It's a Spoon Not a Shovel

It's a Spoon, Not a Shovel
By Caralyn Buehner
publisher/date: Puffin 1995
# of pages: 30
reading level: ages 4-8
genre: nonfiction




Summary:

this book teaches all about manners. it's put in a format so that it's like a quiz. all the characters are animals, so it's put into a fun context. it teaches please, thank you, excuse me, i'm sorry, forgiving, you're welcome, intros, table manners, phone manners, and common courtesies. also, all the pictures have hidden clues which is also fun.

Who benefits?

anyone will benefit from reading this book. this is a good book for children to learn their manners. it covers a lot of different aspects of manners and etiquette.

what problems could come from this book?

i don't find any problems with this book. it's informational, and about ways to improve people's manners.


My reaction:

i like this book. i think it's clever the way that they use animals to make manners and etiquette more fun to learn about. i like also the way it's put in a quiz form so that you can measure your manners. my favorite part of the book is the way that the answers are put into the pictures. i really liked this book.

The Math Wiz

The Math Wiz
By Betsy Duffey
Publisher/Date: The Trumpet Club
# of pages: 67
reading level: 3
genre: fiction



Summary:

Marty Malone is a math wiz. he did his first math problem when he was four years-old. when he's in third grade, he has to go to a new school. he's wonderful at math, but horrible at P.E. he always get chosen last for teams, and he isn't very good at sports. He tries to solve his P.E. problem using math. he gets the idea to use his father's ace bandage to wrap his leg so it looks like he is hurt. that way, he will be excused from participation. however, his plan doesn't work out very well. the bandage is loose and ends up falling off. worst of all, the gum he used to make it stick gets stuck on the bottom of the principal's shoe! then he tries to think of a different plan. in math class, he's the first one who finishes his timed subtraction test. after he's done, he goes to work on his new P.E. equation. he wants to change some part of it to get a different answer. then his thoughts are interrupted by his teacher. she's asking him for the next answer. he is lost, but a girl in the class helps him out. after the class is finished checking the answers, the teacher picks up all the worksheets to grade them. she accidentally picks up Marty's P.E. equation. he's scared he'll get into trouble for it, and he worries about it throughout the class. then a note gets passed to him right as the bell rings. he decides to wait to read it. he gets his papers from the teacher and is expecting to get into trouble. instead, he finds that his teacher has written him a note saying that he could change the equation to include a friend. then P.E. might be better for him. she also gives him a flyer for the math picnic so he can find a friend there. he's excited about that. he also finds out that the note is from Billy who's also bad in P.E. the next day in P.E. Marty is chosen to be a team captain. as his first choice, he picks Billy, and they become friends.

Who benefits from reading this book?

I think a lot of kids will be able to relate well to this book. every kid has his/her challenges in school. everyone is different and has different talents. so anyone who needs to realize that they are special for their individual talent would benefit from reading this book.

What problems could this book create?

I don't see how this book could cause any problems. it's a pretty uplifting story. i think people will be able to relate and benefit more from reading this book than have problems after reading it.

My reaction:

I thought this book was cute. i liked how the solution to his P.E. problem was to find a friend. i think a lot of kids will be able to understand where Marty is coming from. it's hard when you're the worst at something. however, everyone is good at something. like Marty was good at math. i thought it was fun that he found a friend who was also good at math. this was a good easy book, and i'd recommend it.

My Father's Dragon

My Father's Dragon
By Ruth Stiles Gannett
Publisher/date:Random house 1948
# of pages: 77
reading level: 3
genre: fantasy


Summary:

the father of whoever is talking is the main character. it starts with him meeting a cat that he takes in and feeds against his mother's wishes. then he runs away to find a dragon so he can fly. the cat tells him about Wild Island and how to get there to find the dragon. the boy stows away to get to to island. there he finds tangerines to eat. he then meets several different animals. all of them don't want him to be there, and they want to eat him. however, he uses the things in his pack to distract them so he can escape. for example, he gives gum to the tigers, toothpaste to the rhino, ribbons to the lion, suckers to the alligators, etc. throughout the whole thing, the boars are trying to find him because they know someone his one their island. he meets other animals too and they all talk. then, he finds where the dragon is, and he wants to free him from the harsh conditions it is forced to work it. the animals try to stop him, but the alligators take them all down stream while he is cutting the rope the dragon is tied to. eventually he gets it loose, and the dragon is happy to be freed.

who benefits?

anyone who likes fantasy will benefit. anyone who has a good imagination and likes stories where animals talk and dragons exist will like this book.

what problems could this books have?

well, the boy does run away from his mother, and he disobeys her by feeding the cat a saucer of milk. that's not a very good example. especially because at the end, he doesn't even go back home. other than that, i don't see any other problems with this book.

my reaction:

i didn't really realize this book was so old. i think it's cool that it's been around for so long and it's still considered a good book. its won a Newberry Honor. that's cool. i didn't find this book to be the most entertaining book. i thought it was really clever that he was able to get away from all the animals some way. however, maybe because it's an older book i don't really like the writing. i thought it was sad too that he ran away from his mother without even looking back. that wasn't my favorite, but the whole island thing was cool.

Locked in the Library

Arthur: Locked in the Library
By Marc Brown
Publisher/Date: Little Brown 1998
# of pages: 58
reading level: 3
Genre: fiction


Summary:

Francine is mad at Arthur for calling her a marshmallow. Mr. Ratburn assigns them a project to present a hero. they are partners much to the dismay of Francine. they decide to meet at the library at 3 to do research. she doesn't talk to Arthur. the librarian helps them pick a heroine, joan of Arc. They go to separate sections to research. Arthur accidentally falls asleep, and Fracine puts her headphones on to listen to music. then they both realize that the library has closed, and they are locked inside. they are still mad at each other, so they try to escape separately. then Arthur hears screaming, and thinking it's Francine, he runs to save her. then he finds that she is fine watching a movie and eating pizza in the lounge. she decides to share with them. then the librarian and their parents come and find them there. they are relieved to find each other safe. on monday, they tell their classmates the story of how heroic they both were alone in the library. however, mr. ratburn still expects them to do their report.

Who would this benefit?

Anyone who likes Arthur will benefit from reading this book. it also contains some information of Joan of Arc which is cool. it also teaches the importance of teamwork and of not insulting others because it just leads to problems.

what problems could this cause?

i don't think this could cause problems. yes, Arthur and Francine don't get along at first, but the whole story is about how they realize they need to work together, and by the end they are friends again. so it teaches good lessons that wouldn't cause problems.

My reaction:

I love Arthur. i remember watching the show after school. i liked this book too. it has a good message, and it has the humorous elements of Arthur. Arthur books are classic. i also think the story is an interesting idea of being stuck in a library. i think that would scare most kids, but arthur and francine take it pretty well. i would recommend any Arthur books to anyone.

Beany and the Magic Crystal

Beany and the Magic Crystal
By Susan Wojciechowski
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1997
# of pages:94
reading level: 3
genre: fiction


Summary:

This book is written about a girl named Beany. One day she gets lost for the third time at a store while shopping with her mom. her lady that helps her tells her about the magic crystals that you can wish on. When Beany's mother comes back to get her, the lady lets her take a crystal. Beany is really excited about that. she keeps it a secret from everyone, even her best friend. at her class, her teacher tells the students that they are having a contest to see who can be the most caring person in the class. the winner gets a trophy. Beany tries really hard to do kind things like clearing the table, visiting her widow neighbor Mrs. Kasper, and planting some flowers. her friend, Carol Ann is always trying to be better than Beany, and for the contest she is competing against her. she helps Beany plant the flowers, and asks Beany to put a slip of paper saying she did it in the caring box. the time comes for the winner to be announced, and Beany wins. Carol Ann comes in close second. Beany and her family are very proud. then she finds the slip of paper she was supposed to hand in for Carol Ann. she feels dishonest, so she tells her teacher who appreciates her honesty. so Carol Ann gets the trophy. she also helps Beany convince her parents to let her keep the class pets over the weekend. they agree even though her brother is allergic. however she accidentally loses the hamsters, and they spend the weekend looking for them. she almost uses her magic wish to find them, but then her dad has an idea for find them and it's all good. Then it's picture day. Beany is self-conscious about her hair, freckles, and big ears, so she doesn't want to get her picture taken. Carol Ann offers to help. she ruins her on accident by using her grandma's curlers, taping her ears back, and whiting out her freckles. Beany's mom helps her make it right again, and her pictures turn out well on make-up day. Then her birthday is coming up, and she wants a party. she invites all her friends and is excited, but also anxious. she's worried that people won't like it. her mom tries to comfort her but it doesn't really work. the day of her party, she goes to Mrs. Kasper's house to borrow some tomato paste for the spaghetti. she finds her crying because she misses her late husband. Beany invites her to the party, but she declines. she says she can't be happy with him dead. Beany then decides to giver her the magic crystal so she can be happy. later, Beany's birthday is a success, and Mrs. Kasper decides to come to the party and she is happy.

Who benefits from reading this?

I think it's a good one for girls to read. they would benefit from reading this book. it teaches good lessons such as honesty, service, responsibility, and accepting yourself for what you are. it's also entertaining. i would recommend it to anyone who likes this type of book.

what problems could this cause?

i don't think this could cause problems. it teaches some really good lessons. Beany is a good role model i think. she is a sweet and innocent girl. her friend is annoying, but Beany is still nice to her. i don't see any problems with this book.

My reaction:

i liked this book. it reminded me of Junie B. Jones, but not as little kiddy. Beany is a sweet character to get to know. i liked the lessons taught too. i didn't really catch all those lessons when if first read it when i was younger. i would recommend this book. it's a good one.

Mummies in the Morning

Mummies in the Morning
By Mary Pope Osborne
Publisher/Date: scholastic 1993
# of pages: 65
reading level: 2
Genre: fantasy


Summary:

Jack and Annie have a magic tree house. all they have to do is wish to be somewhere in the books they find in the tree house, and then they travel to the place. in this particular adventure they travel to ancient Egypt. they follow a black cat to a pyramid. in the pyramid the hear a tomb robber before they meet the dead queen of the Nile. she is a ghost who needs their help to pass on to the next life. they help her read the heiroglyphs to find her book of the dead. after they do, they find her mummy all decaying and the ghost is gone. Annie runs away, and Jack hears her yelling for help. she got lost in a passage meant to trick the tomb robbers. after that, they wish to be back home in Pennsylvania. they go back and their mom has made them peanut and butter and jelly sandwiches.

who benefits from reading this book?

any kid who is interested in ancient Egypt will benefit from reading this book. this book presents lots of information and new vocabulary about Egypt in a way that makes it part of the story. it's put into an adventure, so it's more interesting to read about.

what problems could this book cause?

Kids might get scared of the mummy part. it shows an illustration of the mummy and describes it's decayed state. other than that, there probably isn't any other problems with this book. it's an educational adventure!

My reaction:

i remember reading the magic tree house books when i was younger. i remember liking them a lot back then, but when i read this one again, i wasn't very impressed. i understand that it's written for younger kids, but i just didn't think it was written very well. however, i thought it was cool that she was able to teach about Egypt while she was telling a story. that was interesting.

Frindle

Frindle
By Andrew Clements
Publisher/Date: Aladdin 1996
# of pages: 105
reading level: ages 8-12
Genre: fiction


Summary:

Nick is a very creative student. he's known at school for his creativity and ability to distract teachers and get out of homework. however, when he begins 5th grade and has Mrs. Granger for language arts, he may have met his match. she's strict and loves her words. when he asks her a question about where words came from, she assigns him an oral report. he ends up taking up the whole class period doing his report to get back at her. however, at the end, he asks a question about why a dog is known as a dog. her reply is because everyone says so. this idea causes him to try an experiment. the experiment is to start calling a pen a frindle. he gets all his classmates to do it too which makes Mrs. Granger angry. she starts keeping kids for detention for using the word. soon, their use of the word frindle causes an uproar. the principal gets involved and talks to his parents. reporters come to talk to nick and Mrs. Granger about the issue. he goes on tv shows. Someone starts making pens with the word, frindle, printed on them. when everything dies down and it's the end of 5th grade, Nick goes to Mrs. Granger to get a letter she said she'd give him when the whole thing was over. She tells him it's not over. Nick continues through school and college, becomes rich from his frindle merchandise, and one day gets a package from Mrs. Granger. he finds that the dictionary now includes the word frindle, and her letter commends him for his creativity and for creating a word. in the end he and Mrs. Granger become friends.

Who benefits from reading this book?

Anybody who is interested in the origin of words will benefit from reading this book. it teaches quite a bit about that. this is also a good book to read for entertainment as well as an example of a creative student taking words to the next level. i think this is a well liked book, so i'd recommend it.

What problem could this book cause?

I would think this is a safe book that wouldn't cause problems. however, if i had to choose a problem it would be the fact that the students sort of rebel against the teachers and principal when they try to get detention for using the word frindle. however, in the end it's all tied together and it's said that there had to be resistance in order for the word to progress.

my reaction:

i really like this book. once again, andrew clements is one of my favorite children's authors. he does a good job, and i actually learned new things about words that i didn't know before. this was really entertaining and creative. i think it's one of those classic books that every students should read.

Horrible Harry and the Green Slime

Horrible Harry and the Green Slime
By Suzy Kline
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1989
# of Pages:58
Reading level: level 3
Genre: fiction


Summary:

The story is told by a boy named Doug. his best friend is Harry. the first thing that happens in the book is the "secret pal" activity. everyone in the class gets a secret pal and they aren't supposed to tell anybody else. Harry tells Doug he has Song Lee, but Doug won't tell Harry who his secret pal is. Harry gets mad and says they can't be friends anymore. Doug's secret pal doesn't do anything special, and when the day comes that they discover each others pal, Doug is Harry's. Then they are friends again. Then the principal says that every class needs to have a smoking awareness activity. In their class, they do skits. Doug and Harry do the best one in the class with Song Lee, Sidney, Ida, and Mary. They sing and die from smoking. Then after their teacher finishes reading Charlotte's Web, the class wants to celebrate the book in her honor. Harry has the idea to invade the school with webs. all the kids draw their own webs, and they put them up around the school. even the principal likes the idea. Then the teacher tells them that their project is to demonstrate something in class. Harry shows the class how to spike hair using the principal as an assistant. Harry and Song Lee make green slime. all the students and teachers like it except the secretary.

Who benefits from reading this book?

This book is all about what happens at school. any school child will be able to relate to and benefit from this book. it's funny and clever. not to mention easy to read, so young students will be able to be entertained.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't know if this book could cause problems. Harry has crazy ideas, but there isn't anything really bad that happens. it talks about the dangers of smoking and the importance of having friends, so i'd say it teaches good things.

My Reaction:

This book was ok. I didn't think the plot was that interesting. however, i think some kids will enjoy it. probably especially boys since it's about a boy with crazy ideas. it's a small chapter book with pictures, so it would be good for beginning chapter book readers.

Freckly Juice

Freckle Juice
By Judy Blume
Publisher/Date: Dell Yearling 1971
# of Pages: 47
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Genre: fiction


Summary:

Andrew wants to have freckles. The boy who sits in front of him, Nicky, has lots of freckles. he's jealous, and finds himself counting his freckles during class. if only he had freckles, he wouldn't have to wash his ears and neck. he asks Nicky how he got freckles, and Sharon overhears him. he doesn't like Sharon, but he listens when she says she has a recipe for freckle juice. she says for 50 cents she'll give him the recipe to grow freckles. the next day, he buys it from her. he's so excited to try it, he runs home after school, and mixes all the ingredients together. He drinks a big glass of grape juice, vinegar, mustard, mayo, ketchup, olive juice, pepper, onion, and lemon juice. it's disgusting, but he will do anything to get freckles. after he drinks it, he feels really sick. his mom comes home to find him sitting in the bathroom with a stomach ache. she freaks out until she finds out he made something and ate it. he stays home from school the next day, but after that his mom makes him go. he's too embarrassed to face Sharon without freckles. so he decides to put freckles on his face with a blue marker. everyone at school still makes fun of him. his teacher then calls him to her desk and gives him freckle remover so he goes to the bathroom to wash them off. Nicky is jealous and the book ends with Sharon telling him she has a recipe for freckle juice remover.

Who benefits from reading this book?

Anyone who wants to be entertained will benefit from reading this book. it's at a beginners level too, so a lot of kids will be able to read it. some will be able to relate to Andrew too. i know of some kids who really want freckles like he does.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't know if this could cause problems... if any, people might want to trick people the way Sharon does, and that's dishonest. other than that, i don't think this book has many problems.

My Reaction:

I thought this book was really clever. i found it pretty entertaining, and easy to read. i liked the illustrations. i liked how there were pictures even though it was a chapter book. i thought this was a well done book.

Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy

Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy
By Barbara Park
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1999
# of Pages: 67
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
Genre: fiction


Summary:

The book begins with Junie B. Jones deciding to have a new name. she chooses Pinkie Gladys Gutzman. her parents aren't too keen on her new name, but they humor her and let her wear a name tag. her dad has to get his hair cut, and he takes Junie with him. the hairdresser there lets Junie B. help out, but she sort of gets into trouble as always. However, after the trip to the Beauty salon, she gets the idea that she wants to be a "beauty shop guy". She practices on her bunny slippers, but they don't turn out very well. she hides them under her bed. then she decides to cut her dog's fur. but that doesn't turn out very well either. her parents find out and take away her scissors. however, she then decides to be a shampoo girl, and she washes her teddy bear's head. that doesn't turn out so well either. then she decides to cut her own hair with her extra scissors. it doesn't turn out well at all, and she decides to wear three hats to school so nobody will see her hair. then her teacher takes her in the hall to see what happened, and Junie tells her what the story is. she let's Junie keep her hat on the rest of the day. Then her dad comes to pick her up. when he sees her hair, he takes her back to the beauty salon, and she gets her hair fixed. she learns her lesson not to play with scissors.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

This is a beginning chapter book that can get younger kids to be interested in reading. I think younger kids will be able to relate well with her because she is very much like a little kid. plus it's just entertaining. anyone who wants a good laugh will benefit from reading this book.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't see any problems with this book. yes, Junie B. gets into trouble, but she always learns her lesson in the end. i don't think her example of cutting her stuffed animals, dog, or her own hair will make kids want to make the same mistake.

My Reaction:

I've always loved the Junie B. Jones books. I really enjoy her fun personality and funny quirks. She talks just like a little kid. the author does a good job at making her character come to life. she does things that other kids her age would actually do, and i like that. I laugh whenever i read these books. i love them, and they're an easy read.

A Year Down Yonder

A Year Down Yonder
By Richard Peck
Publisher/Date: Puffin Books 2000
# of Pages: 130
Reading Level: ages 9-12
Genre: historical fiction


Summary:

This is the story of a girl named Mary Alice who has to leave her home city of Chicago to live with her Grandma in the country. this takes place during the Great Depression. Grandma is a very unique woman, and at first, Mary Alice doesn't think she can last for a year. on her first day of school, a bully, Mildred, follows her home to get money out of her, and Grandma totally tricks her and makes her stolen horse run away. Grandma does lots of other crazy things throughout the year. for example, she pours glue over a boys head and steals his pocket knife, she uses a tractor to get pecans to fall from her neighbors tree, she steals pumpkins for pumpkin pie, she charges people different amounts of money for burgoo, she traps foxes for extra money, she reunites long-lost sisters, and she keeps a snake in her attic to keep mice away. however, even though the town has the view of her being a crazy old woman, she also has a very sweet side to her underneath her hard outer shell. for example, she looks out for Mary Alice when Mildred bullies her, she makes delicious pies for the Halloween party, she uses the money from the burgoo to help out an old lady and her crippled son, she makes a beautiful costume for Mary Alice to wear as the virgin Mary, she uses the money from the fox furs to buy train tickets for Mary Alice and her brother, Joey, she saves Mary Alice's cat and kittens from the tornado, she plays matchmaker, and she makes sure that her neighbors are ok after the tornado hits. Mary Alice learns a lot from her, and when it's time for her to leave, she doesn't want to go home. however, Grandma makes her go, and years later, Mary Alice gets married to her sweetheart she met while living with Grandma in her house in the country. They lived happily ever after.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Anyone who wants to read a good, entertaining book will benefit from reading this. it also teaches some good lessons about love and sacrifice. Grandma is a fun character to get to know, and i think some kids will be able to relate to this book. It's also set in the time of the Great Depression, so kids who read it will be able to get a feel for what it was like during that time.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't think there are any problems with this book. It's entertaining, has a good message, and ends happily. If you wanted to get picky, someone might say that Grandma is a bit mean to some people. For example, when she takes the extra pecans and pumpkins, calls her neighbor rude names, or when she pours glue all over that boys head. those things aren't very good even though she tries to justify the reason she does those things. My opinion is that the good things she does outweigh the bad. so i don't think this book would cause problems.

My reaction:

I really liked this book. i'm glad it was one of the required books we had to read. sometimes i don't like books like this, but i thought this one was really entertaining. i want to meet grandma. i thought it was really cute that Mary Alice ended up marrying Royce. i think that was a nice touch. i think this book deserves the Newberry Medal it got. I would recommend it.

Pierre: a cautionary tale

Pierre: a cautionary tale
By Maurice Sendak
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1962
# of Pages: 48
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Genre: picture book

Summary:

this is the tale of a boy named Pierre who doesn't seem to care about anything. Whenever his parents say something or ask him a question, all he says is, "I don't care". They end up leaving him at home when they go to town because he doesn't care. while they're gone, a lion comes and asks if he can eat Pierre. Pierre says, "I don't care". so the lion eats him. his parents come home to find the lion sick in bed, and they ask him where Pierre is. the lion says, "i don't care". then they know that Pierre is in the lion. so they take the lion to the hospital and the doctor shakes the lion until Pierre falls out. When he does, he has changed his mind about not caring, and now CARES!



Who benefits from reading this book?

Any child who needs to learn how to care will benefit from reading this book. it's also written in poetry format, and there is actually a song that comes from this story, so it's a fun book to read.

what problems could this book cause?

this book's purpose is to teach the lesson about caring. therefore, at the beginning of the story, Pierre misbehaves and doesn't really respect his parents. I would say that he sets a bad example except for the fact that in the end he learns his lesson and changes his attitude. so i'd say this book is problem-free.

my reaction:

I've loved this book ever since i first read it. The first time i did read it, i played the tape with the song along with it, so i was able to follow along with the words to the song. I remember my mom always quoting it whenever i told her i didn't care. this is one of those books that has stuck with me, and continues to be one of my favorites. I will read this to my children, and i highly recommend it.

The Emperor's Egg

The Emperor's Egg
By Martin Jenkins
Publisher/Date: Candlewick Press 1999
# of Pages: 30
Reading Level: 3rd Grade
Genre: Nonfiction


Summary:

this book is all about what happens to an emperor penguin's egg after it is laid. The mom goes to sea to get food, and the father is left to protect it and keep it warm for 2 months. after it hatches, the father feeds it with food it produces in it's mouth. When it's about gone, the mom returns and they have a big reunion.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Anybody can learn from reading this book. so i'd say anyone benefits. it's very informational. anyone interested in emperor penguins will benefit from reading this book. it teaches a lot, but in a way that anyone could understand.

What problems could this book cause?

This book is strictly informational, so i don't see how it could cause any problems. I would think this book would be safe to read to anybody.

My Reaction:

This book was interesting. it taught a lot about emperor penguins, and reminded me of the movie Happy Feet. I also really liked the illustrations. the penguins were really cute, and it seemed to be pretty realistic. I liked this book. I think it's a good one for kids to learn from.

The Grouchy Ladybug

The Grouchy Ladybug
By Eric Carle
Publisher/Date:HarperCollins 1997
# of Pages: 48
Reading Level: level 3
Genre: Picture


Summary:

This story begins with the Grouchy Ladybug meeting another ladybug on a leaf. The grouchy ladybug wants to fight with the other for the aphids. The grouchy ladybug decides to fight her, but then changes his mind saying that she's not big enough. So he goes out in search of someone who is big enough. at different time he meets different creatures including: a yellow jacket, stag beetle, praying mantis, sparrow, lobster, skunk, boa, hyena, gorilla, rhino, elephant, and a whale. at the end, he goes back to the leaf with the friendly ladybug. Then they share the aphids, and the grouchy ladybug learns her lesson.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Any child will benefit from reading this book. it teaches many lessons such as, not to be grouchy, sharing, different animals and their sizes, time, and what ladybugs eat. This is another classic that every child should read or have read to them.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't see any problems with this book because it teaches a good lesson. the ladybug eventually learns her lesson so it's a good book for anyone to read. it's one of those that everyone who reads it, they remember and like it.

My Reaction:

Once again, this book is a classic. Besides the Hungry Caterpillar, this is my favorite book that Eric Carle has out. I think it teaches a lot, but it is also entertaining. I read this book to my nephew, and it was fun to talk about the different animals found throughout the book. this is definitely one of my favorites, and i recommend it to anyone.

Oh, The Pets You Can Get!

Oh, The Pets You Can Get!
By Tish Rabe
Publisher/Date: Random House 1998
# of Pages: 44
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book


Summary:

This book is all about the different pets there are out there. It lists the different kinds: dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. It also teaches what must be done for the different pets. you must feed, wash, and take them to the vet. All this information is put into rhyme.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Any child wanting to know more about different pets and animals will benefit. this is a very informational book, and it may cause children to have more of a curiosity for animals. this book teaches how to take care of the different pets there are, and what must be done to keep them healthy.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't think this book could really cause any problems except the fact that after reading this, a child may want a pet that they aren't allowed to have. otherwise, this is strictly an informational book that kids will enjoy reading.

My Reaction:

This is a good book to get kids interested in animals and what needs to be done to take care of them. it's also an easy read for kids who are just learning. i also like the use of rhyme because that makes all the information organized and more fun to read.

Arthur Lost and Found

Arthur Lost and Found
By Marc Brown
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1998
# of Pages: 32
Reading Level: 2nd Grade
Genre: Fiction


Summary:

Arthur has to ride the bus to his swimming lesson after school. He asks his friend, Buster, to come with him, and he agrees. When the get on the bus, they accidentally fall asleep and find that they are in the wrong part of town. They get off the bus and are scared they are lost. They are hungry, so they buy some food. Then they decide that they should get back on the bus to try to get home when they realize they don't have money left. So, they decide to ask the bus driver if they can get a ride anyway. He is nice and takes them right to their house. Arthur's family had been worried, so they were happy to have him back home, even D.W.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Any child who enjoys the Arthur books will benefit from reading this book. Also, anyone who has ever been lost before will be able to relate to this book. It also shows that D.W. still love Arthur, even though they don't always get along in other books.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't find any problems with this book. It's just a story about a boy who gets lost after he accidentally falls asleep on the bus. The bus driver is nice to him because he's a young kid, and the story ends happily. I don't think anyone would be offended by this book.

My Reaction:

I'm a fan of Arthur books. I really like this book. It reminds me of when my brother fell asleep on the bus after school. I'm sure he was able to read and relate to this book when he read it. I think it's a common thing for kids to get lost. Thankfully, they are usually found and helped by the adults around them. I would recommend this book to anyone.

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
By Laura Joffe Numeroff
Publisher/Date: HarperCollins 1985
# of Pages: 28
Reading Level: level 1
Genre: Fiction


Summary:

This is the story of a boy who gives a mouse a cookie. When he does, he suffers the consequences for the mouse asks for more and more things. The story goes through the boy doing all that the mouse asks him including getting him milk, nail scissors, a broom, crayons, etc. At the end we see the boy exhausted from running around doing all the mouse asks of him.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

This is definitely a children's book. the pictures are fun, and it teaches kids how to make connections. One thing leads to another. It's a fun book for kids and adults to read, and the illustrations are well done. they definitely add to the story. any child will benefit and like this book.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't see any problems with this book at all. It's just a fun, humorous book for children of all ages.

My Reaction:

In my opinion, this book is a classic. It's one that should be read to every child. I remember liking it when i was younger. I liked it again when I read it as an adult. I also enjoy the others like it (i.e. When You Give a Moose a Muffin). I recommend this book to anyone.

Doomed Queen Anne

Doomed Queen Anne
By Carolyn Meyer
Publisher/Date:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2002
# of Pages: 256
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction


Summary:

This is the story of Anne Boleyn, the unlikely queen to King Henry VIII. as a young girl, she didn't feel good enough. her family wasn't ever pleased with her, and her older sister, Mary, was more beautiful and more enchanting than she was. she was sent to France to be a part of the court there. While in France she learned of the ways of love, and other skills needed for a woman of the court. however, she then came back to England where King Henry caught her eye. her sister was already a mistress to the king, and she was very jealous. She swore to herself that one day she would become greater than her sister and be the Queen. She falls in love with Hal Percy at the court, and they illegally become engaged. when they are discovered, Lord Percy is sent away, and Anne's reputation is ruined. she once again has disgraced her family. this leaves a bitter taste in her mouth for love. from then on, her main goal is just to catch the King's eye and eventually become his wife. As she grows, she matures into a shrewd, pretty young woman. all the men of the court are captivated by her, including the King. He summons her to his chambers to seduce her, but she is too smart to agree to become his mistress. she tells him she will not until she is married. he respects her and sends her away. time passes, and the love between her and the king grows stronger. The rumor that the King is looking to have the marriage between him and his wife Queen Catherine is illegitimate. Then he will be free to marry Anne, and have a chance to produce an heir to his throne. However, this takes many months. Eventually, Anne realizes that for the King to take action, she must become pregnant with his heir. So finally she becomes his mistress and conceives. The wedding is sped up, and his marriage with Catherine is annulled. Anne becomes the Queen of England like she planned, much to the dismay of the kingdom and the court. This upsets her, and she really isn't happy. She becomes irritable with everyone including King Henry. he is patient with her, and still professes his love for her. She eventually gives birth to a baby girl, Princess Elizabeth, and is very disappointed that she is not a male heir to the thrown. the king is also disappointed with this fact. However, they continue to try to conceive a son. Anne has multiple miscarriages, and the King becomes upset and bored with her. Her temper doesn't help situations. Henry eventually begins to have an affair with Jane Seymour. This hurts Anne, and she confronts the King. He eventually decides that he does not love her anymore, and he accuses her of being a witch, putting him under a spell, and committing adultery. She is put on trial along with the men she is accused with, and she is eventually executed.

Who Benefits from reading this book:

Anybody who would like to learn more about this time period and gain insight to the story of King Henry VIII will benefit. I know that after i read this book, I wanted to learn more about it, and i've read all 3 of the "young royals" that Carolyn Meyer has written. I think books like this instill curiosity in their readers. So anyone wanting to learn more will benefit.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

This book is not for younger children. I would definitely say that it's for young adults. while it doesn't go into detail, it is implied several times that the King is sleeping around with different mistresses. Anne is also not the best example. She has a bad temper, and she is not very kind to people, especially her step daughter, and even her husband. parents should take caution and make sure their child is mature enough to read this book.

My Reaction:

I really liked this book. I remember reading the other 2 books in the series when i was in 6th grade, and i loved them. when i saw that there was a third, i was really excited to read the story from Anne's perspective. She's such a fascinating character, and these books really bring her real character to life. I've read other books about this time period, and i believe it was from the other 2 books i read as an 11 year old. This book does a good job at instilling curiosity about the history of the time period. I would recommend this book to all those old enough to read it.

A Single Shard

A Single Shard By Linda Sue Park Publisher/Date:Yearling 2001 # of Pages: 152 Reading Level: 6.2 Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:

This is the story of an orphan boy named Tree-ear living in Korea. Tree-ear lives with his friend, Crane-man, under a bridge. Tree-ear and Crane-man do all they can to get food for themselves being homeless and jobless. however, they both believe in being honest, so they don't steal or beg. Tree-ear has an interest in the art of pottery making, so he often goes to watch the masters at work. one day, he is admiring the work of the pottery maker, Min. Tree-ear accidentally breaks the pot he is admiring, and Min agrees to let him work to pay the debt. Tree-ear is excited about this opportunity, and he also gets a midday meal for working for Min. He always saves some of his food for Crane-man, and Min's wife secretly adds food to his bowl while he is working. She is very kind to Tree-ear while Min is not as patient. He's a slow worker, but his work is of the highest quality. when Tree-ear has paid off his debt, he asks if he can continue to work. Min agrees, but can not pay him. This is alright with Tree-ear because he wants to eventually be trained in the art of pottery making. then it is announced that a man from the palace is coming to their town to find the best pottery maker to commission. Min works very hard, but when the time comes, he doesn't have his best work to show. his colleague has discovered a new technique, and he gets the commission. however, the man tells Min that if he can send his work to the capital, he can get the commission because he has higher quality work. Tree-ear volunteers to take the pottery to the city when the time comes. Min makes 2 vases that he must take on the journey. He does not want to leave Crane-man by himself, but Min's wife asks him to help her out in exchange for food. tree-ear also gives Crane-man a small clay monkey that he has created. He then sets out on the long journey traveling from village to village to the palace. In one city he encounters robbers who mug him and throw his pottery off a cliff. When they leave, Tree-ear goes to where they have shattered. he is so sad, but decides to take a single shard to the palace anyway. He arrives at the palace, shows the shard to the man, and he finds the piece to be of great quality. Min gets the commission. Tree-ear goes back to his town to find that Crane-man has died which makes him really sad. However, Min finally decides to make Tree-ear an apprentice, and Min and his wife take him into their home.

Who benefits from reading this book?

This book is very informational about Korean culture at that certain time period. anybody who wants to learn more about that. It's also a good example of a story of an unlikely hero. Tree-ear has to overcome different circumstances, and in the end he is able to achieve his goal. i think this is a good book that can inspire anyone who reads it.

What problems could this book create?

In my opinion, this book doesn't have anything that could be a problem. it's actually a surprisingly positive book. it teaches lessons about honesty, pride, and perseverance. i would feel comfortable letting children of all ages read this book.

My Reaction:

To be honest, this wasn't my favorite book. i thought it was too slow and boring. I couldn't care less about pottery making, and for some reason I don't have any interest in Korea either. I thought it was good in that it taught some good lessons, but i can't say that i enjoyed reading this book. i think it's hard to read about something that doesn't interest me. i can't say that i'd recommend it.

Falling Up

Falling Up
By Shel Silverstein
Publisher/Date: HarperCollins 1996
# of pages: 184
Reading Level: ages 8-12
Genre: Poetry


Summary:

This is one of the compilations of Shel Silverstein's poetry. all of the poems in this book are his, and all the pictures inside are his artwork as well. This book contains a variety of poems. some are funny, some are more serious, some teach a lesson, some are about animals, some are long, some are short, some don't make much sense at all. My favorites include: Snowball, Scale, Noise Day, Furniture Bash, Screamin' Millie, Spoiled Brat, Lyin' Larry, The Nap Taker, and When I Was Your Age just to name a few.


Who benefits from reading this book?

I think anybody who enjoys poetry will benefit from reading this book. i think it's a good one for children because a lot of the poems are geared towards them, and the drawings make the poem come to life. This is a good book to introduce children to poetry because it is so fun, and it could make kids realize that poetry is something fun, not something boring.

What problems could this book cause?

This book was basically written for children, so there shouldn't be any problems caused by it's poetry. If someone was extremely nit-picky, they could say that some of the illustrations contain partial nudity (i.e. the behind is shown a couple times). Some people may not like to see that in a children's book.

My Reaction:

I really like this book. Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite children's authors. when i was younger i would read his books all the time. they make me laugh. I think his poems are very entertaining, and they help people to see how poetry can be fun. I think he is very creative in a lot of his poems. His use of words and the way he plays with words and phrases is really fun. For example his furniture poem uses all the different parts of furniture that are named after body parts such as the leg of a chair, arm of a chair, face of a clock, head of the table, etc. I find this book really fun and entertaining, and I highly recommend it.

Lincoln: a Photobiography

Lincoln: a Photobiography
Publisher/Date: Clarion Books 1987
# of Pages: 150
Reading Level: ages 9-12
Genre: Nonfiction

Summary:

This is the story of Abraham Lincoln's life. it begins with his birth and talks about his life living in a log cabin. he had less than a year of public schooling, but he taught himself how to read as well as other subjects. he grew up and got a job. he decided he wanted to be a lawyer, and he and another guy started a law firm. he taught himself law, and he became one of the best lawyers in the state. he married his wife Mary, and they were so in love. her parents didn't approve, but they were married anyway. he decided running for office, but he wasn't elected. he tried several times until he finally was. many people really liked him, and he became known as honest Abe. He then ran for President, and he won. During his presidency, the Civil War broke out which caused him a lot of stress and anxiety. he was very concerned about the war. he also had troubles with depression, and when his youngest of three sons died, he never really got over it. many photos are included in this biography of Lincoln, his family, and of the war. one shows how Lincoln's appearance changed throughout the four stressful years of being president. he ran for a second term, and was reelected. shortly after, he went to a play with his wife. during the play, his guard went downstairs to see the play, and John Wilkes Booth came in and shot Lincoln in the head. He died a few hours later. many people came to show their respects to the great man he was. Even now he is known as one of the greatest president's our country has ever had.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Anyone who appreciates history will like this book. anyone wanting to know more about Abraham Lincoln will also benefit. It's written in a way that is interesting, and children will be able to read and enjoy. the pictures included are also very interesting to see.

What problems could this book cause?

This book only contains facts. I don't think this could cause any problems because Lincoln's life was respectable, and there is nothing contained in the book that could offend anyone. some people may not like it because it shows some of his "weaknesses". however, it's written in a way that i think makes him seem more respectable, and more human.

My Reaction:

I thought this book was okay. Biographies are not my favorite things to read, but this is a really well-done one of Abraham Lincoln. I thought all the pictures really helped a lot. you not only read a bunch of information, but you are able to see him, his family, the places he lived and worked, and the war. i found those very interesting. it made me appreciate Lincoln more, and i would recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in learning more about him and his life.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog By Sharon Creech Publisher/Date: Harper Trophy 2001 # of Pages:86 Reading Level: ages 8-12 Genre: Poetry Summary:

This is the story of a boy named Jack and his journey to loving poetry. the entire book is written in poetry format. it seems to be that he is writing in a journal at school because it is implied that his teacher is commenting on his entries. at first he doesn't like poetry, and he thinks it's for girls. however, we find that he begins to like it more and more as the story goes on. some of the poems the teacher assigns him to read inspire him to write some other poetry. the one that affects him the most is one called "Love that Boy" by Walter Dean Myers. it inspires him to write about his dog in his poem "Love that Dog". he writes a letter to him and asks him to come to his class as a guest to talk about his poetry. Walter Dean Myers writes back saying that he is able to come to the class. Jack is really excited about that. throughout the whole book the reader is trying to find out more about this dog that Jack has. it isn't until the end that we find out that the blue car hit his dog, and now his dog is dead.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

I think this is a good book to introduce someone to poetry. it's such an easy read, and the poetry is written in a way that you don't really realize it's poetry, it just feels like a regular story. I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to Jack because a lot of people think they don't like poetry, and because a lot of people have had pets. people who like poetry will also benefit from reading this book since it's written entirely in poetry format.

What problems could this book cause?

I don't find anything wrong with this book. i suppose some people not like to read about his dog dying because it's sad. but other than that i think it's an entirely positive story.

My Reaction:

I really liked this book. it is probably the most unique book i've read in a really long time. i don't know that i've ever read a story like that written in poetry. I thought it was really creative. i liked how some other well known poems were put in the book as well. i remember feeling like Jack did at the beginning when i was going through school. i didn't understand poetry, and i told myself i didn't like it. it hasn't been until recently where i've found that i really enjoy poetry. So this book was a good one for me, and i'd recommend it.

Miles of Smiles

Miles of Smiles
Edited by Bruce Lansky
Publisher/Date:Scholastic Press
# of Pages:115
Reading level:Ages 4-8
Genre:poetry


Summary:

this book is compilation of poems by many different authors. the poems are separated into 7 categories which are: ME, PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, SCHOOL, FOOD, GROSS OUT, TALL TALES, CRITTERS AND CREATURES, and ALL MIXED UP. these are meant to entertain and bring a smile to ones face. they are really funny, and they are easy to understand. they are poems that have been chosen by kids to be classified as "funny", therefore, most kids will probably agree and find these poems fun and entertaining.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

this book is entirely a poetry book. people who enjoy poetry, and those looking for a good laugh will benefit from this book. poetry has many positive benefits, and any child will benefit from reading this. the poems are short, so this is an easy read for anyone. i would recommend it to anyone, the poems are quite entertaining.

What problems could this book cause?

some of the poems have crude themes. especially those in the "grossed out" section. some talk about burping, farting, going to the bathroom, underwear, and even smoking. some parents might not want their young children to read poems that contain those things.

My Reaction:

i really liked this book. i found the poems to be really funny and entertaining. i really like poetry, so this was a good one for me to read. i read it all in one day, so it's a very easy read. it's a good variety to break away from the common story book. i think this is a fun book for children, and they will be able to relate to a lot of these poems. i would recommend this book to anybody.

No Talking

No Talking
By Andrew Clements
Publisher/Date:Simon and Schuster 2007
# of Pages: 146
Reading Level: age 8-10
Genre:Fiction


Summary:

This story begins with Dave. He's in fifth grade, and through a report he did on India, he came across Ghandi. he learned that he would go for days without speaking. Dave thought this was an interesting concept, so he decided to try it for a day at school. he found it hard especially when he was supposed to give a presentation, but he managed. He ends up challenging his rival, Lynsey, to a see who can go the longest without talking. she agrees, but it turns into being a contest between the girls and the boys in the entire fifth grade. they set up rules such as when a teacher asks them a question, they can answer, but only with three words. they decide the contest should go for two days starting the next day at lunch. all the fifth graders are in on it. the contest begins, and all the teachers and the principal are baffled. this particular group of students are the loudest in the history of the school. although this is a good change, the principal, Mrs. Hiatt, doesn't like it at all. the day continues, and the teachers are not a fan of the whole thing except for the language arts teacher, Mr. Burton. he makes an experiment out of it, and he thinks it's a creative idea. that day after school, the principal and the teachers all meet to discuss the issue. Mrs. Hiatt decides to have an assembly first thing the next day to put an end to it. most of the teachers agree, except Mr. Burton. Meanwhile, the kids are having a hard time keeping quiet at home. some mess up and have to tell Lynsey and Dave who are keeping score about it the next day at school. then the kids are told to go to the assembly. there the principal tells the students to stop their experiment because it's disruptive to the learning environment. however, for the students, the contest isn't over. they get through the rest of the day without breaking any rules. the kids make exceptions such as singing for music class, but other than that, they continue in their silence. at lunch, the principal sees that the kids are still not talking, and she becomes very upset. she yells at Dave who yells back, and he tells her they have the right to remain silent. he gets called to her office later, and she apologizes to him. he asks her if she'd like to join them, and she softens and decides to make it a school project. each grade competes against each other. however, for the fifth graders, the contest is still on. the next day at lunch, Lynsey and Dave come together to tally the points to see who the winner is. before 12:15 when the contest is officially over, Lynsey says a couple sentences to Dave. then they tally up the totals. the girls completely beat the boys, but with Lynsey's extra words, they find that they have tied.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

Anyone who enjoys Andrew Clement's other books will enjoy this book. many kids like his book, Frindle. this book is of the same quality. i think it will be most enjoyed by those in 4th-6th grade. they will be able to identify the best with the characters and their situation. it's an entertaining story with an interesting subject. elementary kids trying not to talk for two whole days seems like it would be a struggle, but the author tells the story very well.

What problems could this book cause?

Some of the kids in this book use degrading language. they call each other losers and idiots. the typical elementary insults. this might be a problem. they don't set a wonderful example. also, they don't obey their principal when she asks them to stop their silence. however, i think it also has a good message. the kids are able to make a statement without being disrespectful. Not talking is not a bad thing, and it helps the kids learn a lesson about language.

My Reaction:

I'm a big fan of Andrew Clements. i've enjoyed every book of his that i've read. i really like his writing style. I also like his stories. he comes up with interesting ideas like this one. it makes me wonder if this kind of thing could happen in a school. i almost want to try this experiment myself. i even thought about reading it to my future class, and seeing if they could do this experiment for a day. i think it would be really interesting to see. i really liked this book, and i'd recommend it to anyone.

Beauty

Beauty
By Robin McKinley
Publisher/Date: Harper Trophy 1993
# of Pages: 247
Reading level: age 10+
Genre: fantasy

Summary:

The story begins with Honour living with her father and her sisters Hope and Grace. She's the ugliest of the sisters, and she doesn't like her nickname, Beauty. She grows up living in wealth with servants and things. Her sister Hope falls in love with a humble blacksmith, Ger, and they get married. Grace falls in love with Robbie, but he goes out to sea. Then tragedy strikes Beauty's father's business. He loses everything, and Grace loses Robbie who she thinks is dead. They all move to the country to a small house with Ger. They learn to work, and their lifestyle is changed. Hope and Ger have twins. One day, Beauty's father is traveling from the city, and he gets lost in the woods. he comes across a castle and he goes inside. he is taken care of there by an invisible host. then one day he picks a rose to bring home to Beauty, and a horrible beast comes and tells him that because he's done this, he must come back with one of his daughters to be prisoner or else he will be killed. he comes home and tells the family of the news. Beauty decides she will be the one to go. the family is all sad and they don't want her to go. however, they know she must, so she goes to the castle and stays with the beast. she doesn't see him at first. she is also taken care of by invisible hosts. then she meets the beast. they begin to eat and read together. every night he asks her to marry him, and each time she says no. she begins to see all the magic of the castle, and she also begins to really enjoy the beast and his company. then the beast shows her Robbie is still alive, and her family. she sees that Grace is about to be engaged to a man she doesn't love. this all makes her sad. she asks the beast if she can return home only to tell Grace that Robbie is still alive. he allows her to go for one week. She goes home and finds that her family is all well. they are all happy to see her, and she tells them about life in the castle. she has a good time back with her family and tells them of Robbie. then it's time for her to go, and she realizes how much she misses the beast, and how much she loves him. however, when she goes back, she's almost too late and she gets lost. once she finally finds the castle, she thinks the beast is dead. but he is not. he's very happy she's back, and she tells him she loves him and wants to marry him. once she does this, he magically changes into a handsome prince. at first she doesn't know who he is, but then he asks her to marry him, and she doesn't feel pretty enough. then she looks in the mirror and finds that she has grown to be more beautiful than her sisters. they get married and so do Grace and Robbie, and they live happily ever after.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

this book teaches a good lesson about inner beauty. i think it's important for young people to realize what true beauty really is, and the true beauty lies within. it also teaches about love. there are several good examples of good attributes needed for a successful relationship or marriage. the way Beauty and the Beast fall in love is also very significant because it's not the typical fairy tale love. they come to know each other, and look past their looks and fall in love with the person under the skin. any young girl especially would benefit from reading this book.

What problems could this book cause?

i don't really find anything wrong with this book that could cause a problem. it's just a fairy tale. it also contains really good messages. that people can definitely learn from. i would recommend this book to anyone.

My Reaction:

This wasn't my favorite book honestly. i didn't like how it took so long for the story to begin. i thought the first half of the book was slow moving and pointless to the story. i thought it was ridiculous that the beast wasn't even mentioned until halfway through the book. once i got to that point i liked it better. and i thought the messages in it were really good and beneficial. for me, it's not my favorite style of writing either. although her descriptions are really good. so overall i'd give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Children Just Like Me

Children Just Like Me
By Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley
Publisher/Date: Dorling Kindersley 1995
# of Pages: 64
Reading level: ages 5-8
Genre: Informational

Summary:

This book is a compilation of a bunch of different children from all over the world. each page tells a little bit about the child interviewed, their family, friends, clothes, religion, house, country, food, school, and hobbies. It covers all inhabited continents and includes countries such as Australia, Russia, France, China, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, U.S., and Canada.

Who Benefits from reading this book?

I think anyone would benefit from reading this book. it's very informative about all the different cultures and ethnic groups. i think kids will especially benefit because it's written for kids about other kids.

What Problems could this book potentially cause?

I'm pretty sure the purpose of this book is to eliminate problems. it's very focused on celebrating each individual's different identity. So many different ethnic groups are represented, and each one has something unique about them that is shown in a positive light.

My Reaction:

I found this book very fascinating. I was able to spend a long time reading through all the different things on each page. I thought it was cool that they included the child's signature. I learned a lot about different cultures. i also liked how it was written from a child's point of view. i think this is a really good book. i'm pretty sure i had it at my house growing up, but i never read it. i would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about other cultures.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By JK Rowling
Publisher/Date: Scholastic Press 1997
# of Pages:309
Reading level: 5
Genre: Fantasy

Summary:

Harry Potter is an ordinary boy living with his Aunt and Uncle because his parents died when he was a baby. Then, one day, he gets a letter. His uncle goes to great lengths to keep him from reading it and the others that come. He even moves the family to a remote island for a night. That night, Harry's birthday, an unexpected visitor, Hagrid, comes to visit. He tells Harry that he is in fact a wizard, and that he has been invited to attend Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Hagrid takes him and introduces him to the hidden world of magic. He tells him about the wizard who killed his parents, Lord Voldemort. The day he leaves for school from the train station, he meets Ron Weasley who becomes his best friend. They get to school, and Harry learns all about magic, and joins the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He also meets Professer Snape, and Draco Malfoy who both hate Harry. He also meets Hermione, a smart girl in his house, and after he and Ron save her from a troll on Halloween, they become friends. There's something being hidden on the 3rd floor of Hogwarts, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione have the notion that Professer Snape is trying to steal whatever it is. Along with the troll, Harry also encounters the Mirror of Erised, Hagrid's dragon, detention, Fluffy, the 3 headed dog guarding the thing on the 3rd floor, a unicorn in the forbidden forest, the evil Lord Voldemort, and many clues to lead them to think Snape is trying to steal the thing. They find out the object is the Sorcerer's Stone which has power to give the owner immortality. The day of their last exams, Harry, Ron, and Hermione think Snape is going to steal it. The headmaster, Dumbledore, is gone, and nobody believes them. So they decide to stop him themselves. They get through all the different things guarding the stone, and Ron gets hurt. Hermione goes to help him and send a letter to Dumbledore, and Harry goes on the find Professor Quirrell is the one who is trying to steal it. Voldemort has been sharing his body, and they have a battle. Harry wakes up 3 days later in the hospital wing to find the stone is safe. He becomes a school hero, and goes home for the summer happy.

Who Benefits from Reading this Book?

Anybody who enjoys a good book will love this. It is full of adventure and mystery that keeps you reading. I think it's a good one to get kids interested in reading chapter books. Those who like fantasy books will also like this. I think kids will be able to identify with Harry and his friends. This book is just plain entertaining, and anyone who likes to read will benefit from reading this book.

What Problems Could this book Potentially Cause?

This book is controversial because it has themes that involve witchcraft. Some people have boycotted the Harry Potter series, and some think it's contents are evil. My opinion is, the genre is fantasy, so the reader has to be aware that it's made up and that magic isn't real. Also, this entire series is about the struggle of good vs evil. Good always prevails in the end, so I think the message is a good one.

My Reaction:

I love Harry Potter. I have ever since I first read it in third grade. I think it's a really good series that gets kids reading. It's so well written, and the plot is so intriguing that it keeps the reader reading. I find the story very entertaining. The entire series to this day are my favorite books. I would recommend them to anybody old enough to read them.

The Story of Ruby Bridges

The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Robert Coles
Publisher/Date:Scholastic Press 1995
# of Pages: 32
Reading Level: 2
Genre: Biography

Summary:


Young Ruby Bridges is chosen to be one of the first black children to be integrated into a white school. Many people are angry about this, and parents protest against it. Ruby has to be escorted to school by federal marshals to be protected from the mobs. When she does go to school, she is the only one there. Her teacher, Ms. Henry, has only her to teach. One morning, Mrs. Henry looked out the window and saw Ruby saying something in the crowd. When she asked Ruby what she said, Ruby told her she was praying for the people. She was asking God to forgive them for persecuting her.

Who Benefits from Reading this Book?

Those who are interested in reading about this time period, and about what it was like for the people then would benefit. It's an informational book, so anyone would learn from it. It also has religious themes. It ends with Ruby praying for the people, so I think it teaches a good lesson about love for enemies. The illustrations are also very nice, so people who like good pictures would benefit as well.

What Problems Could This Book Potentially Cause?

This book is all about the racism and about how prejudice the people were at that time. Some might find this offensive, however, because it's based on historical facts, I think it's fine. Also, as i mentioned above, this book contains religious themes. It's made clear that Ruby and her family believe in God, and they worship Him in church. It also includes Ruby's prayer at the very end, and some might be offended by that.

My Reaction:

I liked this book. As a child I wasn't a big fan of informational books at all. However, as I've grown, I've come to like them much more. I think there's a lot to learn from books like this. I hadn't ever heard about Ruby Bridges before this, so it was fun to learn more about her. I haven't read a lot about this period in history either, so I like to learn new things about it. It makes me really sad though that she was persecuted so much just for going to school. She was just doing what the government told her to, and people were just ruthless about it. However, I love the lesson it teaches about loving your enemies. Her prayer at the end is so powerful I think. I really liked this book. And the pictures are pretty.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

The Great Gilly Hopkins
By Katherine Paterson
Publisher/Date: Harper Trophy 1978
# of Pages:178
Reading Level: Age 10+
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Galadriel (Gilly) Hopkins is a foster child. She has been moving around to different foster parents, and the story begins with her coming to Mrs. Trotter's to live. She has an attitude, swears, is prejudiced, and is a hard kind of girl who doesn't seem to care about much. She doesn't like Trotter, or William Ernest, the other foster kid that lives with Trotter. She also doesn't care much for the blind black man next door, Mr. Randolph, who comes to eat dinner every night. She goes to school, and dislikes her teacher, Ms. Harris, and on the first day she beats up six boys at one time. She also becomes acquaintances with Agnes, a greasy haired girl who follows her around. The only thing Gilly cares about is her mother, Courtney. She tries to go to California where Courtney lives by stealing money from Mr. Randolph's house, and from Trotter's purse. When she gets to the bus station, the clerk calls the police on her, and she gets caught. In her frustration, she writes a letter to Courtney telling her how much she hates her new foster home, and she asks her to send money so she can catch a bus to San Francisco. To punish Gilly for stealing, Trotter has her do tasks around the house, including helping W.E. with his reading. As she does this, she becomes friends with him, and teaches him how to stick up for himself. She also comes to like Trotter more. during Thanksgiving, Mr. Randolph, Trotter, and W.E. all get sick and Gilly takes care of them. On Thanksgiving day, Gilly gets a surprise visitor. Her grandmother comes and says she is going to take her away. Gilly isn't too keen on the idea. All she wanted was her mother, but instead her mother called the grandmother to get Gilly. However, soon Ms. Ellis comes and tells Gilly that she must now go and live with her grandmother. She doesn't want to go, and Trotter and W.E. don't want her to go either. Unfortunately, she must, so she goes to live with her grandmother who she doesn't care for much. She writes letters to Trotter, W.E., and her teacher, Ms. Harris. Then at Christmas time, Courtney comes to visit. She is not what Gilly was expecting, and she realizes that she misses Trotter, and loves her. She calls Trotter, but Trotter can only give her advice. The book ends with Gilly getting the courage to deal with her new circumstance.

Who benefits from reading this book?

Anyone who would like to understand foster kids better would benefit from this book. It also teaches a good lesson. Gilly changes from a hard, seemingly uncaring girl, to a more caring, nice, loving girl. This book is a good one for kids, and even foster kids would probably enjoy and benefit from reading this book.

What problems could this book possibly cause?

Gilly has issues. She swears, is racist against the blacks, and does not respect anyone. This could be a problem because kids reading it might think it's ok for them to have the same attitude. However, because Gilly goes through a change, I don't know if these issues would be a problem upon completion of the book.

My Reaction:

I was a little bit disappointed with the end. I would have liked it better if Gilly could have gone back to live with Trotter. However, that's not life, I liked how Trotter mentioned that at the end. Life is tough she said. I thought it had a good message, and it was cool to see Gilly change from the beginning of the book to the end. I thought it was a good book, and I would recommend it to anyone to read.

Amelia Bedelia

Amelia Bedelia
By Peggy Parish
Publisher/Date: Scholastic 1963
# of Pages: 64
Reading Level: Level 2
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Summary:

It's Amelia Bedelia's first day at work at the Rogers' house. However, they are not home, but they give her a list to follow while they are gone. The list says things like "change the towels, dress the turkey, draw the drapes, put out the lights, dust the furniture", etc. However, Amelia Bedelia does not interpret things the same way as other people. She takes things very literally. So she cuts the towells, puts clothes on the turkey, draws a picture of the curtains, takes the lightbulbs and puts them outside, and puts powder dust over all the furniture. She also makes a surprise lemon pie.
When Mr. and Mrs. Rogers come home, they are very upset to see what she's done. However, Mr. Rogers tastes her delicious pie, and then they decide that they can never fire her. Mrs. Rogers just learns to be very specific in her instructions.

Who benefits from reading this book?

This book is just entertaining. I think anyone could benefit from reading this book. Amelia Bedelia is just a classic that everyone should read.

What problems/conflicts could this book potentially cause?

I don't see how this book could cause any problems. It's an innocent children's picture book that's just entertaining.

My Reaction:

I've always liked Amelia Bedelia ever since I was young. I always found her absolutely hilarious. This is a classic story, along with all the other Amelia Bedelia books. It really makes you think about what words and phrases really mean. I would recommend this book to anyone.