Grand Total of Points

My grand total of points is 634 POINTS

This is My House

Written and Illustrated By: Arthur Dorros
Publisher: Scholastic Trade; Library Binding edition (September 1992)
Picture Book - Multicultural
 

A look at different dwellings from around the world takes young readers on a tour of houses from such faraway places as China, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and other countries and teaches readers to say ""house"" in fifteen languages.




I enjoyed this book, because it showed homes from several different places around. I learned things from the pictures that I didn't know before. I would love to get this book to have kids see how kids live all around the world.




*** 3.5 stars out of 5
8 points

Shades of Black

Written By: Sandra Pinkney
Illustrator: Miles Pinkney
Publisher:Cartwheel Books (January 1, 2006)
Picture Book - Multicultural

 

I am Black / I am Unique / I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream / and the milky smooth brown in a chocolate bar...
Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children. Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage. A joyous celebration of the rich diversity among African-Americans.

I enjoy this book, because it shows how unique the black children are in so many different ways. This would be a great book to have on the shelf in my classroom for children to come by and read of all races.

*** 3.5 stars out of 5
8 points

White Socks Only

Written By: Evelyn Coleman
Illustrated By: Tyrone Geter
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1996)
Picture Book - Multicultural

Subtle and stirring, this tale-within-a-tale begins with an affectionate exchange between and African-American girl and her grandmother, then telescopes to encompass an electrifying moment fraught with personal and political significance

I loved this book, because it showed the innocence of little children being able to make a difference in the world. A little girl who thinks she can only drink from the drinking fountain that says whites only if she has her white socks on. This started a small movement in her town and gives hope.

**** 4 stars out of 5
8 points

Sister Anne's Hands

Written By: Marybeth Lorbiecki
Illustrated By: Wendy Popp
Picture Book - Multicultural
Publisher: Puffin November 29, 2000

It's the early 1960s, and Anna has never seen a person with dark skin-until she meets Sister Anne. At first she is afraid of her new teacher, but she quickly discovers how wonderful Sister Anne is. Then one of Anna's classmates directs a racist remark toward Sister Anne. The teacher's wise way of turning the incident into a powerful learning experience has a profound impact on Anna. This moving, timeless tale is perfectly illustrated with luminous, glowing paintings.

This book moved me. It showed the reality of how harsh people were during the time of separation of blacks and whites. It shows how no matter what color of skin people have, they can be either good or bad. It shows reality, but I think it is important to read to children. 

**** 4 stars out of 5
8 points

More Than Anything Else

Written By: Marie Bradbie
Illustrated By: Chris Soentpiet
Publisher: Orchard Books on September 1st 1995
Picture Book - Multicultural

"A fictionalized story about the life of young Booker T. Washington. Living in a West Virginia settlement after emancipation, nine-year-old Booker travels by lantern light to the salt works, where he labors from dawn till dusk. Although his stomach rumbles, his real hunger is his intense desire to learn to read.... 

I love this book, because it gave hope to a little black boy who wanted to learn how to read. It showed more the after fact of the slavery laws when the blacks were allowed to read, but just barely starting to. It shows will power and confidence in culture.

**** 4 stars out of 5
8 points

Busy Toes

Written By: C. W. Bowie
Illustrated By: Fred Willingham
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing in February of 2000
Picture Book - Multicultural

Tip-toe into the pages of this exquisitely illustrated book as we dig, squish, and splash our way to discover the many secrets and delights of our toes. A wonderful read-aloud book to be shared by the whole family.


I enjoyed this book, because it really does a good job at showing that everybody has toes and does the same kinds of things. If you were to just hear the words, you would have no idea that the pictures were portraying a bunch of different cultural groups.

*** 3 stars out of 5
8 points

A Soldier's Heart

Written By: Gary Paulsen
Publisher: Laurel Leaf in September of 2000
Novel - Historical Fiction


In June 1861, when the Civil War began, Charley Goddard enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteers. He was 15. He didn't know what a "shooting war" meant or what he was fighting for. But he didn't want to miss out on a great adventure.

The "shooting war" turned out to be the horror of combat and the wild luck of survival; how it feels to cross a field toward the enemy, waiting for fire. When he entered the service he was a boy. When he came back he was different; he was only 19, but he was a man with "soldier's heart," later known as "battle fatigue."

This book was an outstanding book at bringing into a reality what the civil was was really like for the soldiers. Paulsen brought real events into the story and based it off a real person. You have to be careful what age you read this to, because it can be graphic, but it does not hide what really happened for the war. I feel like I will remember stuff from this book than from all my text books I read in school. 

**** 4.5 out of 5 stars
20 points

Written By: Megan Mcdonald 
Illustrator: Peter Reynolds
Publisher: Candlewick Press 2001
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction

In this sequel to "Judy Moody," jealousy rears its ugly head when classmate Jessica Finch gets her picture on the front page of the newspaper for winning a spelling bee. When Judy sets off on her own pursuit of fame, she might become famous instead.

This was a fun book to ready. I want to try to read at least one book from every popular series of books that kids are reading, so you can relate to the characters when they are telling you about the book. This story has a good moral, because Judy takes dolls from the hospital and doctors them up and sends them back. She ends up as the mysterious doll doctor in the paper and decides that is even better than being in the newspaper for anything else. 

*** 3 stars out of 5
20 points

Tell me again about the night I was born

Written By: Jamie Curtis
Illustrater: Laura Cornell
Publiser: Harper Collins in 2000
Picture Book - autobiography

Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, author and illustrator of the best-selling When I Was Little: A Four Year Old's Memoir of Her Youth, have joined together again to create a fresh new picture book for every parent and every child. In asking her parents to tell her again about the night of her birth, a young girl shows that it is a cherished tale she knows by heart.

I absolutely loved this book, because you get to see the little girl's perspective of her childhood. The little girl wants to know about how chershed her life is and feels special. I would love to read this to a class

**** 4 stars out of 5

8 points

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes

Written By: Rose Lewis
Illustrated: Jane Dyer
Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (September 1, 2000)
Picture Book - Autobiography

This story of a woman who travels to China to adopt a baby girl, based on the author's own experiences, is a celebration of the love and joy a baby brings into the home. 

This was a good book for to read to a class for students who have been adopted. It shows the excitement and dedication that goes into it. However, it doesn't show a lot of the emotion of the parents.

** 2.5 stars out of 5
10 points

Giraffes Can't Dance

Written By: Giles Andreae
Illustrated By: Guy Parker Rees
Publisher: Cartwheel Books in March of 2012
Picture Book - Modern Fantasy

Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.

I enjoyed this book, because it would be a good book to read to students, so they realize they can have confidence in themself. Then you can turn on some music and have everybody dance. This was a cute book to read.

*** 3 stars out of 5
5 points

Fanny's Dream

Written By: Caralyn Buehner
Illustrated By: Mark Buehner
Publisher: Puffin June 23 2003
Picture Book - Modern Fantasy

In this inventive take on the traditional Cinderella tale, Fanny Agnes is a sturdy farm girl with a big dream. Someday, she believes, she will marry a prince. When the town mayor announces he is throwing a grand ball, Fanny is convinced her time has come. She puts on her best calico dress and goes out to the garden so that she'll be ready when her fairy godmother arrives. As the seconds tick by, Fanny waits and waits. Finally, she hears a voice. It isn't her fairy godmother-but it is someone who will change her life forever.

I really enjoyed this book, because it was a really good twist on the traditional Cinderella story. It teaches kids to love who they are and every Happy Ever After doesn't have to be like the story books. It is their own Happy Ever After

*** 3.5 stars out of 5
5 points

Amelia And Eleanor Go For A Ride

Written By: Pam Ryan
Illustrated By: Brian Selznick
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (October 1, 1999)
Picture Book - Historical Fiction

An inspiring true story of Amelia Earheart and Eleanor Roosevelt -- and a thrilling night when they made history together! On a brisk and cloudless evening in April 1933, Amelia Earheart and Eleanor Roosevelt did the unprecedented: They stole away from a White House dinner, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport plane and took off on a glorious adventure -- while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns! This large-format lavishly produced picture book celebrates the courage and pioneering spirit of two friends who defied convention in the name of fulfillment, conviction, and fun. 
I really enjoyed this story. It shows courage of women. As a teacher, you can explain to the students that there were not a lot of women rights back then, but show them what they were still able to accomplish. 

**** 4 stars out of 5
8 points

Love That Dog

Written By: Sharon Creech
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (March 1, 2001)
Fiction - Poetry Novel 



Love That Dog is the story of Jack, his dog, his teacher, and words. The story develops through Jack’s responses to his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, over the course of a school year. At first, his responses are short and cranky: “I don’t want to” and “I tried. Can’t do it. Brain’s empty.” But as his teacher feeds him inspiration, Jack finds that he has a lot to say and he finds ways to say it. Jack becomes especially fond of a poem by Walter Dean Myers titled “Love That Boy,” and it is this poem that gives Jack a way to tell the story of his beloved dog, Sky.

I loved this book, because it was letters in poems that were written back and forth. It teaches a good moral about being proud of your work and being excited to learn and grow. This would be a great book to read to a class when starting a poetry unit

*** 3 stars out of 5
25 points

Old Yeller

Written By: Fred Gipson
Published: 1956 By Fred Gipson
Newberry Honor
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction


At first, Travis couldn't stand the sight of Old Yeller.

The stray dog was ugly, and a thieving rascal, too. But he sure was clever, and a smart dog could be a big help on the wild Texas frontier, especially with Papa away on a long cattle drive up to Abilene.

Strong and courageous, Old Yeller proved that he could protect Travis's family from any sort of danger. But can Travis do the same for Old Yeller?

I really enjoyed this book, becuase it pulls out so many different emotions. It teaches a great lesson and I think it would be great to read to a class of students, so you can see how people lived on the plains and how they had to overcome danger

***** 5 stars out of 5

20 points

The Whipping Boy

Written By: Sid Fleischman
Publisher: Troll Associates in April of 1986
Novel - Fiction - Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Newbery Medal Award

Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

I enjoyed this book, because it teaches a moral lesson about the Prince changing from being arrogant and rude, to kind and friendly. This book does feel a little dated and I don't think I would read it in front of a class. 

** 2 stars out of 5
25 points

Rubber Band Girl

Written By: Jennifer Nielson
Publisher: Sourced Media Books on January 2nd of 2013
Novel - Biography - Nonfiction

In this inspiring memoir, Jennifer Nielson recounts her journey as the mother of Hadley, a beautiful young girl with Marfan Syndrome. Together, they climb the mountains of life-threatening health problems and endless doctor visits. Together, they travel through the deep valleys of sorrow and loss. Together, they successfully manage Marfan's-and forge an unbreakable bond in the process.

I enjoyed this biography, because through a child's mother, you are able to see into the life of what it is like to struggle from Marfan's Syndrome. You share sorrow and happiness as you experiences all the challenges and great impact Hadley has had on the world. It inspired me to want to be a better person.

****
I give this 4 stars out of 5
25 points

Brian's Winter

Written By: Gary Paulsen
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers - January 1, 1996
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction

In Hatchet, 13-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. He was rescued at the end of the summer. Brian's Winterbegins where Hatchet might have ended: Brian is not rescued, but must build on his survival skills to face his deadliest enemy--a northern winter.

I love these books by Gary Paulsen. It keeps the reader interested the entire time and you can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. When you read all the books about Brian, you start building a relationship with him and feel like you can relate with him. I would recommend this series of books to boys and girls in elementary. They are so addicting to read!

*****
I give this book 5 stars out of 5

20 points

The Table Where Rich People Sit

Written By: Byrd Baylor
Illustrated By: Peter Parnall 
Publisher: Aladdin 1994
Picture Book - Fiction

As her family attempts to calculate the value of the desert hills, the colors of blooming cactus, and the calls of eagles and great horned owls, a young girl--who has been led astray by the family's lack of material wealth--realizes what really matters

At first, I didn't think I would like this book, because all of the pictures are unique and different. Once we started reading it though, I absolutely loved the story. It is such a good story to read to kids, because it teaches how important the family is and that materialistic things just aren't that important. I think this is good to read especially in today's society that is so revolved around the materials. 

**** 
I give this 4 stars out of 5

5 points

My Father the Dog

Written By: Elizabeth Bluemle
Illustrated By: Randy Cecil
Publisher: Candlewick Press 2006
Picture Book - Fiction

Dad pretends to be human, but the kids know otherwise. Between first-thing-in-the morning scratching, fetching the paper, snacking, lying around for hours, and even the occasional pit stop behind a tree, the evidence is clear. But so are their father's steadfast love and loyalty. 

This is so cute, because it goes into a child's perspective of watching their father and why they think he is a dog. It is humorous, because it relates in so many ways to our dads. This would be a book that would be more entertaining for fifth grade students I think

*** 
I give this 3 stars out of 5 

5 points

Chrysanthemum

By: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Mulberry Books (December 30, 2008)
Picture Book - Fiction

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. “I’m named after my grandmother,” said Victoria. “You’re named after aflower.” Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed….

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a perfect book to read to students at the beginning of the school year, so they can feel more confident about themselves, especially if they are a student who has an interesting name. It teaches such good values and it goes into the mind of what a child would really be thinking and what they go through.
****
I give this 4 stars out of 5
8 points

Pancakes for Breakfast

By: Tomie Depaola
Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc 1978
Picture Book - Fiction

This wordless picture book follows the trials of a 

little old lady who attempts to make pancakes for 

her breakfast.

I enjoyed this book, because it was just pictures, and when you read it to students, it will be different every time. This old lady is trying to make pancakes, but everything keeps falling apart. It is a fun book to read to younger kids that I enjoyed.

I give this *** 3 stars out of 5

3 points

Postcards From Germany

Written By and Photos compiled By: Helen Arnold
Publisher: Steck-Vaughn Company in 1996
Picture Book - Nonfiction
Ages 7-9

What can you see and do when you visit other countries? Look at the pictures, and read the postcards in each book. Find out about many places around the world.

I enjoyed this book, because it was not just straight facts. Each page had a different letter written by a different person and the end they each had a PS with a fact from a member of their family. It was very easy to follow and read. It was full of great pictures and is not too long so younger students will feel like they can read it.

***
I give this 3.5 stars out of 5
8 points

Minty (A Story of Young Harriet Tubman)

Written By: Alan Schroeder
Illustrated By Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin Books in 1996
Picture Book - Fiction
Coretta Scott King Award

The story of Harriet Tubman's childhood as a young slave is told in this book which is written especially for younger readers. Tubman, a young slave nicknamed "Minty", was a feisty, stubborn girl with a dream of escape, and whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. 

This book does a very good job at showing what the African American Slaves had to go through. Minty is whipped and tortured but she still keeps up hope. It is a good to read a class so they can be introduced to different cultures and understand them better. 

****
4 stars out of 5

5 points

John Henry

Written By: Julius Lester
Illustrated By: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin on December 1st 1999
Picture Book - Realistic Fiction
Caldecott Honor
Ages 9 and up

John Henry is stronger than ten men, and can dig through a mountain faster than a steam drill. Julius Lester's folksy retelling of a popular African-American folk ballad has warmth, tall tale humor, and boundless energy. Jerry Pinkney illustrates the story with "rich colors borrowed from the rocks and the earth, so beautiful that they summon their own share of smiles and tears

I liked this book, because it reaches out to different ethnicity. It does a very good job at showing integrity and honor to be a good person. My favorite quote from the book is "Dying ain't important. Everybody does that. What matters is how well you do your living." This is a good inspirational book. 

***

I give this book 3 stars out of 5

7 points

Casey at the Bat (A Balled of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888

Copiously and Illustrated by: Christopher Bing
Caldecott Honor
Publisher: October 1st 2000 by Chronicle Books
Picture Book - Nonfiction

"And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville-mighty Casey has struck out." Those lines have echoed through the decades, the final stanza of a poem published pseudonymously in the June 3, 1888, issue of the San Francisco Examiner. Its author would rather have seen it forgotten. Instead, Ernest Thayer's poem has taken a well-deserved place as an enduring icon of Americana. Bing seamlessly weaves real and trompe l'oeil reproductions of artifacts-period baseball cards, tickets, advertisements, and a host of other memorabilia into the narrative to present a rich and multifaceted panorama of a bygone era. A book to be pored over by children, treasured by aficionados of the sport-and given as a gift to all ages: a tragi-comic celebration of heroism and of a golden era of sport.

This book was enjoyable, because it had an unexpected twist on it. Most stories have a happy ending, but when Casey strikes out they lose a huge game. The pictures and newspaper clips that are in this book are amazing. Christopher is able to take a poem and create it into a beautiful story by the way he portrayed it. This is a good lesson learning book. 

***
I give this book 3 stars out of 5

8 points

A River of Words The Story of William Carlos Williams

Written By: Jen Bryant
Illustrated By: Melissa Sweet
Publisher: Erdmans Books for Young Readers in 2008
Picture Book - Fiction
Caldecot Honor
Ages 7 and up

Willie loved to write - words gave him freedom and peace. But he also knew that he needed to earn a living, so when he grew up he went off to medical school and became a doctor - one of the busiest men in town! Yet he never stopped writing.

I enjoyed this book, because it followed like a story. It would be easy for kids to enjoy and it encourages writing. Willie was a poet and a doctor. It encourages kids that they can always find time to write and express themselves. This book was slightly fictionalized biography, but it uses a lot of quotes and facts. There is a timeline of his life at the back that also shows world events while he was alive which helps you put his life intro perspective. 

***

I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5

7 points

Poem Stew

Poems selected by: William Cole
Pictures By:Karen Weinhaus
Publisher: Harper Collins on July 19, 1981
Fiction - Poetry Novel

Poem Stew Through the teeth
And past the gums
Look out stomach
Here it comes!

A feast of hilarious poems about food written by such popular writers as William Cole, Odgen Nash, John Ciardi, and Shel Silverstein. Seasoned with Karen Ann Weinhaus's comical illustrations, these poems are sure to hit your funny bone and whet your appetite for more.

I enjoyed this book of poems, because they were all about different foods and had humorous ways of connecting us with it. There was a poem about onions and how they make you "as sad as a man can be," one about the ketchup bottle and how first a little comes out and when you tip it, a lot comes out, one about a kid being a garbage disposal and eating the leftovers off every body's plate, one about how funny hard it is for dads to lose weight, because they just keep eating, one about how kids are always told to talk without food in their mouth, one with a twisted version of humpty dumpty, and many other humorous poems. There were a few that were outdated that would not make sense to kids, so I wouldn't recommend reading the entire book, but just select a few poems to put on the board in class.

***
I give this 3 stars out of 5

25 points

Tuck Everlasting

Written By: Natalie Babbitt
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux in 1975
Fiction - Novel - Modern Fantasy

When 10-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles upon the Tuck family's disturbing secret, she is forced to come to terms with her conflicting emotions. She feels drawn to the loving, gentle, and rather eccentric Tucks, but what they tell her is too incredible to be believed. Doomed to, or blessed with, eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family tries to make Winnie understand that the terrible magic of the forest spring can never be revealed.

I enjoyed this book, because it brings out the curiousity in all of us. You follow Winnie as she is trying to decide if the Tucks are telling the truth or not. It teaches a lesson about true friends. Even though Mae killed a man, Winnie helped he escape, becasue she did not want their family to become revealed. I would love to read this book to a classroom. 

****
I give this 4 stars out of 5

20 points

The River

Written By: Gary Paulsen
Pusblisher: Delacorte Press in 1991
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Summary: "We want you to do it again."

These words, spoken to Brian Robeson, will change his life. Two years earlier, Brian was stranded alone in the wilderness for 54 days with nothing but a small hatchet. Yet he survived.
Now the government wants him to go back into the wilderness so that astronauts and the military can learn the survival techniques that kept Brian alive. Soon the project backfires, though, leaving Brian with a wounded partner and a long river to navigate. His only hope is to build a raft and try to transport the injured man a hundred miles downstream to a trading post--if the map he has is accurate.

It is always fun to caught up in reading sequels of books. It makes the main character almost a real person, because as a reader, you constantly want to know what is going to happen next. As soon as you are done, you want to read the next book in the series.This book is both boy and girl friendly and full of adventure. It does a very good job at putting the reader in the setting and making them feel a part of it. I definitely want to read more books by Gary Paulsen. 

***

3 and a half stars out of 5

20 points

Running Out of Time

Written By: Margare Peterson Haddix
Published By: Aladdin Paperbacksin February of 1997
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction/ Historical Fiction

Jessie lives with her family in the frontier village of Clifton, Indiana, in 1840 -- or so she believes. When diphtheria strikes the village and the children of Clifton start dying, Jessie's mother reveals a shocking secret -- it's actually 1996, and they are living in a reconstructed village that serves as a tourist site. In the world outside, medicine exists that can cure the dread disease, and Jessie's mother is sending her on a dangerous mission to bring back help. 

WOW!!!.... I absolutely loved this book!! As I was reading it, I realized I read this in elementary school and just fell in love with it all over again. This is definitely my new favorite book. It keeps you on edge the entire time and it is very engaging. I probably told about 10 different people about this book and how great it was. I would love to read this to a fifth or sixth grade class. It teaches perseverance and love. It also makes you think about what you have and how it may not be as important as you thought it was. 

*****
I give this book 5 stars out of 5!!!!! 
22 points

The Watson's Go to Birmingham

Written By: Chistopher Curtis
Publisher: Yearling 1995
Fiction - Novel - Historical Fiction

A wonderful middle-grade novel narrated by Kenny, 9, about his middle-class black family, the Weird  Watsons of Flint, Michigan. When Kenny's  13-year-old brother, Byron, gets to be too much trouble,  they head South to Birmingham to visit Grandma, the  one person who can shape him up. And they happen to  be in Birmingham when Grandma's church is blown  up.

I did not enjoy this book as much, because it was slow and did not grasp my attention. I think it illustrates what the African Americans had to go through during this time period, but not until the end. I didn't feel like it taught a good lesson, because it talked about how terrible Byron was all the time.  The last three-quarters of the book caught my interest, because it was interesting and created an image of what it was like to live in that time period. I don't think I would choose to read this book again.
**
                                                         2 stars out of 5

22 points

Hatchet

Written By: Gary Paulsen
Publisher: Bradbury Press on September 30th, 1987
Fiction - Novel - Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Brian Robeson, a thirteen year old boy is traveling in a small airplane to Canada to spend the summer with his father. He is involved in a plane crash in an uninhabited part of the Canadian woods after the pilot dies of a heart attack. Brian then must find a way to survive and in the process, discovers much about himself and becomes a man.

The main theme that I got from this novel is to never give up. Without hope, Brian was helpless and meaningless.  Brian continually learns how to keep a positive attitude and to persevere through all of the struggles that are thrown his way. This book reaches out to kids in so many ways. It is suspenseful, helps those kids who may be going through a divorce in their family, teaches to have a positive outlook on life, and it teaches good things about survival that they can take with them. I would love to read this book out loud to my students. This was my favorite book in elementary school.
*****
I give this book 5 out 5 stars
22 points

Because of Winn-Dixie

Written By: Kate DiCamillo
Publisher: Candlewick Press on 2/10/2000
Chapter Book - Fiction - Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age: 9 and up 
Newbury Honor

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni's mother walked out on her seven years ago, and she's been asking about her ever since so that she won't forget her. But when she moves to Naomi, Florida, and befriends a lively stray dog, the canine helps her meet some unusual characters who teach her about love, life, and forgiveness.

I remember reading this book in elementary school and being so drawn into the story. After reading it again, I realized this would be a great book to read out loud in class for students who may feel alone. The theme teaches values of friendship and love. It also teaches that it is important not to judge others, because you do not know what they are going through. 

****
I would give this book 4 stars out of 5
20 Points

Hummingbird Nest: A Journal of Poems

Written By: Kristine O'Connell George

Illustated By: Barry Moser

Publisher: Harcourt's Childrens book in 2004

Picture Book - Nonfiction

Ages: 8 and up

For two glorious months, one lucky family gets an intimate peek at the daily activities of a mother hummingbird and her babies. Nest building, egg hatching, flying lessons--the family sees it all unfold on the back patio. Share the experience through this poignant journal of poems filled with funny observations, fascinating hummingbird facts, and unforgettable moments.

I enjoyed this book, because Kristine was able to use bigger words that rhymed with each other and were similar, so the kids could understand what they meant. This is a good nonfiction book to read to kids to help encourage them to keep a journal of their life or something else and then try to write a story about it. It is a great way to write a nonfiction book.

***

                    I would give this 3 stars out of 5

8 points

Stargirl

Written By: Jerry Spinelli
Published: August 8th, 2000 by Laurel Leaf
Chapter Book - Fiction - Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age 11

She's as magical as the desert sky. As mysterious as her own name. Nobody knows who she is or where she's from. But everyone loves her for being different. And she captures Leo's heart with just one smile. STARGIRL is a classic of our time that celebrates being true to ourselves and the thrill of first love.

I really enjoyed this book, because the theme of it is to relay to kids that it is good to be unique. It is good to be yourself and love who you are. I know it made me rethink who I shape myself to be to fit in with society. 

***

I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5

22 Points

I Face the Wind

Written By: Vicki Cobb
Illustrated by: Julia Gorton
Published: April 15th, 2003 by Harper Collins
Picture Book - Nonfiction
Robert Sibert Honor
Ages 4-8

"Ever lose your hat in a strong wind? Ever feel the wind pushing you from side to side? Know why you can feel the wind, but never see it? You will!"
The combination of words and illustrations in this book fit together perfectly. The words were drawn in the way they were written and there were lots of bright colors. The book was very engaging and gave the kids activities to help them understand better. This would be a great book to read in a 1st grade class for a science experiment.
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I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars

8 points