CONFUSCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE by Russell Freedman

CONFUSCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE by Russell Freedman

Book Review: Biography
CONFUSCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE by Russell Freedman

Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 2002. CONFUSCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE. New York, New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 043913957

Plot Summary
“If you study the past and use it to understand the present, then you’re worthy to be a teacher.” Confuscius was a radical thinker from 551 B.C. whose ideas helped mold the ideals of our own democratic government today. This wise sage, who is still thought of as a “loony philosopher” by the eastern world, had many profound ideas regarding politics, education, and spirituality. “The Analects” collects his philosophy of compassion and fairness which has influenced religious and political thoughts throughout the world. Five centuries before Jesus spoke of the Golden Rule, Confuscius set forth his own philosophy by saying, “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.”

Critical Analysis
Newbery Medal winner Freedman creates an engaging narrative that revolves around stories, legends, and dialogues from The Analects of Confuscius. While infusing Chinese history, culture, and language into the narrative, Freedman points out the impact of Confucius’ ideas on the Western World’s democratic society and ideals. The tone is serious, but Confucius’ wit and playfulness is highlighted throughout, thus, allowing the reader to ponder the wisdom of this sage. Clement’s moody illustrations supplement the thoughtful text. The full-page pieces of art pay tribute to Chinese-style paintings. The deteriorating frames add color and design to the landscape depictions, onto which photographed fruits, petals, and berries have been superimposed.

Review Excerpts
Just as Confucius "prodded [his students] to think in new ways," it will open new doors for young readers. Publishers Weekly

The world today could hardly do better than to ponder the wisdom of this sage. School Library Journal

Connections
List ten quotes from Confucius and identify the lesson to be learned about
Confucianism from the quotes as it applied to modern times.

Create a biographical story told from the perspective of Confucius.

Write your own personal “code of ethics”. What qualities do “good people” have?

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THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman

THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman

Book Review: Historical Fiction
THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman

Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395728061

Plot Summary
When California Morning Whipple’s widowed mother decides to relocate her family from their comfortable lives in Massachusetts to the 1849 Gold Rush town of Lucky Diggins, California resents the upheaval and decides to hate it before she even arrives. Grasping for some sort of control over her young life, California declares her name to be unsuitable when she arrives in the state of California, and decides that her new name will be Lucy. Everything familiar to Lucy has been left behind, including her beloved library, so she plans to save her coins from her pie baking business to pay for immediate travel back east. Lucy’s brother, Butte, and sisters, Prairie and Sierra, seem to embrace their new surroundings while Lucy, ever willing to lose herself in a book, resists the pull of the west as she ultimately finds her way home.

Critical Analysis
Karen Cushman pens a witty and vividly descriptive narrative of the California Gold Rush that begs to be read aloud. Lucy, the irresistible tween, provides wry humor and a sharp tongue throughout the novel which lightens the somber mood of the actual trials and tribulations during this period in history. Cushman’s usage of first person narrative breathes life into the background information and historical facts surrounding the 1849 Gold Rush.

Review Excerpts
“PW gave a starred review to this gold-rush novel by Newbery Medalist Cushman, calling it "a coming-of-age story rich with historical flavor.” Publishers Weekly.

“Cushman's forceful writing combined with a narration in which the characters live and breathe make this a first choice for libraries.” School Library Journal

Connections
Read nonfiction accounts of life during the California Gold Rush. Create a Venn diagram with the accounts of the nonfiction books and THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman.

Levy, Jo Ann. THEY SAW THE ELEPHANT: WOMEN IN THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN: 0806124733

Chartier, Jo Ann. WITH GREAT HOPE: WOMEN OF THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN: 1560448881

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WORTH by A. LaFaye

WORTH by A. LaFaye

Book Review: Historical Fiction
WORTH by A. LaFaye

Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. WORTH. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. ISBN 0689857306

Plot Summary
After Nathaniel’s leg is shattered in a freak farming accident, he is bitter, frustrated, angry and mourns the sense of self. While working through the pain, his father adopts a boy, John Worth, to help on their Nebraska farm. Both boys share different, yet similar wounds and learn to accept each other as they realize how much they need each other to survive. The novel grapples with the grueling hardships of farm life during the late 19th century and the power struggles between farmers and ranchers.

Critical Analysis
LeFaye’s novel introduces the readers to the Orphan Train of the late 19th century and the hardships that often occurred for farming families. Heartfelt emotions are evident throughout this Scott O’Dell Award winning book for historical fiction. LaFaye weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book. Alexandria LaFaye has created a group of memorable characters engaged in a compelling, page-turning plot. WORTH is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12.

Review Excerpts
“The short, spare novel doesn't need the heavy heroic parallels; it tells its own story of darkness and courage. A great choice for American history classes." Booklist

“A compelling and historically accurate story beautifully rendered.” School Library Journal

Connections
Research medical practices used in the late 1800’s for common ailments. Then, write a pamphlet (directed to the doctors themselves) on how to care for their patients. Ailments could include: broken bones, fevers, cuts and abrasions, sore throat, or childhood diseases like chicken pox, diphtheria, or scarlet fever (caused by strep throat).

Haller, John. THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN HOMEOPATHY: THE ACADEMIC YEARS, 1820-1935. ISBN: 0789026597

Farmers’ Almanac at: http://www.farmersalmanac.com/. Consult the “natural cures” section.



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WEATHER by Seymour Simon

WEATHER by Seymour Simon

Book Review: Non-Fiction
WEATHER by Seymour Simon

Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1993. WEATHER. New York, Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688105475

Plot Summary
“It’s cloudy today. It’s also sunny, rainy, and snowy, hot and cold, calm and windy, dry and damp.” Simon investigates the ever changing patterns of weather. He explores the circulation of the atmosphere, the jet stream, the movements of cold and warm fronts, and formations of raindrops, snowflakes and hailstones. He teaches how to identify the various cloud families and explains what kinds of weather particular clouds are likely to bring. WEATHER introduces the reader to the instruments and the possible affects of human activities has on the atmosphere. Simon makes complex scientific concepts understandable and interesting!

Critical Analysis
Simon presents this topic with high-quality, full-color photographs and diagrams. The blending of words and pictures create a seamless presentation of the concepts. The large printed text is easy to read. Simon is not completely successful in simplifying such a tough, complex topic. Several times there were pictures that had no correlation to the subject on the page. On a double page spread, the diagrams that demonstrate the way the sun warms the Earth and the speed of its rotation do not clearly explain those phenomena. This is generally a competent and attractive book, but will require the reader to investigate further options to completely understand the complex concepts.

Review Excerpts
"Children will be drawn into every aspect of this fine book." Boston Globe "As with Simon's previous titles on the individual planets (Morrow), this book is a perfect marriage of words and pictures.” School Library Journal

Connections
Create a diorama or illustrations that answer the question “Did you know?” pertaining to one of the Seymour Simon books listed below. Present your diorama or illustrations to your classmates.

Simon, Seymour. LIGHTNING. ISBN 0060884355
Simon, Seymour. TORNADOES. ISBN 0064437914
Simon, Seymour. STORMS. ISBN 0688117082


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FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS by Suzanne Jurmain

FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS
by Suzanne Jurmain

Book Review: Non-Fiction
FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS by Suzanne Jurmain

Bibliography
Jurmain, Suzanne. 2005. FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618473025

Plot Summary
Prudence Crandall followed her heart and opened her private school for “Young ladies and Misses of colour” in January 1832. She taught geography, history, reading, philosophy, and chemistry and her school became one of the first African-American schools in America. Despite the support of William Lloyd Garrison, the editor of the antislavery newsletter, Liberator; Reverend Samuel May, a Unitarian minister; and others, her crime of teaching to “Young ladies and Misses of colour” met much resistance by her community. The townspeople of Canterbury, Connecticut were outraged and thus passed the “Black Law” which prohibited the education of black children from out of state. Miss Crandall faced angry mobs, arson, vandalism, time in jail and constant harassment by her community. Prudence Crandall was an educator, emancipator, and human rights advocate who fought great battles to change a world when few agreed with her determination. She proved herself to be an outspoken champion for equality of education and the rights of women.

Critical Analysis
In this 2006 Orbis Pictus Honor Award book, Jurmain locates a number of black and white and color photos from archives which introduce the main characters in this highly readable nonfiction novel. The appendix, which includes an epilogue, gives brief notes about the girls who attended the Crandall school, the friends and enemies of this drama and source notes for the many quotes found from the novel. Jurmain creates a compelling account of an almost forgotten incident from history.

Review Excerpts
“This book offers a fresh look at the climate of education for African Americans and women in the early 1800s. Report writers and recreational readers alike will find it informative.” School Library Journal

“Jurmain makes painfully clear what Crandall and her students faced, while showing their courage as they stood up to those who tried to deter them.” Booklist, Starred Review

Connections
Compare and contrast information from FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE and other books about Prudence Crandall:

Alexander, Elizabeth and Marilyn Nelson. MISS CRANDALL’S SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES & LITTLE MISSES OF COLOR. ISBN 1590784561


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ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHINS OF THE AMAZON by Sy Montgomery

ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHINS OF THE AMAZON
by Sy Montgomery

Book Review: Non-Fiction
ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHINS OF THE AMAZON by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography
Montgomery, Sy. 2002. ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHINS OF THE AMAZON. Pictures by Dianne Taylor-Snow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618131035

Plot Summary
Naturalist, Sy Montgomery takes us to a South American forest filled with water… the Amazon. While here, we embark on an adventure of a lifetime as we travel through this jungle world in search of the mystical pink dolphins called “Encantado”. Scientists, researchers, and guides help us on our journey as we go back to a prehistoric period in order to study these Encantado in their natural habitat. Together, we experience the Amazon’s beauty, diversity, and magic.

Critical Analysis
This book is filled with amazing full-color photographs of the adventure through the Amazon’s rivers, villages, and jungles. This book is written in second person which stirs up the imagination of the readers as they investigate pink dolphins with the author and a guide. Throughout the adventure, the readers encounter dangerous plant and animal life thus provoking a level of excitement through the reading of the text. Colorful maps and a time line depict the evolution of the pink dolphins and the Amazon. There are many meaningful connections to be made when reading the back of this book. Included is an annotated list for further reading, information about the photographs, startling statistics, odd facts, and unsolved mysteries. Readers who crave adventure will be satisfied with this nonfiction gem that inspires us as it informs.

Review Excerpts
"A stimulating text and vibrant, full-color photographs entice readers on this trip down the Amazon... A non-fiction title that inspires as it informs." School Library Journal, Starred review"A captivating travelogue...children with a taste for adventure will enjoy this enthusiastic field trip to the rainforest." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

Connections
Encourage students to inquire about The Rainforest Conservation Fund. More information can be found at: http://www.rainforestconservation.org/.

Other books about the Amazon:
Fitzpatrick, Anne. THE AMAZON RIVER. NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD. ISBN 1583413227
Lourie, Peter. AMAZON. A YOUNG READER’S LOOK AT THE LAST FRONTIER. ISBN 1563977125
Waterlow, Julia. THE AMAZON. RIVERS OF THE WORLD. ISBN 0811431010

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A POCKETFUL OF POEMS by Nikki Grimes

A POCKETFUL OF POEMS by Nikki Grimes

Book Review: Poetry
A POCKETFUL OF POEMS by Nikki Grimes

Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 2001. A POCKETFUL OF POEMS. Ill. By Javaka Steptoe. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395938686

Plot Summary
Tiana pulls words from her pocket which are the inspiration for Nikki Grimes’ paired poems, which are lyrical free verse and haiku. Words such as Shower, Caterpillar, and Snow come of out Tiana’s pocket and then are transformed into sweet selections of poems that depict the urban outlook of life in the inner city. The highly visual collage illustrations complement Grimes’ poems. Every reader will be mesmerized by the wide range of materials used in each collage.

Critical Analysis
Grimes provides two poems per page, one in free verse, the other in haiku. Reading the haiku’s engages the reader by interesting text that is often slanted, curved, squiggly, and wavy. The poem titled “Hot” provides sensory imagery, as do many of Grimes’ poems. “Hot is a thirsty word that wakes me from a deep sleep. I leave my dreams and stumble to the kitchen. I place the word in the sink, then turn the cold water on full-blast”. The illustrations are a direct collaboration with the text. Steptoe creates Tiana from continual outlines made from construction paper. Her collages are mixed-media that are created with vivid colors. Steptoe uses ribbon, toothpicks, tin pie pans, lace, and string among many other items in her illustrations. This book hums with energy and is a fabulous book to sit and share!

Review Excerpts
“A playful and thoroughly successful pairing of words and pictures”. School Library Journal

"There's so much vibrant energy and freshness in this collaboration, the book will dance into the hearts of children right away." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

Connections
Invite children to write their own haiku and illustrate them with mixed media supplies.

*Other haiku books:
Berry, Eileen. HAIKU ON YOUR SHOE. ISBN 1591663741
Chaikin, Miriam. DON’T STEP ON THE SKY: A HANDFUL OF HAIKU. ISBN 0805064745

Davis, Daniel. CAUGHT CREATURES. ISBN 0977417301

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IN AUNT GIRAFFE'S GREEN GARDEN by Jack Prelutsky

IN AUNT GIRAFFE’S GREEN GARDEN by Jack Prelutsky

Book Review: Poetry
IN AUNT GIRAFFE’S GREEN GARDEN by Jack Prelutsky

Bibliography
Pretlutsky, Jack. 2007. IN AUNT GIRAFFE’S GREEN GARDEN. Ill. By Petra Mathers. China: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0066238684

Plot Summary
With over 40 books of poetry, author Jack Prelutsky continues to delight readers both young and old with this collection of twenty-eight silly poems! Travelers will enjoy “Ten Mice Went To Denver” and “There Was A Man In Mexico” along with the numerous other geographical themes featuring animals and children. Be ready to sit and smile as you journey through this peppy book of prose!

Critical Analysis
This book is best read aloud to hear the rhyming couplets and silly lines! The poem titled “Peter Ate A Pound Of Pudding” shows a child who has no desire to eat spinach. “Peter ate a pound of pudding and a pumpkin pie, Peter ate a layer cake eleven inches high. Peter ate a cookie that was bigger than his cat. He never ate his spinach- Peter had no room for that”. Any mother with children will relate to this charming poem. The illustrations on each double page spread are bright watercolor paintings which fit perfectly with the lighthearted collection of poems. Sharing Prelutsky’s whimsical poems with children will be a delightfully, silly way to pass an afternoon!

Review Excerpts
“A lighthearted, high-spirited collection for sharing any time, in groups or one-on-one”. From Booklist

“This truly wonderful collection is a must-have for libraries. Librarians, teachers, and parents will turn to it again and again”. School Library Journal

Connections
Using a US map, pinpoint the areas mentioned in the book.
Students may copy and illustrate their favorite poem from this collection.

*Other poetry books by Jack Prelutsky:
Prelutsky, Jack. FOR LAUGHING OUTLOUD: POEMS TO TICKLE YOUR FUNNYBONE. ISBN 0394821440
Prelutsky, Jack. THE FROGS WORE RED SUSPENDERS. ISBN 0688167195

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OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse

OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse

Book Review: Poetry
OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse

Bibliography
Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. Scholastic Publishing. New York. ISBN 0590360809

Plot Summary
Fourteen-year-old Billie Jo narrates this story through her personal journal written in free-verse. Billie Jo writes of the depressing realities of living during the early 1900’s when constant dust storms blow hopes, like a fine dusting of red soil, completely over the plains. Billie Jo finds that all things she holds dear can suddenly be taken away with the wind. Billie Jo’s turmoil and grief include the loss of a parent, sibling, and the gift of music, in addition to the grit that continually buries her soul. Billie Jo finds hope when there appears to be none. She forges forward with a new connection with her father and together they find ways to forgive and move forward into a life that brought hardships and senseless losses.

Critical Analysis
The authors use of free-verse poems in this John Newbery award winning novel, allows the reader to share in the heroine’s thoughts and feelings. Reading the journal entries, a bond is created between the reader and the fictional narrator. Billie Jo’s losses feel real and painful. The triumphs over hardships become joyful celebrations to the reader. Hesse’s choice of book title, OUT OF THE DUST not only depicts the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the Depression, but can be understood as honoring of hope and inner strength. Hesse’s novel is by no means a lighthearted book of prose poetry but a tribute to a young girl who faces unbelievable tragedies and prevails over years of discontentment.

Review Excerpts
“This intimate novel, written in stanza from, poetically conveys the heat, dust, and wind of Oklahoma. With each meticulously arranged entry Hesse paints a vivid picture of her heroine’s emotions". From Publishers Weekly

“After facing loss after loss during the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, Billie Jo begins to reconstruct her life. A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose-poetry”. From Library School Journal

Connections
Teachers may use OUT OF THE DUST to teach US history regarding the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, one of the major events during the Depression Era.

Compare and contrast the hardships in Billie Jo’s life with the types of hardships students face today. It will be interesting to find similarities between the two eras.

Discuss what life lessons can be learned from OUT OF THE DUST.

Other books depicting hardships during the Depression Era:

Egan, Timothy. THE WORST HARD TIME: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THOSE WHO SURVIVED THE GREAT AMERICAN DUST BOWL. ISBN 0618773479

Henderson, Caroline. LETTERS FROM THE DUST BOWL. ISBN 0806135409

Stanley, Jerry. CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE SCHOOL AT WEEDPATCH CAMP. ISBN 0517880946

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MOUSE MATCH: A CHINESE FOLKTALE by Ed Young

MOUSE MATCH: A CHINESE FOLKTALE by Ed Young

Book Review: Traditional Literature
MOUSE MATCH: A CHINESE FOLKTALE by Ed Young

Bibliography
Young, Ed. 1997. MOUSE MATCH: A CHINESE FOLKTALE. Harcourt Brace & Company. Singapore. ISBN 0152014535

Plot Summary
The mouse parents of a beloved mouse daughter are searching for the greatest and most powerful suitor for her. The much flattered sun politely refuses for it can be blocked by a cloud. The cloud can be scattered by the wind; the wind can be stopped by the mountain; the mountain can slowly be crumbled by mice. When the mouse daughter becomes a bride, the mouse family learns that to find an answer they had not only to look- but also to see.

Critical Analysis
This story is a variant of the MOUSE BRIDE, an ancient Chinese tale. In this story, the moral lesson of finding value in what is already familiar is taught. Diversity is recognized in this folktale by the openness of the mouse parents to their mouse daughter in regards to her marrying an animal of another race. This is portrayed by the silhouettes of a various suitors that meet the mouse parents. The story is constructed as an accordion book that opens into an 18-foot mural. Brown hues are used in a collage with pastel and watercolor illustrations. On the reverse side on this mural one will find striking white Chinese calligraphy on a black background.

Review Excerpts
“Young presents a Chinese variant of the "Mouse Bride" tale to demonstrate the importance of recognizing the value of what is in one's own backyard”. From School Library Journal

“It's a polished, effective presentation, for lap-sharing or story hours, and evidence that Young continuously redefines his role as a picture-book creator”. From Kirkus Reviews

Connections

1. This story lends itself to dramatic play by the use of silhouette stick characters to retell the story while a narrator reads the book. Students may act out the roles of the sun, clouds, wind and mountain.

2. Compiling moral lessons learned from this story and other Chinese folktales by Ed Young could be copied and illustrated by children to keep in their private collections. The students can also discuss these moral lessons in class and correlate to issues in their lives.

*Other Chinese folktales by Ed Young
Young, Ed and Tracey Adams. THE LOST HORSE: A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN 015205023X
Young, Ed. TERRIBLE NUNG GWAMA: A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN 0529054442

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BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston

BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston

Book Review: Traditional Literature
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by James Warhola

Bibliography
Johnston, Tony. 1998. BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA. Ill. by James Warhola. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. New York. ISBN 0399230211

Plot Summary
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA is an ultimate opposite version of the traditional Cinderella story. In this version, the odoriferous Bigfoot prince is searching the old-growth forest for his horrendously hairy Bigfoot woman to have as his bride. His bride must love nature and “No pick flowers!”. Meanwhile, back in the depths of the forest, there lived a Bigfoot woman, her two daughters, and stepdaughter, Ella. The stepsisters despise Ella and roar at her so much that she is known as Rrrrrella. They torture Rrrrrella, who is a nature lover, by combing her fur and sticking wildflowers in it. Every year the Bigfoot prince hosts a great fun-fest. This year, the putrid prince decrees that whichever woman can roll him off a log and into the river, will become his wife. Unable to attend the logrolling festivities with her stepsisters, Rrrrrella wishes aloud that she could go. Her wish is soon granted by her Beary Godfather. He transforms her fur into a matted mass and provides her with enormous bark-clogs for her humongous feet and warns her to return before sundown! Rrrrrella arrives at the fun-fest just in time to logroll with the Bigfoot prince. Grunting with all her might, Rrrrrella spins the log, gives a mighty twist and - floop! – the prince takes a nosedive into the river! Rrrrrella has not a moment to spare before sundown. As she runs into the woods, she is transformed into her old, combed, and flowery self. The prince lurches from the water only to wonder, “Where my stinking beauty go?”. By the story’s end, the prince not only locates his Bigfoot woman but also finds that she is the Bigfoot woman of his dreams!

Critical Analysis
This story has dramatic qualities due to the definite personalities of the Bigfoot prince and Bigfoot family of women. This social variation of the traditional Cinderella story adds an element of surprise and whimsy to the original tale. Dialog such as “No pick flowers!” and “Where my stinking beauty go?” add interest to this humorous story. There is an extra bonus of an environmental lesson contained within this read-aloud. The illustrations draw the reader into the Bigfoot community by the large, brightly painted scenes in rich greens, browns, and gold.

Review Excerpts
"What becomes a Bigfoot most? This silly twist on a favorite fairy tale clears up that question (and more) with humor and style." From Publishers Weekly

"It's hilarious fun with a message for all ages." From School Library Journal

Connections
This story would be an excellent compare and contrast along with other Cinderella versions and variants.

Other Cinderella stories with social variations include:
Ketteman, Helen. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. ISBN 0590255061
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN 0698113888
Steel, Flora Annie. TATTERCOATS: AN OLD ENGLISH TALE. ISBN 0878881093


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PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS by Paticia C. McKissack

PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS by Patricia C. McKissack

Book Review: Traditional Literature
PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS by Patricia C. McKissack, Illustrated by Andre Carrilho

Bibliography
McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS. Ill. By Andre Carrilho. Schwartz & Wade. New York. ISBN 0375836195

Plot Summary
In the twilight of the warm summer evenings, family, friends, and neighbors gather to share tall tales or porch lies, "tales of humor and exaggeration told to listeners of all ages gathered together on the porch,". Grab a cool glass of lemonade, a comfy spot and prepare to listen to ten folktales about slicksters, tricksters and other wily characters from decades gone by.

Critical Analysis
McKissack transports the reader to the past when radio shows and porch lies were an evening’s entertainment. Tales deep in African American history range from rib-tickling humor to cool-prickly spookiness. The reader is mesmerized by the super-sized tales that show humanistic qualities of goodness, mercy, courage, and love. The author has memorialized these porch-spun tales of old in a manner that leaves the reader wanting more.

Carrilho provides black and white, full-page illustrations that complement the stories. These illustrations portray many of the characters in shadowy silhouettes, which are elongated in an eerie, off-balanced manner thus providing harmony between the text and pictures. The overall effect of the illustrations provides an excellent, yet sometimes disturbing visual to the reader.

This book is clearly meant to be shared with older children (9 years old and up) due to the several tales that include the devil, death and dying, and the background knowledge needed regarding history of the KKK and the James Brothers (Frank and Jessie).


Review Excerpts
“These 10 literate stories make for great leisure listening and knowing chuckles.” - School Library Journal
“…the nine original tales in this uproarious collection draw on African American oral tradition and blend history and legend with sly humor, creepy horror, villainous characters, and wild farce.” Booklist. (Starred Review)

Connections
Encourage readers to share tales that have been told by their parents or grandparents.
Discuss what important lessons are learned by each character in the story.
Compare and contrast various characters in the book.

Other folktales for children:
McDermott, Gerald. ZOMO THE RABBIT: A TRICKSTER TALE FROM WEST AFRICA. ISBN 0152010106
Kharif, Sharia. COON TAILS. ISBN 0976911728
Cole, Joanna. BEST-LOVED FOLKTALES OF THE WORLD. ISBN 0385189494

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KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

Book Review: Picture Book
KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588284

Plot Summary
Poor kitten mistakes the full moon in the darkened sky for a little bowl of milk. Kitten spends her evening trying to taste the “milk” but ends up eating a bug, pinching her tail, and getting all wet in her thirsty pursuit. Kitten finally gives up and finds herself receiving a satisfying surprise.

Critical Analysis
Henkes’ writing is simple and charming in this sweet story about a naive little kitten. The reader is drawn in throughout the story while trying to guess what kitten might do next. The author succinctly writes the story in an easy to read manner that makes the reader feel sad for kitten’s misfortunes.

The story warms the heart with the soft pencil drawings in black and gray which effectively portray kitten’s feelings during her pursuit. The degree of shadings capture the surroundings bathed in moonlight. Throughout the story, we see the distance between the kitten and the moon highlighted by the vast whiteness between the two.

This book makes for a superb bedtime story.

Personal Response

My daughter Olivia, who is ten, picked up this book because of the adorable, kitten on the front cover. She laughed at the funny antics of the kitten and smiled happily upon finishing the book. She immediately wished she was able to read this book to her 1 1/2 year old cousin in Atlanta. In my eyes, this response from Olivia is exactly what makes a book a good book! One that you would like to read again and share!

Review Excerpts
2005 Caldecott Medal

“Henkes' text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story…” -Booklist (starred review)

“The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure story time success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit.” –School Library Journal

Connections
Encourage readers to share their thoughts and feelings about a time that they experienced something new for the first time.

If young children, have the readers act like the kitten as the story is read.

Read other books by Kevin Henkes.
CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
A WEEKEND WITH WENDELL. ISBN 0688140246
LILY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971

Other books for children regarding social situations: new experiences
Rosenberry, Vera. VERA’S NEW SCHOOL. ISBN 0805076131
Horacek, Petr. A NEW HOUSE FOR MOUSE. ISBN 0763625175
Berenstain, Stan and Jan Berenstain. THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GO OUT FOR THE TEAM. ISBN 0394873386

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

Book Review: Picture Book
DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

Bibliography
Cronin, Doreen, and Betsy Lewin. 2006. DOOBY DOOBY MOO. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689845073

Plot Summary
Cronin and Lewin, the super-duo are at it again with the hilarious antics of Farmer Brown’s animals! Duck and the barnyard animals have a new passion, performing at the county fair talent show to win the coveted top prize! Farmer Brown can barely attend to his chores, as he knows from past experiences that the animals are usually up to something. Having met duck, cows, sheep and pigs in prior books by Cronin and Lewin, the reader will enjoy another wacky adventure in this clever series!

Critical Analysis
Cronin and Lewin bring the same characters back from their previous books, CLICK CLACK MOO, COWS THAT TYPE and GIGGLE GIGGLE QUACK in this lively, humorous read aloud. Their writing is concise and varies from typed words to handwritten responses throughout the story. The authors provide legal terms and conditions that may not be understood by children, but will provide a smile from adults reading this book. The humor in this book is found throughout the story and provides for a quick giggle session.

The illustrations consist of watercolors that brightly shade within bold outlines. The book offers minimalistic pictures as well as panoramic backgrounds. The sketches mesh beautifully with the light-hearted, cleaver story.

This book is meant to be shared between the novice and experienced reader as the repetition of the animals, sounds and songs can be read by both.

Personal Response

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to any elementary school teacher! To picture the animals bouncing on a trampoline brings a smile to my face everytime! Cronin and Lewin capture audiences of all ages with their books. There is just something about animals with attitudes!

Review Excerpts
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best

Colorado Children's Book Award Master List NAPPA Gold Award Winner

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award

“Comical watercolor illustrations provide the punch lines to many jokes within the well-paced text.” -School Library Journal

“The clever, deadpan story is fun, but the droll illustrations, strong strokes of black lines washed with watercolors, ratchet the comedy up a notch or two.”
-Booklist

Connections
Divide the class into groups of ducks, sheep, cows and pigs. Act and sing the parts while the teacher plays the role of Farmer Brown.

Explain to the reader what interpretive dance is and provide students with Mars Bonfires “Born To Be Wild” recording.

Read other books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin:
GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK. ISBN 0689845065
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE. ISBN 0689832133

Introduce children to other funny animal series such as: by Eileen Christelow
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED ISBN: 0395900239
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS SITTING IN A TREE ISBN: 0395664136
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS WASH THE CAR. ISBN: 061848602X
Photo courtesy of http://www.amazon.com/

A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION by Leonard S. Marcus

A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION by Leonard S. Marcus

Book Review: Creation of Children’s Literature
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION by Leonard S. Marcus

Bibliography
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION; SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York, NY: Walker Publishing Company, Inc. ISBN 802786588

Plot Summary
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal, Leonard Marcus invites the reader to participate in the journey that six artists took on their road to receiving the prestigious Caldecott Medal. Each award-winning author is showcased with a chapter devoted to their early beginnings as artists, inspirations behind their work and the succession of sketches that lead up to their exemplary illustrations.

Critical Analysis
Marcus’ writing is well written and engaging to the reader. “Books bearing medals have the look of things that have been with us forever. But the truth, of course, is that someone, sometime, had to draw (and probably redraw) the pictures and write (and revise) the words. Certainly none of the six Caldecott books described in the pages that follow just happened. None started out polished and complete. You are about to meet the people who made them.” Marcus captivates the reader by the humanistic qualities he provides in his interviews with the illustrators.

Choosing a winner for each decade, Marcus shares the individuals’ early beginnings, the events that defined them as gifted artists and the success and failures along the way to winning the Caldecott award. The reader is provided with humorous accounts from the artists and insight into the actual moments when they learned of their success. Excerpts of the artist’s acceptance speeches are also provided.

This book includes photographs, sketches, sculptures, handwritten notes and drawings. Interest is held due to the wide variety of medium throughout each chapter. This book includes a table of contents, glossary and index which provides easy access for referencing.

A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION is an exceptional book to share with those who love award-winning picture books, find inspiration through drawings and enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at these six artists’ journey to obtaining the coveted Caldecott Medal.

Personal Response
I enjoyed reading the stories behind the award winning illustrators. We often see the golden Caldecott Medal placed on the book cover and just think of the beautiful artwork inside. It was nice to read the personal experiences of the illustrators and to connect with the artist as a person instead of just enjoying the product they created. In my library, I would lead a Caldecott Award winners literature study and use the new 2008, A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL, by Leonard Marcus which includes the previous 6 illustrators plus one more (Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner , and now Mordicai Gerstein) along with the respective picture books.

Review Excerpts
A Bank Street College Children’s Books of the Year
An ALA Notable Book
New York Public Library’s One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing

“Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.” —Booklist (starred review)

Connections
Have students write a class book and assign each student a page to illustrate. Lead students through the planning process by encouraging formulation of ideas, sketches, and final drawings.

Invite an illustrator to speak with the class.

Discuss how failures often teach us to learn from mistakes and perseverance can lead to success.

Gather other books written by Leonard S. Marcus:
Marcus, Leonard S. SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE PICTURE BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK. ISBN 9780802796165

Marcus, Leonard S. WAYS OF TELLING: CONVERSATIONS ON THE ART OF THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 978-0525464907

Other books about illustrators:
Cummings, Pat. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME 1. ISBN 9780027242454

Preller, James. THE BIG BOOK OF PICTURE-BOOK AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS. ISBN 9780439201544
Photo courtesy of: www.amazon.com

Website Analysis: BookPALS Storyline Online

I would like to share the website BookPALS Storyline Online (http://www.storylineonline.net/) with this class. This website is an online streaming video program sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation (SAG). SAG members, such as Al Gore, Elijah Wood, Lou Diamond Phillips, Melissa Gilbert and Amanda Bynes, participate by reading picture books that are video streamed. Several books to “watch” include Brave Irene, by William Steig, Knots On A Rope, by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, and The Night I Followed The Dog, by Nina Laden. This site caught my attention because it demonstrates fluent reading to the audience, is interactive, and can easily be aligned with state standards. Children are provided the opportunity to hear books by popular authors that are being read by famous people they recognize.
This website is best suited for early childhood students due to the usability, quality of engaging literature available, and the modeling techniques provided by the SAG reader. The viewer has the opportunity to follow captions below the video while the SAG member reads. Teachers, librarians and parents are provided related activities for each picture book. These activities may include art, writing, math, science, social studies and higher level thinking skills. This site would provide a great listening center for an elementary classroom. Students may practice strategies such as fluency and analyzing characters.
The BookPALS Storyline online is a free site and does not require any type of registration (other than an optional newsletter). The main computer component is the Flash Plug-in which is an essential tool to acquire the video streaming. This site offers help with navigation and streaming.
For more information, please go to http://www.storylineonline.net/.

2008 ALA Award Winners

2008 ALA Award Winners
Newbery Medal
Title: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices From a Medieval Village Author: Laura Amy SchlitzIllustrator: Robert Byrd Publisher: Candlewick Press
Caldecott Medal
Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Novel in Words and PicturesIllustrator: Brian Selznick Publisher: Scholastic Press
Coretta Scott King Award
AuthorTitle: Elijah of Buxton Author: Christopher Paul CurtisPublisher: Scholastic
Coretta Scott King Award
IllustratorTitle: Let it Shine: Three Favorite SpiritualsIllustrator: Ashley BryanPublisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pura Belpré Award
AuthorTitle: The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano Author: Margarita EnglePublisher: Henry Holt
Pura Belpré Award
IllustratorTitle: Los Gatos Black on HalloweenIllustrator: Yuyi MoralesPublisher: H. Holt
John Steptoe Award
Title: Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in ItAuthor: Sundee T. Frazier Publisher: Delacorte Press
Theodore Seuss Geisel Award
Title: There is a Bird on Your Head! Author and Illustrator: Mo Willems Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Michael L. Printz Award
Title: The White Darkness: A Novel Author: Geraldine McCaughrean Publisher: HarperTempest
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Title: Brave Story Volume 2Author: Miyuki MiyabeTranslator: Alexander O. SmithPublisher: Tokyopop
Alex Awards
Title: American Shaolin Author: Matthew PollyPublisher: Gotham BooksTitle: Bad MonkeysAuthor: Matt RuffPublisher: HarperCollins PublishersTitle: Essex County. Vol. 1, Tales From the FarmAuthor: Jeff LemirePublisher: Top Shelf ProductionsTitle: Genghis: Birth of an EmpireAuthor: Conn IgguldenPublisher: Delacorte PressTitle: The God of Animals: A NovelAuthor: Aryn KylePublisher: ScribnerTitle: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier Author: Ishmael Beah Publisher: Farrar Straus and Giroux Title: Mister PipAuthor: Lloyd Jones Publisher: Dial Press Title: The Name of the WindAuthor: Patrick Rothfuss Publisher: DAW BooksTitle: The Night Birds Author: Thomas Maltman Publisher: Soho Press Title: The Spellman Files Author: Lisa Lutz Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Margaret A. Edwards Award
Orson Scott Card
Robert F. Sibert Award
Title: The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron CurtainAuthor: Peter Sis Publisher: Frances Foster Books
Schneider Family Awards
Picture BookTitle: Kami and the Yaks Author: Andrea Stenn Strye Illustrator: Bert Dodson Publisher: Bay Otter PressMiddle SchoolTitle: Reaching for SunAuthor: Tracie Vaughn Zimmer Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books Teen BookTitle: Hurt Go Happy Author: Ginny Rorby Publisher: Starscape

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Competency 9: Internet

While using the meta-search engine: www.surfwax.com, I located this site regarding Reluctant Readers which is my topic of interest. At this Scholastic website: http://scholastic.com/familymatters/read/reluctant/ there was relevant information regarding tips for motivating reluctant readers, age appropriate booklists, and a message board for tips and techniques.

Competency 8: Multimedia

The purpose of the study was to explore fourth-grade pupils (aged 10 to 11) attitudes towards reading and writing. The boys attitudes towards reading were significantly more negative than the attitudes of the girls. They liked mostly comics and humorous books; adventure books were favourites of the girls. Poetry did appeal neither to the male nor the female pupils. Most pupils, especially boys, did not like to read aloud. Even many fluent and motivated readers felt embarrassed when doing it. I found this relevant to my interest in motivating reluctant readers.

www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/00003818.htm

Competency 7: Social Networking: Ning

My area of interest is Public School Library so when I found a Ning site called Texas School Librarians, I knew I found a great resource for my job as a future school librarian.

http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/profile/CathyP

Competency 6: Search 4 Browsing in LexisNexis

Browsing in LexisNexis

Motivate reluctant readers: (used power search, natural language, previous years, US newspapers and wire)

This search generated 33 hits. I felt like article #6 was informative to my query.
6 At the library: Tips to boost reluctant summer readersTulsa World (Oklahoma), July 22, 2007 Sunday, Entertainment; Pg. H8, 533 words, Staff Reports

I spent some time at the Tulsa Library to see how they motivate reluctant readers. I thought they had some very interesting information on their website. http://kids.tulsalibrary.org/adults/newsletter.htm

Regarding this particular search, I was surprised that hit #6 was the most relevant to my search topic. I like LexisNexis because I'm able to review newspaper articles from other cities around the U.S.

Competency 6: Search 3 Citation Pearl Growing in Academic Search Premier

Citation Pearl Growing in Academic Search Premier

I used (reluctant or remedial) and (elementary or primary school) and (interest or motivate) which produced 8 hits:

I felt like 5 of the 8 hits were relevant to my search.

The first hit was very relevant:

1. PROMOTING an Addiction to Reading. By: Preddy, Leslie B.. School Library Media Activities Monthly, Oct2007, Vol. 24 Issue 2, p24-26, 3p, 1bw; (AN 26881383)

It looked like a great match, but to be on the safe side, I used the "find more like this one" tab to see if I would get more relevant information. That produced 51989 more hits and none of them were remotely close to my first search. I went back to my original 8 hits.

I effectively located information that would relate to my topic regarding motivating reluctant readers. This was very relevant information that I would use again in the future to provide me with accurate and plentiful information on motivating reluctant readers.

Competency 6: Search 2 Successive Fractions in ERIC Internet

Successive Fractions in ERIC Internet

Search Strategy:
S1 = elementary school library=6078
S2 = elementary school library AND reluctant readers = 6
S3 = elementary school library AND reluctant readers AND incentives=1

S1 and S2 and S3 = Results (see below)

Results:
. Listen to Me! I Want to Tell You Something! (ED262372)
Author(s):
Dunne, Jane G.; McGrath, Mary R.
Source:
N/A
Pub Date:
1985-00-00
Pub Type(s):
Reports - Descriptive
Peer-Reviewed:
N/A

I located one relevant resource regarding motivating reluctant readers at the elementary school level. I do not fee lit was very good reference material on my subject of motivating reluctant readers. I have found more relevant materials regarding this subject in other databases in the past.

Competency 6: Search 1 Building Block in Library Lit

Building Block in Library Lit

Search Strategy:

S1: (reluctant or remedial) = 6

S2: (elementary or primary school) = 39

S3: (interest or motivate) = 22

S1 OR S2 AND S3= 24

Results:
Crow, S. R. Information Literacy: What's Motivation Got to Do with It?. Knowledge Quest v. 35 no. 4 (March/April 2007) p. 48-52

I located several relevant resources for future use regarding motivating reluctant readers. I feel like I can successfully learn new techniques to help motivate reluctant readers within the school library that I will work in by using this database.

Competency 5: Librarything Tags

I searched at www.librarything.com for books that are recommended for children. I searched with keywords such as love, reading and found 100 Best Books for Children by Anita Silvey. My tags came from: http://www.librarything.com/work/73918

Another great source was How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, by Esmé Raji Codell

Competency 4: RSS Feed

I found Zarah Grace C. Gagatiga's blog (she originates from Pasig City, NCR, Philippines) very informative. She is tagged as a School Librarian. Teacher. Storyteller. Writer. Reading & Literacy Advocate which parallels with my future vocation. I particularly was interested in her post on How to Build a Library. You can find her feed at: http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
and her blog at:
http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Dr. Vardell's Blog

Dr. Vardell sent a note via Cassandra. Upon reading the message her blog site url caught my eye. I went to her site and enjoyed reading the goings on in the poetry world. I love how she recognizes the various poets birthdays and gives out a little information about them along with a poem.
Check it out if you have a moment!
http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/

Competency 3 Podcast

Promoting Literacy through Geocaching
I found many creative podcasts pertaining to school libraries. I decided to pick this particular podcast about the uses of geocaching. I felt that it suited my school and topic best because of its innovative way to promote literacy while actively engaging the students in a hands on process.

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps (global positioning system) users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

Libraries are a perfect place to stage a virtual scavenger hunt. “Going on Safari” could be one theme. In this geocache, you could provide clues based on all the books in your collection that have to do with that topic. Having each clue build on the previous one adds a fun element of suspense. And, if you can arrange it, hide actual caches, which you can expand to the surrounding community so parents and kids can enjoy the hunt together. Answers to clues could also be derived from books from a recommended reading list. You could even offer a prize or actual treasure that can be collected after all the clues have been solved.


More on Geocaching, from the Tech Chicks The chicks, Anna Adam and Helen Mowers, discuss geocaching, with practical tips on taking your students on a high-tech treasure hunt.


http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/podcasts/47162/The+SLJ+Podcast.html#


I found this podcast by Googling: school librarian literacy

Competency 2 Blog Link

I found an actual, bona fide blog that was very interesting and informative. This blog is written by a "Mom" from Charlottesville, VA. This blog is a fantastic source for all kinds of categories: books for boys, bilingual books, children's book reviews but what especially caught my eye were the literacy and reluctant reader archives!

One excerpt from her blog really made me think:

Reading or learning to read may be one of those things that causes great anxiety for our kids.* Parents, teachers, TV commercials all tell us how important it is to read ... and to do it NOW.* Their friends may already be reading books.* As parents, we fall into the trap of thinking our kids should be reading "just like their friends."* Kids may feel uncomfortable reading words aloud. They may be afraid someone will laugh if they mispronounce a word.You can think of other reasons, too. The bottom line is this: some kids find the idea more than a little bit overwhelming. Regardless of their reasoning, in their mind, learning to read seems "too hard." So our role is to encourage, not pressure!

I believe that as librarians, we need to be in tune with the reluctant reader. We need to encourage growth in their reading by sparking an interest within them.

You can find this blog at: http://thereadingtub.blogspot.com. I found it through my Yahoo web browser.

Web Link: Motivating Reluctant Readers

I found several librarians who have created blogs that cater to the students and parents who need information to motivate their reluctant readers in the classroom and at home. I particularly LOVED this "blog" (which under scrutiny, I don't believe that it qualifies as a "blog". I believe it is more of a website). Despite that, I would like it include it as a great example of what an elementary school library site should include! It is easy to maneuver, has wonderful links to community and school related activities and resources, and is colorful and pleasing to the eye! http://www.grandviewlibrary.org/default.aspx

Below you will see information from Mrs. Chauncey at the Grandview Elementary School in Monsey, NY. I loved how she is helping parents and students with the very basic idea of "Selecting A Book".


Select a Book... Your child may be reading simple text, but he can understand more complex stories. Read books that are more difficult than the ones your child can read. The stories that you share will challenge her with ideas and vocabulary that will build comprehension skills. Select books from a variety of genres, including: non-fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction, poetry, fantasy, and biography. Visit your local public library often and be sure to get your child his own library card! Ask the children's librarian if there are story time hours at the library. Please stop in and visit the Grandview Library -- visit the grade level links to find out what's happening! Find out what books we have in our library by visiting our online catalog page and entering a title, author, or keyword in the search box.

I found this site by http://blogsearch.google.com/

Compentency 1: Welcome To My Blog

This blog was established as a requirement of my TWU course: Information Storage and Retrieval (LS5013.22). Currently, my main subject of interest is to motivate reluctant readers to read within public school elementary libraries.