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