Poems For The Very Young

. 

Poems For The Very Young

Author: Michael Rosen

Publisher: Kingfisher Books

Published Date: 1993

Number of pages: 77

Genre: Poetry, Rhymes

Rosen was awarded the National Association of Parenting Publications Best Book Award. 

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. The poems used in this book are relatable and would be beneficial in the classroom. This book is educational and could help students improve their poetry skills.

This book provides several collections of poems. There are different types of poetry included in this book. These poems are humorous and students would be able to make connections.

I would read this book to my students and have them listen and identify the different types of rhymes that are found. The examples in this book would help empower students to write their own poetry. This book would be a good tool in sparking the student's interest in poetry. Poetry is not as popular in the schools, but I believe poetry is something that students enjoy. I would like to encourage students to tap into their creative side and create their own poetry. 
Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Frog

Frogs
Author: Nic Bishop

Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction 

Published Date: 2008

Number of pages: 48

Reading Level: 5th-6th grade
Genre: non-fiction, informative
A School Library Journal Best Book
An ALA Notable Children's Book

This book is about frogs. This informative book provides readers with information to help them better understand the diverse and largely carnivorous group of amphibians. This book has images of the oldest fossil "proto-frog". The population of frogs are widely diverse and can be found in all areas of the world.  Majority of the population of frogs is found in tropical rainforests. Frogs are one of the five most diverse vertebrate orders. 

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. This is a great book, and the pictures are very intriguing. The information provided is educational, and would provide students a challenge. This book is very engaging and encourages learning. Students are not only learning about frog, but also the categorization in the animal kingdom. This book provides several different subjects of integration.

I would use this book during a science lesson especially talking about classifications in the animal kingdom. This book provides examples of all the different kinds of frog species. Having a visual when talking about the kingdom and being able to provide examples can help students better understand. I might also use this book as a hook. Because this book is engaging, it could spark an interest when talking about science in the classroom.   

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serve an educational purpose. Educationally this book provides a strong plot and the grammar is perfect. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and advisable books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. For instance, the plot may not be as clear as an essential book. The education purpose would focus more on students' reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. This book may be difficult to follow because the events are not plotted our in order or in a way that the students can relate to. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported and there are several writing errors.

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan

Publisher:   Scholastic Press

Published Date: 2002

Number of pages: 288

Reading Level: 5th-6th grade

Genre: multicultural, historical fiction, novel

Notable Children's Books, Pura Belpre Award, Jane Addams Children's Book, Willa Catner Award, ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults, Los Angeles times Book Prize Finalist, New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year 2000.

This book is about a girl named Esperanza. She lives on a ranch with her family in Mexico, and her and her family were wealthy. Esperanza has beautiful dresses, a huge home, and her family has servants. Her life came crashing down when Esperanza and her Mama were instructed to leave Mexico and head to California. This tragedy was known as the Great Depression. Esperanza and her mother worked as farmers in camps. Esperanza is not use to this lifestyle and does not known what it takes to overcome these struggles and hardships as a laborer. She must overcome these trials if she wants to survive these Mexican farm camps.

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. This is a great book, and provides great details with a supportive plot. This is a book that students would be able to relate with and be able to make connections. This book fulfills the multicultural book and it also describes the time period of the Great Depression. The viewpoint of this story can help students understand the Great Depression. I enjoyed this book and I feel that it would be a challenging book for readers, and it will help them understand events in our history.

I would use this book in the class as an example of a different culture, and the Great Depression. I would like students to create their own Venn diagram. They would be identifying the social and historical differences of the book, and comparing it to todays world. Understanding the differences can help the students understand the story. I also like the idea of students journaling along as we read the story and making connections. They would be writing as if they were Esperanza during her struggles working in the camps. Because this story is being told by Esperanza, students are able to relate.  

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serve an educational purpose. Educationally this book provides a strong plot and the grammar is perfect. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and advisable books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. For instance, the plot may not be as clear as an essential book. The education purpose would focus more on students' reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. This book may be difficult to follow because the events are not plotted our in order or in a way that the students can relate to. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported and there are several writing errors.

Unbroken

Unbroken
Author: Laure Hillenbrand  

Publisher:   Random House Publishing Group

Published Date: 2010

Number of pages: 528

Reading Level: 8th grade
Genre: non-fiction, biography
Unbroken has spent more than four years on the New York Times best seller list, 14 weeks at number one, it is the 5th longest-running nonfiction best seller of all time. #1 New York Times Bestseller.
 

This book is about World War II. A story of survival, resilience, and redemption. This World War II hero Louis Zamperini, was a former Olympic track star. During the war Louis' plane crashed in the Pacific. He floated on his raft for 47 days until he was captured. He was held as a prisoner of war for two and a half years. In the book Hillenbrand describes the treatments of these three different brutal Japanese prisoner-of-war camps.

I would rate this book an ADVISABLE. This is a great book, and provides great details that some students may have a difficult time reading. This books reading level was 8th grade, but I feel that the content may give too much imagery for that grade level. Unbroken is a great book on World War II, and gives readers the opportunity to understand the awful treatments of prisoners of war. This book is well written and the plot is easy to follow along with. I appreciate how this book is not negative to the Japan's treatments of war, because these treatments are similar to those from the American's. I enjoyed this book and I feel that it would be a challenging book for readers, and it will help them better understand the harsh treatments as a prisoner of war.

I would use this book alongside discussing World War II. There are so many different aspects of wars that students need to understand. I would also like to bring in the movie Unbroken once we have finished the book to provide students with a visual. I think because of how well written this book is, students would be able to journal as if they were Louis being held as a prisoner of war. Students are able to connect to Lois as they read along. Not being put through those treatments I do no feel that we will ever completely understand the feelings that Lois and other soldiers went through as a prisoner of war. I feel that teaching this subject I would need to be sensitive especially if I have students will parents, family, or friends in the military.  

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serve an educational purpose. Educationally this book provides a strong plot and the grammar is perfect. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and advisable books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. For instance, the plot may not be as clear as an essential book. The education purpose would focus more on students' reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. This book may be difficult to follow because the events are not plotted our in order or in a way that the students can relate to. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported and there are several writing errors.

Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl

The Diary of a Young Girl
Author: Anne Frank
Publisher: Contract Publishing

  

Published Date: 1952 (Published in English)

Number of pages: 304

Reading Level: 6th grade
Genre: biography, autobiography
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
 

This book was originally written from a Dutch Language. Anne Frank received this diary on her thirteen birthday and wrote in it about her friends and crushes until she was fifteen. During her life time she continued to write about her adventures from hiding from the Nazis for two year. This diary describes all of her struggles, and the death of her father from typhus in a concentration camp. There are several other tragedies that Anne faces in her lifetime while trying to escape the Nazis.  This diary was recovered and has been published in 60 different languages.

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. This book is an enjoyable book that students would be able to connect to. In her journals Anne describes the different relationships that she makes with her friends. She is a normal girl with similar hopes and dreams of any 13 year old. She writes in day to day experiences which makes it possible to follow along. This diary also talks about the invasion on the Nazis and their treatment towards Anne and her family. Today students may not struggle with the same problems, but they have their own struggles and experiences in their lives. Everyone has their own trials that they will face in their live, but how they chose to overcome those obstacles with affect them immensely.  

I would use this book while talking about World War II. Having different viewpoints from the same event could increase the students knowledge and understanding. Giving students two different sides can also help them create their own opinion. For an exercise I want students to see how positive Anne is during all these negative events happening to her and others around her. First, I would have students identify the negative events in Anne's life, and also include things that could cause her to be upset. Then, students can draw or describe the things that Anne finds happiness in. I believe having a positive attitude and searching for things that make you happy can help you get through any trial or tribulations standing in your life. The last part to this activity is to have students draw or describe things in their our lives where they find happiness in. Keeping positive things in your life as a priority can help you as a person, and will help you be successful in any situation.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serve an educational purpose. Educationally this book provides a strong plot and the grammar is perfect. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and advisable books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. For instance, the plot may not be as clear as an essential book. The education purpose would focus more on students' reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. This book may be difficult to follow because the events are not plotted our in order or in a way that the students can relate to. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported and there are several writing errors.

Number the Stars

Number the Stars       
Author: Lois Lowry                                                        

Publisher: Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company

Published Date: 1989

Number of pages: 138

Reading Level: 4th-5th grade
Genre: historical fiction, novel
Awards: John Newberry Medal, Dorthy Canfield Fisher Children's Book, National Jewish Award for Children's Literature
 

This book is about a 10 year old girl named Annemarie Johansen's. She lives in Copenhagen in 1943. During this book Germany troops are relocating the Jews of Denmark. Annemarie's family risks their lives by taking in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen. Ellen pretends to be Annemarie's older late sister Lise, who died earlier in the war. Lise worked with the Danish Resistance. Annemarie and her family help Jews reach neutral ground in Sweden in order to avoid being deported to concentration camps. This story title comes from a reference in the bible in Psalms 147. This is when God has numbered the stars in the universe, including the Star of David. Ellen wears a necklace with the Star of David.  

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. I enjoyed this book during my history class. When talking about the concentration camps, this book helps explain and provides different perspectives from the same event in history. This book will challenge students as readers and also help them understand history from a different view point.   

I would use this book to encourage students to look from a different view point in history. The ability to take in account different ideas will help strengthen student's understanding. This author writes from a 10 year old view point. This view would enrich the students ability to relate. While reading this book I would have students create their own story about their best friend and themselves. They would write about their best friend being in a dangerous situation, and the student is responsible and will create a plan to reassure their friends safety. 

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Anne of Green Gables

 

Anne of Green Gables
Author: L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: Halcyon Press Ltd

Published Date: 1908

Number of pages: 448

Reading Level: 5th-6th grade
Genre: historical fiction, novel, classic, coming of age, series
Awards: In 2003 Anne of Green Gables was ranked number 41 in The Big Read, BBC determined "nation's best-loved novel", In 2012 it was ranked number nine among all-time children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal
 

This book is about Anne Shirley, a young 11 year old orphan. She is mistakenly sent to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert of Green Gables, a middle-aged brother and sister who had wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm. Anne is a bright, quick, talkative, and extremely imaginative young girl. She is a pale, freckled, and red head, who is always eager to please. Marilla takes care of Anne, and feels that she could be a good influence on Anne. Anne is also very adventurous and has an imagination of child. Anne's best friend is Diana Barry. Anne runs into all kinds of mischief on the farm. She creates relationships with all who she comes in contact with.

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. I enjoyed this book and felt that it is well written. Students could find interest in the adventures and also with the relationships that Anne creates on the farm. Because this book's setting was in the early 1900's, students will understand the differences in how others lived in that time period. Students will also be able to compare the struggles that these people went through; compared to the everyday struggles that we face in today's society.  

I would use this book as an enjoyable book for students. This book could also be used when talking about different timelines in history. I think it would be a great idea to included books for students to read that go along with different periods in history. Students would be able to choose which book they would like to read during the early 1900's, and Anne of Green Gables would be an option. Because the protagonist is written from a student age perspective, students would be able to relate to Anne.  

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Junie B. Jones

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Author: Barbra Park  

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Published Date: 1992

Number of pages: 80

Reading Level: 2nd-3rd grade
Genre: fiction, general
New York Times Bestselling Chapter Book Series.
 

This book is about a first grader who does not want to go to school. This first grader is Junie B. Jones. She is nervous because the kids might be mean or bully her. Junie B. Jones is ultimately afraid of the unknown.  

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. I enjoyed this book and I feel that students would be able to relate to Junie B. Jones. This book provides lots of details, and young students can make connection as they read along. The language that the author writes in, is easy to understand and follow along. I believe students would enjoy the story, and get hooked on the series.  

I would use this book to help early readers build up their confidence. It may be difficult getting students to want to read, and I think that the ability for students to relate to what their reading is a huge step in them finding interest in what they are reading. Because this book provides opportunities for connections I would have students journal similar experience as they read. 

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

The Great Gasby

  

The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald  

Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons 

Published Date: 1925

Number of pages: 180

Reading Level: 9th-12th grade
Genre: novel, drama, fiction
Great Gatsby is widely considered to be a literary classic and a contender for the title " Great American Novel".
 

This book is about a millionaire. This millionaire lives in the 20's, his name is Jay Gatsby. Jay has his eyes set on Daisy who happens to be married. This book provides drama, portrays the roaring 20's, and is focused around the idea of the American dream.  

I would rate this book an ADVISABLE. I enjoyed this book and I feel that it would be a challenging book for readers. I do not appreciate the idea of Jay having a relationship with a married woman. There were several other things that were acceptable in that time period that are not today. I enjoy the details and colorful language the author uses to describe what the 20's may have been like. It is easy to get hooked on this book, and the story is a mystery all the way to the end.

I would use this book while talking about the different time periods. I think this book would help students identify difference and similarities from the 20's to modern day. This book also provides several scenes with character conflicts. I like the idea of students identifying scenes that could have gone differently if the character chose different actions. I might also incorporate vocabulary games/activities throughout the book. This exercise will help students identify words or phrases that they are not familiar with, and as a class we can go over them. This will help students understand what they are reading and also provide activities to keep the class moving.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone                                                        


Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Bloomsbury (London), Scholastic (US), Raincoast (Canada)

Published Date: 1997

Number of pages: 309

Reading Level: 6th grade
Genre: Fantasy,

Nestlé Smarties Book Prize 1997 Gold Medal 9-11 years

FCBG Children’s Book Award 1997 Overall winner and Longer Novel Category

Birmingham Cable Children’s Book Award 1997

Young Telegraph Paperback of the Year 1998

British Book Awards 1997 Children’s Book of the Year

Sheffield Children’s Book Award 1998

Booklist Editors Choice 1998

Whitaker’s Platinum Book Award 2001

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1998

This book is about a boy who lives with his aunt and uncle. Harry the young boy discovers his magical heritage and attends his first year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry and his friends attempt comebacks by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents, but failed to kill Harry when he was just a year old.

I would rate this book an ADVISABLE. This book would be a challenging for readers. Harry Potter books are very popular for the younger generation and is a book that the students can relate to.  This book provides lots of details and descriptive writing. There are vocabulary words that the students may struggle with and some of the spells are words that we are not use to reading. Before reading this book in the classroom I would need to make sure that parents agree with me using this book.

I would provide this book for students to relate with. Harry and his friends are characters that students can relate to with in the different challenges in their lives. Throughout this book I would like students to make connections within their own lives. This would be a good book to have students break up into reading groups. In the group each student would have a specific role while they are reading. After reading, the students will collaborate with their group and finally share their findings with the class.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Charlotte's Web

 

Charlotte's Web
Author: E.B. White  

Publisher: Harper & Brothers

Published Date: 1952 

Number of pages: 42

Reading Level: 4th grade
Genre: Classic, Fantasy, Sci-fi,
John Newbery Medal

This book is about farm pig named Wilber who is in danger of being slaughtered. There are several other animals on the farm that Wilber comes in contact with including a spider Charlotte. Charlotte is busy spilling her web. In her web she will include messages to the farmer to encourage him not to have Wilber be slaughtered.   

I would rate this book an ADVISABLE. I enjoyed this book and I feel that it would be a challenging book for readers. Several students have already read if not they have heard about this book and would find interest reading it.

I would use this book for students to practice their reading skills. I would also use this book to introduce the topic of spiders. Students would be able to relate to this book while talking about biology and the study of spiders. As a class we would discuss the importance of the process spiders go through to spin their web.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported

The Story of the Jumping Mouse

The Story of the Jumping Mouse  

Author: John Steptoe  

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published Date: 1985

Number of pages: 36

Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade
Genre: Western
Caldecott Honor Books, Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration

This book is about a mouse and his journey to reach the far-off land. This journey will be challenging and he will need to seek help along the way. At the beginning of the story the mouse meets a frog who gives him magical powers to help him jump. This is how he gets his name Jumping Mouse. 

I would rate this book an ADVISABLE. I enjoyed this book and I feel that it would be a challenging book for readers. I thought it was interesting how the illustrator chose not use color in his images. I am not sure that this would be a popular book for the students to choose. I think that this book would serve a great purpose in teacher Native American history. I appreciated that the story did not give the ending away.

I would use this book while talking about Native American history. This is a Native American Legend and reveals several signs of the Native culture. I would read this book to the students to get them thinking about different aspects of Native culture. I would instruct students to construct a double journal entry. On one side of the paper I would have students list what they already know about Native culture. On the opposite side I would have them list things that they think relate to Native culture from the story.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Three Billy Goats Gruff 

Author: Stephen Carpenter  

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published Date: 1998

Number of pages: 20

Reading Level: Second Grade
Genre: Fables, Folk Tales and Myths
No awards noted

This book is about three bill goats who run into a troll along their travels. They need to figure out a way to cross the bridge without getting eaten by the mean, hungry, green troll.

I would rate this book an ESSENTIAL. This book provides a good story with vivid details and dialogue. There are several examples of onomatopoeia words throughout the book. I think that this book would challenge and be interesting for new readers. The story does not give away the ending and provides great illustrations.

Before reading the story, I would give the students background information on the billy goats and how they run into a troll who lives under the bridge, that they need to cross. Then, I would have students create their own plan to try and get across the bridge without getting eaten by the troll. Finally, I would read the story to the students, or have them read the story on their own to find out what happens in the story.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next on the important list. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension, whereas an advisable book would be more for the enjoyment.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular books.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Of African American Poetry

Of African American Poetry

Author: Ashley Bryan

Publisher: Atheneum Books

Published Date: 1997

Number of pages: 26

Genre: Poetry, ABC book, Informational

Runner up on the Coretta Scott King Awards with one Honor Book as both writer and illustrator

I would rate this book ADVISABLE. I feel that the students would still benefit and obtain information. This book gives good examples of poetry, but I don't think that the education purpose of this book would focus more on students comprehension.

This is an ABC book, and throughout the book the author talks about the history of African Americans. Each page talks about a character in the book and describes their life or something about them. The illustrations are amazing and are catching to the eye.

I would use this book to introduce African American history. This book does not go into great details, but gives good points in history. Students would be able to relate to some of the characters and make connections in their own life. I would read this book to the class and have them listen to the words used. The words in this book create imagery for the students, and can help encourage their poetry skills.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

Barnyard Banter

The Barnyard Banter

Author: Denise Fleming

Publisher: Scholastic

Published Date: February 1995

Number of pages: 29

Reading Level: Kindergarten Read Aloud

Genre: Poetry and Rhymes

The Denise Fleming was Caldecott award-winning author. 

This book is about a goose who chases a butterfly. This goose chances the butterfly all through the barn. It is an adventurous book, and will keep you wondering where the goose will be next.

I would use this book in a kindergarten classroom. This book is great for identifying different animals that could be seen on a farm. This book provides students with the noises that the certain animals might make. I would use this book to help identify and connect the appropriate sound with the correct  animal.

I would rate this book advisable. The book provides a great learning atmosphere and would be beneficial. Although, I do not feel that this book would challenge students compared to other books.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

The Cloud Book

The Cloud Book

Author: Tomie dePaola

Publisher: Scholastic

Published Date: 1975

Number of pages: 31

Reading Level: 3rd

Genre: Informational

Tomie dePaola has published over 200 children’s books over the past 35 years, and has won numerous awards, including both a Caldecott Honor Award and a Newbery Honor Award. He also has written up to four children's books in a single year.

This book is about clouds and all the different kinds of clouds that a person could see in the sky. There are several different ways to characterize clouds, and this book addresses those different ways. Even though this book is informational, it still engages the reader and makes it interesting.

I would use this book in the classroom when talking about the sky. After reading this book I would love to take the class outside and see what kinds of clouds we could find. I would rate this book advisable. I think it would be great to use for teachers, but I think that it lacks the ability to push the student as a reader.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

The Help

The Help

                                                              Author: Kathryn Stockett

Publisher: Berkley

Published Date: February 10, 2009

Number of pages: 464

Reading Level: 7th grade

Genre: Historical Fiction

The Help was nominated #1 New York Times bestseller. Awarded Best Fiction.

 

I would rate this book as an essential book. This book is fiction, but still gives events and stories that may have happened to woman during slavery. These stories give students an imagine of what these woman in slavery went through. This book was made into a movie which could help draw students in to reading it. This book is easy to read, and I feel that student could better understand slavery through the stories and events in this book. Slavery is a huge part of our history and is important to educate our students. This book is not gruesome with details, but shows the treatment of the African woman during this time period. This book can also be motivational for others to stand up for what they believe in. The characters are described in detail which would give students the opportunity to make a connections with characters in the book.

I would like students to journal about what they are reading and how they might have felt. Discussion throughout the book is important for the students to understand and comprehend. I like the idea of students identifying a character and journal about their struggles and how as the student they could relate to that character all throughout the book. At the end of the book I would like the students to present their character and findings throughout the book to the class.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers.These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.


The Dog Book

The Art of Racing in The Rain

Author: Garth Stein
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: June 9, 2009
Pages: 321
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: 4th
Interest level: 8th-12th
The novel became a New York Times bestseller, remaining on the list for more than 156 weeks.










This book is not like any book I have read before. This book is told from a different perspective. A dog is the one telling the story. This book easily caught my attention within the first couple chapter, and was an easy read. The dog's name is Enzo. Enzo sees things differently in life than we do as humans. Animals are known to have a greater senses than humans. In this book the owner of Enzo is married to a woman who has a virus that Enzo is aware of before anyone else is, but because he lacks the ability to communicate with humans he can not warn them.

I would rate this book an advisable. I enjoyed how the book was told from a different perspective. Students who own pets would be able to connect with this book. I was disappointed with some of the foul language. There were a couple swear words used. I would like to have students experience with different techniques of journal through out the book.

I would use this book to have students make predictions and identify important details throughout the book. I would also like students to research in depth the five senses and compare these to animal senses.
Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.

OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.

My name is Dani Norling. I am originally from Helena Montana. I have two sisters and a brother. I am an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews. I am currently in my third year at The University of Great Falls. I am playing volleyball and studying Elementary Education. After I receive my Education degree I hope to be a teacher who helps my students reach their goals, dreams, and have new understandings. I want students to be able to ask questions. I hope to impact each of my students in a positive way for their future. 

 
 

I am creating this literature blog to provide others with precise  ratings on children's books. I want to be able to share my own books and to also find new books from others. When I am teaching I want to have a wide range of books and genres for my classroom to accommodate the different  interests. It is important that these books are rated using an accurate scale. I have included my scale below.

 Levels
Pre-K : These kinds of books usually are equipped with lots of images and are more than likely board books.
K-3rd : Students at this age are learning how to read, and these books should spark their interest.
4rd-6th : These students are reading longer books with subjects, but the material may still be at a beginning level.
7th-8th : Students at this level are choosing books that they can relate to and make connections with. They also are choosing books that they have found interest in.

Ratings

ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.

ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes.

ADVISABLE: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers.

OPTIONAL: These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.

NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.