Star Girl
Jerry Spinelli
Dell Laurel-leaf, 2000
Pages: 186
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Leo is a high school boy. One day a girl named Stargirl moves in, and she is very very different. She sings happy birthday with her ukulele to people during lunch. She cheers for both teams, and does other strange things. At first, her strangeness makes her popular, but when the basketball team starts losing, they blame it on stargirl because she was rooting for both teams. She becomes very unpopular. Meanwhile, Leo has fallen in love with her. He personally feels the repercussions of startgirls unpopularity, and he tries to change her. It fails miserably, and all it achieves is making stargirl feel terrible about herself. She goes back to being herself, which makes Leo terribly mad. Stargirl ends up going to the dance by herself, where people start liking her again for who she is. But then one of the girls, who still doesn't like her, slaps her. Stargirl kisses her on the cheek in return, leaves, and never comes back. Leo ends up devastated.
I would recommend this book to middle-schoolers, especially if they feel like they don't fit in.
I think this book could show kids that it is okay to run away from problems like stargirl does in the end, which would be a problem.
My reaction: I loved this book, except for the ending.
My rating: ****
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Princess on the Glass Hill
The Princess on the Glass Hill (From The Worlds Best Fairy Tales)
(Also read East of the Sun and West of the Moon, The Tree Billy Goats Gruff, and The Master-Smith)
By Peter Charles Asbjornsen
Readers Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 5
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
This story is about a poor boy, with two older brothers. Once a year, the boy's family crops get eaten up, and they want to figure out why. So the father sends out the boy's eldest brother, who goes and watches at night, but there is an earthquake and he gets scared and runs away. The next year the father sends the next oldest son, who also gets scared away by an earthquake. The third year, the youngest son goes, and the earthquake does not scare him away. He sees a horse with a bronze suit of armor eating the crops. He captures the horse, and the next year he finds a horse with silver eating the crops. He capture this one also, and the third year he captures a horse with gold armor. A little while later, the king decrees that he is going to put his daughter at the top of a glass hill, and whoever can ride his horse up and get her and the three golden apple she holds will marry her and have half of the kingdom. On the first day no one can ride up the glass hill, but the boy goes and gets the horse with the bronze armor, and rides half-way up the hill. The princess is so impressed that she throws one of the golden apples at him and it rolls into his shoe. The second day he rides the silver horse two-thirds up the hill and then turns around again, and the princess again throws a golden apple at him. The third day he rides the golden horse all the way to the top and gets the third apple. Later he takes all the apples to the king and tell him that he rode to the top. The poor boy gets to marry the princess and owns half the kingdom.
I think that all children would benefit from this book. It shows them that if they are brave and try hard, that they can succeed.
I can't see this book causing any real problem, except that maybe they will start throwing apples :)
My reaction: This story was okay, not my favorite, but not bad either.
My rating: ***
(Also read East of the Sun and West of the Moon, The Tree Billy Goats Gruff, and The Master-Smith)
By Peter Charles Asbjornsen
Readers Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 5
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
This story is about a poor boy, with two older brothers. Once a year, the boy's family crops get eaten up, and they want to figure out why. So the father sends out the boy's eldest brother, who goes and watches at night, but there is an earthquake and he gets scared and runs away. The next year the father sends the next oldest son, who also gets scared away by an earthquake. The third year, the youngest son goes, and the earthquake does not scare him away. He sees a horse with a bronze suit of armor eating the crops. He captures the horse, and the next year he finds a horse with silver eating the crops. He capture this one also, and the third year he captures a horse with gold armor. A little while later, the king decrees that he is going to put his daughter at the top of a glass hill, and whoever can ride his horse up and get her and the three golden apple she holds will marry her and have half of the kingdom. On the first day no one can ride up the glass hill, but the boy goes and gets the horse with the bronze armor, and rides half-way up the hill. The princess is so impressed that she throws one of the golden apples at him and it rolls into his shoe. The second day he rides the silver horse two-thirds up the hill and then turns around again, and the princess again throws a golden apple at him. The third day he rides the golden horse all the way to the top and gets the third apple. Later he takes all the apples to the king and tell him that he rode to the top. The poor boy gets to marry the princess and owns half the kingdom.
I think that all children would benefit from this book. It shows them that if they are brave and try hard, that they can succeed.
I can't see this book causing any real problem, except that maybe they will start throwing apples :)
My reaction: This story was okay, not my favorite, but not bad either.
My rating: ***
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Blue Beard
Blue Beard (From The World's Best Fairy Tales)
(Also read Puss in Boots, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella)
Charles Perrault
The Readers Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 7
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Blue Beard is a man with a blue beard. Because of this odd beard, he was considered very ugly. He wanted a girl to be his wife, but she said no, so Blue Beard invited her and her mother and friends to his castle where they played and had fun. After this, the girl agreed to marry him. She enjoyed herself with her new finery. One day Blue Beard had to leave, and he gave his wife all of his keys. He told her she could use all of them but one. Then he left. When he left, his wife became so curious that she went and opened the cupboard that the forbidden key opened. Inside were the corpses of Blue Beards previous wives. She was so scared. When Blue Beard found out, he was going to kill her, but her brothers came just in time and killed Blue Beard. The woman became very rich with Blue Beards money, and found a nice husband.
I would recommend this book to older children and adults.
This book condones disobedience. Children could think that if they do something they were told not to do, that they won't have consequences.
My reaction: This fairy tale was better than some of the others I have read. I liked it.
My rating: ***
(Also read Puss in Boots, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella)
Charles Perrault
The Readers Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 7
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Blue Beard is a man with a blue beard. Because of this odd beard, he was considered very ugly. He wanted a girl to be his wife, but she said no, so Blue Beard invited her and her mother and friends to his castle where they played and had fun. After this, the girl agreed to marry him. She enjoyed herself with her new finery. One day Blue Beard had to leave, and he gave his wife all of his keys. He told her she could use all of them but one. Then he left. When he left, his wife became so curious that she went and opened the cupboard that the forbidden key opened. Inside were the corpses of Blue Beards previous wives. She was so scared. When Blue Beard found out, he was going to kill her, but her brothers came just in time and killed Blue Beard. The woman became very rich with Blue Beards money, and found a nice husband.
I would recommend this book to older children and adults.
This book condones disobedience. Children could think that if they do something they were told not to do, that they won't have consequences.
My reaction: This fairy tale was better than some of the others I have read. I liked it.
My rating: ***
Fairy Ointment
Fairy Ointment
(I also read Tom Tit Tot, The Rose Tree, and Jack and His Golden-Snuff Box)
By Joseph Jacobs
http://www.authorama.com/english-fairy-tales-43.html
Philipp Lenssen, 2003
Pages: 2
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Fairy Tale
One day Dame Goody, who was a nurse and babysitter, was asked by a squinty old man if she would come watch his baby while his wife was ill. She agreed, and he took her to his house. The mother gave the baby to Dame Goody, and told her to put ointment on both of his eyelids when he opened his eyes. She did so, but when no one was looking she put some on her right eye. As soon as she did it, everything around her became much more beautiful, except for the rest of the children and the husband, who looked like imps. The woman told no one, and when the mother was better, Dame Goody went home. A few days later when she was at the market, she saw the man. She went and said hello, and the old man was shocked that she could see him, for she shouldn't have been able to. He asked her which eye she could see him with, and she said the right. Then the old man, poked out her right eye, and she was blind forever.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
After hearing this Tale, children might be tempted to poke out someone's eye, which would definitely be a problem.
My reaction: I didn't really like this tale. The good woman ends up blind for her entire life, with no compensation!
Rating:**
(I also read Tom Tit Tot, The Rose Tree, and Jack and His Golden-Snuff Box)
By Joseph Jacobs
http://www.authorama.com/english-fairy-tales-43.html
Philipp Lenssen, 2003
Pages: 2
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Fairy Tale
One day Dame Goody, who was a nurse and babysitter, was asked by a squinty old man if she would come watch his baby while his wife was ill. She agreed, and he took her to his house. The mother gave the baby to Dame Goody, and told her to put ointment on both of his eyelids when he opened his eyes. She did so, but when no one was looking she put some on her right eye. As soon as she did it, everything around her became much more beautiful, except for the rest of the children and the husband, who looked like imps. The woman told no one, and when the mother was better, Dame Goody went home. A few days later when she was at the market, she saw the man. She went and said hello, and the old man was shocked that she could see him, for she shouldn't have been able to. He asked her which eye she could see him with, and she said the right. Then the old man, poked out her right eye, and she was blind forever.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
After hearing this Tale, children might be tempted to poke out someone's eye, which would definitely be a problem.
My reaction: I didn't really like this tale. The good woman ends up blind for her entire life, with no compensation!
Rating:**
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dr. Know-It-All
Dr. Know-It-All (From The World's Best Fairy Tales)
(I also read Jorinda and Joringel, One Eye, Two Eyes, and Three Eyes, and Rapunzel)
By the Grimm Brothers
The Reader's Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 8
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
The mian character in this story is a poor, poor peseant. One day, he sees a doctor eating a feast. The poor man wants to become a doctor so that he can be rich and eat fine foods too, so he asks the doctor what he needs to do to become a doctor. The man tells him to sell what little he has and buy some fine clothes and and medicines and a sign that says "Dr. Know-It-All." The poor man does it, and one day a rich noble man comes in. He tells him that if he really knows everything, he can tell him who stole his money. He invites the "doctor" to his house for dinner. When the servant brings out the first course, the doctor says to his wife, "This is the first." The servant thinks the doctor is labeling him as a thief...which he was, along with the other 4 servants. The servants are scared that the doctor knows what they did, so they confess where the gold is. The doctor tells the noble man where the gold is, who in turn makes the doctor rich.
I would recommend this book to any children
This book condones lying and stealing, and could make children think that these things are okay.
My reaction: This book is okay, not as gruesome as some other Grimm books
My rating: ***
(I also read Jorinda and Joringel, One Eye, Two Eyes, and Three Eyes, and Rapunzel)
By the Grimm Brothers
The Reader's Digest Assoc., 1967
Pages: 8
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
The mian character in this story is a poor, poor peseant. One day, he sees a doctor eating a feast. The poor man wants to become a doctor so that he can be rich and eat fine foods too, so he asks the doctor what he needs to do to become a doctor. The man tells him to sell what little he has and buy some fine clothes and and medicines and a sign that says "Dr. Know-It-All." The poor man does it, and one day a rich noble man comes in. He tells him that if he really knows everything, he can tell him who stole his money. He invites the "doctor" to his house for dinner. When the servant brings out the first course, the doctor says to his wife, "This is the first." The servant thinks the doctor is labeling him as a thief...which he was, along with the other 4 servants. The servants are scared that the doctor knows what they did, so they confess where the gold is. The doctor tells the noble man where the gold is, who in turn makes the doctor rich.
I would recommend this book to any children
This book condones lying and stealing, and could make children think that these things are okay.
My reaction: This book is okay, not as gruesome as some other Grimm books
My rating: ***
Monday, February 8, 2010
Icefire
Icefire
Chris D'Lacey
Orchard Books, 2006
Pages: 432
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fantasy
In Icefire, David has been living with Liz and Lucy for a while. At the beginning of the story, David names a wishing dragon that Lucy is making. Because he named it, the dragon belongs to him. David makes a wish to know the whereabouts of the last fire tear. As soon as he wishes, "Aunty Gwenoth" shows up at the door. Aunty Gwenoth also wants the fire tear, and for some reason she has something to do with David finding the fire tear. David's prefessor also knows that dragons exist. He teaches David about polar bears, and that they have a lot to do with the fire tear. Throughout the story, David learns that Aunty Gwenoth is actually an evil lady, and he thwarts her plans to create and keep a new dragon. The baby dragon is born, but is given instead to a friend of Davids who has been helping throughout. David needs to go with the teacher to the artic to look for the tear. Aunty Gwenoth, thinking she is helping herself, bespells a publisher to publish David's book on squirrels, with the promise that he will write one on polar bears. So David gets enough money to go to the artic.
I think any fantasy lover would benefit from this book
This book condones cheating on significant others. At one point while Davids girlfriend is gone, he kisses this other girl. Then his girlfriend gets back and there are no consequences and everything works out for the better for David. It is unrealistic.
My reaction: I really enjoyed this book
My rating: ****
Chris D'Lacey
Orchard Books, 2006
Pages: 432
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fantasy
In Icefire, David has been living with Liz and Lucy for a while. At the beginning of the story, David names a wishing dragon that Lucy is making. Because he named it, the dragon belongs to him. David makes a wish to know the whereabouts of the last fire tear. As soon as he wishes, "Aunty Gwenoth" shows up at the door. Aunty Gwenoth also wants the fire tear, and for some reason she has something to do with David finding the fire tear. David's prefessor also knows that dragons exist. He teaches David about polar bears, and that they have a lot to do with the fire tear. Throughout the story, David learns that Aunty Gwenoth is actually an evil lady, and he thwarts her plans to create and keep a new dragon. The baby dragon is born, but is given instead to a friend of Davids who has been helping throughout. David needs to go with the teacher to the artic to look for the tear. Aunty Gwenoth, thinking she is helping herself, bespells a publisher to publish David's book on squirrels, with the promise that he will write one on polar bears. So David gets enough money to go to the artic.
I think any fantasy lover would benefit from this book
This book condones cheating on significant others. At one point while Davids girlfriend is gone, he kisses this other girl. Then his girlfriend gets back and there are no consequences and everything works out for the better for David. It is unrealistic.
My reaction: I really enjoyed this book
My rating: ****
The Fire Within
The Fire Within
Chris D'Lacey
Scholastic Paperbacks, 2007
Pages: 352
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fantasy
David is a college student, who moves in with Liz, and her daughter Lucy. Liz makes clay dragons for a living, and she gives one to David as a house-warming gift. Lucy realy like squirrels. She wants to save one squirrel whose eye is missing. She convinces David to help. She also convinces David to write a story about it. While writing his story, he sees his dragon, Gadzooks, writing something. David eventually learns that dragons are real and that Liz is putting a little bit of dragon fire in each clay dragon, causing them to come to live. With the help of Gadzooks, David writes his story (BEFORE it happens), and helps save the squirrel.
I would recommend this book to any children, young adults, or adults. I'm 21 and I loved it :)
I don't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I thought this was a god book. It tied reality and fantasy together in a very realistc way
My rating: ****
Chris D'Lacey
Scholastic Paperbacks, 2007
Pages: 352
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fantasy
David is a college student, who moves in with Liz, and her daughter Lucy. Liz makes clay dragons for a living, and she gives one to David as a house-warming gift. Lucy realy like squirrels. She wants to save one squirrel whose eye is missing. She convinces David to help. She also convinces David to write a story about it. While writing his story, he sees his dragon, Gadzooks, writing something. David eventually learns that dragons are real and that Liz is putting a little bit of dragon fire in each clay dragon, causing them to come to live. With the help of Gadzooks, David writes his story (BEFORE it happens), and helps save the squirrel.
I would recommend this book to any children, young adults, or adults. I'm 21 and I loved it :)
I don't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I thought this was a god book. It tied reality and fantasy together in a very realistc way
My rating: ****
Shortcut
Shortcut
Donald Crews
Mulberry Books, 1996
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 32
Genre: Picture Book
A group a children is heading home from school one day, and they decide to take the shortcut. This shortcut is actually a railroad track. They listen and look, and don't see a train, so they continue. The children are playing around and having fun, so no one hears the soft "Choo choo" in the distance. Suddenly, the train is close, and the children have to jump into the briars and snake-filled (they think) water to avoid being hit. After the train passes, they climb out and are so scared they go back to the safe pass and never take the shortcut again.
I would recommend this book to children who live near a railroad
I can't think of any problems this bok could cause.
My reaction: I think this is a good way to teach children about the dangers of trains
My rating: ***
Donald Crews
Mulberry Books, 1996
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 32
Genre: Picture Book
A group a children is heading home from school one day, and they decide to take the shortcut. This shortcut is actually a railroad track. They listen and look, and don't see a train, so they continue. The children are playing around and having fun, so no one hears the soft "Choo choo" in the distance. Suddenly, the train is close, and the children have to jump into the briars and snake-filled (they think) water to avoid being hit. After the train passes, they climb out and are so scared they go back to the safe pass and never take the shortcut again.
I would recommend this book to children who live near a railroad
I can't think of any problems this bok could cause.
My reaction: I think this is a good way to teach children about the dangers of trains
My rating: ***
WIlly's Silly Grandma
Willy's Silly Grandma
Cynthia DeFelice Illustrated by Shelly Jackson
Orchard Books, 1997
Pages: 28
Reading level: 9-12
Genre: Picture Book
Willy's Grandma is superstitious, and Willy doesn't believe any of the things that she says. She tells him things like if he sings before breakfast he'll be crying before dinner. Willy tells his dad that grandma is silly, and his dad tells him not to call grandma silly, because when it comes to things that matter, she knows a lot. Willy doesn't believe him, so whenever grandma tells him not to do something, he does it anyway. One day she tells him not to walk at the swamp at night, so something will give him a fright. So Willy goes out to the swamp at night, and this time the bogeyman yells at him. He runs home screaming, but grandma tells him it is just a willow tree and the wind. Because grandma knows the things that matter.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone
This book could cause children to think that it is okay to not do the things that their parents and teachers tell them to do, and everything will still be alright. It condones disobedience.
My reaction: I did not like this book
My rating: *
Cynthia DeFelice Illustrated by Shelly Jackson
Orchard Books, 1997
Pages: 28
Reading level: 9-12
Genre: Picture Book
Willy's Grandma is superstitious, and Willy doesn't believe any of the things that she says. She tells him things like if he sings before breakfast he'll be crying before dinner. Willy tells his dad that grandma is silly, and his dad tells him not to call grandma silly, because when it comes to things that matter, she knows a lot. Willy doesn't believe him, so whenever grandma tells him not to do something, he does it anyway. One day she tells him not to walk at the swamp at night, so something will give him a fright. So Willy goes out to the swamp at night, and this time the bogeyman yells at him. He runs home screaming, but grandma tells him it is just a willow tree and the wind. Because grandma knows the things that matter.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone
This book could cause children to think that it is okay to not do the things that their parents and teachers tell them to do, and everything will still be alright. It condones disobedience.
My reaction: I did not like this book
My rating: *
The Snow Queen
The Snow Queen
(Note: For Andersen I also read The Emperors New Clothes, The Red Shoes, and The Streadfast Tin Soldier)
Hans Christian Andersen Retold by Amy Ehrlich Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Dutton Children's Books, 1982
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
The tale starts out telling us that long ago there were some trolls who made a mirror which made everything pretty look ugly, one day it shattered and its pieces fell around the world. If a tiny piece got in your eye, you would see ugly things instead of pretty ones. If a piece touched your heart, your heart became cold and you became cruel. One day a little boy gets a piece in his eye and heart. He becomes rude to his best friend, who is a girl. One day the boy gets picked up by the evil ice queen and she takes him to her castle. The girl is upset, and sets out to find him. He gets trapped at a witches house for a while, but eventually gets free. Then she goes to a castle, but doesn't find him. Then she gets picked up by some robbers, who end up giving her a reindeer who gives her a ride to the snowqueens castle. She finds her friends, and warms up his heart. He is so ahppy to see her that he starts crying and washes out the mirror pieve from his eye, and they leave the castle and go home and get married.
I would recommend this book to girls, because it shows that they can be brave and can do things on their own.
This book could cause children to think it is okay to be rude, because the little boy is very rude, and the little girl still tries to save him.
My reaction: This tale was okay, but not my favorite. It wasn't as gruesome as some of Andersens other stories, which is good.
My rating: ***
(Note: For Andersen I also read The Emperors New Clothes, The Red Shoes, and The Streadfast Tin Soldier)
Hans Christian Andersen Retold by Amy Ehrlich Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Dutton Children's Books, 1982
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
The tale starts out telling us that long ago there were some trolls who made a mirror which made everything pretty look ugly, one day it shattered and its pieces fell around the world. If a tiny piece got in your eye, you would see ugly things instead of pretty ones. If a piece touched your heart, your heart became cold and you became cruel. One day a little boy gets a piece in his eye and heart. He becomes rude to his best friend, who is a girl. One day the boy gets picked up by the evil ice queen and she takes him to her castle. The girl is upset, and sets out to find him. He gets trapped at a witches house for a while, but eventually gets free. Then she goes to a castle, but doesn't find him. Then she gets picked up by some robbers, who end up giving her a reindeer who gives her a ride to the snowqueens castle. She finds her friends, and warms up his heart. He is so ahppy to see her that he starts crying and washes out the mirror pieve from his eye, and they leave the castle and go home and get married.
I would recommend this book to girls, because it shows that they can be brave and can do things on their own.
This book could cause children to think it is okay to be rude, because the little boy is very rude, and the little girl still tries to save him.
My reaction: This tale was okay, but not my favorite. It wasn't as gruesome as some of Andersens other stories, which is good.
My rating: ***
Wilma Unlimted
Wilma Unlimited
Kathleen Krull Illustrated by David Diaz
Harcourt Brace & Company, 1996
Pages: 48
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Wilma Rudolph was born very small. She was only four pounds, and in 1940, babies didn't usually live. But Wilma did. However, she was very very sick. She had 22 brothers and sisters, and whenever one of them got only a little sick, she would get it twice as bad. One time when she was sick, she got polio which cripped her leg. She wasn't supposed to be able to walk again, but she worked very hard. One day she took her brace off, and decided she wasn't going to wear it anymore. She practiced walking, and one day got good enough to run and play basketball. She played ball in high school, and at a state tournament a track coach saw her run and asked to to come run on his team. Wilma was the first in her family to go to college. She eventually made it to the olympics, where she won 3 gold medals.
I would recommend this book to people with physical disabilities who are feeling down.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I was moved by this book. It made me realize that if Wilma could win the olympics, then I can do anything.
My rating: ****
Kathleen Krull Illustrated by David Diaz
Harcourt Brace & Company, 1996
Pages: 48
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Wilma Rudolph was born very small. She was only four pounds, and in 1940, babies didn't usually live. But Wilma did. However, she was very very sick. She had 22 brothers and sisters, and whenever one of them got only a little sick, she would get it twice as bad. One time when she was sick, she got polio which cripped her leg. She wasn't supposed to be able to walk again, but she worked very hard. One day she took her brace off, and decided she wasn't going to wear it anymore. She practiced walking, and one day got good enough to run and play basketball. She played ball in high school, and at a state tournament a track coach saw her run and asked to to come run on his team. Wilma was the first in her family to go to college. She eventually made it to the olympics, where she won 3 gold medals.
I would recommend this book to people with physical disabilities who are feeling down.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I was moved by this book. It made me realize that if Wilma could win the olympics, then I can do anything.
My rating: ****
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers
By Pamela Duncan Edwards Illustrated by Henry Cole
Hyperion Books for Children, 2003
Pages: 30
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Non-Fiction
This book is a creative way to teach kids about the Wright brothers. The main text is similar to There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, in the sense that it keeps building upon itself. But the details of what is happening is provided by three little mice on each page. The Wright brothers became curious about flying because of a toy they had as children that flew through the air. As they got older, they opened their own bike shop where they designed bikes. They continued to make more planes. They observed how some buzzards were flying, and built the planes wings to match the buzzards. It worked, but they could only fly straight. They built theie own wind tunnel and engine, and finnally invented the first airplane in 1903.
I woulod reccomend this book to young children, especially if they had big imaginations.
I can't see this book causing any problems
I liked this book. The author makes it very interesting and gives the book a beat.
My rating: ***
By Pamela Duncan Edwards Illustrated by Henry Cole
Hyperion Books for Children, 2003
Pages: 30
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Non-Fiction
This book is a creative way to teach kids about the Wright brothers. The main text is similar to There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, in the sense that it keeps building upon itself. But the details of what is happening is provided by three little mice on each page. The Wright brothers became curious about flying because of a toy they had as children that flew through the air. As they got older, they opened their own bike shop where they designed bikes. They continued to make more planes. They observed how some buzzards were flying, and built the planes wings to match the buzzards. It worked, but they could only fly straight. They built theie own wind tunnel and engine, and finnally invented the first airplane in 1903.
I woulod reccomend this book to young children, especially if they had big imaginations.
I can't see this book causing any problems
I liked this book. The author makes it very interesting and gives the book a beat.
My rating: ***
Sunday, February 7, 2010
And to Think That I Saw it On Mulberry Street
And to Think That I Saw it On Mulberry Street
Dr. Seuss
Vangaurd Press, 1937
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
This book is about a young boy who's father asks him everyday what he saw walking home from school. This day there is only a little cart being pulled by a mule. He decides that isn't good enough, so he starts making up more things, starting with a zebra instead of a mule. Then he starting adding sleighs and elephants, and ends up with a whole parade and a prince and the police as an escort. He runs in the house to tell his father about all these things, and ends up just telling him the truth.
I would reccomend this book to children of all ages, but to the younger ones in particular. Also, I was reading this to a little autistic boy i work with, and he wanted me to read it again and again, and he does NOT like reading, so i think tyhis book would be especially good for kids who need to gain a loove for reading.
I don't see this book causing any problems, it actually teaches kids to NOT lie to their parents.
My reaction: This is a great book. Has a wonderful beat.
My rating: ****
Dr. Seuss
Vangaurd Press, 1937
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
This book is about a young boy who's father asks him everyday what he saw walking home from school. This day there is only a little cart being pulled by a mule. He decides that isn't good enough, so he starts making up more things, starting with a zebra instead of a mule. Then he starting adding sleighs and elephants, and ends up with a whole parade and a prince and the police as an escort. He runs in the house to tell his father about all these things, and ends up just telling him the truth.
I would reccomend this book to children of all ages, but to the younger ones in particular. Also, I was reading this to a little autistic boy i work with, and he wanted me to read it again and again, and he does NOT like reading, so i think tyhis book would be especially good for kids who need to gain a loove for reading.
I don't see this book causing any problems, it actually teaches kids to NOT lie to their parents.
My reaction: This is a great book. Has a wonderful beat.
My rating: ****
Friday, February 5, 2010
Corduroy
Corduroy
Don Freeman
Viking Juvenile, 1968
Pages: 28
Reading Level: 2-5
Genre: Picture Book
Corduroy is a little teddy bear in a store. He wants very much to be bought and taken home. One day a little girl sees him and wants to have him, but her mother says she isn't going to spend any more money, and that she doesn't want to buy a little bear missing a button. Corduroy didn't know he was missing a button until then, so that night he starts exploring the store to find a button. He tries to take the ones that are on the mattresses, but they won't come off, and he ends up knocking over a lamp. The next morning, the little girl comes back with the money from her piggy bank and buys him and takes him home, where she replaces his button. Corduroy is very happy, because he has always wanted a home.
I would reccommend this book to young children who are just learning to read.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I liked this book. It teaches that the home is a happy, safe place.
My rating: ****
Don Freeman
Viking Juvenile, 1968
Pages: 28
Reading Level: 2-5
Genre: Picture Book
Corduroy is a little teddy bear in a store. He wants very much to be bought and taken home. One day a little girl sees him and wants to have him, but her mother says she isn't going to spend any more money, and that she doesn't want to buy a little bear missing a button. Corduroy didn't know he was missing a button until then, so that night he starts exploring the store to find a button. He tries to take the ones that are on the mattresses, but they won't come off, and he ends up knocking over a lamp. The next morning, the little girl comes back with the money from her piggy bank and buys him and takes him home, where she replaces his button. Corduroy is very happy, because he has always wanted a home.
I would reccommend this book to young children who are just learning to read.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: I liked this book. It teaches that the home is a happy, safe place.
My rating: ****
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Animorphs: The Encounter
Animorphs: The Encounter
K.A. Applegate
Scholastic Inc, 1996
Pages: 157
Reading level: 9-12
Genre: Science Fiction
Each of the Animorph books is narrated by one of the five children who are the animorphs. In this book, it is Tobias. Tobais is a Hawk, because in one of the previous books he didn't morph back to human in time and now is a hawk forever. While he is flying one day, he sees a shimmer in the air, and discovers that it is a huge yeerk ship. This ship is in a forest in the mountains sucking up water and oxygen to take up to it's main ship in space. The children decide that if they can get inside the ship and take out its cloaking device, that the world would see it and become aware of what was going on. They decide to go up the mountain as wolves, and nearly all get stuck in that form. They barely make it out in time. Then they morph into fish and let themselves get sucked up into the ship. They end up getting trapped inside! The Yeerks discover that Tobias is an animorph, and to keep from getting shot by a dracon beam, which would disinegrate him, he lands on the ship because he knows they wouldn't dare shoot and miss and hit the ship. Then he steals a gun and shoots a hole in the ship and takes out a helicopter and frees his friends. They all escape, and the Yeerks see a hawk who looks similar and they kill it, thinking it was Tobias. The animorphs are once again safe.
I would recommend this book to children who feel lonely. It proves that even if you are alone, you can be great.
This book could condone shooting.
My reaction: I liked this book. It is very creative
My rating: ****
K.A. Applegate
Scholastic Inc, 1996
Pages: 157
Reading level: 9-12
Genre: Science Fiction
Each of the Animorph books is narrated by one of the five children who are the animorphs. In this book, it is Tobias. Tobais is a Hawk, because in one of the previous books he didn't morph back to human in time and now is a hawk forever. While he is flying one day, he sees a shimmer in the air, and discovers that it is a huge yeerk ship. This ship is in a forest in the mountains sucking up water and oxygen to take up to it's main ship in space. The children decide that if they can get inside the ship and take out its cloaking device, that the world would see it and become aware of what was going on. They decide to go up the mountain as wolves, and nearly all get stuck in that form. They barely make it out in time. Then they morph into fish and let themselves get sucked up into the ship. They end up getting trapped inside! The Yeerks discover that Tobias is an animorph, and to keep from getting shot by a dracon beam, which would disinegrate him, he lands on the ship because he knows they wouldn't dare shoot and miss and hit the ship. Then he steals a gun and shoots a hole in the ship and takes out a helicopter and frees his friends. They all escape, and the Yeerks see a hawk who looks similar and they kill it, thinking it was Tobias. The animorphs are once again safe.
I would recommend this book to children who feel lonely. It proves that even if you are alone, you can be great.
This book could condone shooting.
My reaction: I liked this book. It is very creative
My rating: ****
The Foot Book
The Foot Book
Dr. Suess
Random House, 1968
Pages: 26
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Picture book
This book is about all kinds of feet. Although it is about feet, it mainly teaches about opposites. It shows us wet feet, dry feet, low feet, high feet. Also slow, fast, trick, and sick. It rhymes very well and has a great beat.
I would reccomend this book to young children. It says ages 4-8, but I would read it to even younger children, even 1-3 year-olds.
I can't think of any problems this book might cause.
My reaction: I liked this book. I read it to a little boy I work with everyday, and it seemed to be calming to him.
My rating: ****
Dr. Suess
Random House, 1968
Pages: 26
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Picture book
This book is about all kinds of feet. Although it is about feet, it mainly teaches about opposites. It shows us wet feet, dry feet, low feet, high feet. Also slow, fast, trick, and sick. It rhymes very well and has a great beat.
I would reccomend this book to young children. It says ages 4-8, but I would read it to even younger children, even 1-3 year-olds.
I can't think of any problems this book might cause.
My reaction: I liked this book. I read it to a little boy I work with everyday, and it seemed to be calming to him.
My rating: ****
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bright Shadow
Bright Shadow
Avi
Scholastic Inc, 1985
Pages: 167
Reading Level: 6-8
Genre: Fantasy
Morwenna is a young girl who cleans the Kings Castle. One day she happens upon an old, dying man. She asks if there is anything she can do to help him. Instead of answering, he grabs her hand. He starts chanting. He gives her five wishes. There used to be a thousand wishes, but now there are only five. These wishes are more a curse than a blessing. She can't tell anyone about them, she can't use them on herself, and when she uses the last one, she will die. Well, she doesn't really understand what just happened, so she just goes on with her life. The King, who is very evil, decides he needs to find the wizard (old man) and kill him so that he doesn't help the people overthrow the King. He can't find the old man, since he is dead. Instead, the King blames Morwenna's best friend, Swen. The King tries to kill Swen twice, but Morwenna saves him with the wishes. Swen, who also wished he wasn't dying, believed that he really was the wizard! The two children run away, and run into a group of people trying to overthrow the King. They all believe that Swen in the wizard, come to save them from the King, but one man discovers that it is really Morwenna. He keeps her prisoner until they overthrow the King. In the process, she uses all here wishes but one, and Swen dies because Morwenna decides that she wants to live more than she wants Swen to live, so Swen dies. Then Morwenna goes to live alone until she dies.
I would not recommend this book to anyone
This book could make children think it is okay to not cherish their friends
My reaction: I did not like this book at all. In the end, the Heroine proves to be selfish and save herself.
My rating: *
Avi
Scholastic Inc, 1985
Pages: 167
Reading Level: 6-8
Genre: Fantasy
Morwenna is a young girl who cleans the Kings Castle. One day she happens upon an old, dying man. She asks if there is anything she can do to help him. Instead of answering, he grabs her hand. He starts chanting. He gives her five wishes. There used to be a thousand wishes, but now there are only five. These wishes are more a curse than a blessing. She can't tell anyone about them, she can't use them on herself, and when she uses the last one, she will die. Well, she doesn't really understand what just happened, so she just goes on with her life. The King, who is very evil, decides he needs to find the wizard (old man) and kill him so that he doesn't help the people overthrow the King. He can't find the old man, since he is dead. Instead, the King blames Morwenna's best friend, Swen. The King tries to kill Swen twice, but Morwenna saves him with the wishes. Swen, who also wished he wasn't dying, believed that he really was the wizard! The two children run away, and run into a group of people trying to overthrow the King. They all believe that Swen in the wizard, come to save them from the King, but one man discovers that it is really Morwenna. He keeps her prisoner until they overthrow the King. In the process, she uses all here wishes but one, and Swen dies because Morwenna decides that she wants to live more than she wants Swen to live, so Swen dies. Then Morwenna goes to live alone until she dies.
I would not recommend this book to anyone
This book could make children think it is okay to not cherish their friends
My reaction: I did not like this book at all. In the end, the Heroine proves to be selfish and save herself.
My rating: *
Animorphs: The Visitor
Animorphs: The Visitor
K.A. Applegate
Scholastic INC, 1996
Pages: 175
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Science Fiction
Rachel and her friends were all given the amazing ability to morph into any animal. But they promised to use their powers to help save the earth from the Yeerks, and alien race that looks like a little bugs that gets into the minds of people and takes control of their brain. They had previously discovered that their assistant principle, Mr. Chapman, was a Human-Contoller, meaning a human with a Yeerk in their head. The children are looking for a way to destroy the Yeerks, so they decide to spy on Mr. Chapman. Rachel volunteers to become the Chapman's cat and go into their home. She finds out many secrets about the Yeerks, but this she is caught! She is saved because one of her friends, Jake, was morphed into a flea riding in her fur. He morphs into a tiger and helps her fight her way out. For the time being, all the animorphs, as they call themselves, are safe.
I would recommend this book to most middle-schoolers.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My Reaction: These books were a childhood favorite. I have always enjoyed them
My rating: ****
K.A. Applegate
Scholastic INC, 1996
Pages: 175
Reading Level: 9-12
Genre: Science Fiction
Rachel and her friends were all given the amazing ability to morph into any animal. But they promised to use their powers to help save the earth from the Yeerks, and alien race that looks like a little bugs that gets into the minds of people and takes control of their brain. They had previously discovered that their assistant principle, Mr. Chapman, was a Human-Contoller, meaning a human with a Yeerk in their head. The children are looking for a way to destroy the Yeerks, so they decide to spy on Mr. Chapman. Rachel volunteers to become the Chapman's cat and go into their home. She finds out many secrets about the Yeerks, but this she is caught! She is saved because one of her friends, Jake, was morphed into a flea riding in her fur. He morphs into a tiger and helps her fight her way out. For the time being, all the animorphs, as they call themselves, are safe.
I would recommend this book to most middle-schoolers.
I can't see this book causing any problems
My Reaction: These books were a childhood favorite. I have always enjoyed them
My rating: ****
The Houndini Box
The Houdini Box
Brian Selznick
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1991
Pages: 64
Reading Level: 6-10
Genre: Picture Book, Historical Fiction
The Houdini Box is about a little boy named Victor. He loves Houdini, and wants very much to be just like him when he grows up. Victor is constantly trying to get himself out of locked boxes, just like Houdini, but ends up just getting locked in. He tries to hold his breath for a long time, and pushing through walls, but was never successful. His mother is worried about him so she sends him to stay with his aunt in the country for a little while, to clear his head. While waiting for his train at the train station, Victor spots Houdini! He runs up to him and starts asking question after question. Houdini tells him to give him his address, and he will write him a letter. Victor is so excited when he gets the letter, but he is even more excited when he reads it. Houdini invited him over to his house! Victor runs over and knocks on Houdini's door and his wife answers. Victor shows her the note, and she walks away. She comes back with a box and tears in her eyes and tells Victor that Houdini died that day. Victor is very sad. When he gets home he tries to open the box, but it is locked. He notices on the bottom that it says E.W. Victor was crushed because he thinks it's not even Houdini's box. He is so sad that he vows to never do magic again. Victor grows up and gets married, and one day while he is playing baseball with his son, the ball lands on Houdini's grave. He realizes Houdini's real name was Enrich Weiss...E.W! He goes home and finds the box and gets it open...that night he locked himself in the trunk...and got out.
I would recommend this book to children who have lost someone important in their lives.
I don't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: This book is okay. It's good, but not great
My rating:***
Brian Selznick
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1991
Pages: 64
Reading Level: 6-10
Genre: Picture Book, Historical Fiction
The Houdini Box is about a little boy named Victor. He loves Houdini, and wants very much to be just like him when he grows up. Victor is constantly trying to get himself out of locked boxes, just like Houdini, but ends up just getting locked in. He tries to hold his breath for a long time, and pushing through walls, but was never successful. His mother is worried about him so she sends him to stay with his aunt in the country for a little while, to clear his head. While waiting for his train at the train station, Victor spots Houdini! He runs up to him and starts asking question after question. Houdini tells him to give him his address, and he will write him a letter. Victor is so excited when he gets the letter, but he is even more excited when he reads it. Houdini invited him over to his house! Victor runs over and knocks on Houdini's door and his wife answers. Victor shows her the note, and she walks away. She comes back with a box and tears in her eyes and tells Victor that Houdini died that day. Victor is very sad. When he gets home he tries to open the box, but it is locked. He notices on the bottom that it says E.W. Victor was crushed because he thinks it's not even Houdini's box. He is so sad that he vows to never do magic again. Victor grows up and gets married, and one day while he is playing baseball with his son, the ball lands on Houdini's grave. He realizes Houdini's real name was Enrich Weiss...E.W! He goes home and finds the box and gets it open...that night he locked himself in the trunk...and got out.
I would recommend this book to children who have lost someone important in their lives.
I don't see this book causing any problems
My reaction: This book is okay. It's good, but not great
My rating:***
The Eleventh Hour
The Eleventh Hour
Graeme Base
Harry N. Abrams, 1989
Pages: 32
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Mystery
The Eleventh Hour is about an elephant named Horace. It is Horace's 11th birthday, and so he decides to have a party. He invites many friends, and makes a big feast. His friends are astounded by the feast, but Horace doesn't let them eat just yet...he wants to play some games first! So they play tennis and chess and many others. Finally, it is time to eat. But when they get to the kitchen all of the food is gone! The reader finds out that it is THEIR job to go back through the book and figure out who did it. There are clues on every page, some easy, some difficult, and it is a long adventure to figure out the mystery. In the end, you find out that it was the mouse, and 111 friends.
I think anyone of any age would benefit from this book. The actual story-line is simple enough for even young children to understand, but the clues are challenging enough for adults and older children. It is fun for all.
The only problem I see this book causing is children never wanting to put it down because it is so good!
I loved this book, and spent hours trying to figure out the clues.
My rating: *****
Graeme Base
Harry N. Abrams, 1989
Pages: 32
Reading level: 4-8
Genre: Mystery
The Eleventh Hour is about an elephant named Horace. It is Horace's 11th birthday, and so he decides to have a party. He invites many friends, and makes a big feast. His friends are astounded by the feast, but Horace doesn't let them eat just yet...he wants to play some games first! So they play tennis and chess and many others. Finally, it is time to eat. But when they get to the kitchen all of the food is gone! The reader finds out that it is THEIR job to go back through the book and figure out who did it. There are clues on every page, some easy, some difficult, and it is a long adventure to figure out the mystery. In the end, you find out that it was the mouse, and 111 friends.
I think anyone of any age would benefit from this book. The actual story-line is simple enough for even young children to understand, but the clues are challenging enough for adults and older children. It is fun for all.
The only problem I see this book causing is children never wanting to put it down because it is so good!
I loved this book, and spent hours trying to figure out the clues.
My rating: *****