Abraham Lincoln

    Caroline Crosson Gilpin wrote the National Geographic Kids edition of Abraham Lincoln. This book is an extremely useful tool in educating students about the person that Abraham Lincoln was. This is the perfect book for students to refer to when doing research papers or if they just want to learn more about President Lincoln. Throughout the books Gilpin creates pages that would intrigue and reader to continue to read. She incorporates useful facts, pictures and the complete history of Abraham Lincoln. This book is classified as a biography because it entails actual life segments of President Lincoln.

 

     This specific book I would read aloud to my class and watch as the learn new things about President Lincoln. After reading the book I would have an oral quiz and ask questions like:

• What was President Lincoln's wife's name?
• What number president was Abraham Lincoln?
• What happened to President Lincoln at the theater?
• What coin has President Lincoln's face on it?

    

 

     A motivational activity I would do is have my students create a timeline of events that occurred in Lincoln's lifetime. I would want them to include events like when he was elected, the Civil Rights Movement and the Gettysburg Address. Another activity would be to have my class as a whole create a play that tells the life story of one or the greatest presidents.

 

 

     This is another book that I am glad I had the pleasure of reading. This book is and easy and very educational book for readers of all ages. Caroline Crosson is currently a writing coach. She has over twenty-five years experience in writing and teaching. She also is the author of other National Geographic Kids books like:

• George Washington
• Amelia Earhart



References

 

Gilpin, Caroline, C. (2013). Abraham Lincoln. National Geographic Society. 

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend

 

     Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend, was written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Bettye Stroud and illustrated by John Holyfield. The genre this book would be classified in is historical fiction. Historical fiction is the best fit, because it depicts life and actual events from the past. The characters and setting are also characteristics of historical fiction. This book is based in a small town in Alabama called Gee's Bend. A young boy and his mother travel to Gee's Bend for shopping; however, Alex is not thrilled about it at all. He makes his way to a porch and finds himself watching an old mule eating someone's greens. He couldn't believe that someone would allow an mule to just stand there and eat whatever it wanted. A little old lady (Miz Pettway) walked up and explained to Alex the importance of this very mule. She went on to tell him the story of how when Martin L. King came to visit their small town and explained to them the importance of riding the ferry to vote. Unfortunately, the white people shut the ferries down, but that did not stop them from riding their mules on the sides of the river to cast their vote. Miz Pettway went on to tell him, Belle, that very mule eating the greens was one of the mules that helped. Not to mention, when Martin L. King passed away Belle was there to help carry his casket. Her stories opened Alex's eyes making him realize the importance of Belle, the last mule.

 

 

     Illustrator, John Holyfield uses mostly acrylic in creating his illustrations. He did an amazing job of allowing the reader to easily depict what historical time each portion of the book was in. He used a lot of dark colors which I felt gave it an overall sense of warmth.

 

 Before reading the book to my class I would first read only the tittle and then ask the following questions:

• What do you think this book is going to be about?
• Looking at the cover, where do you think this boy lives?
• Does anyone know what the Civil Rights Movement is?

After reading the book I would ask my class the following questions:

• What were your thoughts when Belle was eating all those collard greens?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Do you think at the end of the story Alex changed the way he originally felt about Belle?

     This book would provide a good opportunity for my class to do a group research project on Martin L. King. I would have them discus where he came from, what he is know for and include pictures as well. For another activity, I would have then create an alternate ending to the story. I would encourage them to use their imaginations to make the story theirs.

 

     This is another book that I will incorporate in my classroom. It is an easy read for children and is educational at the same time. The author Calvin Alexander Ramsey also is a photographer, painter and playwright. He also wrote the famous book, Ruth and the Green Book, which is another must read book.

 

References

 

Ramsey, Calvin, A. & Stroud. Bettye. (2011). Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend. Candlewick. 

My Story

 

     My Story, is the biography written by Helen Keller. Originally written and published in 1903 when Helen was in college. This book depicts the actual events that occurred to Helen Keller after a terrible illness "brain fever" struck her. It was like any normal February day when little Helen Keller was struck with a sickness that caused her to go blind and deaf. Helen's parents struggle with how to handle her so they bring in outside help. A specialist by the name of Anne Sullivan. Miss. Sullivan helps Helen find her way back to her family by treating her as if she was a normal child. Helen was not allowed to misbehave just because of her disability. Miss. Sullivan assured Helen's parents that she was somewhat aware of her surroundings and could be taught to communicate. Through multiple sessions with Helen, Miss. Sullivan finally made a breakthrough and was able to communicate with Helen. This biography is a perfect example of not giving up, and to always push harder. The story of Helen Keller's struggles and triumphs is motivating to any reader.

 

     The biography of Helen Keller is an exceptional story to allow students to read. After reading this book I would ask my students the following:

 

• What do you think motivated Miss. Sullivan to keep pushing Helen?
• How do you think it made Helen feel to be pushed?
• Does anyone have any suggestions on what they would have done to help Helen?

     One activity that I would have my students do is to put their feet in Helen's shoes for one afternoon. With permission from parents I would have my students pair up with a partner and for half of the afternoon I would place a blindfold on one of them. The partner with sight would have help their "blind" partner navigate around the room. This activity would teach them the some of the struggle that Helen went through before she met Miss. Sullivan. Another activity I would do, is have my students draw a picture of their favorite part of the book.

 

     I actually had the pleasure of visiting Helen Keller's home in Tuscumbia, Alabama a little over a year ago. They hold plays there that tells the story of her life. The atmosphere there was overwhelming, it brought tears to my eyes. Miss. Sullivan taught Helen that she could do whatever she wanted and encouraged her to do so. Helen Keller graduated from college 1904. During her lifetime she made many accomplishments and is a positive role model for anyone.

 

References

Keller, Helen. (2011). My Story. A. J. Cornell Publications.

Facing the Lion: Growing Up on Maasai on the African Savanna

 

     Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna, was written by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton. This nonfiction chapter book is about the real life story of a young boy that grew up Kenya. Lekuton automatically draws the reader in by discussing his first encounter with a lion. As a young boy becoming man the responsibilities he carries are far more than your average American student. Throughout the story Lekuton carries you through his typical calendar year. He is responsible for herding the cows and maintaining their safety; as well, as attending school and play soccer. Lekuton was one of the first men to thrive outside of Kenya and obtain a college degree, which is a very difficult thing to do coming from his heritage. This book is an eye opener to new culture, responsibilities and the overall strength a young boy has to better himself. The cover of the book depicts the exact images of a young boy in Kenya.

     After reading  Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna, with my class I would reverse the response questions and have them ask me questions regarding certain things they may not have understood. However, I would still ask them questions like:

• What were your thoughts when Lekuton was encountered by a lion?
• What are some differences and similarities with his schooling and yours?
• What do you think motivated Lekuton to got to college?

     A motivational activity I would have my class do is to create a collage of their favorite parts of the book and present reasons why they chose those events. I would also divide my students up in to groups and have them write a letter to a child living in Kenya asking to learn more about their culture. These activities would broaden my students understating of different cultures and help develop respect for difference.
    
     Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton was born and raised in the African Savanna. Through struggles and life's blessings he was able to obtain his Masters Degree in Educational Policy from Harvard University. He is a great example of an individual that doesn't give up and keeps his culture close to heart.

References

Lekuton, Joseph, L. (2009). Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna. National Geographic Children's Books.

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

I Like Being Me

 

     I Like Being Me, written by Judy Lalli and photography by Douglas L. Mason-Fry is an enchanting book of poems for children of all ages. Lalli collaborated a book that is filled with poems that could help build confidence and awareness to young readers. The poems in her book are an excellent tool for educating students on getting along, appreciation of others, helping one another, sharing, positive attitude, and just being happy with yourself. She collaborated with photographer Douglas L. Mason-Fry to include photographs of actual students that attend the school she works at, which makes it more realistic.

 

     I Like Being Me, would be classified in the poetry/verse genre because it is clearly full of a variety of different poems. This poetry book could be used in all different types of classrooms. Prior to reading this book to my class I would discuss different types of poetry, sonnets and verses to ensure my students understand what makes something a poem. As a class I would have students read aloud different poems and we would discuss them in class. Questions I would ask would include:

• What was your favorite poem and why?
• What did you learn fro your favorite poem?
• What type of poem is your favorite and why?

     A great motivational activity I would include with the lesson is having my students create two poems. For their first poem I would have my students create a poem that discussed respect and what it means to them. For their second poem I would let them write about whatever they wanted. Another activity I would have my students do is pick their favorite poem and draw a picture that would associate with it.

 

     I Like Being Me, is a great book to have in any classroom. There are so many poems that students could relate to making them more interested in reading them. Judy Lalli is not only an author of children's poetry, but is also a  teacher as well. She gets her inspiration; as well as, critique from her students. Similar works include:

• Poetry All Kids Should Know by Emily Dickenson
• The Hope Flower by A.J Cosmo

References

 

Lalli, Judy. (2007). I Like Being Me. Free Spirit Publishing.

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

School Days Around the World

           School Days Around the World, was written by Catherine Chambers and contains realistic photographs throughout. This book is about seven children from different cultures all around the world coming together to celebrate Earth Day.

    Catherine Chambers starts the adventure with Solomon in Australia and ends with Frida in Peru. Throughout the many adventures the story takes its readers on it also educates them on the similarities and differences between students from one country to the next. I would classify this book as a multicultural nonfiction children's book; for the reason, that it is incorporating true facts about the real world. The photographs that are captured in this book along with the storyline are captivating. This book creates endless opportunities for educators to discuss respect and diversity among different nations. Sample questions could include:

•  What similarities could you find between Solomon in Australia and Frida in Peru?
• What was your favorite country to visit and why?
• What are were some of the activities that the students in other countries did to celebrate Earth Day?

 

        One motivational activity I would have my class do is, a research project on a different country not listed in the book to learn more about their culture. Another activity I would incorporate is the use of the soroban. In Japan, students use the beads on the soroban for math problems. Students would learn to be respectful of difference while learning new cultures.

 

       School Days Around the World, has become one of my favorite books. Students benefit tremendously from reading the book alone. Catherine Chambers had a way of keeping the reader entertained while educating them at the same time. Similar books by other authors include:

• Welcome to China by Caryn Jenner
• First Flight: The Story of the Wright Brother by Leslie Garrett

References

 

Chambers, Catherine. (2013). School Days Around the World. DK Publishing.

 



Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

Jumanji

 

 



     The Jumanji, was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Tis story is about two siblings, Judy and Peter, that find themselves extremely bored one afternoon. They stumble upon a mysterious game that brings the events of the game to life. Judy and Peter had no idea of the "can of worms" they would open by playing the game. Throughout the story, Judy and Peter are challenged with many creatures and adventures.  The only way to end the game is to completely finish it.

 

     Jumanji, would be classified as a children's fantasy picture book. It includes events that could not happen in real life; for instance, animals coming to life out of the game; as well as, the mysterious jungle that appears. The author created a book that intrigues the readers imagination. Chris Van Allsburg also incorporated illustrations that were very simple, yet showed beautiful texture and balance.

 

    After reading the book I would have my class create their own "Jumanji" style game. I would encourage them to explore their imaginations and come up with some new ideas on how to play. Another activity I would have my class do is have them draw a picture of their favorite part of the story. Questions I would ask my students include:

• Could animals come to life through a board game?
• Would you have started the game?
• Would you have been able to finish the game?

    This book was originally written in 1981, which happens to be the year I was born. Nonetheless, I still have a great appreciation for this book because of what it can do for one's imagination. Chris Van Allsburg is also known for the popular books such as: The Polar Express and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. It was Van Allsburg's wife that encouraged him to pursue a career in children's illustrations.

 

References

 

Van Allsburg, Chris. (1981). Jumanji. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing . 





The Chronicles of Dragon: The Hero, The Sword and the Dragons

 

 

          The Chronicles of Dragon - The Hero, The Sword and The Dragons, was written by Craig Halloran. This book is about a young boy by the name of Nath whose only wish in life is to become a dragon. He is responsible for protecting the dragons; however, his attitude is not always where it needs to be getting him into trouble. Nath has to find his own way to Orcen Hold where the true test lies on whether or not he has what it takes to become a dragon. This book would fall under the science fiction/fantasy genre; for the reasons, that it incorporates extending physical laws,  and it is imaginative. The only illustration the books has is on the cover, which displays a very imaginative dragon. The illustrator spikes the readers interest by including such a fierce looking dragon on the cover.

         

         A couple of motivational activities I would incorporate in my classroom is the expansion of one's imagination. First I would have my students draw a picture of what they believe the transformation from a boy to a dragon would be. Secondly, I would have my students get into small groups and chose a chapter that they would want to create a short skit depicting the events from that chapter.

 

         Author Craig Halloran served time in the military and is a husband and father. He creates books that will keep the reader engaged using action and exciting characters. This specific book was written for and dedicated to his son. He creates books for intermediate level readers. Other works from Craig Halloran include:

•  The Chronicles of Dragon: Dragon Bones and Tombstones
• The Chronicles of Dragon: Terror at the Temple
• Zombie Day Care
• Zombie Rehab

References

 

Halloran, Craig. (2012). The Chronicles of Dragon - The Hero, The Sword and The Dragons. Two-Ten Books Press.  

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing . 

Stone Soup

 



         Stone Soup, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Antara Majumder is a short story about a traveler that stumbles in to a small town that needs to learn the value of sharing. In the beginning the traveler convinces the town that he has a magic stone that can make amazing soup. The townspeople go with idea that his stone is magical; however, whenever he makes a suggestion to improve the soup each individual in the town is willing to help. For example, he made a comment that chicken would make the soup taste better, so one of the townsmen ran home to get some chicken. By the end of the story everyone contributed to the soup and realized that sharing goes a long way.

         The book, Stone Soup would be classified in the folklore genre. This specific book represents values and beliefs of individuals from years ago. The value of sharing and caring for thy neighbor are extremely important. The illustrator does an a amazing job of incorporating authentic cultural illustrations. Her illustrations also complement the narrator.

 



         This book can be very useful in the beginning of the school year when teaches students about sharing and caring for each other. After reading the story I would ask my students the following questions:

• What does the word value mean to you?
• What value did you learn from this book?
• Give me an another example of how the townspeople could have helped one another?

         A motivational activity I would hold in my class is "A present for the main Character." The students would have to decipher who the main character is and create a special gift for him/her. I would then have them create a short paragraph explaining why they chose that specific gift. Another activity I would have my students do is create an alternative ending to the story. I would have the students brainstorm on different outcomes in small groups, then individually have them create their own alternate ending.

 

        I recalled reading this book as a child and remembered the value of sharing that it taught me. The author Miranda Paul is a mother of two, teacher and travels the world. She gets most of her inspiration from those things. She has gained influence from fellow authors Shel Silverstein and Lois Lowry. She has created other books like:

• Water is Water
• One Plastic Bag 

   References









 

Paul, Miranda. (2012). Stone Soup. Amazon Publishing.

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing . 

 





My Dinosaur is Scared of Vegetables

 

 





      My Dinosaur is Scared of Vegetables, was written by Lily Lexington. This children's book is about two friends that share the same fear....eating veggies. The two friends are sent to bed with no dinner because they refused to eat their vegetables. The following morning, Jack and his friend the dinosaur went down stairs for breakfast only to find their dinner there from last night. The boys again refused to eat and went to their baseball game. During the game Jack was very sluggish and tired and sadly didn't play very well. When the two got home, Jack's Mom explained to dinosaur the importance of eating healthy. He was no longer scared and finally ate his vegetables with Jack.

 





The genre this book would be classified in is poetry. Through out the entire story Lily Lexington is using rhythm and imaginative thoughts to keep the reader entertained. Lexington does an amazing job of relating to young readers and incorporates beautiful language in doing so.
In a classroom setting I would encourage students to think about things that may scare/frighten them. I would ask questions like:

• What foods are you afraid to eat?
• Do you think Jack and his friend dinosaur should have been afraid of eating vegetables?
• What are some other foods that are healthy for you?

Another activity I would have my students do is learn about the food pyramid. I would bring in a couple items from each level of the pyramid and hold a discussion on which foods are best to eat. We would then sample the healthy snacks. I believe the kids would enjoy learning about what foods are healthy; as well as, tasting them too.

I really found this book to be educational and an easy read for younger readers. The rhyming that the author incorporates in the book makes it very enjoyable to read. It also holds a good lesson in the benefits of eating healthy.

References

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing . 

 

Lexington, Lily. (2012). My Dinosaur is Scared of Vegetables. Lexington Publishing.



Tiger and Mouse: The Gift of Helping Others



 

 Tiger and Mouse: The Gift of Helping Others is was written by Theodore Allen Lightfoot and illustrated by Elizabeth and Phillip Armstrong. I automatically fell in love with this children's book because of the lesson it can teach its reader. This book is about a young mouse that has to help his mother by finding food for his family and receives a helping hand from his friend, Tiger. This book would be classified in the fantasy genre because its literature and characters are based on events that could not happen in real life. For example, the tiger and the mouse talking to each other.

                                           

 

     This book teaches its readers to help one another and not expect something in return. A motivational activity that was suggested in the book that I think is a great idea is to have my class bring in canned goods to donate to a local food bank. This will teach my students the joy of doing a good deed. Another activity I could do is have my class come up with a list of helpful things that they can do to help someone in need. After reading this book with my class I have them answer questions like:

      1. What is one helpful thing you can do at home?

      2. Do you think Tiger was helping Mouse to get something in return?

     

   One of my favorite parts in the book was when the Mouse family stepped outside to see all the food Tiger had brought them. They were so excited and were ready to dive in; however, Mother Mouse made sure to remind them to give thanks before they ate.

 

                                              

 

     Theodore Lightfoot gains most of his inspiration to write from his two children. He has created other books that have Mouse and Tiger as the main characters. A few similar books to Tiger and Mouse are :

        The Bee Bully by: Angela Muse

        The Fox and the Grapes by: Roberto Piumini

        Monkey and Croc by: Will Terry

 

References

 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

 

Lightfoot, T.A. (2011). Tiger and Mouse The Gift of Helping Others. Lightfoot Books





I Love the Skin I'm In!

             I Love the Skin I'm In written by Mayma Raphael and illustrated by Hailey Cryan is an eye opening read for any young reader. I Love the Skin I'm In is about a little girl named Ruby who is curious as to why her skin color is different. Throughout the story Ruby asks her mom questions like, "Mommy, whys is my skin brown?" Ruby's mom educates her and expresses to her that her skin color makes her unique. Her mother also explains to her that her skin color can tell her a lot about her family and ancestors.

 

          The illustrator does an amazing job incorporating visual appeal to the reader; as well as, the way he portrayed the children. The genre, I Love the Skin I'm In is contemporary realistic fiction. This genre fits this book best because the story line is based on realistic events; as well as, holds a well-defined conflict. The questions Ruby asks her mom throughout the story are questions that I'm sure many children ask their parents. Ruby's mom did an excellent job of answering Ruby's questions. Ruby was filled with confidence in knowing that her beautiful skin can take her wherever she wanted to go.

 

                          

 



          

      There are a few motivational activities that I would incorporate in my classroom after reading I Love the Skin I'm In. For example, in the story there is a discussion about how your skin color can tell you a lot about where you are from and about your ancestors. I would have my students create a family tree. This would teach my students about the history of their family; as well as, the history and culture of their friends ancestors. Two response questions for this assignment would be:
                      

• Where are your ancestors from?
•  What did your ancestors do for fun?  

Another class activity I would do is discus with my students what they want to be when they

 grow up. I would have them create a list of professions  and what is needed in order to have that profession. For example, if they wanted to be a firefighter I would ask them what tools would be needed in order to be a good firefighter.

 

 

For another activity I would use one of the examples from the book. I would bring in bags of different colored apples; however, I would peel them so the students couldn't "see" the difference between a green apple or a red apple. I would place the different colored apples in separate bowls and allow the children to taste them. I would then ask these response questions:

• Does bowl one look different than bowl two?
• Is there a difference in taste from bowl one and two?

I believe I Love the Skin I'm In educates readers on the importance of multicultural diversity. It teaches readers that skin color has nothing to do with what is on the inside. I believe this book incorporates Saint Leo's Core Value of Respect in regards to expressing the strength in cultural diversity; as well as, having respect for individual uniqueness.

Mayma Raphael got inspiration from her children to write I Love the Skin I'm In. Originally from the Dominica Mayma now resides as a stay at home mom in New York. One similar book to I Love the Skin I'm In is Shades of People written by Shelley Rotner.
 
                                              References

  Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

Raphael, M. (2012). I Love the Skin I'm In! Yorkstown Heights: Mom Publishing .