Books that make you stand up and use your voice! - 10.09.2020

Election season is absolutely upon us.  While our young readers can't vote today, they are the voters of tomorrow.  Even though they won't be heading to the polls with us this November, letting them know they have a voice and they can use it today is a powerful message.  Here are just a few books I've recently read that should be in your October/early November piles.

Love is Powerful

written by Heather Dean Brewer

illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A perfect book to show young readers to use their voice and it will be heard!  Written after the author went to the Women's March and saw a young friend on her mother's shoulders shouting to the crowd about kindness and hearing the people join in, this story will make you want to decorate a poster and use your voice!

Sometimes People March

by Tessa Allen

This is one of those books that has so much to it when you take a closer look.  Every word counts in this narrative - most pages have just a sentence or two of text.  The illustrations fill in some of the ideas and show some of the many marches in history.  The book shares the idea that all ages of people march and for many different causes.  It's one way to show you care about a cause or an idea.  At the end of the book is a list of movements, marches, and key figures that were depicted in the text.  Each one has a brief explanation, date, and page number where you can see the matching illustration.  No doubt this book will leave readers wanting to research and find more information.

V is for Voting

written by Kate Farrell

illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald

Not only an alphabet book, but told in rhyming text!  I like the quick introductions to being an activist now and some of the people and events that happened to get us where we are now as a country.  Although it's a quick read, I'm guessing your class will stop and talk a lot about what they see in this text.  Backmatter that names some of the people featured in the illustrations.

Two small criticisms/questions.  One, there is an illustration of Sitting Bull on the page "G is for govern...".  On the main illustration, he is shown with a feather in his hair.  In the backmatter where he is named, the feather is removed.  Thought it was an odd discrepancy.  Another question - on some of the illustrations, there are cartoon animals included.  I have no idea why the illustrator included the cartoons along with humans.

Speak Up

written by Miranda Paul

illustrated by Ebony Glenn

In a world that is full of injustice, it's sometimes hard to imagine what a young voice can do.  This book is a perfect answer to that.  Paul focuses on positive and important ways kids can speak up and use their voice, speak up and be active, speak up and be seen.  I really like that kids can read this book and immediately have ideas for what they want to do to make an impact on the world around them.

Important resources and ideas are included in the backmatter.  Paul gives examples of when you want to speak up vs times to let it go.  She also includes ideas to show your support instead of speaking up - not every child is comfortable being vocal, but there are other ways to show support.

While the illustrations represent a variety of cultures and abilities, it is noted that every Asian has eyes that slant upward.  I normally adore Ebony Glenn's illustrations, but I think this is one that she missed the mark on.

A book I'm looking forward to reading....

No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History

written by Lindsay Metcalf

My friend and colleague, Terry Goth (@gothteacher), found this one and said it's really good.  I'm on hold for it at the library!

Some more recent books I would also recommend:

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

#road2reading Challenge - new graphic novels - 10.08.2020

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.

I am super grateful that publishers have more and more early graphic novels for readers.  Graphic novels are in such high demand and they bring so many readers on a reading journey.  While many of these readers are still practicing their visualizations for longer stories, graphic novels help support them as become independent with this skill.  Graphic novels help readers piece the visual parts of the text and the print together to create meaning.  Readers learn to synthesize and infer information, which are advanced skills that readers will continue to use throughout their reading journey.  Be sure to add these to your collection for your readers!

Peanut, Butter, and Crackers: Puppy Problems

by Paige Braddock

This one is probably my favorite new graphic novel series because of the fun characters.  Each one is endearing in his/her own way and when you put the three together, they will make you laugh and want to hug them!

In this first book in the series, Peanut the puppy is introduced to the family.  Crackers the dog and Butter the cat are less than enthused with this new addition and at first find ways to remove the little guy.  Peanut eventually grows on them (readers will love Peanut right away), which is good because we can't wait to see what new adventures they will have!

     

Pea, Bee, and Jay series

Stuck Together and Wannabees

by Brian "Smitty" Smith

New from Harper Collins, the Harper Alley graphic novel imprint is bringing us lots of new graphic novels for a wide range of readers.  For the earlier crowd, we have a new trio of unlikely friends - a pea, a bee, and a blue jay.  Helping each other out, having fun, and maybe getting into a little trouble.  

The series uses typical graphic novel frames, but they stay in a relatively linear fashion, which will help young readers.  There are three main characters that are easy to keep track of.  Sometimes there are multiple conversation bubbles that toggle back and forth which can lead to confusion.  Readers have to know what order to read them and how to go back and forth between the bubbles.The story line also does have some sophisticated vocabulary.  Fine for young readers who have strong reading skills, but can be trickier for readers who are still growing in their decoding skills.

Fox and Rabbit: Make Believe

written by Beth Ferry

illustrated by Gergely Dudás

I love the imaginary play between Fox and Rabbit and friends, especially when they are in the park.  I have fond memories of being at the park and staying off the "lava" and running away from all sorts of imaginary foes.  Written in chapters, but it has a flowing story, readers will enjoy seeing what Fox and Rabbit are up to since their last adventure.

Hope you found some new graphic novels for your readers - or some to order!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - celebrating women and science - 10.07.2020

Wednesdays 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.

Today's post is celebrating women and science!

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret

written by Jess Keating

illustrated by Katie Hickey

I always love reading Jess Keating's nonfiction because she has a way of pulling you into the story.  In this book, we're first introduced to Marie Tharp as a young girl and see what a curious girl she is, one who loves exploring and asking questions.  But then we see her grow up and see that she is no longer able to be the same curious girl because in the fields of math and science, men dominate and women are seen as inferior.  But that determination she showed in childhood stayed with her because she stays the course and continues to work in her field, even if it's in an office instead of outside in nature.  And then we see her triumph - as that inside work she is doing discovers something new, something unknown.  While it takes time to prove, Marie shows that women really can do have a place in the math and science fields!

The illustrations and colors that illustrator Katie Hickey uses for this book are gorgeous.  You can't help but feel a little under the sea while reading the book.

Jess Keating's Shark Lady remains a popular book in my classroom library, I bet this one will be too!

Born Curious: 20 Girls Who grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists

written by Martha Freeman

illustrated by Katy Wu

This collection of essays about women scientists introduced me to many new people who made some amazing discoveries.  There were a few women who I had heard of before, including the subject of the first biography I covered, Marie Tharp.  Each essay usually starts when the scientist was young and what her early interests were.  Then it goes on to say how she continued to study and what she is best known for.  I liked how at the end of each essay there is a box that gives you some quick facts, including a "fascinating fact".

At the end of the book it gives you some ideas if you're interested in becoming a scientist.  The ideas are practical and will probably get the reader thinking about what they can do!

Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

written by Sandra Neil Wallace

illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

In the midwest, Florida is a popular destination spot and many families visit the state.  My daughter's orthopedic doctor is in West Palm Beach and we've spent a lot of time in South Florida!  If you asked me about the name Marjory Stoneman Douglas, instead of knowing about her accomplishments, I would be able to tell you about the high school that has her name.  The one that became unintentionally known for the horrific shooting that occurred there in 2018.  Before I read this book, I knew about the Florida Everglades, but I could not tell you much about them.  Thanks to this book, I now know we have Marjory to thank for the preservation of this important - and important to the environment - National Park.  Readers will enjoy learning more about the wildlife that is part of this unique area of the United States.  Described as a "river of grass", the interesting features that make up the Everglades are explained so readers truly understand the significance of this ecosystem, especially to Southern Florida.  

Environmentalist turned activist, Douglas will inspire readers to stand up for their beliefs and fight for the world around them.

I appreciated the numerous resources in the backmatter.  Wallace is known for her extensive backmatter material, which is vitally important in nonfiction reading. 

The illustrations by Rebecca Gibbon are beautiful.  When I think of Florida, I think of the lush greens that surround you.  Florida is also known for some brilliant sunsets and Gibbon expertly captures the shades of pink that are known to brighten the evening skies.

Don't miss the curriculum guide for this book found on Sandra Neil Wallace's website:

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

written by Chelsea Clinton

illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Celebrating a book about the physical sciences - Clinton's next book in her She Persisted series is about women and then boundaries they've broken in athletics.  It's not enough that women can play the game, they have to prove their athleticism to get any of the recognition that their male counterparts receive.  Like her other books, Clinton introduces her readers to women from the past and celebrates the accomplishments of women today.  I like that she includes a wide variety of sports, and not just ones that are more typical of female athletes.

I have two criticisms of this book.  One, the lack of paralympic athletes shown.  Clinton only includes one.  She might have chosen some of the other athletes because they overcame a physical challenge, but those particular athletes succeeded on an able bodied platform which celebrates ableism.  My second criticism is Clinton does not include any backmatter.  With these short vignettes, additional sources would be valuable for readers who want to learn more.  Not including backmatter is always a lost opportunity in nonfiction texts.

As always, happy nonfiction reading!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 10.05.2020

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

Inventors and inventions your readers will want to know about here!

Picture Books

Nana Akua Goes to School

written by Tricia Elam Walker

illustrated by April Harrison

This is my new favorite book.  If you're doing any work with identity, this book is a must include.  We talk about how we're similar and different and how to look positively at differences.  This book is PERFECT for that.  It's Grandparents Day at Zura's school, and while she loves her grandmother, she's seen the negative reactions to her West African Adinkra symbols that are tattooed on her face.  What will her classmates say?  I love how Nana Akua takes the opportunity to have a teaching moment with Zura and use it as a moment to teach and celebrate with her classmates.  Gorgeously illustrated by April Harrison (oh, this illustrator needs even more recognition please!) this is a book I will encourage teachers to read year after year.

Be sure to read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book to your students as it gives even more background.

My Pencil and Me

by Sara Varon

A pet dog suggests to author Sara that she uses her pencil for some writing tips.  A cute book that does give some ideas for the writing process and I particularly enjoyed the ending when we get a real life glimpse of Sara working and then celebrating a book birthday!

I Promise

written by LeBron James

illustrated by Nina Mata

On the one hand, I like the rhyming, positive affirmations this book provides.  The illustrations that have a wide representation of cultures are bright and colorful.  But I just imagine reading this in today's world, where so much feels out of anyone's control... Right now, know your audience and what they can handle hearing and trying.

I would add this to your beginning of the year pile.

Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood

written by Tony Hillery

illustrated by Jessie Hartland

How one man and school children created a sustainable garden in an urban setting.  Don't miss the author's notes and backmatter.

Would be fun to use if creating a school-community garden.

The Barnabus Project

by The Fan Brothers

I have always enjoyed the books and illustrations by the Fan Brothers, and this one adds a third brother to their collaboration.  This is the first book by Terry, Eric AND Devin Fan.

Beautiful illustrations and a story that focuses on positive messages... it's sadly not my favorite Fan creation.  In this story we meet Barnabus, a "failed" pet - one that does not meet the standards of being perfect.  Barnabus believes nothing is impossible and with the help and cooperation of his friends, anything can happen.

I Talk Like a River

written by Jordan Scott

illustrated by Sydney Smith

Vitally important and needed.

The author, a stutterer, gives voice to this young boy who shares the emotions he feels throughout the day.  How difficult it is to create sounds and the many ways they fall apart for him.  The feelings that overcome him when in a public setting, like school.  And the relationship between his father and him and the way his father compares the flow of his speech to a river.

Not only is the story beautiful, but the illustrations match the text in such a beautiful way, it brings tears to your eyes.

Stunning.

Fern and Otto: A Story about Two Best Friends

by Stephanie Graegin

I ADORE Graegin's work and LOVED Little Fox in the Forest. This book is so sweet too and I fall a bit more in love with it after every read.  

A story about perspective.  A story about finding stories.  A story about what makes stories interesting.  

Two friends go on a walk to find a more interesting story to write about when they come across many characters.  Well-versed young readers will recognize these characters from many fairy tales and nursery rhymes.  But what could be an interesting story gives one of our friends a spark of an idea and the other it just sparks the desire to move on through the woods.

Full of details in the illustrations, you take double the time to look through the pictures after reading the words.  A delight to read.

When I Draw a Panda

by Amy June Bates

A story about being your own individual and not succumbing to what everyone tells you to do.  There are some pages that hit the mark for me - the pages where the drawings aren't perfect, or when you go off track from what you're supposed to be doing.  But other times, the drawings are kind of too perfect and that goes against the message of the book, so...

Middle Grade

A Field Guide to Getting Lost

by Joy McCullough

I've been waiting to read this one for awhile and it was only available as an e-book.  I have trouble falling into reading books electronically, so if I really like a book when I read it that way, it's a safe assumption I would love the print book.  I really enjoyed meeting Sutton and Luis and seeing how their stories come together.  Their parents have started dating and they each have some trepidation about it.  I think kids who have/are going through this experience will appreciate seeing themselves within these pages.  It is a mostly character driven novel, with some excitement at the end.  But the reader quickly feels like these characters are friends and wants to see what happens to them.  Coming in at 224 pages, it's not an overly long novel which will hold some stamina levels.

Nowhere Boy

by Katherine Marsh

This was on my #mustread list and I'm so glad I finally got to read it.  The stories of Ahmed, a Syrian refugee, and Max, an American living in Brussels, collide in this beautifully told story.  Max is living in Brussels for a year with his family and he is not happy about it.  Besides being taken away from his friends, he has to attend a French speaking school where he has to use an unknown language to understand school and make new friends.  Ahmed, has lost everyone in his family and is hiding out in the wine cellar in the basement of Max's house.  However, once they meet, a friendship quickly forms, showing that it's so often the minds of youngsters that can see through the politics of different political groups.  I was immediately pulled into this story and found it hard to put down at night.  Recommended for intermediate and middle school readers.

Fighting Words

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

I understand the accolades given to this novel.  Not an easy story to read, and while an adult may see this as "mature content", it's unfortunately happening to kids.  Kids need to have the words, the fighting words, to speak up and understand consent and what to say about it.  This book may just end up saving lives.  Yes, the book deals with sexual abuse, suicide, living in foster care, and having a parent incarcerated because of drug addiction.  But Bradley really takes amazing care of these topics in such an age appropriate, sensitive way, it is such an important read.

Currently Reading

They Went Left

by Monica Hesse

What intrigued me about this book is it takes places at the end of WWII.  Seems like most are about WWII.

Fall has shown its face here in the Chicago suburbs.  This week it's supposed to be a bit warmer and that makes me happy - maybe some patio reading is still in my future!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - celebrating inventors 9.30.2020

Wednesdays 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.

When I see something, I see the use of it, not the possibility of it.  However, others have creativity that makes so many things possible.  Here are some inventors that have helped our world!



A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin
written by Michael J. Rosen
illustrated by Matt Tavares
I like how this particular picture book biography focuses on the youth of Ben Franklin.  Ever wonder how Franklin arrived at being an inventor?  His father tried to get him to be a tradesman, but sitting and doing the same thing over and over was not something young Benjamin would do.  He wanted to be in the water, finding new ways to swim the length of the pond even faster.  However, as he tried his hand at many trades, young Ben picked up important knowledge at each one that he was able to put into use in his adulthood.
Featuring the artwork of Matt Tavares, this is a gorgeous book to read and linger over.


Jumbo: The Making of the Boeing 747
by Chris Gall
Ever wonder how they get airplanes to fly?  This book helps explain that, plus goes through the process using one of the largest aircraft carriers out there - the Boeing 747!  This is one of the aircrafts that have middle seats - I always thought those were fascinating!  Explaining how thrust, lift, and the engines work, readers get a better idea of how airplanes fly.  They also can see models of the 747 - did you ever know they had a staircase and a lounge on an airplane?  Some interesting tidbits for readers who enjoy airplanes and flight.


The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer
written by Marcie Wessels
illustrated by Beatriz Castro
Where did video games get their start?  What did the first video games look like?  
Ralph Baer, a Jewish refugee from Germany, gave the United States their video game start, but it took a lot of time and convincing.  It all started when televisions became much more prevalent in homes everywhere.  Ralph wanted a way to play games on the TVs and came up with a console that plugs into the TV.  Sound familiar?  However, finding a company to finance the project was a lot harder.
I had not heard of Ralph Baer before this biography, but I know kids will want to know more about him and his big idea!


These books would be a fun addition into a makerspace area where kids could think about inventions and take information from the book and use it in a new way!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 9.28.2020

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

Don't miss these bodily functions books... kids love them and they really are full of information!

Picture Books

Jabari Tries

by Gaia Cornwall

Another sweet book about Jabari, the character who always tries so hard.  What I like about the Jabari stories is he doesn't find success right away.  Whether he's stalling for time or having to think of new ways to solve his problem, he is a character who has to work towards his goal.

In this second book, Jabari is trying to build a contraption that will help his plane soar in the sky.  However, even after multiple tries, he can't get it to work the way he wants it to.  We see Jabari frustrate and take his feelings out, but with some mindfulness tricks from Dad, he's able to try again, and even take on a partnership!

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away

written by Meg Medina

illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

I think this is a perfect mentor text for writing personal narratives.

Told in first person by Daniela who gets a few more moments to play with best friend Evelyn, who is moving.  The girls spend their last moments having the fun they always do before Evelyn moves to a new home, that looks to be in a warmer climate.  Although the girls are sad, it is understood their friendship will stand the test of distance and time.

From My Window

written by Otávio Júnior

illustrated by Vanina Starkoff

If you do any work with identity and where you live, you'll want this one in your collection.

The Farmer and the Monkey

by Marla Frazee

I'll be very interested in seeing what people have to say about this one.

I really did love the first book in this soon-to-be trilogy.  The Farmer and the Clown was so endearing and I felt that way even though I really don't like clowns.

The story continues with the farmer returning home after bringing the clown back to the circus train.  Little does the farmer know, but he has someone trailing him home - a young, circus monkey.  And here's where I wonder if the story becomes problematic.  The circus monkey, complete with stereotypical circus outfit and cymbals, is shown being playful, energetic, and causing a mess.  Due to the racial undertones, I'm not sure it was a smart decision to use a circus monkey in the story.  I will be listening and hearing what other people say, maybe I'm reading into it too much, but also just trying to be aware of cultural bias in stories.

Middle Grade

Tune It Out

by Jamie Sumners

I adored Sumner's book Roll With It.  I think our middle grade readers need more literature that gives them an understanding of disabilities.  While this was not an #ownvoices novel, Sumner does have a child living with this disability.  There has been a lot of discussion about who has the right to tell these stories.  I understand both sides of the discussion and ultimately, I do want kids to have an understanding and awareness of disabilities.

This time, Sumner gives us the story of Lou, who has a beautiful voice that her mother likes to put on display.  One, because she is proud of her, but also because she uses it to make money.  Lou and her mother are currently living below the poverty line and living in their car.  However, Lou despises the attention of being in the spotlight while singing.  She also can't stand being touched or loud noises.  Lou feels like these are just quirks about her that make her unusual.  After an accident, Lou is removed from her mother's custody and is put in the care of her maternal aunt and uncle.  It's here that Lou learns what stability feels like, as well as having friends.  Lou also discovers that she has Sensory Processing Disorder which explains her "quirks".  With therapy and all of the support from her aunt and uncle, will Lou really want her mom back in her life?

I will be paying attention to what people who have SPD say about this book and how it is portrayed.

I really enjoyed meeting Lou and reading her story.  I know this book will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven stories.

Young Adult

Punching the Air

by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

What an amazing collaboration between Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (of the Exonerated Five).  Luckily for readers, Zoboi and Salaam's paths crossed many years ago and the magic comes out in this powerful novel in verse.  

Based upon some of Salaam's experiences from being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and then carrying out a prison sentence, Zoboi and Salaam introduce us to Amal, a character whose voice is never heard and assumptions are incorrectly made.  Amal is in prison and trying to survive when the feelings of anger and frustration are constantly bubbling within him.  He uses art and words as a way to survive in this setting.  A powerful story that is so important for people to read right now.

Currently Reading

Nowhere Boy

by Katherine Marsh

This book is in my #mustread pile for this month.  I'm about a third of the way in and it has captured my attention!

Hope you're finding some moments to read in this busy busy school year.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - bodily function reading - 9.23.2020

 

Wednesdays 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.

Let's face it.  Bodily functions and anything with the word 'butt' (no really, just say the word 'but' to a kid and a smirk will appear) is going to appeal to a young reader.  Maybe not all, but a lot.  Even those kids who you think might not want to read a book about flatulence will check it out (see the book Does It Fart?.... checked out by many readers in my library).  Here are a few more nonfiction books and one fiction that you'll want to add to you library.  They bring in the readers.  Really.


True or Poo?
written by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti
illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
From the team that brought us Does It Fart?, we have another bodily function book that will equally gross out and fascinate readers.  Half a book about poop, and half a book about calling one's bluff, readers will delight in asking, "true or poo?"  For example, did you know it's total poop that camels store water in their humps?  I totally thought they did!  Or how about the truth behind rabbits eating their own poop?  Featuring illustrations that will absolutely crack you up, this is a book you don't want to miss.


It Can't Be True! Poo!
written by Andrea Mills and Ben Morgan
Every poo fact you never knew you were missing.  Like, did you know it took about 12 seconds to squeeze out a poo?  And never fear, there are some pee facts too.  For example, did you know there has been enough pee that has been peed to keep North America's Niagara Falls flowing for 18.5 years... with a photo to help you keep that fact ingrained in your head...
I won't go into more detail but your readers might!  This is a book that will appeal to readers who just can't get enough facts... or laughs!


Butts Are Everywhere
written by Jonathan Stutzman
illustrated by Heather Fox
Try getting through this read aloud without a little giggle!  Full of facts about keisters, heinies, and britches everywhere, from humans to animals.  Some facts you'll know, but I also picked up some new information too!  Like, did you know manatees toot to help them swim faster!  I wonder how many swimmers know this???


The Great Big Poop Party!
written by Samantha Berger
illustrated by Manny Galán
This is one of those stories that kids love reading.  Who wouldn't want to have a poop themed birthday party?  That's all Julian wants to have and his family indulges his wish.  Good thing they are a crafty family because decorations, food, and games all have a poop theme.  Thinking about doing this yourself?  There is a poop slime recipe at the end!
Publishes Sept. 29th.


While these books may not appeal to you, they will definitely appeal to young readers.  Make sure you have a few on hand!