Extra Final Thoughts

I just completed my text set and wanted to add this to the final reflection how much I really enjoyed creating a text set because it really got me thinking what kind of books I want to bring into my classroom. I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect books that would match the goals of my unit and still be high-quality literature. I now feel that my finished text set is ready for me to transfer to my future classroom, and that makes me super excited. This is a great culminating project to end this class that ties everything together!

Final Reflection Statement

I decided to write this reflection statement after class today because I am still very excited about the activity we did in class today. It seems like a very simple idea to have students interpret a poem, adding motions, phrasing, and expression, but it gives kids unlimited directions to go. As a college students, I found my group exciting to rework and tweak different parts of the poem. Even if students all interpreted the same poem, I highly doubt any of the interpretations would be exactly the same. Many of the poems in Love That Dog I had read before in high school, but by creating our own interpretations, they became more relateable and accessible to students. In addition to the activity today, I have really enjoyed all the activities we have done in class throughout the semester that can transfer directly to the classroom. Even the simple concept of "buzzing" with the person next to you to check in helps a lot. It gets ideas flowing before starting a group discussion. Buzzing also ensures that every student's voice is heard. Some students may not be comfortable talking in front of the whole class, but talking to just one person provides a certain comfort level. I have also enjoyed the actvity two statements and a question. If the discussion gets stuck, this activity is something to refer to in order to continue conversation.

Also, I agree with your assessment that somehow children's literature needs to incorporate some type of "pizazz" these days, especially when there are so many other forms of entertainment besides books taking children's time. Technology can help with that. I feel that you should definitely include Glogster again next semester when doing the Author/Poet/Illustrator study because I found it to have enormous potential in the classroom. Also, I noted that there is an Edu Glogster so that could directly apply to the classroom. I can envision social studies project, literature studies, all about me projects, etc. incorporating Glogster. I am now on the lookout for other fun, free sites like this that I can bring into the classroom.

I can also see the benefit in using a paired text set. Reading The Year of Impossible Goodbyes and So Far From the Bamboo Grove showed me how there are so many different historical perspectives. More than one view of history exists. A textbook is one type of information, but a textbook is hard for students to relate to. These novels allow students to connect emotionally to a text and really understand the time period. Novel studies can serve as crosscurricular activities for historical time periods. I feel a text set for any major period in history can be beneficial so students gain a well-rounded view of history.

I feel because of this class I have more of a sense of both the types of activities to complete with students and the types of books that I can include in the curriculum. I also think read-alouds can add to the classroom schedule because so many different books can be covered even if not every student has a copy of the book. I have especially enjoyed all of the novels we have read in this class. Of course, this blogging experience has really added to my knowledge of children's literature too. I never thought I would be a blogger, but 60+ posts later, I can say I am now among the blogging population. Will I contiunue blogging after this class? Just maybe...

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

It's hard to know how to classify this book- Is it a novel? A journal? A writer's notebook? A narrative? Whatever it is, it's a great read, and for those kids who don't like to read, this is a quick read for them. Sharon Creech's novel Love That Dog is not the typical formulaic novel. The setup of this novel is so unique that we develop alongside Jack as he comes to understand and love poetry. With few words per page, Jack slowly discovers the magic of poetry. At first, Jack is the stereotypical model of a student who is inexperienced with poetry. He has preconceived notions about its purpose and place in his life. He thinks poetry is girly and not for him. He thinks poetry has to fit a certain formula and prescription, but soon Jack realizes the versatility of poetry and the impact it can have on his life. Poetry allows an individual to express their emotions in a healthy way. It gives you a voice and chance to be heard.

The whole book is in poetry, which I found unique. As that silly little poem goes, Jack is a poet and doesn't even know it. When Jack mentioned different poems he read in class, I found myself looking at the back of the novel where the poems used in Miss Stretchberry's class are kept. It helped me better understand Jack's perspective. Many of the poems I read and analyzed in high school myself so it was interesting to view the poems from a child's perspective and what young students can get from a poem. I also found it interesting how Jack was hesitant to have people read his work. He desired to keep his poems anonymous, but as he progressed through poetry, Jack grows as a poet and likes have his working on display. He wants his work on that special yellow paper. As Jack learns different techniques in poetry, he applies it to his own writing. By seeing examples, Jack is inspired to write.

Sharon Creech did an amazing job combining how Jack learned to write poetry along with his story about his dog. Through poetry, Jack is able to slowly process his feelings about his dog and remember specific memories. Writing poetry gives Jack comfort. As future teachers, we can be like Miss Stretchberry by encouraging students to write and let everything out on paper. Writing can be a type of therapy, and while we might not explicitly tell students this, they may begin to realize this for themselves. Students can develop a list together about what purposes poetry (and writing in general) can serve in daily life. Only as Jack is given the opportunity to process his feelings does he begin to heal emotionally. Eventually, Jack mentions his dog's name, Sky. One of my favorite entries Jack wrote was April 26, which wasn't even about Sky. It was about an experience that commonly happen to anyone and everyone. "Sometimes when you are trying not to think about something it keeps coming back...you think about it and think about it and think about it until your brain feels like a squashed pea."Jack also uses poetry in letter form and shape form. Poetry does not have to rhyme. It does not have to have a rhythm. It doesn't even have to tell a story. Of course it can have any or all of these things, but really, poetry can be everything and anything. This is a great book for kids to find their inner poet. It's in all of us.

My Man Blue, Poems by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue

A great collection of poetry and artwork, this poetry picture book is especially powerful and moving. Connected through poems that tell a story, My Man Blue shares the story of the special bond between man and boy. Damon, an African American boy, develops a relationship with Blue, a friend of Damon's mom. Blue provides Damon a solid foundational base and develops the Damon's deep inner strength through their interactions. Blue becomes the father figure in Damon's life who will watch over him. In a rough neighborhood, Blue is well aware how some boys get lost to the streets. He has already lost his son Zeke to the streets, which makes Blue even more determined to prevent Damon from a similar fate. Blue tells Damon, "Your missing daddy also left a hole in you...If friendship fills it, there's less chance the streets will eat at you." Blue is an outlet for Damon by providing him with opportunities. Whether shooting hoops, climbing a tree, or eating hot dogs together, Blue provides Damon with chances to be a kid. Most of all, Blue takes it upon himself to keep Damon out of the trouble that threatens on the streets.

My Man Blue shows how we should not judge by looks alone. By just looking at Blue, one would see his gold and cracked teeth, his dark shades, his muscular build, and his black leather jacket and clothes, but beneath this tough guy exterior is Blue's "harmless gentle-giant side." He serves as the protector and watchdog over Damon. As an advocate for Damon, Blue also shows Damon how to rise above his situation by standing firm in his beliefs and teaching him high moral values. Damon resists fights on the playground knowing "It's guys who don't hit girls who're strong." After school while his mom is working, Damon is self-efficient cooking dinner and reading. He resists and ignores the comments made about him. Without Blue as positive male role model in his life, I do not think Damon would have developed as strong of a realization about the future opportunities he can have. He does not have to succumb to the street.

I also liked how Blue did not ignore the realities of Damon's life situation either. He realizes the world is tough, especially in their neighborhood. While teaching Damon how he can rise above his situation, he also teaches Damon self-defense skills. As Damon puts it, "He's just trying to keep me fit for this world." In Damon's school, Damon experiences death too. A boy gets shot at school. Damon is only beginning to understand the consequences of hate and fear and dangers that exist in today's society. As Nikki Grimes explores these topics, Jerome Lagarrrigue's illustrations are flawless. The acrylic paintings show the mutual relationship between boy and man. Their bond is emphasized even more through the illustrations.

Blue serves as a truly dedicated teacher and role model in Damon's life. If as a teacher I can provide the kind of support system Blue provided for Damon for even a few students, I would feel successful. This book made me think about the impact of programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Sometimes kids just need that positive influence in their life who they can talk to, knowing that they have someone who will listen and offer needed support and love. Besides being a tool to teach students about looking past physical appearances and the importance of having positive influences in one's life, My Man Blue is also a valuable tool for teachers to understand the funds of knowledge that students come with into the classroom. Students come from different backgrounds into the classroom. A student like Damon is part of a single-parent family who has never known his dad. I feel that getting to know both my future students and the community will only help guide me in being a better teacher and mentor to students.

Come to My Party and Other Shape Poems by Heidi B. Roemer, Illustrated by Hideko Takahashi

Some books just put you in a bright, happy mood, and this is one of those books. With very colorful pictures and very imaginative poems, Come to My Party and Other Shape Poems can take the reader to their "happy place." There are a lot of poems out there about the seasons, and yes, this book is one of them. Divided into the four seasons, each season has approximately 8-10 poems associated with it. What makes these poems unique though is that these poems have extra pizazz because they're shape poems. Also known as concrete poems, these poems incorporate a shape and mold the words of the poem into or around that particular shape. Here's a quick list of some of the seasonal shapes incorproated into the poems in this book:
Spring: a jumprope, a ladybug, birds' beaks, a kite, a birthday hat
Summer: ocean waves, a watermelon, the American flag, a tent
Fall: a spider's web, pumpkins, a wishbone, a piece of pumpkin pie
Winter: a sledding hill, mittens, a Christmas tree, an igloo, icicles

Not only are the words of the poem in the shape of the object, but the words are often in the color of the object. One of my favorite examples of this was Watermelon. In the shape of a watermelon, a majority of the letters are red, but a few letters are black, showing the watermelon seeds. The green rind of the watermelon is also shown. The final line of this poem reads, "And when I'm done, I pucker my lips; I'm ready! I aim and I... spit. The word spit is written in black as though it's a watermelon seed, and it's separated from the rest of the poem (because it has been spit out). In another poem, Marshmallow Treat, the poem uses three marshmallow roasters over a fire to to shape the poem. One line of the poem is written followed by the repetition of a word three times. For example, "Spear a 'mallow, spongy sweet; fun, fun, fun." The first part of that sentence is written in black to show the marshmallow roaster. Fun, fun, fun is written in white to show the actual marshmallow. I could go on and on with examples because the possibilities are endless. For this book in particular, I feel as though the illustrator has the harder job because the essence of shape poems comes from the picture while the words support the picture.

There are so many fun things to do with shape poems. I feel like kids would get a kick out of making their own shape poem because they can use their imagination and create a poem centered around an object they love or enjoy. Any ordinary object works, and the more creative students are the better. Also, this activity amay make poetry seem less intimidating for students when they are using a drawing as the basis of their poem. This book contains plenty of examples for students to see the possibilities for a shape poem. If a student gets inspired, perhaps they can come up with their own theme (sports or holidays for example) and make a whole collection of shape poems. Metaphors and similes could also be introduced while teaching shape poems. As another idea, shape poems could be used early in the school year as an introductory activity. After reading this book or showing students example of shape poems, students can write, illustrate, and decorate their own shape poem that represents something about them-an interest, a hobby, a fun fact, etc. Shape poems are ideal so kids can learn to have fun with words! Enjoy!

Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy, Illustrated by Steve Bjorkman

Who knew that Jeff Foxworthy writes books, let alone poetry? I was surprised to find his name on the shelves as I was browsing at the library, but sure enough, it was him. As the largest-selling comedy-recording artist in history, I had high expectations for this book with the main expectation being that I would laugh and find it funny. Dirt on My Shirt didn't disappoint. I found the title, Dirt on My Shirt, to be very appropriate for this book. Ths book gets into the nit and grit of what it means to be a kid. What do kids think? What do kids like to do? Who do these kids like to spend time with? Poems in this book address each of these questions with poems ranging from playing pretend, experiencing nature, making friends, to spending time with loved ones.

The pictures add even more humor of the story. Steve Bjorkman's illustrations support Foxworthy's poems. With a cartoon-like feel in all of his pictures, this book made me consider some of those common childhood experiences every kid goes through. For example, Lost Hat describes the experience of a boy looking all over and destroying his house in the process of finding his hat. Of course, it turns out to be on his head. I think kids can relate to this by thinking about a time when they too thought they had lost something only to find that it was exactly where they had left it (maybe even on their head). Foxworthy's poems and Bjorkman's pictures also transported me back in time to recalling some of my favorite summer memories. Playing hide-and-seek, going on a family vacation my sister and me chanting, "Are we there yet?" every few minutes, and finding that harmless roly-poly on a hot, summer day. Kids can easily releate to many of these experiences.

I also enjoyed how Foxworthy wrote several poems about different family members. I think every kid and adult has a bit of an eccentric family. No family is 100% 'normal' (whatever normal is in the first place). All families have their quirks and their family stories. Often relatives are known for one distinguishing feature perhaps a physical characteristic as in the poem Uncle Moe where Uncle Moe has a long mustache, or perhaps a talent that family member has such as eating corn really fast as told in Uncle Keith. Whatever the case, Foxworthy captures the admiration and affection kids have towards their relatives and how they often think in different terms than adults. It's interesting to note what kids recognize.

This book offers kids a variety of ideas for topics to write about. Perhaps students can write about a favorite activity, perhaps they can write what they like about being a kid, or perhaps what they like doing with their grandpa or grandma when go visit them. When kids are stuck and at a loss for words on the page, especially during a poetry unit, I would suggest this book to them. It can provide a solid jumping off point for students. Before I close this post, I can't help but mention two of my favorite poems in this children's poetry book, Dirt on My Shirt, because again, it's something every child faces. Remember when you lost hold of a balloon, and it floated away-then read the poem Escape? Remember when you were up wandering around at a time of night you should have been asleep? Just take a moment now and think about yourself as a kid...Oh, the good ol' days!

Timothy Tunny Swallowed a Bunny by Bill Grossman, Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Caught in ridicuclous and quirky situations, Timothy Tunny Swallowed a Bunny is a very enjoyable read. I found myself laughing at the absurdity of the situations. The situations are so unlikely that they are funny. With a collection of 18 poems, each poem tells a new story. A sing-songy, quick rhythm accompanies each poem. Each poem is as witty as the next. The This book again shows students how an idea can expand to create a variety of poems with a common thread holding them together. In this case, a reader must stretch a bit to see the connection that people are caught in unusual circumstances. The characters described have unique traits distinguishing each one from the enxt. Timothy Tunny is only the first among several memorable characters mentioned. These characters range from Walter Lackwards whose head is on backwards to Kevin T. Moses, a man with seventeen noses.

One poem that I found particularly entertaining was Joe Tate who always "became what he ate." On the day he ate nothing, "poof! he was no longer there." Another was The Barber who accidentally cuts off her clients' ears. When she tells him what happened, he says "What?" because obviously without his ears he can't hear. Based on these examples, it becomes apparent that this book contains very silly humor with unrealistic scenarios. Still, the sense of the impossible is always fun to read about in books.

I enjoyed the poems, but more than the poems, I enjoyed the pictures accompanying the poems because they added another dimension to many of the poems. In The Woman in Town, the woman is afraid she'll drown if her nose gets wet so she wears a small scuba suit on her nose, which is believed to work because she still hasn't drowned. Ironically, the woman lives in a desert. She's surrounded by cactus and sand and sitting in an empty boat without any sign of water. Without the picture, I don't feel that this book would have had the same intended effect. The setting of the poem highlights the absurdity of the situation. Similarly, in Kevin T. Moses, he's a man with seventeen noses who grows a new nose each birthday. Seeing Kevin with seventeen noses was entertaining, but it was even more so because in the picture he stands amongst a whole field of red and yellow tulips. Imagine the potent smell of the flowers if you had seventeen noses. Yikes! No wonder he carries around tissues with him, and his noses are red at their tips.

Grossman often uses double meanings in his poems that makes this book adult-friendly as well as kids-friendly. I don't think kids would pick up all these subtle language clues in their first reading. In Bill Hackbar, Bill works at a snack shack all four years of college. Although he gained little knowledge he did end up "very well rounded." In the picture, Bill Hackbar is a very round, plump man in undersized clothes. With similar rhyming patterns in each poem, each character's name corresponds to the first set of rhymes in the poem. This is one of those books that students might keep coming back to because I read through it 3 times just so I would catch all the subtleties in both the language and the pictures. It's humorous; it's fun; it's absurd- a perfect combination for that student with a wild imagination and a sense of the extraordinary!

Hamsters, Shells, and Spelling Bees School Poems, Edited by Lee Benneet Hopkins, Pictures by Sachiko Yoshikawa

When I was in elementary school, I don't remember reading poetry too often so this week opened my eyes to a world of poetry picture books. This book in particular is a collection of poems written by a variety of authors. A few of the poets I recognized such as Jane Yolen. This poetry book would be a good introductory book for young readers to poetry because they can relate to a lot of the poems. There are a bunch of common (and a few not so common) school experiences. Although each poem is its own unique piece, the way this book is organized goes by the order of the school day. It begins with before school activities like getting ready or catching the bus and then goes into during school activities. This includes things like show and tell, drawing maps, and looking through microscopes. Finally, the poems bring up after school activities and extracurriculars extracurriculars such as simply going home after school or being part of the school play.

This book can open students' eyes, showing them that poetry can be about anything. It also shows how individual poems can be put together in an anthology revolving around a common theme. A minilesson on organization would be useful as well as a minilesson about a technique for publishing work from a student's writer's notebook. Poems don't have any length requirement. Students can also learn how to focus in one event in a poem. Rather than talking about the entire school day in one poem, this book broke up the poems into manageable chunks, focusing in on one aspect of school at a time.

Many of the poems take on a children's perspective. The poem, Not Fair, by David L. Harrison captures the feelings of basically every elementary school student when the weather becomes nice in the spring. Who wants to be cooped up inside all day doing math and reading when you could be outside enjoying the fresh air and flying a kite? And let me tell you a little secret...this feeling doesn't go away even in college. Of course I'd rather be outside enjoying myself than in class. The poems are often humorous too. Library by J. Patrick Lewis show a student's excitement about going to the library, but then in a week or two, the book is overdue. I remember those library reminders about an overdue book. It's not a fun feeling to get one of those. Another poem that I particularly connected to was Buzz by Ann Rousseau Smith. There were a few times in elementary school when a bumblebee would get into the classroom, and let me be the first to tell you, students go wild. Sometimes the teacher does too.

With all kinds of poems come all kinds of fun pictures. The illustrator, Sachiko Yoshikawa, uses bright colors across the width of the 2-page span. There isn't any white space on the page. Students can learn from this about how to make the most out of their pictures and create an illustration to support the poem. The erase on the page in The Eraser Poem by Louis Phillips shows the erasing flakes and a smiling eraser. The poem itself is also a simple concept. Take one letter away on each line until the last line is just the T from The. This book is a fun, lighthearted read that would be great to read as a class or to include in the classroom library. As part of the I Can Read! books, students can be introduced to more than just fictional stories but also to poetry.

So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

So Far From the Bamboo Grove immerses the reader into a unique historical perspective. Rarely do we hear from people on the losing side of the war. We consider the other side our enemies and tend to ignore their feelings about war and struggle. Yet, Yoko's story shows the courage amid disaster and danger of an 11-year-old Japanese girl living in Korea. Faced with many life-threatening situations, this story is filled with triumphs as well as heartbreak. Only by having the right timing of events and meeting the right people along the way could things have happened as they did for Yoko's family. A bit of luck was needed. A survival tale, So Far From the Bamboo Grove, shows the strength and resiliency of the human spirit even when one doesn't even know she/he has this inner power.

I enjoyed that the story line alternated between Yoko's story and her brother, Hideyo. Told with a simplicity and grace, Yoko passionately shares her story. It's a story that needs to be told. Of course, a war story can not come without its share of dangerous situations. They travel at night,, often without food and drink for days on end. Once Korean Communist soldiers approach them, but at the same time, bombs fly down, killing the three Korean soldiers and leaving Yoko wounded. Along his journey, Hideyo suffers in the cold and comes close to freezing ot death. At times, Yoko describes other graphic images and graphic situations. Early on during the story, a dead young baby is tossed from the train as well as other dead hospital patients on the train. Description of rape emerge as women scream. The utter reality of the situation is overwhelming, and danger is imminent.

Figuring out how to talk to students about such topics as war and rape can prove difficult. However, I liked many of the suggestions we talked about in class last week. Students need the chance to discuss consequences and results of war. Prefacing with students about this book may be necessary so students know they will encounter difficult material while reading. Having students journal about their feelings as they read this book is another option, or perhaps a teacher can include a question box regarding their thoughts and feelings.

Besides being a war story, this is also a coming of age story- the story of personal growth and development of Yoko Kawashima. Yoko begins as a scared, hesitant child with frequent tears. She complains early during the journey, but after her mother dies, she becomes increasingly self-sufficient, doing her part to help Ko make a little extra money. All the while, even after their mother dies, education remains a priority for both Ko and Yoko. Hideyo's journey and his ability to reunite with Yoko and Ko appropriately concluded this autobiographical novel in a promising and uplifting way. Hideyo's arrival showed the importance of family and ended the story with a reignited hope for the future of the Kawashima family.

The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague

Kids are full of excuses. Their answers to these questions contain several different explanations...Where is your homework? Why didn't you do your homework? Why were you late to school? The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague explores this last question. Wendell and Floyd are perpetually late to school. They tend to come across unexpected obstacles on their way to school, from space creatures, to pirates, to a plague of frogs and unsuccessfully attempt to explain the situation to their teacher. One day Wendell says they'll take his shortcut to school. It starts off as an ordinary trek, but then they encounter all kinds of jungle animals including crocodiles as they jump, climb trees and swing vine to vine. Amazingly, they eventually hear their school bell and make it to class on time. Wendell and Floyd do end up getting to school on time for a long time, but they never find the perfect shortcut.

I found this story very entertaining and humorous as Wendell and Floyd encounter one ridiculous situation after another on their way to school. Mark Teauge has a wild imagination that works successfully for this story as he has created all kinds of obstacles. Wendell and Floyd are typical boys-adventurous and ready to explore. Although most kids wouldn't pick up on this, it also shows how boys (and men) are unwilling to ask for directions. They say they know where they're going even they don't. The acrylic illustrations really brighten the story too. Mark Teague is the illustrator of many children's books, and his use of color adds life to the story. All of his pictures span the width of two pages, allowing him to extend his imagination.

Students can use their creativity to imagine their own unique journeys on the way to school. They can write it out, envisioning new obstacles. Students can come up with a theme such as farms, oceans, food, etc. and think of what could happen such as jumping over haystacks or climbing over a volcano. Besides writing a story, students can make their own map including a key and a legend of this adventure. Let the kids' imaginations run wild, just like Wendell and Floyd's.

Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter

This story brings hope and promise to the classroom by promoting positive change. Just one person can make a world of difference. In Wangari's Trees of Peace, Wangari lives near Mount Kenya in Africa where she gathers firewood for cooking and plants vegetables for food. Her academic success leads her to America to study, but when she returns six years later, she finds her country devastated. No longer do crops or trees grow. Worried for Kenya, Wangari begins by planting nine seedlings, which emerges into a project designed to start a tree nursery. The news spreads and more village women agree to plant trees, and slowly other villages, towns, and cities join. Soon budding life returns to Wangari's village and other communities. When the cutting continues, Wangari remains committed to her cause even when jailed. Still, her cause spreads-30 million trees are planted. Crops once again grow and the land of Africa is restored.

This book is a great example of what we as individuals can do to go green! It would be very appropriate for a unit on the environment or on Earth Day in particular. Since going green is such a major topic of discussion these days, Wangari's Trees of Peace shows just how much influence once person can have when devoted to a cause. As the booksleeve reads, "this true story of Wangari Maathai...is a shining example of how one woman's passion, vision,and determination can inspire great change." Rooted in such a simple idea, planting trees in place of the ones cut down restores life and vitality to a previously barren land. Without Wangari's idea, the land may have eroded to an unfertile desert. Students can realize that they too can make a difference by doing the little things such as recycling, taking shorter showers, not using disposable water bottles, turning off the lights when not in use, etc. Each of these small actions builds to create a better environmental situation for the future.

Having never heard the story of Wangari Maathai before, I was impressed when I read the author's note at the end of the story. Wangari started Green Belt Movement Kenya in 1977. As an environmentalist, Maathai was worried by the deforestation of her homeland. In this way, this book could also connect students with the conflicts between economic interests and environmental interests that often clash. The topic of conservation can arise. Whether it is deforestation, pollution, or a discussion on fossil fuels, the tension between the economy and the environment arises again and again. Wangari, a well-educated woman, was also the first woman from East Africa to earn a Ph.D. In 2004, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her "contribution to world peace through the Green Belt Movement."

With an impressive life story, Wangari shows us how the chain reaction can work effectively. If you tell a few people, and those people tell a few people, eventually word spreads successfully, promoting worthy change into a community, a country, or even a continent. Start by planting one tiny seed, and eventually you'll have a thriving garden. Perhaps after reading this book teachers can connect with their principal or a local park and plant their own tree or garden to follow in Wangari's footsteps. With bright acrylic illustrations to accompany this story and pictures of the changing landscape, this book is a story full of excitement and promise for the future.

Flotsam by David Wiesner

So, I'm not sure when the last time I read a wordless picture book, but this made me wonder what I've been missing by not looking at this genre. Flotsam is the winner of both the Caldecott Medal and the Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards given by New York Times. An ordinary day at the beach turns extraordinary when a young boy gets caught in a wave. Both the boy and a camera wash to shore. This underwater camera contains a history that the boy discovers. When he develops the film, he discovers unexpected pictures amidst the sea. The last picture shows a photo within a photo, showing how this camera has traveled. The young boy continues on the tradition taking a picture of himself holding his developed picture before sending on the camera to the next lucky discoverer.

Without the book flap, I wouldn't have known what flotsam means-something that floats. The endpages get the reader in beach mode right away by having the endpages look like sand. This is such an appropriate book that explores the depths of the imagination (and the ocean). An interesting title is only the beginning of this book. I didn't realize how much an author/illustrator can do without any words. Yet, a wordless book can tell a story only through its pictures while capturing a story, showing emotions, and exploring a theme just like any other book. I read this book a few times through because there's so much to discover on each page. The richness of the watercolor pictures intertwine, wrapping together.

The pictures taken in the ocean show an "undiscovered life," mixing fantasy with reality. Octopuses lounge on couches and chairs, a puffer fish acts as a hot-air balloon for a few fish, and space aliens engage with sea horses. The picture within the picture though captures the most unique characteristic of this book. The camera gets passed on, and a rich history builds. When the boy looks at the developed picture through the microscope, he sees pictures that date back to early times. As the saying goes, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. This book is the perfect example of that.

There's a history, a traveling log contained in the camera. This book was like message in a bottle, but with a twist. Students could "read" this book, talking about the illustrations and the story's plot. As a writing activity, students could write their own text to this book or write a summary. Although this book isn't specifically geared for multicultural literature, it could be included to show how people are linked even when we're far away from each other. Lining up international pen pals would be a great way for students to connect with students abroad and learn about their cultural similarities and differences. This book proved to me just how much value can lie in a wordless book...A LOT!

The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood

Such a simple concept that makes a wonderful story, The Napping House is a delight to read. Like any other ordinary night, the granny is sleeping, but one by one, a range of both people and creatures combine and sleep onto the bed. However, the flea begins a series of commotion, and a tumbling effect results until everyone is up, and the bed breaks. With the sun out, a new day begins.

The humor in this story doesn't come from the words on the page as much as it stems from the pictures. As oil paintings, the pictures are full of the building chaos, as one by one, the creatures gather atop the bed. The bed is shown as a giant heap with arms and legs draped all over the bed and on the others in the bed. With just the movement of a flea, the domino effect takes hold. Rather than being upset about being roused, instead everyone laughs it off. The last picture with the rainbow completes the story on an even happier note as the granny and child smile, and the animals play gleefully. The story reminds me of a rainy night when children get scared of the storm outside complete with thunder and lightning. The kids crawl into bed with their parents to snuggle to escape the storm. Slowly, the bed becomes crowded, and it's impossible to move even an inch without bumping someone else. If The Napping House hadn't included the rain in its setting, the story would have changed and not

felt as complete.

Written in 1984, this story is still as relevant and humorous as always. Don and Audrey Wood know their child audience and know the slapstick humor that will strike a chord with young readers. I do see this story as more of a bedtime story than one to read aloud in the classroom, but just the same, it's a good-natured story with a memorable story line. I would consider keeping it in my classroom library. Due to the repetitious words as the creatures gather on the bed, students can develop their reading skills and make predictions about what will happen next.

Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks, Illustrated by Richard Egielski

When I don't know what books to get from the library, I go to the Caldecott Medal section. I think this in itself is a good strategy for young readers to to use to look for good books. In this way, I found the book Hey, Al, one of my favorite children's story to date. It is the story of Al, a janitor, and his dog, Eddie. who are dissatisfied with their lives in their small apartment. When a large bird arrives offering Al and Eddie a place with no worries and no cares, Eddie, the dog, wants to accept and eventually Al gives in. They begin to enjoy this paradise until they begin turning into birds. They flapped away and eventually returned to their apartment, happy as ever and ready to spruce up the apartment.

With a great message about being happy with what you do have, Hey Al highlights the importance of the little things that we take for granted on a daily basis. Sometimes what one imagines as ideal doesn't turn out like they expected. Al and Eddie were thrilled with the paradise island at first until they realized all the changes they encountered. Getting back to one's roots is important.

Having students read this book would also be a great opportunity to discuss the difference between real life and fantasy. Hel Al combines these elements in a unique fashion. A talking dog, a large talking bird, and an island in the sky are just some fantastical features of this story. Yet, Al is a janitor, a man who leads a fairly simple life with Eddie as his companion. Students can begin to distinguish the real parts of the story and the fantastical parts. As a writing assignment, students could imagine they are transported to a paradise island. What would the island have? What would they do on the island? Would they bring anything with them to the island?

The text is easy to read on each of these pages as it is set apart from the pictures. Against the white background, the text stands out for young readers. The pictures themselves are brightly colored and supplement the story nicely. With a bit of love and moment of realization, students can examine their own lives and realize how good they have it.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

Before reading this novel, I thought I had a fairly good grasp of World War II and its effects around the world. This novel proved me wrong. Sook Nyul Choi's compelling story transported me to Korea where I learned about her country's rich history along with the great sorrows and tribulations faced by people in Korea at this time. First the Japanese controlled Korea followed by Russia in North Korea following the war. There was that one glimmer of peace and happiness when neither Japan or Russia dominated Korea, but of course, that was short-lived. I love books that take me to a different time and place, and Sook Nyul's Choi writing did just that. I was 10-year-old Sookan living each moment with her, feeling her struggle, her fears, her determination, and most of all her enduring spirit.

Sookan surprised me by being wise beyond her years. She already felt such a strong devotion to her family and was the protector of her little brother, Inchun. As I read, I felt as though I was experiencing a story combining both a Korean Holocaust and the Underground Railroad. Every step along the way was an obstacle, every day a never-ending struggle. The sock factory, the high price of food, and the long days reminded me of the Jewish ghettos at this same time. That Japanese school also made me cringe. The constant reminders to be loyal to the Heavenly Emperor and empire along with the militaristic command of the school proved strenuous and damaging to the psyche. I can't imagine suffering through that as a 10-year-old.

The idea of group mentality also arose in this book as following the war, many North Koreans welcomed the Russians with open arms thinking that this time things would be different with the Russians. The Communist marches, the meetings, the wearing of red were really just new forms of a country suppressing and controlling Korea. Unfortunately, many Koreans didn't recognize Russia as another oppressor and succumbed to Russia's messages. Sookan's ability to see beyond the confines of the Russian message again showed the wisdom inside this 10-year-old. My emotions were stirred the most when Sookan and Inchun became separated from their mother on the escape trip to the south. Much like the days of the Underground Railroad during slavery, it's hard to know who to trust and even harder when you're that young. Without the help of the old man at the train station, I don't know what would have happened to the children. I feel as though a little luck or fate guided them. Their courage to move forward and continue their journey took dedication and heart.

I think too often in schools, we hear about the European version of World War II. Year of Impossible Goodbyes can open students' eyes to the impact of war around the world and also war's aftermath. To me, history is a combination of stories and a combination of perspectives. Everybody has their own history, and this story demonstrates this. The final scene of the children digging to freedom brings together every aspect of the book in terms of facing adversity, maintaining strength and resiliency, and preserving hope in oneself and the human spirit.

Grandfather's Journey, Written and Illustrated by Allen Say

Winner of the Caldecott Medal, Grandfather's Journey is the rich and touching account of author Allen Say's grandfather. I love stories about the past, especially when they are true, heartfelt tales like this one is. Traveling from Japan to America, Say's grandfather travels America's terrain, reveling in the differences between Japan and America. He marvels at the the farm fields, the desert, the towering mountains, and the industrialized cities. Settling in, Say's grandfather marries his childhood sweetheart and brings her to America, and the couple has a daughter. However, Say's grandfather's begins to long for his old friends and his old homeland. His wife, his daughter, and he return to Japan where their daughter falls in love and eventually has a son, Allen Say. A sincere sympathy emerged from me when I discovered that this family was affected by World War II and the destruction of their city. Say's grandparents lost their home. I didn't expect this to be part of the story, but this piece relays underlying wounds. Relaying the history isn't always positive. It's filled with challenged and struggles.

At the age of 16, Allen Say also immigrates to America. I found it interesting how Say connects even more with his grandfather now that he is in America. They share similar attachments and cross-cultural experiences. The simplicity of the second to last page stands in contrast with the rest of the books' illustrations, and I think Say may have done this on purpose. Only words are on this page-no pictures. It shows the inherent desire to be two places at once. No matter what, whether in Japan or America, there is a longing for the other. As Allen Say states, "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other. I think I know my grandfather now." Although that one particular page didn't need a picture, the pictures included in the story are amazing. The pictures tell the story more than the words on the page. Say's brilliant use of watercolor paintings depict the grandfather's journey thoroughly. Each picture is framed and set apart from the text. Due to this layout, several of the pictures appear as snapshots or portraits- specific moments in time.

I'm sure few of our future students' grandparents immigrated to the United States, but this would be such a worthwhile book so students can begin to see the importance of the past and the importance in stories. One activity I might have students do would be interviewing their grandparents. They can learn what life was like for them when they were children. After all, we only have a limited time to spend with our grandparents. When someone passes, their stories go with them. Also, this book shows a new perspective of history because it tells the story of aJapanese man coming to America rather than the usual story we hear about European families immigrating to the United States. Students can compare and contrast immigration experiences faced by people from different countries. So many different directions and so many possibilities emerge from this story.

Harriet and the Roller Coaster, Written and Illustrated by Nancy Carlson

While I was wandering through the children's section at the public library, I came across Nancy Carlson, one of my favorite children's authors when I was young. I eagerly looked through her different books and found Harriet and the Roller Coaster. I don't know why, but ever sense I was a little kid, I have had this youthful love for amusement parks. Whether I actually go to one, see one in a movie, or read a book about it, I get excited and fall for the splendor of the amusement park experience. I enjoy the thrill. That is why I loved this book as a kid and found out I still love it as a young adult.

For their last day of school, Harrriet and her classmates go to an amusement park. In the days leading up to the field trip, George taunts Harriet, saying that she'll be to scared to go on the roller coaster. Harriet internalizes George's words and has trouble sleeping the night before the field trip. On the day of the field trip, both George and Harriet buy tickets for the roller coaster, and in a turn of events, it's George, not Harriet, who realizes he doesn't like roller coasters.

Although this is a simple story, it's full of colorful illustrations and fun-loving, good-natured characters. Nancy Carlson definitely has the likability factor working for her due to both her pictures and easy-flowing writing style. I especially liked the two-page spread of just the roller coaster itself. It's a high-thrill ride for sure with quick drops and multiple loops. For students who really enjoy this story, there are other books about Harriet's adventures.

Kids reading Harriet and the Roller Coaster may be able to guess the ending because it's common to have a plot focusing in on the main character's dilemma and then the main character proving herself/himself in the end. While reading, students could make predictions about what they think will happen. For the primary grades, this can also be an introductory story about peer pressure, the overcoming of fears, and courage. Students should be able to make connections with the story about a time whe they too felt scared and the process of what they did to overcome their fears. This story suggests that students need to be able to stand up for themselves, but also at the same time, they should be willing to try new (safe) things. You never know until you try.

Welcome to the Green House by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Laura Regan

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to visit the rain forest? What would you see? What would you hear? What would it feel like? Jane Yolen activates and brings to life the tropical rain forest in Welcome to the Green House. Yolen gives the reader a complete tour of the rain forest by first describing the warm, wet days. While envisioning the rain forest while reading, I felt myself clam and warm-up as though it were summer. Yolen describes the towering trees and the plethora of animals including the sloth, the capuchin monkey, hummingbirds, and the golden toads. Yolen doesn't merely list the animals, but she describes the animals and some of the animals' actions. The sloth is a "slow, green-coated sloth," while "waking lizards lunge" and silver fish plunge." Yolen appeals to the reader's auditory sense too as long-horned beetles "crinch-crunch" and bees "pick-buzz-hum-buzz." All of the sounds are set off in italics to emphasize them. Yolen explores both the daytime and nighttime.\.

Although rich in its writing style, Welcome to the Green House is also rich in its illustrations of the rain forest. Each illustration covers the entire two-page spread. A closeup of both the canopy and down on the ground floor are shown. The sun can only peak through narrow gaps in the canopy. Silver fish swim through the stream. In some pictures, the reader sees the intricacies of a leaf or the toad's habitat in the rain forest. All of the illustrations help to show just how much activity takes place in the rain forest simultaneously.

This book is a great resource to guide students in adding their own sensory details, accurate descriptions, or vivid illustrations to a piece of writing. Rich adjectives flow endlessly in this book. On one page, Yolen lists all different shades of green visible in the rain forest: "dark green, light green, emerald green, bright green, copper green, blue green, ever-new green house." Even without the illustrations, I think readers would be able to visualize the rain forest.

On the final page of this book, there is a Did You Know? section that talks about the current human threat to rain forests. As the School Library Journal notes, this book would be "ideal for introducing rain forest ecology in the primary grades...The next best thing to a guided tour." Perhaps this could be the opener for a unit on activism, persuasive essays, and/or persuasive letter-writing. Why should we save the rain forests? What can we do to preserve them? I feel that students like to a have a purpose when they write. It always helps to write about something that matters and is relevant. What better topic then is there than the rain forest?

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble, Illustrated by Stephen Kellogg

Let me give you a summary of how The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash goes. Something happens. Why did it happen? Because this happened. Why did this happen? Because before that, this happened, and so the story goes. If you need to teach students cause and effect, this is the book to do it. Like other Jimmy's Boa stories, Meggie relays the day's events to her mom. In this case, her class went on a field trip to the farm. While at the farm, all kinds of events transpire. The story unwinds bit by bit as pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. Jimmy takes his boa into the hen house to meet the farm animals, but the boa scares the hens, which in effect makes a hen get so excited that it lays an egg, which makes the kids start throwing eggs, and so the story goes. Finally, Jimmy's boa does in fact eat the wash.

I enjoyed this book because of how the story unfolds. Kids will get a kick out of the variety of events taking place. I also like how this book is a story within a story since Meggie is telling the story to her mom. Throughout the course of the book, Meggie's mom asks questions to clarify the story which leads to another ridiculous explanation of everything that occurred. Perhaps students can experiment with telling a story within a story during writer's workshop and explore the possibilities. I try to remember any book that sparks ideas for writer's workshop.

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash can be used in reader's workshop too. This is one of those books that I think it would be useful to do a picture walk with students before reading. There are so many things happening that if students get a general idea of the events in the story, it will be easier for them to follow the train of thought. Also, there are not too many words on each page, so the pictures equally tell the story. The illustrations are well-crafted, full of bright colors and pictures that add humor to the story. This book is an ideal opener for a unit on cause and effect since cause and effect examples are so prevalent. All of the events in this story happen for a reason. Whether reading for pleasure or with a teaching purpose in mind, as a teacher, you can take this story in many different directions.

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin, Illustrated by Harry Bliss

I really didn't have very high expectations for Diary of a Worm, but it turned out that I loved it! It was filled with so much "worm" humor that I found myself chuckling to myself. Told from the perspective of a young worm, the worm seemed rather human. He went to school, did his homework (and ate it), and had all kinds of adventures. Filled with so much life and energy, the worm also went through typical worm experiences and worm experiences you wouldn't really think about. Typical experiences mentioned included digging deeper to avoid being used as bait and being on the sidewalk after a rainstorm. Unusual worm experiences included only being able to put your head in during the Hokey Pokey and making macaroni necklaces in art class. One noodle slipped over the worm's body.

I thought this was a very unique picture book. Often diaries and journals are used for children's novels, but this was the first picture book I have read that uses the diary format to tell its story. The worm's story was so wholesome and down-to-earth (pun intended) :) . This worm definitely likes to experiment and try out new ideas that don't always work. When the spider tells him to walk upside down, he realizes he can't. When he decides to be nice and says "Good morning" to one of the ants, he ends up staying at the same spot all day saying "Good Morning" to over 600 ants. Through this diary format, students can enter the life of this worm and develop a new idea when considering perspective in their writing. Perhaps they can pretend to be an animal, or perhaps they can write about themselves in a diary format with brief stories from their life.

The illustrations in this story only added to the story's effectiveness. Harry Bliss is an award-winning cartoonist, and the cartoonist feel comes through in the pictures. The pictures were very kid-friendly. Even the minor details in the pictures develop a framework for the story. As a cartoonist would do, at times word bubbles were used above the characters' heads. My favorite one was "Must make tunnel-help Earth breathe!" Words in large font were also used for sounds like CHOMP and THUD. With his worm family, he's 100% happy.

Cute quirk after cute quirk about being a worm makes this story memorable and a must-read for kids! I would definitely recommend getting this story for your classroom library! Get on it!

Glogster

Reflection Statement

Reading and Responding to Children's Literature has reacquainted me with some of my favorite children's books as well as introduced me to stories I never encountered during my childhood or that were not around during my childhood. This class has made me consider what stories I want to bring into my classroom. Some books like The Giver continue to be popular, while other stories have arrived on the scene. I feel like it is necessary to stay current with what students are reading. For example, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has captured the attention of many children so I feel like this is a book teachers should read in order to better relate to students. It also gives teachers perspective on students' interest. One of your responsibilities as teachers is to bridge the gap between home life and school life.

This class has also given my ideas on activities to discuss novels. Open discussions are important especially when reading a heavily thematic book. I really enjoyed the activity where newspaper clippings were given out that included different perspectives, both conservative and liberal. Although we did not get to it in class, having a town hall meeting by having students role play gets students to critically think. Even though I can see why books like The Misfits are considered controversial, I feel like these are the primary books to get students talking and thinking. If students never encounter difficult pieces, how will they develop their own viewpoints? Therefore, developing trust in the classroom so students feel comfortable discussing is important.

The genre presentations I feel were also beneficial because students gather a collection of the top books in a particular genre. Having these lists as future references will come in handy. With such a wealth of children's literature out there, it's hard to sort through to find the top books. However, what is considered good children's literature is often based on adults' opinions. Children have their own reasons for liking a certain book. As this class continues, I hope to develop a broader knowledge base of activities that I can do with children to make books they are reading relevant and relatable to them. Students need variety whether in math, science, or language arts.

Witness by Karen Hesse

This story proved to me again why Karen Hesse is such a great author. As I've mentioned before, I am a fan of historical fiction, and this particular account stretches the limits of historical fiction. In a small Vermont town in the mid 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan, a group embracing white supremacy, has entered the town's realm of everyday events. Some people join in on the Klans "cause," some remain neutral, and some serve as the opposition. The Ku Klux Klan's impact is felt throughout the community. Leanora, a 12-year-old African American girl, and Esther, a 6-year-old Jewish girl are the main victims of the Ku Klux Klan. The town's different responses to the Ku Klux Klan's presence gives insight into the handling of prejudice and discrimination.

The effectiveness of this story comes from the 11 different narrators. Too often we are blinded by one unfolding of history. However, by Hesse choosing to progress the story through 11 viewpoints, we gain an insight into the motivations, the hesitations, and the thoughts rumbling through the character's mind. Written in free poetic verse, the story switches often between narrators, but there is this linking thread holding all of the stories together. The extremist, clergyman Johnny Reeves, has radical ideas as he embraces his KKK identity. Even within the same family, Harvey and Viola Pettibone disagree about the KKK's tactics and its morality. Harvey represents the man who becomes absorbed by the group mentality of the KKK, which can prove to be dangerous and lead to questionable actions. Others like newspaper editor, Reynard Alexander, and doctor, Fitzgerald Flitt, try to remain neutral amidst the divisiveness caused by the KKK. Since there are 11 narrators, it is a bit tricky to keep all of the narrators straight, but luckily, there is a character page at the front of the novel that I referred to often when I was just getting to know the characters.

One of my favorite people in the story was Merlin Van Tornhout who at first embraces the KKK identity. However, as the story progresses, he internalizes his humanity and questions his loyalty to the KKK. He observes, for example, Leanora Sutter saving Esther Hirsh from an oncoming train. When the Klan asks him to pour poison into the Sutter's well, he realizes the extremity of that action. His depth as a character shows his growing understanding about race, religion, group mentality, and his own humanity.

I feel that Witness is a significant book to bring into the classroom. Many mature themes arise that require open dialogue about prejudice and discrimination. This book does mention lynchings, burning crosses, and other hate and scare tactics the KKK used to show their power and commitment to white supremacy. Therefore, I feel as though 5th or 6th grade would be the earliest I would feel comfortable introducing this book. This book would be a valuable teaching tool in the classroom because often we think of the Ku Klux Klan only residing in the south. Yet, based on Hesse's research, she discovered this was not the case and wanted to reveal a forgotten history. In places like Vermont, the KKK reigned and were present even in the 1920s. This story will make students consider the prejudice that still exists in today's society and examine thmselves. Students will also consider ways to enact change. In any situation, as in this Vermont town, people have different responses to a crisis. Some peopleexhibit previously unknown courage. Still, we are flawed. This story highlights the fact that we're all human. It's up to us to handle adversity and conflicts the best way we know how.

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse

I give this book a 10/10! I really enjoyed this book because it's 100% original and unique. I have never read anything like it before. The Music of Dolphins is the story of Mila who is rescued off the coast of Florida. Since the age of 4, Mila has been raised among dolphins. Having been found by the Coast Guard, Mila is taken into observation at a local hospital. There Doctor Beck and Sandy attempt to teach Mila about about language and music. As a scientific research subject, Mila makes great strides and progress, but the more and more she learns about human life, the more and more she wants to return to the sea. For Mila, the sea is where she really belongs.

The Music of Dolphins explores what it means to be human. At first, Mila enjoys everything about being human, but soon she learns about captivity and locked doors, rules, and emotions of anger and fear. She misses the freedom of the sea. According to Mila, one difference between dolphins and humans is that "The dolphins, they live for today. To be human is to live for tomorrow. Why does tomorrow matter? What is important is now" (p. 173). Mila's mindset matches that of the dolphins. She fits in with the sea and nature.

What I liked most about this story is the way Karen Hesse relays the story shows Mila's growth as she gradually acquires language. When the story is in italics, Mila's connection with the sea is apparent. The rich detail shows how comfortable Mila is in nature, wild and free. Once she is found, a newspaper article outlines Mila's story with the headline "Wild Child Found on Island Off Cuba" (p. 4). Once Mila is brought to the hospital for observation, the font size reflects Mila's understanding of the English language. From Mila's point of view, it shows her perspective at any time frame as she tries to adjust her knowledge. She isn't even able to recognize herself in a mirror at first. As Mila continues to learn English, the font size becomes smaller, and her language becomes more precise. Mila's connection with music leaves her with a tie to the sea. However, Mila becomes increasingly disillusioned with everything she learns about the human world and begins to withdraw, refusing to eat until she is brought again to the sea. The font size and word choice used show a regression of language rather than a progression. In the final pages, Mila returns to the sea, and the language is again shown in italics. Through Hesse's font size and language usage, I felt even closer to Mila and felt I could better understand her world.

If this novel wasn't in first person, I feel like Mila's story would be incomplete. By having this story from Mila's point-of-view, the reader both progresses and regresses with Mila. In any story, especially a novel, I like to create a visual picture in my mind, and this novel allowed me to do just that. This story also reminded me of Genie's story, the true story of a girl who grew up without normal human interaction and stimulation for the first 13 years of her life. Genie's outcome reminded me of Shay's outcome from this story since both Genie and Shay fail to adjust to social norms and behavior. Unlike Shay, Mila did have interaction and stimulation growing up. It was just with the dolphins. Although this story is rather unrealistic, it's not impossible. It's a reminder that sometimes we need to expect the unexpected.

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, Illustrated by Wendy Watson

An introductory picture book about the Holocaust, The Cats in Krasinski Square is geared for upper elementary students in grades 3-5. The Cats in Krasinski Square shares the story of a group of people who risk their lives in devising a plan to get food and supplies to those still trapped inside Warsaw's ghetto walls. I had mixed feelings about this book because it glanced over some of the underlying deeper issues associated with Holocaust like many Holocaust books for children tend to do. The title itself is vague, and by simply looking at the front cover, you wouldn't even know that this book had anything to do with the Holocaust.

However, upon reading, this story did provide some basic idea of the struggle people in Warsaw faced. For students who have never heard of the Holocaust before, this book could serve as an introductory book in a Holocaust unit. The young girl narrator herself has lost most of her family to the war. Jewish herself, she and her sister were able to escape the walls of the ghetto and now pass for being Polish. By passing, the narrator and her sister avoid the turmoil associated with being Jewish. "I wear my Polish look, I walk my Polish walk, Polish words float from my lips..." The cats mirror the lives of many Jewish families. Cats now wander the streets too living off of mice and not in the comfort of an owner's home. It is these same cats that are used to distract the Gestapo police dogs as people risk their lives to get food into the ghetto. The Jewish Resistance Movement, amidst adversity, is willing to risk risk their lives for those trapped inside the ghetto.

The author's note and historical note at the end of the story provide a much-needed frame of reference. When reading the author's note, I learned that this story was actually based on true events. The Jewish Resistance had used cats as one technique to outsmart the Gestapo at the train station in Warsaw during World War II. By reading the historical note, readers gain the context of the time. If I was to use this story in the classroom, I think I would start by reading the historical note so that students know the conditions in Warsaw prior to reading since the actual story glosses over this issue. In order to gain an overall perspective of history, students need the details. It returns to a matter of what children are ready to learn and hear.

Wendy Watson's illustrations add that "little something extra" this story needs. With the water color pictures, the pictures often tell more than the words. The Gestapo police linger in the streets, the dogs hover, and the barbed wire fence serves as a barrier between Jews and the outside world. Each picture or set of text is offset and bordered by intersecting lines, much like the barbed wire fences in the ghettos. Still the soft tones used in this story release some of the tensions associated with features of the drawings. Our fear of past horrors, like the Holcaust, should not withhold us from explaining the past to the next generation. They deserve to know.

Spuds by Karen Hesse, Illusrated by Wendy Watson

One of Karen Hesse's newer books, Spuds tells the story of three kids, Maybelle, Jack, and Eddie who go to gather potatoes from a nearby field one dark night so they can surprise their mom with extra food on the table. Upon the children's arrival home, they realize that they had not been collecting potatoes like they thought. Instead, they had been harvesting stone and rocks. The children are grounded for going into someone else's field, and they must apologize to Mr. Kenney. However, when Maybelle announces "we'd only gone after them spuds so Ma wouldn't have to work so hard," their Ma makes a delicious dinner, and the love emanates from their family.

Set in the country, I really enjoyed this story. As in Come On Rain!, Hesse does not specify a specific time period for Spuds, but I believe it was set during the Great Depression. I came to this conclusion based on the old-fashioned outfits, the water basin sink, and the antique stove in the story. Plus, their rural country life is filled with obstacles such as getting enough food on the table. Interesting to note is that these children are being raised without a father. The story does not address this directly, but a father is never mentioned, and the children's Ma works the nightshift. This single-parent family still makes the most out of their situation. Even though the children shouldn't have gone out to the field to "steal" potatoes from a neighbor's field, they were doing it for the sake of their Ma.

The dialect used in this story also reflects country life. The words used took me back in time and place into the context of the children the children. For example, "'Less we gather them spuds off Kenney's field, they'll go to rot, sure thing." The improper grammar usage adds to the delight of the story. Told from Jack's perspective, the story reflects a down-to-earth story of kids trying to help their Ma.

The pictures too add an extra delight to the story. They show the emotions of the kids when they're sad to see their mother head off to work, their excitement when the realize they can help their Ma, their disappointment and guilt at taking what they thought were potatoes, and joy in being together as a family. Whoever wrote the book cover sums it up best by stating, "Wendy Watson's warm, glowing artwork is a perfect complement ot a story that overflows with love, integrity, and down-home family values." Karen Hesse's heartwarming writing style and Wendy Watson's use of watercolors and colored ink create a unique historical fiction story that I would definitely share with my class.

Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth

I learned something else about Karen Hesse that I didn't know when I was looking for her books. She also writes picture books. Although she is heavily a children's novelist, her picture books also are fun to read and enjoy. Come On Rain! tells the story of a young girl and her mom as they await the coming rain to end the 3 week drought. We never learn the young narrator's name, but she is filled with energy and excitement. Once the rain starts, the young narrator gathers with her friends, and they dance in the streets welcoming the rain. Eventually their moms join in on the celebration, laughing, dancing, and getting soaked by the free-falling rain.

The story itself is simple, but the language that Hesse uses to convey the story are delightful and very entertaining. Hesse uses descriptive language that evokes all of the senses. Phrases from the story I especially liked were "sagging over her parched plants" and "heat wavers off tar patches in the broiling alleyway." Descriptions such as these evoke the overwhelming heat. I can feel the heat and can visualize people suffering from the oppressive heat. They need relief from this summer heat. I wanted an iced tea or lemonade while reading this story because I thought of what a 90 degree day is like.

Set in the city, I received the impression that the little girl and her mom didn't have air conditioning. A slight breeze from the window is portrayed in one of the pictures as well as a wide-open window, so the overwhelming heat seems to carry into the house. The book does not set a specific time period, but I had the feeling that this story was set in the 1970s. A phonograph is still in Miz Glick's "stuff cave of her room" for example. The little girl and her mom are always wearing dresses too.

The watercolor pictures capture the summer days in its full glory. The dark clouds and then the raindrops emerge and cover the page. A fun read, Come on Rain! would be great for a read-aloud with young kindergarten or first-grade students when talking about the weather or the summer. For example, what would you do if you didn't have air-conditioning? Do you ever play in the rain? Come on Rain! would also be a great book to just to read for fun.

Wish on a Unicorn by Karen Hesse

I'm choosing to focus on Karen Hesse for the A/P/I project because Out of the Dust is such a moving children's novel, making me want to read more books by Karen Hesse. Unlike the majority of people, I am a historical fiction buff. However, I've come to realize that not all of Karen Hesse's books are in the historical fiction genre. Wish on a Unicorn is a contemporary realistic fiction novel about a sixth grade girl named Maggie (called Mags) who feels weighed down by her seven-year-old sister, Hannie, who has a cognitive disability and her brother Mooch, known to be the neighborhood food thief. One day, Mags and Hannie discover a dirty, worn unicorn that they come to believe has magical powers. Through the experiences with the unicorn and through her relationships, Mags realizes just how special her family really is.

Many relevant topics arise in this book in terms of socioeconomic class, family, disabilities, and true friends. Mags feels as though she is not good enough compared with other students at her school. Living in a trailer park, Mags expresses dissatisfaction with her hand-me-down clothes and heavy responsibilities that fall on her. Since her mom works the night shift, it is Mags who must handle the extra burden of caring of her younger brother and sister. According to Mags, "I wanted to look and act and be just like the other kids at school and not be embarrassed about who I am" (p. 13). Although Mags and Hannie both attend school during the day, Mooch is still too young for school and must find his own activities while his mom sleeps during the day. Too often we fail to realize challenges that arise for single-parent families. Her dad passed away when she was two. Then her mom started dating a different man who is the father of Hannie and Mooch before he became abusive. When Mags is given a homework assignment requiring her to write an essay about her family, she doesn't know what to say. As a future teacher, I believe it is important to get to know students and their family situations.

Making matters more difficult is that Hannie has a cognitive disability. I felt that this book was a littled outdated. In terms of terminology, it reffered to Hannie as handicapped. I also believe (or would like to believe at least) that students today are more accepting of special education students. When Brody, one of Mag's classmates, gets mad, he says to Mags and Hannie, "I said your sister's a retard. A stupid should-have-been-dead retard" (p. 78). When Hannie wets her pants because she's upset, other students laugh at her. All of this I hope doesn't happen in today's school environment, or if it is still happening, intervention needs to take place.

At this adolescent age, Mags is also concerned if the popular girls, Patty Jo and Alice, like her. When she gets invited to Patty Jo's house after school one day, she tells Hannie to walk home by herself because for once, she wants to enjoy the feeling of being included and "cool." Mags soon realizes that being popular isn't all that it is hyped up to be. Mags returns home only to find Hannie missing. Although Mags eventually finds Hannie, an overwhelming sense of guilt and responsbility weigh on her mind. With this experience, Mags comes to understands how important Hannie and her family is to her.

Overall, I found this to be a heartwarming story offering advice about the meaning of true friends and family. As Karen Hesse's first novel, I feel as though she accurately captures both the highs and lows that any family experiences on a day-to-day basis. Families are unique, coming in all shapes and sizes. Despite their challenging situation, Mags's family has endurance and strength of spirit.

The Misfits by James Howe (Overall Book Perspective)

Awareness of a problem is the first step toward change. I found Bobby's idea of establishing the No-Name party a stroke of genius on his part. I believe every kid has been called a name at least one time in their life. Maybe it was positive name, maybe it was negative, but I know I remember some of the names I was called. Teacher's pet, smartypants, the giant, etc. were some just to name a few. Even though name-calling might not be vocalized verbally now that we're older and in college, prejudgments are often still made based on people's fashion, looks, etc. The list that the Gang of Five made showed some overlap in names such as loser and dork. Bobby, Joe, Skeezie, and Addie took it upon themselves to enact change.

I feel that adolescents have a sense of idealism that many people lose as they get older. In these adolescent years, the Gang of Five shows promise, hope, and a willingness to make a difference for the future. For Bobby especially, his inventiveness and maturation come through not only in his vision of the No-Name party but also in his talks with his dad and Mr. Kellerman as well as his final speech made in front of the whole school. It takes guts to do something like Bobby does in the closing pages of this book. Their party's motto, "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit" rings throughout Bobby's speech.

Despite Bobby's moving speech, it is Brittany that wins the election. It is as though James Howe is suggesting that change cannot happen immediately. Instead, incremental change not substantial change often occurs. Although the Gang of Five does not win the election, their principal, Mr. Kiley enacts No-Name Day and later No-Name Week. However, James Howe does have a slightly idealistic ending for Joe. Both Joe and Colin come out and decide to go out. In reality, I highly doubt this would happen openly during middle school. Perhaps James Howe, a gay man himself, was envisioning his own life when creating a happy ending for Joe.

The Misfits is a great book that allows kids to learn about bullying, tolerance, and activism. I believe this book would be beneficial in my classroom as a teaching tool. Classroom discussions would be necessary when discussing all of the themes and topics that arise in this book.

The Misfits by Jame Howe: Chapters 1-13

Middle school lingers in the majority of people's minds as a time of awkwardness, uncertainty, and exploration. All of us just wanted to get past those middle school years. For many early adolescents, the goal is simply to fit in and be accepted. When you do not fit the stereotypical norm, however, you become labeled. Name-calling, slurs, and practical jokes bombard the misfits. In The Misfits, James Howe explores themes revolving around both diversity and tolerance. He also investigates what can be done in order to have misfits develop a united voice and be proud of themselves as individuals and develop positive identities. All can be accepted. This book also serves as a caution to the "popular kids" because The Misfits provides the perspective of the minority group, the students who suffer humiliation and ridicule during school. Putting labels on students as "the smart one" or "the fat one" can take its toll on an adolescent's psyche.

From the perspective of Bobby, an an overweight adolescent, he tells the story of himself, Addie, an outspoken, intelligent, tall girl, Skeezie, a leather-wearing boy labeled a hooligan who dresses like he's stuck in the 1950s, and Joe, a flamboyant and personality-filled boy who is certain he is gay. With Bobby's witty sense of humor and this story of developing identity, Bobby proves to be a worthwhile narrator. All of this accumulates into a story that is quickly turning into a memorable one for me. Despite the controversy surrounding The Misfits, I believe this book's subject material ignites awareness in order that students and adults alike can develop a more comprehensive understanding of difference and its effect.

Bobby tells the story with such openness and directness that it's nearly impossible not to get wrapped into the story. His active imagination, his developing feelings about love, and his pursuit for understanding and knowledge all make the story unique and enjoyable to read. Slowly he is discovering his own identity. According to Bobby, "This business of really knowing pepole, deep down, including yourself, it is not something you can learn in school or from a book. It takes your whole being to do it-your eyes and your ears, your brain and your heart. Maybe your heart most of all" (p. 124). Such insight shows Bobby's higher-order thinking skills taking place. By entering the formal operations stage of reasoning, Bobby and his friends can question issues and conflicts in the world. Is it fair? Is there justice? Can we enact change?

By being part of the election and having a third-party, Bobby, Addie, Skeezie, and Joe all have a chance to have their voice heard. Too often as human beings we become complacent, thinking things can never change. With Addie's strong will though, she is determined to enact chance in the school and in the larger community. Having been labeled all of their lives, the Gang of Five is ready to challenge the norm and no longer accept the status quo. I'm excited to read about the progression of the election and also of Bobby's developing awareness of identity in himself and others.