pallas long-tongued bat when I discovered a scientist’s high speed video of it. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/mUloK7Zesx4.

Here’s a photo of the Pallas long-tongued bat: 

Photo credit: Dr. Melvin D. Tuttle/Bat Conservation International 

3.  So if you could choose.... which animal tongue would you want to have?

If a dog’s tongue truly worked as efficiently as an air conditioner, I’d definitely take that! I am not a fond of heat and humidity.

Thank you, Maria, for stopping by!  

Thanks for featuring Terrific Tongues here, Michele!

Here's more about this fantastic author:

Maria would love an air conditioner-like tongue to combat Virginia's hot and humid summers, or a tongue like a straw for sipping cold ice tea! But she'll make do with kisses from her rescue mutt, Becca. Terrific Tongues is Maria's first book with Boyds Mills Press. She is also the author of the Penny & Jelly books, Coyote Moon, Officer Katz & Houndini and Hello Goodbye Dog. Maria lives in Virginia with her scientist husband, artist daughter, and writing companion, Becca.

You can find Maria:

Website: http://mariagianferrari.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maria-Gianferrari/100005158935695

& Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyandjelly/

Would you like to have a copy of this book in your classroom?  Maria and her publisher, Boyds Mills Press, has generously donated a copy of this fantastic book. The giveaway is open to US residents and will remain open through April 9th.  Good luck and happy reading!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 4.02.18

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
Last week was our Spring Break so I took a week off from blogging to enjoy time with family and time reading!


Picture Books


If the S in Moose Comes Loose
written by Peter Hermann
illustrated by Matthew Cordell
I liked the idea and I think there are some neat things with word chunks and making new words by manipulating sounds/letters.  But... I'm not sure if young readers will be able to follow.  I'm going to hold judgement until I can use this one with kids and see how they respond.  Thanks to Matthew Cordell's illustrations for helping me make a bit more sense of things!


They Say Blue
by Jillian Tamaki
Absolutely beautiful illustrations.  I really enjoy Tamaki's work - it's unique and stands out to me.  
However, the story didn't work for me.  I don't think young readers will stick with it without adult conversation.  Again, another one to try out with readers before completely passing judgement.


Alma and How She Got Her Name
by Juana Martinez-Neal
Really beautiful story about one's name, heritage, and telling/making your own story.


The Secrets of Ninja School 
by Deb Pilutti
I'm always on the lookout for books to use with teaching the Notice and Note signposts.  I'll be adding this one to my words of the wiser list!

Informational Texts


The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
written by Julia Finley Mosca
illustrated by Daniel Rieley
I really had never heard of Dr. Grandin's work before, so this was very interesting to me.  Dr. Grandin has autism and as a child this made certain things difficult for her.  It wasn't until she was on her aunt's farm, did she find what she was meant to do - she was a passionate speaker and advocate for animals.  
This was a really interesting story about someone I did not know much about.  I enjoyed the backmatter, especially the lengthy author's note.  I found it to be an interesting that the story was told in rhyme.  It works, but I'm not sure I liked it any better because of it.


Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles
written by Patricia Valdez
illustrated by Felicita Sala
I had not heard of Joan Procter before this book, but she led a very interesting life, albeit short (Joan passed away when she was only 34 years old due to chronic illness).  She certainly had a way with reptiles and was able to learn and educate so much about these creatures.

Middle Grade


Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
by Liesl Shurtliff
I have long been a fan of Liesl's books.  I find them to be so relatable to young readers - not just because they are based off some familiar fairy tales - but because these characters have traits that are just like their readers.  They feel so familiar and readers understand the characters' decisions.
Grump is probably my favorite in this series.  As always, you can find pieces of his story that come from the popular and usually Disney-fied stories that you know so well, yet Shurtliff brings in new ideas or pieces from the original stories that give readers a new perspective.  
I love the many themes that surround this book - identity, being torn between responsibilities/loyalties and the idea of can you control your fate?  This book will be well loved by readers everywhere!  
The book also takes a look at the way the word "fair" is used.  I think it was an important idea to discuss, especially in this day and time - what "fair" is the one you want to be known as?
Look for it May 29th!


Ghost Boys
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
I've read a lot of books lately about racial profiling, Black Lives Matter, and the injustice with police departments.  However, the books I've read are for the very high end of middle school and older.  But as we know, kids much younger than this are dealing with these situations everyday.  And as we know, kids can make a difference.  
Finally we have a book for middle grade readers.
It's such a powerful book and it's one that is going to spark a lot of conversations.  I think the best place for this book is a read aloud because kids are going to need to talk about this book in order to process it best.  I think having an adult as a facilitator and letting room for the kids to lead the discussion will have some amazing results.
Don't miss the author's note and dedication.  They are pretty powerful too.
Look for it April 17th.

Young Adult


The Crooked Kingdom
by Leigh Bardugo
This was on my #mustread list because I had the first book (Six of Crows) on last year's list. I had already bought the book and knew I needed a push to get to this book.  I didn't love the first book.  Many people did, but I'm guessing it must have been the timing and maybe because it took me awhile to understand and appreciate the Grisha world.  All good now!  This book starts where the last one left off and it takes off with a bang and never really slows down.  Great for anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure and suspense.  A long novel, but it sure didn't feel like it!


I have some other books to talk about but I will share them next week!