Books to Blog about:      **Chapter book

2 Pura Belpre:

**Esparanza Rising

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

2 Coretta Scott King:

**Bud, Not Buddy

The Bat Boy and the Violin

4 Blue Bonnett:

**Mudshark

Pale Male

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!

**The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

4 Caldecott:

Owl Moon

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

The Hello Goodbye Window

The Relatives Came

4 Newberry:

**Because of Winn-Dixie

**The Whipping Boy

**Knee-Knock Rise

**Island of the Blue Dolphins

3 Notable Books:

Tops and Bottoms

Click Clack Moo Cows that Type

Knuffle Bunny

3 New York Times Best Sellers:

**Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Oh the Places You’ll Go

Olivia

**Twilight

**The Hunger Games

5 Challenged Books

**Bridge to Terabithia

**The Great Gilly Hopkins

**Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

**The Witches

**The Giver

Meyer, S. (2005). Twilight. [New York]: Little Brown.

Bella moves to dreary, small town Forks, Washington to be with her father, and she soon meets the mysterious Edward Cullen, whose family has a dark secret. After several strange encounters, Bella and Edward begin spending time together, despite the warning from her friends and Edward’s reluctance to do so. Soon Bella discovers that Edward has reason to be cautious, and she too should be afraid because he is a vampire. As Bella learns more about Edward’s family of peaceful vampires, she is soon in danger from other vampires who are after her. As the Cullen family work to protect Bella, they all face many threats and soon must battle with violent vampires. Bella struggles to stay alive and on good terms with her father, but as true love wins out, her biggest struggle is just to be with Edward.

I was very reluctant to read some weird book about vampires, and I was sure I would hate it. However, as soon as I began reading I was hooked by the compelling story and vivid details. Even the strange idea of vampires was believable because of the depth of description and plausible storyline (besides the whole immortal vampire stuff!) Although I didn’t think I would like it, I found myself engrossed in the books, and ended up reading the entire series. I feel this is a great book series for adults and perhaps teenagers, but it is far too mature for those tweens that are still in elementary school. I wouldn’t recommend it for my students because of the content, but it is great for older readers.

Juster, N. (2001). The Hello Goodbye Window. [New York]: Scholastic.

This cute story shows a young child’s perspective of a visit to a grandparent’s house. The special window in the kitchen is the first and last place they see each other. It is also a fun backdrop for many activities from star gazing to glimpses from imaginary visitors.

I loved this adorable tale that reminded me vividly of my own grandmother’s kitchen window. I enjoyed the way the illustrations complemented the story adding details (like the “tiger” that is really a house cat) and the visiting T-Rex, which is just an eye as large as the window.  The illustrator, Chris Raschka also did a wonderful job creating the characters with features that add emotion, but also seem to fit almost any reader (the character could be a boy or girl of many different racial backgrounds.)  Over all, this was a very enjoyable story that I will love sharing with students and other children often.

Ryan, P.M. (2000). Esperanza Rising. [New York]: Scholastic.

For Esperanza, everything is wonderful in her happy home in Aguascalientes, Mexico until a terrible tragedy changes her life forever. As they begin to build a new future in America, Esperanza and her mother face hardships as they begin the difficult life of migrant farmer workers. At first Esperanza doesn’t understand that she is now considered a peasant and she struggles with the daily chores needed. Soon she learns what to do, and she has to take care of Mama when she gets desperately ill. With the backdrop of the Dust Bowl and migrant worker’s rights, this story has many layers of meaning.

This touching story broke my heart again and again as Esperanza and her mother struggle to survive in their new land. Their troubles helped me to understand the hardships and difficulties that face immigrant workers, even though this is far from my own reality. I loved how Pam Muñoz  Ryan used the harvesting season to mark the chapters in her book, as this is how many migrant farmers describe time. This book is exactly what I think great multicultural literature should be – a wonderful story that transports the reader into another culture with rich description, deep, dynamic characters, and unique experiences that define the many ways of life for the people of that culture.

Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. [New York]. Scholastic.

In a future world, the remnants of North America are part of a new nation, Panem. The Capitol rules over the other twelve districts with force and cruelty, especially during The Hunger Games, where two teenagers from each district are forced fight to the death while everyone watches. Katniss, Peeta, and the other “tributes” must find a way to survive, knowing that only one of them will make it out alive.

While reading this story, I was really struck by the callousness of the Games, and I found it difficult to image the brutality. However, the story was so well written, that I found myself wrapped up in the emotional tug-o-war that Katniss faces throughout the story. It was really difficult to put the book down once I started reading, and I couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what would happen next. The pace of the story was great, and the author’s descriptions really helped me feel the pain, loneliness, anxiety, fear, and anger of the characters. I can’t wait to read the second and third books in the series next.

Stephens, J. and Stephens, S.S. (2005). Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!. [New York]. Voyager.

This twist on the classic fairy tale, The Little Red Hen, Rooster is tired of chicken feed, so he enlists the help of his friends to make strawberry shortcake. The animals aren’t much help with the baking, so Rooster must teach them what many of the steps in the recipe actually mean. This makes for many fun mistakes, as they try to finish the treat.

I chuckled out loud several times while reading this fun book. The well paced story has just the right amount of predictability and humor, and the illustrations add much to the plot. It is great for young children who, like Iguana, often visualize literal translations of common puns like beating an egg or a cup of milk. I love the idea of including the actual recipe with the story, and the detailed instructions that are included in the margin are a great compliment to both the story and the recipe. Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable book.

Seuss, Dr. (1990). Oh, the Places You’ll Go!. [New York]: Random House.

Another magical rhyming tale from Dr. Seuss helps children see the wonder and hardships the future will bring. I love the way the silly nonsense words blend with a deep meaningful message to show the good times and bad times that we all face. It is both a sing-song story and a book of sound advice from a wise mentor. From the promises of “Fame! You’ll be famous” to the warnings of “Bang-ups and Hang-ups” this book helps children from four to ninety-four feel hope for the future.

This is my number one all time favorite book. I cry each time I read it because I hope those I read it to will get as much from the story as I do. I made it a tradition to read it on the last day of school to my students, and then I tell them my hopes for their futures. It is my “go-to” story for a bad day, and it gives me hope when I begin a new adventure (like going back to school!) Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is the ultimate “pick-me-up!”

O’Dell, S. (1960). Island of the Blue Dolphins. [New York]: Yearling.

On a small island, a young girl is left behind when all the other people of her island sail away to find a new land. She must learn to find food, build shelters, and protect herself from the dangers on the island. As she becomes lonely, she makes friends with many of the animals, and even a young girl whose people come to the island to hunt occasionally. For many years she lives alone, facing hardship, danger, and loneliness while relying on her resourcefulness and instincts to survive.

Although I struggled to complete the first few pages, once I got started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I was drawn into the detailed setting and felt a strong connection to the emotions described throughout the story. The idea of being completely alone for years is fascinating, and Scott O’Dell describes it with such rich details and suspense. I especially appreciated the way he described the actions and emotions before clarifying things like the earthquake so that you could experience the fear and uncertainty with the character. Overall, I found this to be a fascinating story, and I cannot believe I have never picked it up before today.

Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. [New York]: Scholastic.

Olivia is a busy little girl with many different interests. She is good at many things, from building sand castles to dancing ballet. Although she sometimes gets into trouble, Olivia is charming and lovable.

This wonderful story is a fun read for anyone that has ever known a precocious child. I laughed out loud at some of the adventures Olivia gets into. The illustrations are especially delightful, and they add wonderful details to an entertaining story.

Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. [New York]: Scholastic.

This first book of the series introduces readers to Harry Potter, and along with him we discover the magical world of wizards. Along the way, Harry makes new friends, discovers a hidden talent for flying, and learns about his mysterious past. Throughout the book, Harry and his friends must work together to solve the mystery hidden at Hogwarts and show courage and cleverness to overcome evil plotters out to get them.

I always enjoy rereading the Harry Potter books, and each time I pick up the book I seem to find new things to love. It is hard for me to imagine that I had a hard time reading the beginning back when I first picked up this book. I love the way J.K. Rowling weaves details into every nook and cranny of the story. It is especially true when you read the entire series and find out that a casual mention of some person or object holds the key to something important later on. I loved going back and reading this first book after viewing the last in the series movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. My passion for this series began with this book, and I preach the value of reading versus watching the movies to everyone that will listen (and even those that don’t want to listen…) I have loved sharing the series with my own children, and hope that others will enjoy Harry Potter as much as my family has over the past decade. Thank you J.K. Rowling!

Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. [Boston]: Houghton Mifflin.

In the Utopian world of Jonah, “sameness” means no pain or suffering, but also no love or true happiness.  When he is selected as the next “Receiver” in his twelfth year, he soon learns many of the truths hidden by his community.  When Jonah finally discovers a terrible fate will affect someone he cares about, he must take drastic measures to help his community make the changes that he believes must occur.

Like many other post-apocalyptic young adult fiction, The Giver creates a highly controlled society with limited knowledge or enlightenment. I was quickly drawn into this story, and soon discovered why “the stirrings” and other events caused this story to be frequently challenged. As the story began to close, I kept waiting for a satisfying conclusion, but it never came. I was shocked by the ambiguous ending, and closed the book with my jaws dropped and more questions than answers.  My initial frustration was quickly replaced with an avalanche of possibilities and theories as to what Lois Lowry meant.  I was also pleased to discover there are two other books related to The Giver, which I can’t wait to read!

Patterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Tarabithia. [New York]: Scholastic.

Jess isn’t sure what to think when Leslie moves in down the road, but they soon become friends. Together, they create a secret imaginary world in the woods across the creek from their homes. Together they share many adventures and build a strong friendship. One day when Jess goes away for the day, he returns to find his world upside down and he must find courage from his friendship with Leslie to deal with the tragedy.

I loved this simple story of school, life, and friendship right from the first page. It was a warm tale about growing up that reminded me so much of my own childhood. Some of my most memorable experiences from my youth were exploring the woods and creating “secret forts” with my best friend Mark. As the story went on, you could just feel that something important was about to happen, and I was heartbroken right along with Jess as he walked in that solemn kitchen. I don’t know why I never read this book before now, as it has been on my shelves for years. However, now  that I have discovered its magical story, I am certain it will be a frequent recommendation for my students.

Curtis, C.P. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. [New York]: Scholastic.

Bud Caldwell is a clever young boy on the run searching for his long lost father.  Years ago his mother died leaving Bud with a few precious objects that convince Bud that his father is a famous musician named Herman E. Calloway. As Bud goes along his journey, he uses his wit and experience to survive and find the man who could be his dad. Although there are disappointments along the way, Bud finally finds where he belongs, and discovers not only his past, but also a future.

This book grabs you from the very beginning. I found I was emotionally attached to Bud, and wanted so badly for him to find happiness, but I was also laughing out loud at some of the events. This story blends just the right amount of mystery and humor to make the emotional journey riveting for the reader. We are taken through the experience of searching for answers, but Christopher Paul Curtis slowly allows the reader to discover the truth right along with Bud. I love this book, and the blending of historical facts and information with a great story show how historical fiction can be such a powerful experience for readers.

Dahl, R. (1983). The Witches. [New York]: Scholastic.

This story about “real witches” tells about a young orphan boy and his grandmother as they encounter a group of witches. The boy is turned into a mouse, and they work together to help destroy the witches who did it. After several harrowing escapes, they return to their home in Norway and decide to live together working to destroy all the witches in the world.

I have to admit that I was not very impressed by this story overall. It was funny in parts, but the humor and events were choppy and not very developed. There were some amazing word choices, and parts of the story could be used to teach many things, but overall it was not enjoyable. Even though it was a quick read, I found myself struggling just to finish it. I am sure others will disagree, but this book was just not my personal taste.

Patterson, K. (1978). The Great Gilly Hopkins. [New York]: Scholastic.

 Long time foster kid Gilly Hopkins is tough, even when others are trying to help her. She likes, steals, and scams to look out for herself, which ends up backfiring when she finally finds a home she loves. Gilly is an emotional roller coaster that has the reader feeling a wide range of emotions right along with her.

I was surprised by my strong emotional connection to Gilly, because she didn’t really remind me of anyone in particular I know personally. At times I wanted to take her over my knee and spank her, but what I was aching to do was just hug her. Although I hoped for the typical happy ending, I appreciated the lesson students could learn about their actions having consequences. It was a difficult moment, but I know that Gilly made her choices. I closed the book with a melancholy hope that children who read it will learn from her mistakes.