Akiak- a story read by Mrs. Bunger's 4th grade class

Akiak is a story about a dog that has a love for racing. This is her last year that she can participate in the Iditarod race. She is determine to win the race. She has to go through steep climbs, icing waters and confusing trails. Akiak knew the safest and fastest way. Unfortunately Akiak hurt her paw and was told she must go home. She was so determined that she broke from the leash and ran to catch up with her team. She ran and ran and never gave up. She finally found Mick and the team and jumped in the sled and finish the race, taking 1st place!!!

What's Next...

Since I've learned how to blog, I'm going to teach my students how to do so. I plan on starting with 6 students and having them post their opinions and summaries of books that they read! Blogging is an creative way to monitor student progress when summarizing books as well as recommending. Children love working with technology.

Continue to tune in while my class post about the literature they are reading.

Laurence Yep

I found it interesting that in his biography it says he has been in rivalry with his brother since the day he was born. Yep wants to get back at him since he (his brother) is the one who named him Laurence. His brother got the name from a saint who died a particularly gruesome death. Laurence is offended from this!

Some of Yep’s famous books include The Dragon’s Child, Dragon Road, Auntie Tiger, Sea Glass:1970, Dragonwings, The Traitor, Dragon Steel and many more.

One that I’ve read was Later Gator. It’s about a Chinese boy who realizes that he has a special bond with his brother. Teddy doesn't get along with his little brother, Bobby because he is jealous of him …he never gets in trouble. He treats him like he is his enemy. He decides to get his perfect brother and eye-popping. What better than a meat-eating alligator with hopes that he will get into trouble with it. The pet dies and he feels very bad for his brother. He begins to realize how much he does care for his brother.

What a great book to share with children who’ve had pets to pass away. It will help them cope with life disappointing moments.

Yoskiko Uchida

Another heart touching story I really enjoyed reading was The Bracelet. It takes place in 1942 during the U.S and Japanese War. Its about a Japanese girl has to leave her best friend to go to an interment camp. She learns to use her memories to help herself cope with difficult situations.
This is a great story to read to students who’ve had to pick up and move. It teaches them to cope with leaving people and places that you care about and to use the memories as a way to deal with the transition.
Many of Uchida’s writings are inspired by her Japanese heritage. Reading her books, children learn ways characters deal with emotional situations. This gives the children time to read about other children’s' experiences and see ways that they handled their own situation.
Other books that Yoskiko Uchida has written are A Jar of Dreams, The Best Bad Thing, Picture Bride, Journey to Topaz and others.

Jerry Pinkney

Ricki Ticki Tavi has beautiful water color paintings that Jerry Pinkney created. The paintings on each page fits perfectly with the text guiding the reader to visualize the story. Jerry Pinkney is a distinguished illustrator who has earned three Caldecott Awards. Other beautiful illustrations from Pinkney include The Ugly Duckling, Mirandy and Brother Wind, Little Red Riding Hood, God Bless the Child, Going Someplace Special, Noah’s Arc, and The Moon over the Star.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jerry Pinkney’s, here is his website. Enjoy!

http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html

Julius Lester- Let's Talk about Race

This book is one that I had never heard of before. After reading it, it’s one that I must purchase and put in my classroom library. I really like it because it discuss that we all are different and sometimes we think we’re better than others because of what school we go to, or because of our sex, or because of our religion or because of our skin color. In the book it finally reveals that if you take your finger and press under your eye, you will feel a hard bone. If you ask someone else if you can press under their eye you will also find a bone. The moral of the story is that if everyone were to take off their skin, we would all look the same!!
What a great book to read at the beginning of the school year to let children know that everyone is different but yet the same! I really enjoyed reading this book.

Other books written by Julius Lester are....

A Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue
And All Our Wounds Forgiven
Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire
From Salve Ship to Freedom Road
Guardian
John Henry
Let's Talk About Race
Lovesong: Becoming A Jew
Pharaoh's Daughter: A Novel of Ancient Egypt
Sam and the Tigers: A New Telling of Little Black Sambo
Shining
Time's Memory
To Be A Slave
Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales
When Dad Killed Mom

The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax

I must admit that I’m not familiar with other books that present the tension that is presented in the Cat in the Hat. I, on the other hand, believe that tension can create excitement and curiosity to find out what happens. I am sure that there are other books out there that present tension but I am not sure which ones do. I think the tension in the Cat in the Hat makes this story a classic. I believe The Cat in the Hat always has and will continue to appeal to children. This book consists of rhyming which hooks the kids into listening to the creative words. When I read it for the first time (which was forever ago) I can remember reading on just to see if the children get in trouble.

The Lorax is a story that didactic and was controversial in 1971. I believe the message to the readers is if you don’t take care of your Earth, this is what could happen. It was believed (by critics) that this book was a bit harsh for children. I disagree. Children must be taught to take care of the World. This book shows them what could happen if they don’t.

Most of the books that are read in my classroom also teach a lesson. My students have learned to read and find the “theme” of the story which is the moral message.

Movie vs. Book- Bridge to Terabithia

This is a fantastic book that focuses on jealousy, love and death. The characters, Jess and Leslie become best of friends after they race against one another during a race at school. Both the book and the movie share similarities and differences.

What the two have in common are they both share the same characters, plot and characters.
Differences include in the book, they two built Terabithia “castle stronghold.” In the book, they don’t build Terabithia, they find an abandoned treehouse. In the book, the two argue and with Janice but can’t ever defeat her while in the movie they do battle with her.

I enjoyed the book much more than the movie. I wasn’t a fan of the movie because I felt the directors left too much out and portrayed Terabithia as a “fantasy” world. I wish they would have put more details into the movie from the book.

The book is amazing and very heart wrenching….it was one that when the end came, tears were covering the pages.

Movie vs. Book- Because of Winn Dixie

Because of Winn Dixie is a story that touched not only my heart but also the hearts of my students. It’s about a 10 year old girl named Opal and a big, annoying dog that needs someone to love him. Opal and her father (a preacher), move to a new town because he has a new church to preach yet. Opal meets many of her neighbors that live in the same trailor park and in her town. Some are more unique that others. As she makes friends, along with her new friend Winn Dixie, she begins to feel welcome. She forgets about her unhappiness that has resulted from her mother abandoning her and her father, and she begins to enjoy life and the people around her.

The book and the movie were a lot alike. However, there were some differences that I noticed. In the book, the story begins at the Winn Dixie store where the dog causes a disruptions. In the movie, the story begins with Opal coming to the building that used to be a convenient store. Her dad is preaching. She prays that she will make some friends. Then her father sends her to the Winn Dixie. Another difference is that the landlord is much more forceful in the movie by continuously demanding that they get rid of the dog. Opal's father gives her a harder time about giving the dog away than what was represented in the book. More information is given in the movie about certain events such as, how she got her name. She was named India because her father was a missionary in India and Opal was her mother's name. The ending is also different in the movie than in the book. At the end of the movie, they were looking for Winn Dixie, and they couldn't find him, so everyone began singing a hymn, and Winn Dixie began howling outside the front door. Everyone became excited because he came back. They begin to sing songs again. In the book, the story ended with Gloria, Franny and Opal singing. Sweetie Pie heard somebody sneeze, and they discover that Winn-Dixie is hiding under Otis's bed.

I enjoyed reading the book and watching the movie. I love the story. My students read this book during literature circles and then we watched the movie in class. They really enjoyed comparing and contrasting the two.

Movie vs. Book- Charlotte's Web

One of my favorite classic books of all time is Charlottes’ Web written by E.B White. I have read this book numerous times and it never seems to get old. I’ve also see the both films, the animation one and the newer version….more real life! I must say that I enjoyed the animation one more. I felt that the newer version is a bit cheesy.

The movie and the book have commonalities and differences. Both the book and the newer movie have the same storyline. They both have animals that talk throughout. Both have the theme that miracles can happen in life. Differences include that the characters are more “real” in the movie. Another difference in the movie is that Fern’s mother consults a doctor because her daughter talks to animals and in the book her mother doesn’t. In the movie, Fern is disrespectful to her parents in a couple of scenes and I don’t recall her being rude or disrespectful in the book.

For those of you who have never read this book (which I doubt), it’s a must. It is a sweet story that makes you cry, laugh and warms your heart.

Corretta Scott King

Thunder Rose is an outlaw that's not scared to try anything. When she was young she drank milk straight from the cow and at age 9 she constructed a house out of iron and wood. One day, the outlaw is faced with her match….a tornado that tries to destroy her town. But she did what she does best….she fought it off and saved herself and the town.

This will be a great book to read during a Tall Tale unit. Students can learn the story elements that make up a tall tales...such a great story to incorporate!

Caldecott vs. Newberry

Both the Caldecott and the Newbery medals are given by the American Library Association each year. The Caldecott award is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book published in the United States during the preceding year. The Newbery Medal is given for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year. The Caldecott is awarded to an illustrator and the Newbery is awarded to an author. Both of the awards also recognize runners-up with an "honor" award.Both of these awards are very prestigious. I do not feel that one award is better than the other. I do feel that the Caldecott winners are more known in the general public than the Newberry books. I think this is due to the fact that the Caldecott is awarded for distinguished picture books. Teachers, LMS and parents are the ones who normally choose/purchase the picture books for their children. Parents are the ones who read these books to their young children before their children can read for themselves, so parents become very familiar with the books. The Newbery is generally given to books that are written for the older child. Parents aren’t as familiar with these prestigious books because they usually don’t read them to their children. So they’re not as familiar with them.

Newberry Award #2

Holes

The trouble started when Stanley was accused of stealing a pair of basketball shoes that were donated by the popular Clyde “Sweetfeet” Livingston. Stanley didn’t get upset with the judge because he believed it was because his family was under a curse. Stanley claimed they fell from the sky and hit him on his head (which was the truth) even though the judge didn’t believe him. Yelnats was punished and was sent to Camp Green Lake camp and he was excited. When he arrived he was faced with a rude awakening…this wasn’t like camps he had been to in the past….this was a camp where he was taught character by digging 5 foot deep and 5foot wide holes in the dried up desert. It didn’t take Stanley long to realize the warden was searching for something, so he decided to search for the truth.
My 3rd graders read this book last year during Literature Circle and loved it! It's an adventure and a mystery, with moments of high suspense, all neatly tied-off with a happy ending. It’s a great book for 3-4 grades!

Newbery Award #1

Joey Pigza loses Control is a comical book that my 3rd and 4th graders love!!!! Joey Pigza's life seems like a disaster....his parents are divorced, his dad lives with his grandma who smokes and only can breathe with an oxygen tank. And worst of all.....he has to take medicine each day because he's been diagonosed with ADHD which means he's extremely HYPER without his meds. Its summer and Joey must go stay with his dad and grandma. While on his stay, Joey realizes what his mom means when she tells him shes just like his dad....his dad doesn't stop talking and he to is WIRED!

Joey's goal is to please his father. His father believes that Joey is an orninary boy who doesn't need his meds. While Joey knows he must have them....he stops taking them and ends running away trying to get back home to his mother. The obstacles he goes through are hilarious. This book also allows you to see what a child with ADD goes through.

This book is so fun to read and kids beg to hear more....I love reading it to them!!!

Caldecott Honor #5 Olivia

Olivia is another favorite story of mine. Again, Dr. Petty introduced this book to me. She has great taste in books.) I just love Olivia's personality...she's a quirky little pig who is into everything....she imaginative and rambunctious acting as a typical young child. Throughout the story, Olivia stays entertained by dealing with her brother, building sand castles, trying to talk her way out of a nap, drawing on walls, and reading bedtime stories.

Everytime that I read this story, I laugh out loud thinking about the day that my 11 month old tries the same behaviors as Olivia. I know that she will so I'll have to reread the story and try to remember that the behaviors are typical. I feel this book can be enjoyed by everyone....a great family reading!

Caldecott Honor #4 Joseph Had a little Overcoat

Simms Taback relays an important message in Joseph Had a little Overcoat. The message in this story is simply, "You can make something out of nothing!" That is exactly what Joseph does in the story. Joseph has an overcoat that he loves and refuses to throw away even though it's old and worn. Because its so old, he decides to turn it into a jacket and from the jacket into a vest. It eventually is used as a button and Joseph loses it!

I feel that children can use this book to help them understand that just because something is old or bored with something they have....keep it and it can be used as something else. Reusing items and materials not only prevents clutter, but will also help our enviroment.

Caldecott Honor #3 Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place…a pigeon! This just isn’t any pigeon, this is a persistent pigeon that pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book. Children love being able to answer back and decide his fate. Children can relate to this hilarious book because it sums up their temper tantrums when they don’t get their way.
I must admit when I first read this book, I wasn’t impressed. Then, Dr. Petty read it to us and added character…I was hutched over laughing and became a huge fan. I now do the same (adding character) for my students…they love it!

Caldecott Honor #2 When Sophie Gets Angry Really Really Angry

Sophie is playing with her stuffed gorilla when her sister takes it from her, knocking her to the floor. When their mother agrees that it is her sister's turn to play with the toy, Sophie becomes so angry that "She wants to smash the world to smithereens." She kicks, screams, and eventually runs into the woods where she climbs a huge beech tree, looks out over the water, and is comforted by the "wide world." Observing the word she becomes calm. She returns home ready to participate in family life.

I enjoy reading this book to my students. We discuss that there are going to be times in life when we all become angry and we have to learn how to “deal” with it! We discuss how Sophie deals with being angry and then the students have the opportunity to discuss appropriate behaviors they can do when they get upset.

Caldecott Honor #1 Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type

Doreen Cornin did a great job writing a fun book that young children enjoy reading. Farmer Brown has a problem with his cows. They have found an old type writer and they’ve learned how to use it. With it the cows begin writing letters to Farmer Brown requesting electric blankets because is cold in the barn at night. This makes Farmer Brown mad and he says no. The next letter from the cows is "We're closed. No milk today." The cows get the other animals involved such as the chickens. After no milk and no eggs Farmer Brown demands that the cows and chickens go back to work. By the end of the story the ducks get in on the demands as they are bored and want a diving board!

Children love listening to this book. They love reciting the words, “click clack moo, click clack moo, clickety clack moo.” The pictures add to the story and fit perfectly with what the story says.

Pride and Joy

I have been blessed with the best daughter, Briley Claire who will turn one this August. My husband, Brad, is not only an amazing husband, but a great father and a hard worker. I teach 3rd and 4th grade at Briarwood Elementary in the Warren County school district. I have a passion for reading. I strive to share my passion of reading with each of my students, encouraging them to find books they can't put down.