Joey Pigza Loses Control
Title: Joey Pigza Loses Control
Author: Jack Gantos
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Joey, his parents, his grandma, Pablo, and Leezy.
Setting: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Theme: Sometimes you can't fix yourself or someone else; sometimes you just need help. Family is also a big theme.
Summary: Joey Pigza has issues; he gets REALLY hyper and crazy. Now he wears a medicated patch to help, however, and he is going to visit his dad, who his mom says is like a bigger Joey. When Joey and his dog Pablo arrive, he sees what his mom meant. His dad is really hyper and never stops talking. This book gives the reader a glimpse of Joey's time with his dad as he tries to make his dad proud of him, tries to get better without his patch, and hopes that his dad gets better too. In the end, though, he realizes that he can't change his dad and that he can't get better without help from his mom and his patch.
Opinion: I thought this book was a good book to read because it addressed some big issues that many kids deal with, but it deals with them in a personal way that kids can relate to.
Author: Jack Gantos
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Joey, his parents, his grandma, Pablo, and Leezy.
Setting: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Theme: Sometimes you can't fix yourself or someone else; sometimes you just need help. Family is also a big theme.
Summary: Joey Pigza has issues; he gets REALLY hyper and crazy. Now he wears a medicated patch to help, however, and he is going to visit his dad, who his mom says is like a bigger Joey. When Joey and his dog Pablo arrive, he sees what his mom meant. His dad is really hyper and never stops talking. This book gives the reader a glimpse of Joey's time with his dad as he tries to make his dad proud of him, tries to get better without his patch, and hopes that his dad gets better too. In the end, though, he realizes that he can't change his dad and that he can't get better without help from his mom and his patch.
Opinion: I thought this book was a good book to read because it addressed some big issues that many kids deal with, but it deals with them in a personal way that kids can relate to.
Owl Moon
Title: Owl Moon
Author: Jane Yolen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A child and his/her father.
Setting: The woods on a cold, snowy day.
Theme: Family and the awe and wonder of nature.
Summary: A man takes his child owling for the first time. At first, they walk along silently, until the man tries to call an owl. When no owl comes, they continue on. Finally, an owl answers and comes flying towards them, landing on a tree branch in front of them. The child is in awe and they go home happy and content.
Opinion: I liked this book because it was very simple but beautiful and enjoyable. I thought it was also a creative way to get children to think about owls and about other hobbies like "owling."
Author: Jane Yolen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A child and his/her father.
Setting: The woods on a cold, snowy day.
Theme: Family and the awe and wonder of nature.
Summary: A man takes his child owling for the first time. At first, they walk along silently, until the man tries to call an owl. When no owl comes, they continue on. Finally, an owl answers and comes flying towards them, landing on a tree branch in front of them. The child is in awe and they go home happy and content.
Opinion: I liked this book because it was very simple but beautiful and enjoyable. I thought it was also a creative way to get children to think about owls and about other hobbies like "owling."
I Can Be Anything
Title: I Can Be Anything
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A little boy.
Setting: Places in his imagination.
Theme: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Summary: A little boy thinks about things he could be when he grows up. Some of his options are pumpkin grower, dandelion blower, snowball thrower, cheek-to-cheek grinner, and silly joke teller, along with many other adorable and hilarious ideas! He then decides that all of the options are fun and that he wants to be all of them!
Opinion: I loved this book. It was silly and cute, and I loved the message it gives kids: You can be anything you want when you grow up! I also thought that it captured the essence of a child's imagination about career options.
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A little boy.
Setting: Places in his imagination.
Theme: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Summary: A little boy thinks about things he could be when he grows up. Some of his options are pumpkin grower, dandelion blower, snowball thrower, cheek-to-cheek grinner, and silly joke teller, along with many other adorable and hilarious ideas! He then decides that all of the options are fun and that he wants to be all of them!
Opinion: I loved this book. It was silly and cute, and I loved the message it gives kids: You can be anything you want when you grow up! I also thought that it captured the essence of a child's imagination about career options.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Title: Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Author: Beverly Clearly
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Ramona, Beezus, Mr. and Mrs. Quimby, and all of their friends and neighbors.
Setting: Ramona's home, school, and neighborhood.
Theme: Family and trying to make the best out of every situation.
Summary: Ramona has a good family consisting of her older sister Beezus, her mother, who is a receptionist at a doctor's office, her father, who used to be a cashier but is going to college to be a teacher, and, of course, herself. She goes to a new school because her old school was changed to an intermediate school, so now she gets to ride the bus. This book describes Ramona's adventures, whether it be trying to be patient with little Willa Jean, cracking eggs over her head, and all of her good and bad times with her family.
Opinion: I thought that this book was delightful. This book helped me to get a glimpse of Ramona's world through her eight-year old eyes. I think it was just an overall pleasant, easy read.
Author: Beverly Clearly
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Ramona, Beezus, Mr. and Mrs. Quimby, and all of their friends and neighbors.
Setting: Ramona's home, school, and neighborhood.
Theme: Family and trying to make the best out of every situation.
Summary: Ramona has a good family consisting of her older sister Beezus, her mother, who is a receptionist at a doctor's office, her father, who used to be a cashier but is going to college to be a teacher, and, of course, herself. She goes to a new school because her old school was changed to an intermediate school, so now she gets to ride the bus. This book describes Ramona's adventures, whether it be trying to be patient with little Willa Jean, cracking eggs over her head, and all of her good and bad times with her family.
Opinion: I thought that this book was delightful. This book helped me to get a glimpse of Ramona's world through her eight-year old eyes. I think it was just an overall pleasant, easy read.
Superfudge
Title: Superfudge
Author: Judy Blume
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Peter and his family, his friends, and everyone else in his life!
Setting: New York City and Princeton
Theme: Family and adjusting to change.
Summary: Peter's parents tell him that they are having another baby. Peter is very upset because he is afraid that it will be another baby like his younger brother, Fudge, who drives him crazy, but he gives it a chance. This book is about Peter adjusting to his new baby sister, living a year in a new house, dealing with Fudge, and trying to handle all of the other changes and adventures happening in his life, some good and some bad.
Opinion: I enjoyed this book a lot! I loved to see the family bonds throughout the book and I think Peter was a brother, son, friend, and overall boy that many children can relate to. This book can also help children realize that change can be a good thing even if it takes some getting used to.
Author: Judy Blume
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Peter and his family, his friends, and everyone else in his life!
Setting: New York City and Princeton
Theme: Family and adjusting to change.
Summary: Peter's parents tell him that they are having another baby. Peter is very upset because he is afraid that it will be another baby like his younger brother, Fudge, who drives him crazy, but he gives it a chance. This book is about Peter adjusting to his new baby sister, living a year in a new house, dealing with Fudge, and trying to handle all of the other changes and adventures happening in his life, some good and some bad.
Opinion: I enjoyed this book a lot! I loved to see the family bonds throughout the book and I think Peter was a brother, son, friend, and overall boy that many children can relate to. This book can also help children realize that change can be a good thing even if it takes some getting used to.
When I Was Young in the Mountains
Title: When I Was Young in the Mountains
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: The narrator, her family, and the other people who lived in the mountains with them.
Setting: In the mountains.
Theme: Growing up in the mountains.
Summary: The author/narrator talks about when she was young in the mountains. She describes how her grandfather would come home covered in black dust, how she would eat her grandmother's okra, corn bread, and pinto beans, how she would go to the outhouse and swim in a muddy swimming hole, and how they would get fresh butter. She talks about all of the wonderful memories she had growing up and how she was always content in the mountains, never desiring to go anywhere else.
Opinion: I thought that this book was very enjoyable to read. It was simple, but between the story and the illustrations, it made me want to experience a childhood in the mountains! This book is an awesome way to teach children about ways of growing up that may be different than their own.
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: The narrator, her family, and the other people who lived in the mountains with them.
Setting: In the mountains.
Theme: Growing up in the mountains.
Summary: The author/narrator talks about when she was young in the mountains. She describes how her grandfather would come home covered in black dust, how she would eat her grandmother's okra, corn bread, and pinto beans, how she would go to the outhouse and swim in a muddy swimming hole, and how they would get fresh butter. She talks about all of the wonderful memories she had growing up and how she was always content in the mountains, never desiring to go anywhere else.
Opinion: I thought that this book was very enjoyable to read. It was simple, but between the story and the illustrations, it made me want to experience a childhood in the mountains! This book is an awesome way to teach children about ways of growing up that may be different than their own.
Junie B. First Grader (At Last!)
Title: Junie B. First Grader (At Last!)
Author: Barbara Park
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Junie B. Jones, her classmates, her teacher, and her family.
Setting: Room One, Junie B.'s classroom.
Theme: A child adjusting to change and friendship
Summary: Junie B. Jones is finally in first grade! Her teacher, Mr. Scary, has his class keep a journal. In this journal, Junie B. writes about how some of her old friends are no longer her friends and how she is making new friends. She also writes about her new glasses and how she has to get used to wearing them and having other people see them.
Opinion: I have never been a huge fan of Junie B. Jones, but they are great books for children. The language is simple, the book is from a child's perspective, and I think many children can relate to Junie B. Jones.
Author: Barbara Park
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Junie B. Jones, her classmates, her teacher, and her family.
Setting: Room One, Junie B.'s classroom.
Theme: A child adjusting to change and friendship
Summary: Junie B. Jones is finally in first grade! Her teacher, Mr. Scary, has his class keep a journal. In this journal, Junie B. writes about how some of her old friends are no longer her friends and how she is making new friends. She also writes about her new glasses and how she has to get used to wearing them and having other people see them.
Opinion: I have never been a huge fan of Junie B. Jones, but they are great books for children. The language is simple, the book is from a child's perspective, and I think many children can relate to Junie B. Jones.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Title: A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Author: Philip C. Stead
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Amos McGee and all of the animals at the zoo!
Setting: City Zoo and Amos's house.
Theme: Friendship
Summary: City Zoo zookeeper Amos McGee was a very busy man. Every day he would go to work and he would always make sure he had time to do certain things with certain animals. One day, he woke up sick. All of the animals were worried about him so they went to visit him. He was very happy! The animals got their turn to help their friend, and they made Amos feel much better.
Opinion: I loved this book. The storyline was simple yet sweet and fun, and the illustrations added to the imaginative story. I think this is a great book, especially for younger kids.
Author: Philip C. Stead
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Amos McGee and all of the animals at the zoo!
Setting: City Zoo and Amos's house.
Theme: Friendship
Summary: City Zoo zookeeper Amos McGee was a very busy man. Every day he would go to work and he would always make sure he had time to do certain things with certain animals. One day, he woke up sick. All of the animals were worried about him so they went to visit him. He was very happy! The animals got their turn to help their friend, and they made Amos feel much better.
Opinion: I loved this book. The storyline was simple yet sweet and fun, and the illustrations added to the imaginative story. I think this is a great book, especially for younger kids.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Greg, his family, Rowley, and many other people.
Setting: Greg Heffley's school, home, and neighborhood.
Theme: The everyday struggles of a middle school boy and friendship.
Summary: Greg's mom gets him a journal so he can write his feelings down. He thinks it is dumb, but he writes anyway. This book recounts all of Greg's adventures, both good and bad, such as trick or treating, being both a big and little brother, and submitting his comics to the school newspaper.
Opinion: I liked this book because I thought it was one that a lot of kids could relate to. Whether it is the bullies, the fun times, being grounded, or coming up with fun pranks, this book was like stepping into a middle school boy's world.
Author: Jeff Kinney
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Greg, his family, Rowley, and many other people.
Setting: Greg Heffley's school, home, and neighborhood.
Theme: The everyday struggles of a middle school boy and friendship.
Summary: Greg's mom gets him a journal so he can write his feelings down. He thinks it is dumb, but he writes anyway. This book recounts all of Greg's adventures, both good and bad, such as trick or treating, being both a big and little brother, and submitting his comics to the school newspaper.
Opinion: I liked this book because I thought it was one that a lot of kids could relate to. Whether it is the bullies, the fun times, being grounded, or coming up with fun pranks, this book was like stepping into a middle school boy's world.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Title: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Author: Mo Willems
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Trixie, her parents, and Knuffle Bunny
Setting: Brooklyn, New York
Theme: Don't leave your special things at the laundromat!
Summary: One day, Trixie goes on an errand with her daddy. They go all the way to the laundromat! Trixie helps her daddy put everything in the washing machine and then they leave. As they are leaving, she realizes that she left Knuffle Bunny! She cries all the way home, and her mother notices that Knuffle Bunny is missing. The whole family runs as fast as they can to see if they can rescue Knuffle Bunny.
Opinion: I thought this book was very cute. I think everyone can relate to losing something important, and I loved the combination of photographs and other illustrations.
Author: Mo Willems
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Trixie, her parents, and Knuffle Bunny
Setting: Brooklyn, New York
Theme: Don't leave your special things at the laundromat!
Summary: One day, Trixie goes on an errand with her daddy. They go all the way to the laundromat! Trixie helps her daddy put everything in the washing machine and then they leave. As they are leaving, she realizes that she left Knuffle Bunny! She cries all the way home, and her mother notices that Knuffle Bunny is missing. The whole family runs as fast as they can to see if they can rescue Knuffle Bunny.
Opinion: I thought this book was very cute. I think everyone can relate to losing something important, and I loved the combination of photographs and other illustrations.
The Snowy Day
Title: The Snowy Day
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Peter, his mother, and his friend
Setting: Outside in the snow in a city or town
Theme: Snow!
Summary: A little boy wakes up to a world covered in snow. He has all kinds of adventures in the snow until it is time for him to go to bed. He dreams that all the snow melts, but when he wakes up there is even more snow, so he and his friend go off to have more adventures.
Opinion: This book was so beautiful; I thought it completely captured the awe of a child in snow. I think that any child or adult reading this book will look back and smile at a time they felt the same kind of wonder.
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Peter, his mother, and his friend
Setting: Outside in the snow in a city or town
Theme: Snow!
Summary: A little boy wakes up to a world covered in snow. He has all kinds of adventures in the snow until it is time for him to go to bed. He dreams that all the snow melts, but when he wakes up there is even more snow, so he and his friend go off to have more adventures.
Opinion: This book was so beautiful; I thought it completely captured the awe of a child in snow. I think that any child or adult reading this book will look back and smile at a time they felt the same kind of wonder.
The Dot
Title: The Dot
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Vashti, her art teacher, and a little boy.
Setting: Vashti's art class
Theme: Creativity, originality, and inspiring children to "make their mark."
Summary: Vashti does not think she can draw, so her art teacher tells her to make a mark and see where it takes her. Vashti jabbed a dot on the piece of paper and her teacher has her sign it. Her teacher then hangs it up above her desk. Vashti thinks she can do better than that, so she makes many more dots of every color, size, and type. She becomes a hit at the art show; so much so that she becomes an inspiration to other children who think they can't draw.
Opinion: I loved this book because it shows just how important a teacher can be to a child, especially when that child is struggling with something. I also love it because it shows that things can be beautiful and creative while being unique and original.
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Vashti, her art teacher, and a little boy.
Setting: Vashti's art class
Theme: Creativity, originality, and inspiring children to "make their mark."
Summary: Vashti does not think she can draw, so her art teacher tells her to make a mark and see where it takes her. Vashti jabbed a dot on the piece of paper and her teacher has her sign it. Her teacher then hangs it up above her desk. Vashti thinks she can do better than that, so she makes many more dots of every color, size, and type. She becomes a hit at the art show; so much so that she becomes an inspiration to other children who think they can't draw.
Opinion: I loved this book because it shows just how important a teacher can be to a child, especially when that child is struggling with something. I also love it because it shows that things can be beautiful and creative while being unique and original.
The Runaway Bunny
Title: The Runaway Bunny
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A little bunny and his mother
Setting: Many different places.
Theme: A mother's love
Summary: A little bunny wants to run away, but his mother says she will follow him. He comes up with all types of things he will become, such as a fish, a rock, and a sailboat, but his mother says she will become things such as a fisherman, a mountain climber, and the wind in order to get him home. Finally, the bunny gives up and says he may as well stay and be her little bunny.
Opinion: I love this book because it is full of a child's imagination and a mother's love.
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A little bunny and his mother
Setting: Many different places.
Theme: A mother's love
Summary: A little bunny wants to run away, but his mother says she will follow him. He comes up with all types of things he will become, such as a fish, a rock, and a sailboat, but his mother says she will become things such as a fisherman, a mountain climber, and the wind in order to get him home. Finally, the bunny gives up and says he may as well stay and be her little bunny.
Opinion: I love this book because it is full of a child's imagination and a mother's love.
The Art Lesson
Title: The Art Lesson
Author: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Tomie, his family, and his teachers
Setting: Tomie's home and school
Theme: You should stay true to yourself and be willing to stand out and be different
Summary: Tomie loved to draw. At home, his family encouraged his drawing by saying how good he was and putting his drawings all over the place. When he went to school, however, he felt very discouraged. He was not allowed to use his own crayons and he could only have one piece of paper! He was very upset, but finally, the teacher said that if he drew something specific for her then he would get another piece of paper!
Opinion: I think that this book is so cute. So many kids feel smothered in school, as if they are not able to show their real talents, and this book shows just that. It is a great story to remind kids to be individuals and that it is okay to not do what everyone else is doing.
Author: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Tomie, his family, and his teachers
Setting: Tomie's home and school
Theme: You should stay true to yourself and be willing to stand out and be different
Summary: Tomie loved to draw. At home, his family encouraged his drawing by saying how good he was and putting his drawings all over the place. When he went to school, however, he felt very discouraged. He was not allowed to use his own crayons and he could only have one piece of paper! He was very upset, but finally, the teacher said that if he drew something specific for her then he would get another piece of paper!
Opinion: I think that this book is so cute. So many kids feel smothered in school, as if they are not able to show their real talents, and this book shows just that. It is a great story to remind kids to be individuals and that it is okay to not do what everyone else is doing.
Willow
Title: Willow
Author: Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Willow, her classmates, and Miss Hawthorn.
Setting: Willow's art class
Theme: Creativity is a good thing, and sometimes all it takes to change someone's life is persistence and reaching out.
Summary: Willow's art class is not the children's favorite place to be; the class is dark and perfectly neat, and their teacher, Miss Hawthorn, is very moody and scary. When Miss Hawthorn tells the students to paint a tree, they all follow her example and paint the typical tree with a brown trunk and a green top. Not Willow! She paints a pink tree. She also paints a blue apple tree, a snow lady, a pink polka dotted pig, and lots of other things. Miss Hawthorn is always yelling at Willow and telling her to paint and draw the correct way, but it doesn't phase Willow. Instead of being upset, she simply shows Miss Hawthorn the unique paintings in her precious art book, sometimes gives her a small gift, and walks away smiling. When Christmas comes around, no one gives Miss Hawthorn a gift. . . except Willow. Willow gives Miss Hawthorne her most precious possession, which inspires Miss Hawthorne to finally be creative! When the students return back from Christmas break, a surprise awaits them!
Opinion: I loved this book! I thought that Willow was amazing, and I would love to have her as one of my students in my classroom! I thought that her persistence, confidence, and creativity was amazing, and I loved to see how she reached out to Miss Hawthorn, even though she was so mean to Willow. What I loved most about this book is that so many times, we see books about teachers inspiring students. I loved that this book was about a student inspiring a teacher. Additionally, I think that this is a great book for kids to read to help them be creative and to know that they can paint purple trees if they want to!
Author: Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Willow, her classmates, and Miss Hawthorn.
Setting: Willow's art class
Theme: Creativity is a good thing, and sometimes all it takes to change someone's life is persistence and reaching out.
Summary: Willow's art class is not the children's favorite place to be; the class is dark and perfectly neat, and their teacher, Miss Hawthorn, is very moody and scary. When Miss Hawthorn tells the students to paint a tree, they all follow her example and paint the typical tree with a brown trunk and a green top. Not Willow! She paints a pink tree. She also paints a blue apple tree, a snow lady, a pink polka dotted pig, and lots of other things. Miss Hawthorn is always yelling at Willow and telling her to paint and draw the correct way, but it doesn't phase Willow. Instead of being upset, she simply shows Miss Hawthorn the unique paintings in her precious art book, sometimes gives her a small gift, and walks away smiling. When Christmas comes around, no one gives Miss Hawthorn a gift. . . except Willow. Willow gives Miss Hawthorne her most precious possession, which inspires Miss Hawthorne to finally be creative! When the students return back from Christmas break, a surprise awaits them!
Opinion: I loved this book! I thought that Willow was amazing, and I would love to have her as one of my students in my classroom! I thought that her persistence, confidence, and creativity was amazing, and I loved to see how she reached out to Miss Hawthorn, even though she was so mean to Willow. What I loved most about this book is that so many times, we see books about teachers inspiring students. I loved that this book was about a student inspiring a teacher. Additionally, I think that this is a great book for kids to read to help them be creative and to know that they can paint purple trees if they want to!
The Hundred Dresses
Title: The Hundred Dresses
Author: Eleanor Estes
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Wanda, Maddie, and Peggy
Setting: The girls' small school.
Theme: Being nice, standing up for what is right.
Summary: Wanda is different than all the other girls. She is poor and she lives in a bad part of town. The other girls all tease her because she insists that she has 100 dresses in her closet at home. The children continue to tease her until one day, she does not show up. They find out that she has moved, but she left little pieces of herself behind.
Opinion: This book is very sad because of how much Wanda gets teased, but in the end it has a great message about standing up for people and being nice to others even if they are not nice to you.
Author: Eleanor Estes
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Wanda, Maddie, and Peggy
Setting: The girls' small school.
Theme: Being nice, standing up for what is right.
Summary: Wanda is different than all the other girls. She is poor and she lives in a bad part of town. The other girls all tease her because she insists that she has 100 dresses in her closet at home. The children continue to tease her until one day, she does not show up. They find out that she has moved, but she left little pieces of herself behind.
Opinion: This book is very sad because of how much Wanda gets teased, but in the end it has a great message about standing up for people and being nice to others even if they are not nice to you.
The Baby Sister
Title: The Baby Sister
Author: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Tomie and his family, including his new sibling!
Setting: Tomie's home
Theme: New siblings!
Summary: Tomie is so excited to have a new sibling. He really wants it to be a little girl with a red bow in her hair. Tomie's grandmother comes to stay with him when his mother goes to have the baby, and it is so hard for Tomie to be patient and wait for his mother to come home! When she finally comes home, Tomie becomes the happiest boy in the world.
Opinion: I have always loved this book! I think that the story is so sweet and the illustrations and innocent way in which the story is told really makes the story so endearing. This is especially good for any children who may be expecting a new baby brother or sister.
Author: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Tomie and his family, including his new sibling!
Setting: Tomie's home
Theme: New siblings!
Summary: Tomie is so excited to have a new sibling. He really wants it to be a little girl with a red bow in her hair. Tomie's grandmother comes to stay with him when his mother goes to have the baby, and it is so hard for Tomie to be patient and wait for his mother to come home! When she finally comes home, Tomie becomes the happiest boy in the world.
Opinion: I have always loved this book! I think that the story is so sweet and the illustrations and innocent way in which the story is told really makes the story so endearing. This is especially good for any children who may be expecting a new baby brother or sister.
The Report Card
Title: The Report Card
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Nora, Stephen, and many other people.
Setting: Nora's home and school
Theme: Kids can make a huge difference!
Summary: Nora is smart; in fact, she is a genius! She does not want anyone to know, though, so she hides it and gets average grades in school. She realizes that tests make her best friend, Stephen, feel really bad about himself, especially with the big standardized tests coming up, so she decides to make a change. She starts to allow herself to get really bad grades. She wants to prove that grades really do affect students' personalities. What she gets herself into, however, has more consequences than she could have possibly imagined!
Opinion: I actually really enjoyed this book. Oftentimes we think of children who struggle to keep up with the "normal" pace of school students, but teachers need to remember that there are also very bright students, even some genius students, who also need to be taught and treated fairly. I liked this book a lot and I think it is good for any student to read because it teaches about the importance of not focusing only on grades but on the actual individual students.
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Nora, Stephen, and many other people.
Setting: Nora's home and school
Theme: Kids can make a huge difference!
Summary: Nora is smart; in fact, she is a genius! She does not want anyone to know, though, so she hides it and gets average grades in school. She realizes that tests make her best friend, Stephen, feel really bad about himself, especially with the big standardized tests coming up, so she decides to make a change. She starts to allow herself to get really bad grades. She wants to prove that grades really do affect students' personalities. What she gets herself into, however, has more consequences than she could have possibly imagined!
Opinion: I actually really enjoyed this book. Oftentimes we think of children who struggle to keep up with the "normal" pace of school students, but teachers need to remember that there are also very bright students, even some genius students, who also need to be taught and treated fairly. I liked this book a lot and I think it is good for any student to read because it teaches about the importance of not focusing only on grades but on the actual individual students.
Fly Away Home
Title: Fly Away Home
Author: Eve Bunting
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A homeless boy and his father.
Setting: An airport.
Theme: Homelessness and hope.
Summary: Andrew, a homeless boy, narrates this story about how he and his father live in an airport. He describes how they clean themselves, sleep, and avoid being noticed. He also talks about another homeless family who also lives in the airport terminals. One day, Andrew notices a bird trapped in the terminal. He watches it fly around, trying to get out, until it finally escapes and flies off into freedom. Andrew hopes that he and his father will be like the bird and make their way to a better place as well.
Opinion: This book was very good. The story was deep and sad, but the author talked about the topic in a hopeful way, and in a way that children can relate and understand. This book is great for older children who are learning about homelessness, but younger children may not understand or may be afraid of becoming homeless themselves. Although the book does not end with a happy ending, it ends hopefully, with the reader hoping that Andrew's dad's job will get better and that they will be able to get their own apartment some day.
Author: Eve Bunting
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: A homeless boy and his father.
Setting: An airport.
Theme: Homelessness and hope.
Summary: Andrew, a homeless boy, narrates this story about how he and his father live in an airport. He describes how they clean themselves, sleep, and avoid being noticed. He also talks about another homeless family who also lives in the airport terminals. One day, Andrew notices a bird trapped in the terminal. He watches it fly around, trying to get out, until it finally escapes and flies off into freedom. Andrew hopes that he and his father will be like the bird and make their way to a better place as well.
Opinion: This book was very good. The story was deep and sad, but the author talked about the topic in a hopeful way, and in a way that children can relate and understand. This book is great for older children who are learning about homelessness, but younger children may not understand or may be afraid of becoming homeless themselves. Although the book does not end with a happy ending, it ends hopefully, with the reader hoping that Andrew's dad's job will get better and that they will be able to get their own apartment some day.
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