How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

Author: Margaret McNamara
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Christopher Award for Young People Winner (2008)

Summary: Charlie is the smallest boy in his class.  Everyday he is reminded of his size as they line up tallest to shortest.  One day his teacher, Mr. Tiffin, asks his class to guess the number of seeds in three different pumpkins.  The three pumpkins range in size of small, medium, and big.  The teacher tells the students to guess the pumpkin that has the most seeds.  After they guess, he tells them to count the seeds inside.  All of the students want the big and medium sized pumpkin because they assume they have the most seeds due to their size.  Charlie is then left with the smallest pumpkin to count the seeds of.  After they finished counting, the results were in.  To their surprise, the smallest pumpkin had the most seeds. Mr. Tiffin then chose to teach the class that size doesn't always mean better.  Sometimes the smallest things have the same, if not more, inside.

Evaluation: This was a very good book.  The concept of height doesn't go away with young students.  In middle school, you have an array of heights.  This book is very applicable for middle school.  I would use this in my classroom because I think it would be a fun book to read aloud.

The age appropriateness is from second to fourth grade.  The theme in the story is presented in a loving and inspiring way.  I think younger and older students will be able to relate well to the book.

I could use this book to emphasize the importance of kindness.  Again, I think middle school student would relate well to the book.  Even though it is geared toward a younger audience, middle school students will still be able to take something away.  I could then take this book and use it as a writing prompt on kindness and the attributes of greatness.

Be Kind

Be Kind 

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrator: Jen Hill
Grade Level: 1-4
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: none

Summary: This sweet story follows the journey a young girl goes through to figure out what being kind actually looks like.  One day at school, another student, Tanisha, spills grape juice all over herself.  The narrator tries to make Tanisha feel better, but ends up making things worse.  She if left to wonder what kindness should look like.  In the end of the story, the narrator sits next to Tanisha and gives her a picture of grapes she painted.  Tanisha smiles and begins to feel better about her embarrassing moment. 

Evaluation: I loved this book!  It was neat to see the way the author shows what different acts of kindness can look like.  I definitely plan to use this book in some way in my classroom.  Kindness is something that all students should work on - elementary and secondary.  Kindness is shown is such simple ways throughout the book.  Towards the end, it mentions how those small acts cause a chain reaction.  You could dig deeper into this concept with older students.

The readability is between first and fourth grade.  The sentences are simple and short, yet powerful.  The theme of kindness is appropriate for these grade levels as well (and older grades!).

You could use this book to teach cause and effect.  From there, students could brainstorm and create a story of how one small act of kindness spread and made a huge impact, taking the micro-setting to the macro-setting.  Even though the sentences and words are an easy read for middle school students, the message is powerful and necessary.  

I Am Human

I Am Human 

Author: Susan Verde
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: none

Summary: This is a story about a young child who discovers the many things that make us as humans unique.  As a way to inspire, the child talks about taking chances, trying new things, making better choices, listening, and being compassionate.  It ends with the child stating how important it is to be the best that you can be.  By being the best, nicest, and kindest person you can be, you can help make a difference in the world. 

Evaluation: Overall, this book was a good book.  It helped inspire the reader to do acts of kindness, ask for forgiveness, and value differences in others.  I did notice that this book made sure to be politically correct by adding a gender-neutral narrator, who could not be identified as a male or female.  I think the lessons being taught are valuable lessons for all ages.  I could see myself using this in my future classroom.

The readability is between second and fourth grade.  Even though I noticed some political correctness weaved throughout the story, young students most likely will not catch it.  Older students, however, might be able to notices these things.  These themes would make for valuable talking points with your older students.

I could use this to teach the importance of empathy and being kind, but I could also use it to discuss political correctness in literature.  I think middle school students would love to have an open discussion about those themes in literature and whether or not they believe young children should be exposed to them that early or not.

How to Babysit a Grandpa

How to Babysit a Grandpa 

 Author: Jean Reagan
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: none

Summary: In this story, a young boy is teaching the reader how to babysit a grandpa.  In this story, the boy describes fun things to do while your grandpa is over.  He makes lists of foods, games, and activities a grandpa might enjoy.  In the end, he teaches the reader how to thank a grandpa for allowing them to babysit them.

Evaluation: This was a very cute story.  Again, as cute as it was, I do not see myself using this in a middle school classroom.  However, if one does you this book with junior highers, this book may help them remember to appreciate and respect their grandfather.

The grade appropriateness for this book is first through third.  The book is east to read and interactive.  The themes in this book are important for young readers.  It encourages an appreciate for grandfathers without directly stating it.

A way one could use this in a middle school classroom is during a mini lesson close to grandparents day.  You could read the book and have students draft a letter to a grandparent or someone who takes the role as a grandparent in their life.

Love You Forever

Love You Forever 

Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Shelia McGraw
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: Parents' Choice Gold Award,

Summary: This sweet book tells the story of a mother's unconditional love for her son.  As her son grows up, she continues to rock him while he sleeps and sing a song of her love for him.  In the end, when her son is a grown man, she invites him to her house so she can sing to him one last time.  When he arrives, she is unable to sing due to her old age.  Her son picks her up and rocks her while he sings the same song she sang to him throughout his life.

Evaluation: This was one of my favorite books growing up.  I got emotional when I read it again recently.  As much as I love this book, I do not see myself using it in my classroom. 

The age appropriateness for this book is between first and third grade.  Young children will love reading this book and looking at the illustrations.  This book will help them see the unconditional love of a mother.

One way you could use this in a middle school classroom is the week before Thanksgiving.  You could read this to your students and have them write a reflective piece on what their parents mean to them.

The War That Saved My Like

The War That Saved My Like

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley 

Grade Level: 3-8
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: Newbery Honor

Summary: Ada Smith is a young girl growing up during the time of World War II.  Being born with a clubfoot, it is near impossible for Ada to walk without assistance.  Being seen as a nuisance, Ada's mother confines her to their small apartment window to view the outside world she will never be apart of.  Because of the war, Ada leaves London with her brother Jamie.  While most children are being sent away to save their life, Ada leaves in order to be free of her mother's abuse.  It is during this time Ada and Jamie are taken in by Miss Susan Smith.  While staying with Miss Smith, Ada and Jamie's lives change.  Ada makes friends, rides a horse named Butter, learns to read, and catches a German spy.  When Ada and Jamie's mother shows up to take them back to London, they are both terrified and heartbroken.  One night, Ada stands up and breaks free of her mother's grasp and decides to leave with Jamie.  Before they were able to leave, bombs were dropped in London.  Surviving, they are reconnected with Susan, expectant for a better tomorrow.

Evaluation: The moment I began reading this, I was hooked.  This book puts the perspective of the war in the eyes of a young girl who has faced a very difficult life.  I plan on using this book in my future classroom.  I believe students will be able to connect with Ada in unexpecting ways.

The age appropriateness is between grades three and eight.  While the subject matter of World War II is intense, this book teaches it in a relatable way for young readers.  It helps paint what life was like for someone their age.

One way I can use this book is during the Holocaust/World War II  reading unit.  This can be a book students can choose from for the Holocaust/World War II book club.  Students can focus on "voice" and "perspective."

Mockingjay

Mockingjay 

Author: Suzanne Collins
Grade Level: 7-8
Genre: Science Fiction
Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards Favorite Book (2010), Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2010), Goodreads Choice Awards Favorite Hero (2010), Goodreads Choice Awards Favorite Heroine (2010)

Summary: In the last book of The Hunger Games series, Suzanne Collins powerfully concludes the story of Katniss Everdeen.  In this book, Katniss discovers Peeta was captures by the Capitol, District 13 wants her as the leader of their rebellion, and the revolution is about to happen.  As all of these events unfold, District 13 rescues Peeta and begins to train for the revolution.  Katniss ends up leading one of the groups in charge of assassinating President Snow.  Katniss begins to piece things together and learns the leader of District 13, Alma Coin, wants to continue the Hunger Games to punish those from the Capitol.  At the end, when given the chance to assassinate President Snow, Katniss raises her bow and kills President Coin instead.  The last chapter shows Katniss with her son, daughter, and husband, Peeta, living in the remains of District 12.  Katniss is finally free.

Evaluation: This was an amazing series that I plan to use in my future classroom.  Middle school students love this book.  The story draws them in and makes it near impossible to put down. 

I set the readability a little higher since the book deals with the murdering of young children and teens during the Hunger Games.  I do not feel as though this book is appropriate for anyone below seventh grade.

I can use this book as a good example of fantasy.  Like many of the other fantasy works I've included in this blog, this science fiction book does a great job at providing detail.  Collins makes the reader feel like they themselves are fighting for their life alongside Katniss. 

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Grade Level: 8-10
Genre: Fantasy
Awards: Prometheus Hall of Fame Award (2009), International Fantasy Award for Fiction (1957)

Summary: In the first book of The Lord of the Rings series, J.R.R. Tolkien begins to tell the story of Frodo Baggins.  Frodo is a young hobbit who has lived a fairly normal life.   Frodo has grown up hearing the adventurous tales of his second cousin (once removed) Bilbo Baggins.  In this book, Frodo learns about a strange, small, gold ring.  This ring was constructed so that whoever wears the ring will have the power to rule the world.  At the end of this book, the task of destroying this powerful ring is placed in the hands of Frodo himself.

Evaluation: This is an amazing book.  This will definitely be a book I include in my future classroom.  I have seen a lot of students reading this book.  They quickly find themselves lost in J.R.R. Tolkien's world of hobbits, elves, and more.

Even though the readability is difficult for younger readers, this is a great book for middle school.  Students at this age love a story with a good adventure.  This book is full of them!

In my future classroom, I plan to use this book to show a strong example of a quest fantasy.  The world Tolkien creates is magnificent.  I can use this book to encourage creativity and spark imagination.  I was at one school where a teacher successfully read through The Hobbit with her students.  She used this book to help them in their own creative writing.  The students loved the book and enjoyed the interactive activities she planned around it.  My hope is to do the same.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 

Author: J.K. Rowling
Grade Level: 5-6
Genre: Fantasy
Awards: Nestle Smarties Book Prize for 9 to 11 years

Summary: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces you to a boy named Harry Potter.  Harry's parents died when he was young, forcing him to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin.  Harry's life take an unexpected turn when he finds out that he is a wizard.  This first book takes you through his first year of school at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  During his first year there, he finds out that the man whom he supposedly killed as a baby is still alive.  The man, who shall not be named (Voldemort), is trying to take the sorcerer's stone so that he can be the most powerful wizard.  At the end of this book, Harry stops him, saving the lives of many witches and wizards.  Unfortunately, Voldemort vanishes, waiting for another time to strike.

Evaluation: I do see myself having this book in my future classroom library.  I know a lot of people do not approve of this book, but students love it.  Even though the book deals with witchcraft and wizardry, it is an example of good writing.  If parents do not want their student reading the book, then they don't have to.  The book will simply be there for students who can read the book.  (Fun fact... I was not allowed to read this book either when I was younger.  I didn't read the series until I was in college.)

The readability is between grades five and six in the first book of the series.  The books are meant to steadily increase in difficulty as a student continues the series.  Even though this is the age the book appears to be written for, I would recommend waiting until the students are a little older.  It is important for students who read this know that the things addressed in the book are fictional.

A way I could use this in my classroom is using it as an example of a descriptive introduction.  Another way I could use this book is showing the picture-pushing detail this book includes.  The author uses a lot of strong detail to paint the picture of this imaginary world.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & The Olympians 

Author: Rick Riordan 

Grade Level: 6-8

Genre: Fantasy

Awards: Hampshire Book Award

Summary: Percy Jackson is a twelve year old boy attending school for troubled youth.  During his twelfth year of life, Percy finds out he is the son of Poseidon, making him a half-blood (half man, half god).  This first book in The Percy Jackson series takes you on his journey of discovery and adventure.  Most of Percy's time is spent at the half-blood training camp, Camp Half-Blood, meeting people who are like him.  During his time here, he is taught how to defend himself and survive in the world as a half-blood.  In this book, Percy's is being accused of stealing the lightning bolt of Zeus.  This book takes you on his journey of finding the lightning bolt which ends up *spoiler alert* in the hands of his friend, Luke.  Luke attempts to kill Percy by having a scorpion sting him.  After surviving the sting, Percy makes the decision to live at home instead of the half-blood training camp for the rest of the year.  The books ends here, but leaves the reader in suspense for the next book.

Evaluation: As you can tell, my copy of this book is well-loved.  Many students have found themselves drawn to the tattered pages of this worn book.  This book is a must-have on my future classroom shelf.  The author draws the reader in with his unique writing style.  I definitely plan on using this book in my future classroom.

The grade level appropriateness is around sixth and eighth grade.  The book's readability seems geared toward sixth grade and enjoyable for eighth grade.  Your middle school students will love this book.

I plan to use this book in multiple ways.  The first way is to show students what a strong introduction looks like.  The author does a great job addressing the audience in a fun, taunting way at the beginning.  This introduction immediately hooks the reader in and dares them to turn the next page.  I also plan to use this book as an example of strong sensory detail.  All throughout the book, the author uses strong language that paints the scene for the readers.

The New Kid on the Block

The New Kid on the Block

Author: Jack Prelutsky

Illustrator: James Stevenson 

Grade Level: 1-3

Genre: Poetry 

Awards: Garden State Children's Book Award (New Jersey), ALA Notable Children's Book

Summary: This collection of poetry shows the humorous and entertaining works of Jack Prelutsky.  Similar to Shel Silverstein, Prelutsky includes a lot of humor in his poems.  He has a habit of leaving a surprise ending to many of his poems.  In his poem "New Kid on the Block," the writer is describing a new kid in school who is a mean bully to everyone.  At the end, the writer reveals that the bully is a girl.  "I'm Thankful" also has a humorous surprise ending.  After describing all these random, broken objects this child is thankful for, he ends by saying he is thankful for everything except liver.  "Homework!  Oh, Homework!" is a cute poem about how badly homework stinks.  The poet concludes that homework simply stinks.

Evaluation: I loved this collection of poems.  Jack Prelutsky reminded me a lot of Shel Silverstein.  Prelutsky uses a lot of humor in his poems, humor that middle school students will love!  The fact that I enjoyed it so much gives me the idea that my students too will enjoy it.  I plan on using this one soon.

This collection of poems is appropriate for first through third grade.  Most of the messages being conveyed are important (and told in a humorous way!).

This collection would tie along well with a unit on poetry.  I have found that there are a lot of funny students in my classes.  Exposing them to work like this will help them see ways they can appropriately incorporate their humor in the classroom (in a way that's productive and meaningful).  

Poetry for Young People - Carl Sandburg

Poetry for Young People - Carl Sandburg 

Author: Carl Sandburg

Illustrator: Steve Arcella 

Grade Level: 4-6

Genre: Poetry 

Awards: none

Summary: This book includes poetry selections of Carl Sandburg.  This book includes works such as "Fog," "Arithmetic," and "Buffalo Dusk."  The poem "Fog" beautifully describes the incoming fog as a cat, quietly looking into the city and moving on.  "Buffalo Dusk"  tells the sad story of the buffalo.  The poem describes how not only are the buffalo gone, but the ones who saw them roam by the thousands are gone as well.  The buffalo and the memory of them are gone, lost forever like the fading day.

Evaluation:  Steve Arcella does a wonderful job illustrating the poems of Carl Sandburg.  The reason I chose the poems I did are mainly because of the beautiful artwork that went alongside them.  I see myself using this book in my classroom.  I think the students will not only enjoy the poems, but they will enjoy the illustrations as well.

This book is appropriate for grades four through six.  The poems in this work deal with themes appropriate for those grade levels. 

I plan to use this book when I introduce poetry.  I think students would enjoy the short, simple poetry works of Sandburg in this collection.  The artwork in this book would also stand out to them, increasing the impact of the poems themselves.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends 

Author: Shel Silverstein

Illustrator: Shel Silverstein 

Grade Level: 2-4

Genre: Poetry 

Awards: New York Times Outstanding Book Award (1974), Michigan Young Readers' Award (1981)

Summary:  In this work, Shel Silverstein creatively and humorously shares his works of poetry.  This award winning book includes some of Silverstein's more well-known works such as "Smart," "Boa Constrictor," and "Sick."  "Smart" tells the story of a young boy who trades his dollar bill for five pennies because five is more than one.  "Sick" tell the story of a young girl who has two dozen reasons why she can't go to school.  When she finds out it's Saturday, all of her symptoms seem to magically go away.

Evaluation: This was (and still is!) one of my favorite books as a child.  The poems are funny, amusing, and creative.  I have already begun using this work in my student teaching placement.  So far, the students have loved it!  This is one that will definitely be used in my future classroom.

Second through fourth grade student should have no problem understating and enjoying this book.  I guarantee you will get a couple of giggles when reading these poems.

The used this book during my lesson on the Writing Process.  I did a read aloud through "Sick" and showed that excuses do not help your writing process.  I shared a personal story on how I used many similar excuses when I needed to write a paper.  It wasn't until I finally sat down and started writing that I saw how silly my excuses were.  

Poetry for Young People - Edgar Allan Poe

Poetry for Young People - Edgar Allan Poe

Author: Edgar Allan Poe; edited by Brod Bagert

Illustrator: Carolynn Cobleigh

Grade Level: 8

Genre: Poetry 

Awards: none

Summary: This book is a collection of thirteen poems and eight prose from larger works of Edgar Allan Poe.  Some of the poems include Poe's more popular works such as "The Raven," "The Bells" and "For Annie."  This book also includes sections from "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Pit and the Pendulum."  The illustrations along with the poems make this book unique and engaging.  "For Annie" tells the story of a dying man who says goodbye to the world.  He assures his brokenhearted lover that her memories of him will live on forever.  "The Tell-Tale Heart" is about a man who meticulously murders a man and hides him under the floorboards of his home.

Evaluation: If you are introducing your class to Poe, I highly recommend this book.  The works themselves are already impressive.  What makes this book stand out are the illustrations.  Even though they are simple, they help paint the picture Poe is describing in his poems.  This is a book I plan to use in the near future. 

The grade level appropriateness, for any of Poe's works, begins at eight grade.  By this age, most students will be ready for his unique and dark works.

I plan to use this book when I introduce my class to Edgar Allan Poe.  I think this book will help my more visual learners see the story that is being painted by words of poetry.  This book might help them better understand the work.

All the Small Poems

All the Small Poems

Author:Valerie Worth

Illustrator: Natalie Babbitt

Grade Level: 3-6

Genre: Poetry 

Awards: none

Summary: In this collection of poems, Valarie Worth takes the readers through simple yet profound poems.  The poem "cat" tells the story of a cat looking for a perfect place to lounge.  "Fence" tells the story of a fence post that fell down, giving freedom to the cows inside.  The poem "grass" paints a vivid picture of the simplicity and complexity of a field of grass.  It is clear throughout this collection that Valerie Worth sees beauty in the simple objects around her.  She sheds light and tells the story of these sometimes unnoticed items in a poetic form.

Evaluation: I enjoyed this book of poems.  I love how this collection talks about daily objects around you.  It helps the reader to notice the beauty of these things that go unnoticed due to their presence in our everyday life.  This collection helped remind me to take in the beauty around me, even if it means appreciating a bed of grass.  I can definitely see myself using this book in my future classroom.  I think it is important to remind students to pay attention to the things around them.

The poems in this book are appropriate for third through sixth grade (and beyond!).  Most of the poems are easy to read and deep in meaning.  

You could use this book when introducing Writing Territories.  As students write words in their notebooks to later help them in their writing, they can use examples from this book to spark ideas.  When they tell you they can't possibly write about a cup, show them this collection!  Don't let them give excuses for not writing.  

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

Traditional Irish Folktale retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paole 

Grade Level: 2-3

Genre: Traditional Literature 

Awards: none

Summary: This book tells the story of a lazy Irish man.  After his wife is no longer able to take care of the two of them, Jamie had to start doing something to provide food for the two of them.  Jamie runs into a leprechaun and attempts to take his gold.  The leprechaun outsmarts him and trades him a seed to grow the largest potato.  Jamie agrees and takes the seed.  Soon enough, the potato grew and grew.  The potato got so large, the townspeople had to help Jamie dig up the potato.  After being uprooted, the potato rolled into the town, blocking the city gate.  The town had to do something in order to have visitors come and go from their town.  Jamie told the townspeople to take as much potato as they needed to last them the winter.  The townspeople did so and each had enough potato to last the entire winter.  By the end of winter, the townspeople were tired of eating potato.  The townspeople then agreed to provide food for Jamie and his wife if he never planted another potato again. 

Evaluation: This was a very cute story.  I honestly do not see myself using this book in my classroom because I am worried my middle school students would get the wrong idea.  I do not want to encourage laziness (haha!).  It really is a cute story though.  I just do not see myself using it.

This book's readability is suited for second through third grade.  I would not go any lower than second grade due to the fact that there is quite a bit of writing on each page.  I think younger students might be a little overwhelmed with so many words on the page.

You could use this book to teach a lesson on laziness.  Even though the story seems to encourage a lazy lifestyle, you could still use it to show how a lazy lifestyle is not healthy.