Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Poetry Book


Title- I, Too, Sing America: Three Centuries of African American Poetry

Author-Catherine Clinton

Illustrator-Stephen Alcorn

Genre-Poetry

Subgenre-N/A

Theme-Freedom, Emotions

Award(s)-N/A

Date of publication-1998

Publishing company-Houghton Mifflin Company

Brief summary-This is a powerful and diverse collection of poems that capture the passion of black writers.  Thirty-six poems are gathered here to pay tribute to their outstanding authors.

How would you use this book with students-I would use this book to show students the talent of black writers over the centuries and their passion for freedom and ability to express themselves in poetry.  It would be a good culturally diverse collection of poetry to teach my students.

Picture Book #24



Title-Stellaluna

Author-Janell Cannon

Illustrator-Janell Cannon

Genre-Informative  Book

Subgenre-Fiction

Theme-Bats, Birds, nature

Primary and secondary characters-Stellaluna, Pip, Flitter, and Flap

Date of publication-1993

Publishing company-Scholastic, Inc.

Brief summary-Stellaluna loses her mother when an owl attacks them.  Soon she must learn to live with the birds and act like a bird.  She gives up her bat ways so that she can have a family, but soon finds her mother again. 

I would use this book to inform my students about bats and birds.  It is also a good book for entertainment or pleasure. 

Picture Book #23



Title-Little Bea

Author-Daniel Roode

Illustrator-Daniel Roode

Genre-Picture Book

Subgenre-Fiction

Theme-daily life

Primary and secondary characters-Little Bea, Butterfly, Owl, Beaver, Bear, Deer, and Mouse

Date of publication-2011

Publishing company-Scholastic, Inc.

Brief summary-This is a story of Little Bea’s journey through the day and everyone she says hello to.

I would use this book for my student’s to read for pleasure. 

Chapter Book #14


Title-How I Became an American
Author-Karin Gundisch/translated by James Skofield
Illustrator-N/A
Genre-Chapter Book
Subgenre-Historical Fiction
Theme-Stepfathers, remarriage, moving, fear, country life
Primary and secondary characters-Johann (Johnny)
Award(s)-The Batchelder Award
Date of publication-2000
Publishing company- Beltz Verlag, Weinheim & Basel
Brief summary- This is a story about a ten-year old boy and his journey to becoming an American.  The story starts in 1902 in a small German town.
How would you use the book with students- This is a great book for 3rd grade and up to read and learn about history.

Chapter Book #13


Title-Seeing Sky Blue Pink
Author-Candice Ransom
Genre-Chapter Book
Subgenre-Realistic Fiction
Theme-Stepfathers, remarriage, moving, fear, country life
Primary and secondary characters-Maddie & Sam
Date of publication-2007
Publishing company-Carolrhoda Books
Brief summary- Maddie is an 8-year old girl who enjoys her summer with her new stepfather.  He is funny, lovable, and outgoing and takes her to do all sorts of things all summer long.
How would you use the book with students- I would use this book for students to read leisurely and for them to enjoy reading.

Chapter Book #12


Title-When Jessie Came Across the Sea
Author-Amy Hest
Illustrator-P.J. Lynch
Genre-Chapter Book
Subgenre-Historical Fiction
Theme- Emigration, immigration, Jews, orphans, grandmothers.
Primary and secondary characters-Jessie and her grandmother
Award(s)- Parents’ Choice Award; Kate Greenaway Medal
Date of publication-1997
Publishing company-Candlewick Press
Brief summary- A thirteen year old Jewish orphan reluctantly leaves her grandmother and immigrates to New York City, where she works for three years sewing lace and earning money to bring Grandmother to the United States, too.
How would you use the book with students- This is a good book on historical fiction to inform students with.

Chapter Book #11


Title-Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie
Author-Julie Sternberg
Illustrator-Matthew Cordell
Genre-Chapter Book
Subgenre-Realistic Fiction
Theme- Babysitters, Loss, Self-reliance
Primary and secondary characters-Eleanor, Bibi
Date of publication-2011
Publishing company-Amulet Books
Brief summary- Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, moves away and Eleanor has to spend the summer preparing for the new school year. She decides she doesn't like her new babysitter, but soon realizes that she will always have Bibi. 
How would you use the book with students- This book is written in a lyrical style and would be a good first chapter book for ages 8 and up.