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Review ListAnnotationCritical EvaluationRecommended Use with ChildrenIllustrated FolktaleHaley, G. E. (1996). Two bad boys: A very old Cherokee tale. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. 36 pgs.Boy discovers Wild Boy in his reflection at the riverbank. Wild Boy gets up to mischief and Boy must deal with the consequences. After their curiosity unleashes the animals and wastes the grain, the two boys must work and toil for the rest of their lives (and we, their ancestors, must continue to suffer as well). This picture book parallels the early humanity myths of other cultures, like the Adam and Eve story in the Bible. The illustrations interweave Cherokee border designs with vibrant colored drawings. The realistic illustrations emulate the lyrical flow of the story. I would incorporate this book in a further readings listed provided during a storytime with a myth theme. I would read myths from a variety of cultures and have attendees create a piece of artwork reminiscent of that culture. Recommended for ages 5-8. Illustrated FolktaleMcDermott, G. (2011). Monkey: A trickster tale from India. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 36 pgs.Monkey wants to go across the river to an island with delicious mangoes. Crocodile offers to help, but hopes to eat Monkey’s heart. Monkey continues to outsmart crocodile, which proves that even though your teeth may be sharp, it is your intelligence that matters. Designed in the same style of her other folktale books, McDermott uses a variety of mediums and textures to create bold illustrations that spill across the page. The bold red background and yellow text provide a perfect visual balance to the book. The vocabulary of the text is complex, but the repetitive structure will keep all readers engaged. I would pair Monkey: A trickster tale from India with two other folktale books by McDermott, to highlight both the myths and the art. Attendees would dance along to a monkey song and we would sing “Five little monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator.” At the end of the program, children would use a variety of scraps of fabric to create their own monkey and alligator scene. Recommended for ages 3-7.Illustrated FolktaleKarlin, B. (1989). James Marshall’s Cinderella. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. Marshall, J. (illus.). 36 pgs. In this classic rendition of the Cinderella story, Cinderella becomes a servant to her stepfamily, but is ultimately saved through magic. The short simple sentences will appeal to both young children and beginning readers. The humorous text coupled with the vibrant illustrations keep this classic story fresh for all readers. Marshall’s notable illustration style of rounded characters and classic colors is easily visible from the cover and beyond. Once Cinderella arrives at the ball, the illustrations take over entire pages. However, the majority of the book includes easy-to-read text on large expanses of white space. I would use this book in a storytime with a Cinderella theme. Fingerplays and songs would include fairies, mice, and glass slippers. After reading, we would have a pumpkin volcano, so we could explode it like Cinderella explodes from her pumpkin carriage after the magic wears off. We would finish by coloring our own James Marshall Cinderella stylized coloring sheet. Recommend for ages 3-8. Retellers Represent the WorldSay, A. (2010). The boy in the garden. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. 36 pgs. After hearing the tale of a paper crane that transformed into a beautiful woman, Jiro and his father visit Mr. Ozu and his beautiful garden. As Jiro is exploring the garden, he thinks he has found a magical crane, but when he realizes he is mistaken he is embarrassed that his father and Mr. Ozu are laughing at him. After running away from the two, Jiro finds a mysterious woman who may have magical powers, the reader soon learns that Jiro’s journey with the crane/woman may only have been a dream. The beautiful painted illustrations coupled with the mystical story create a work that will quickly become a favorite of all readers. The ambiguous and believable layer of fantasy expressed through this work will enchant readers. I would read this book and two others featuring an origami figure at the beginning of an origami program. After reading the books, I would instruct attendees in creating their own paper cranes and other origami figures. Recommended for ages 4-8.Fractured FairytaleWillems, M. (2012). Goldilocks and the three dinosaurs. Balzer & Bray. 40 pgs. In this hilarious reimagining of Goldilocks and the three bears, three dinosaurs, Mama, Papa and one visiting from Norway, attempt to trap heedless Goldilocks with pudding and beds. The author offers a separate moral for each character set, which adds to the fun. This fractured fairytale switches the three bears of the original tale, which do not want to be burgled by a little girl, with three dinosaurs who do. The bright colors and bold illustrations mixed with the language that directly addresses the reader will have both young and old readers laughing. The moral is clearly stated in this book, which creates an easy springboard of discussion about values. I would use this book with other Goldilocks and the three bears fractured fairytales. Attendees would participate in a reader’s theater, where they would be given the opportunity to fill different parts of the reimagined story. We would also work together to create our own version of a fractured three bears story. Recommended for children ages 3-7. Fractured FairytaleSchwartz, C. R. (2012). The three ninja pigs. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Santat, D. (illus.). 36 pgs.The three little pigs have learned martial arts to defend themselves against the big bad wolf. In this funny battle against the wolf, the three little pigs ensure that the wolf will never bother them again.Key martial arts terms have been offset through a variety of styles and colors throughout the text. The illustrations loosely emulate a comic book style, with speech bubbles, and arrangement of text. This picture book introduces young readers to the action of fighter comics. I would read this book at the beginning of a ninja program. Attendees would participate in ninja themed fingerplays, like “If you are a ninja and you know it.” I would have attendees show off their ninja skills through a themed obstacle course and allow them to create their own pipe cleaner ninja. Recommended for children 3-6. Cinderella VersionJackson, E. (1994). Cinder Edna. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. O’Malley, K. (illus.) 36 pgs. Cinderella had a lesser-known neighbor, Cinder Edna, who also experienced many of the same issues from her stepfamily as Cinderella did. However, Cinder Edna stayed positive about her situation and enjoyed being independent.. Each woman lives an entirely different life and happily ever after because of their different attitudes. The quirky differences of Cinder Edna from Cinderella will be appreciated by older audiences, but will be lost on younger one. The exaggerated facial expressions and inclusion of images to enhance the jokes of the text will have readers laughing aloud. Cinder Edna and her prince are Earth conscious throughout the book and I would pair this story with a school age Earth Day program. After reading this book, attendees would be given the opportunity to create their own ball gown or suit using recycled materials. At the end, we would have a fashion show.Recommended for grades K-BC50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should KnowErdich, L. (1999). Birchbark house. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. 244 pgs.Omakayas is a young Ojibwa Native American growing up in the northern part of America. This historical exploration of the life of a young Native American girl is reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series. The white man and the diseases they carry threaten Omakaya’s community’s way of life. Key aspects of each chapter are highlighted by small black and white illustrations. The author uses culturally appropriate words throughout the story and provides a dictionary at the back of the book. I would use this book to frame a program about growing up as an Objiwa Indian in early America. I would read a selection from this novel and follow it with several of the activities Omakayas engages in throughout the novel. Several examples of these activities will include information about berry picking, beading, and the impact of smallpox on Native American communities.Recommended for grades 3-6. CCBC 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should KnowCheng, A. (2012). The Year of the book. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Halpin, A. (illus.). 146 pgs. Anna is a voracious reader and turns to her books for friendship, rather than rely on the more difficult-to-navigate friendship with classmates at school. Anna’s love of reading and Chinese culture both create many misunderstandings in her connections with the world around her. However, when a friend from school has to deal with her parents’ messy divorce, Anna truly learns what it is like to be a friend. Cheng adeptly addresses the common childhood conflict between wanting the ideal of friendship, while navigating the reality of friendship. The main character reads several classic children’s novels throughout the book and Cheng integrates those stories with Anna’s story. The small and brief illustrations convey a realistic sense of action, which allows readers to easily play tangrams like the main character, sew a drawstring bag, and even attempt to make rice noodles. For a monthly book discussion, I would have children read The year of the book. When discussing, children would be encouraged to invite their friends. After the discussion, I would offer several friendship activities and I would allow participants to create their own example of the drawstring bag presented in the book. Recommended for grades 3-5. Book in verse Donwerth-Chikamatsu, A. (2016). Somewhere among. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 441 pgs. Ema spends her time living in America and Japan. However, her family will not be taking their regular trip to America because her mother is having a difficult pregnancy and her parents have decided to stay with Ema’s grandparents in Japan. While Ema is having a difficult time adapting to the changes in her life, the attack on the Twin Towers creates even more stress in her family’s life. This novel in verse addresses the concept of being a biracial person and the feeling of having a foot in both worlds. Ema provides a new perspective on the impact of the 9/11terror attack on the world. I would use this book with a program about 9/11 and provide it on a list of recommended reads. In the program, I would first discuss the events of 9/11 and how America was impacted. I would then allow attendees to visit different stations at their own pace, where they would uncover several different countries’ perspectives of 9/11.Recommended for grades 5-8.Poetry Book by US Children’s Poet Laureate Jacqueline WoodsonWoodson, J. (2014). Brown girl dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulson Books. 336 pgs. This is Woodson's personal story described through verse. Woodson, an African American female author, grew up during the 1960's and 1970's, where she experienced discrimination and the Jim Crow laws first hand. Her mother moved the family from the north to the south, which compounded the negative impact of society’s beliefs about African Americans of the time. This beautiful novel clearly describes the condition of African Americans during the times of the Civil Rights Movement. Readers see the overwhelming pain, as well as the pleasure that could be found during these times. This novel is separated into parts, based on the author’s moves to different parts of the country during her childhood. I would use this novel in a poetry program. I would highlight several key passages, and then ask attendees to write their own poem about their life. At the end, attendees would be encouraged to share their poem. Recommended for grades 4-7. Book of Poems by Poet in Calendar of Poet’s Birthdays Viorst, J. (2015). What are you glad about? What are you mad about?: poems for when a person needs a poem. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. White, L. (illus.). 102 pgs. Viorst uses a collection of poems to describe subjects from emotions, family, friends, and school. Each poem is enhanced by an accompanying illustration.The visual use of shades of blue, black and white keep the reader in a peaceful state while reading through this collection of poems. Poems span the range of emotions from humor, pain, and pleasure. It provides an accessible link between poetry and a young reader’s everyday life. I would use parts of the book’s featured poem to begin a storytime about emotions and I would use it as a spark to discuss attendee’s current moods. I would also use this book in conjunction with a family program and use it to frame an activity for creating poems about attendee’s families.Recommended for grades 2-5.Book of Poems by Poet in Calendar of Poet’s BirthdaysHeard, G. (2009). Falling down the page. New York: Roaring Book Press. 47 pgs. In this anthology of poems, Heard demonstrates the contemporary poet’s ability to beautify the ordinary. Heard has collected list poems from several key contemporary poets, in attempt to encourage young readers to try their own hand at creating poems. The poems cover a variety of forms, but all hint at the list concept. The thin, vertical arrangement of the book further emulates the concept of the list. The focus remains on the concept by not including illustrations. After reading several of the selections from this book, I would guide attendees in creating their own variety of list poems. We will types of figurative and descriptive terms we could use in a poem. An example of an activity I would use includes writing descriptive terms of a color on a paint swatch, which emulates the list concept covered in this work. Recommended for grades 2-5. Book of Poems by Poet in Calendar of Poet’s BirthdaysKatz, A. (2008). Oops!. New York: Margaret K. Elderberry Books. Koren, E. (illus.). 132 pgs. In this collection of poetry, Katz plays with letters, words, and meanings of words surrounding a variety of subjects. This collection will have readers laughing aloud throughout. Katz intelligently plays with the written word, which can fun for readers, but may become challenging for struggling readers. Katz’s jokes rely on potty humor and other gross concepts, which will appeal to young readers, but may be off-putting to their parental caregiver. I would read several of these poems during a school age storytime with a riddle theme. Students will have fun playing with words through these poems, but they will use the skills addressed with them to answer riddles later in the program. Recommended for grades 4-7. Newbery Honor 2016Bradley, K. B. (2015). The war that saved my life. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. 316 pgs.Ada was born with a clubfoot, which was the source of her mother’s abuse and neglect. When given the opportunity to escape to the countryside during World War II, Ada sneaks away with her younger brother, Jamie. Their lives and those of the countryside town they visit are forever changed by this choice. This book will grab readers from the first page and compel them through a unique story and perspective on World War II. While many were negatively impacted by the war, Bradley presents the story of several people whose lives were bettered in a unique way because of it. The layers of this story will provide a rich experience for readers. I would use this novel with a school-age book discussion, so that readers are given the ability to tease out the various concepts addressed through the novel, like abuse and war. I would show attendees movies and ads from the time, talk about how and why children were sent to live in the countryside of England. Attendees would be exposed to models of war shelters, blackout curtains, and espionage communication devices of the time. Recommended for grades 5-8.Newbery Honor2014Henkes, K. (2013). The year of Billy Miller. New York: Greenwillow Books. 229 pgs.After bumping his head, Billy worries that perhaps he will not be smart enough to pass second grade. However, Billy soon finds that he is growing up just like everyone around him. Billy is an average second grade boy, with best friends and frenemies, he tries not to act like such a baby, and he has a difficult time getting along with little sister. This is a lengthy book written for young readers with stamina. Billy echoes many of the day-to-day thoughts and fears of a young elementary student. These young readers will find accurate reflections of themselves through this book. At the beginning of a school year, with young elementary students, I would first read an excerpt of the novel, which would include the explanation of the title. Attendees would answer questions about themselves at the time and their hopes for the school year, we would include other mementos from the children in a time capsule. The group would meet again at the end of the year and reflect on the school year. Recommended for grades 2-4. Newbery Honor 2013Turnage, S. (2012). Three times lucky. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. 312 pgs. When Detective Starr blows into Tupelo Landing asking about a man who has been murdered, Mo and her best friend Dale are eager to solve the mystery. Mo’s life and loved ones are surrounded by mysteries, she has never known her biological mother and her adoptive father, the Colonel, can’t remember his life before coming to town. In a town full of mysteries, Mo and Dale have their work cut out for them. This novel focuses on several mysteries, all of which require readers to pay attention to the details provided throughout the narrative. Turnage creates detailed realistic characters, which have a balance of positive and negative qualities, and no one is perfect in this novel. I would provide this novel as a further reading recommendation in conjunction with a murder mystery program. In the mystery program, attendees would be required to solve various riddles and puzzles to discover the murderer of a fictitious character. Recommended for grades 4-8. Newbery Honor 2012Lai, T. (2011). Inside out and back again. New York: HarperCollins. 261 pgs. Hà leaves war-torn Saigon, Vietnam for Alabama, United States. Even though there isn’t a war occurring in America, Hà and her family must navigate the discrimination and clash of old culture versus new culture in their new home. This story speaks to the possible connections and growth of humans, when they work together to understand each other. Several separate parts, which parallel location movements and intense changes in plot, break up this novel in verse. Using biographical information and humor, the author presents a difficult story about our nation’s past and possible parallels in the present. I would read passages of this novel to open a program about diversity and learning to be supportive of others. I would have activities that will allow students to express their own identity and other activities, which would require attendees to work collaboratively. We would discuss how to be more sensitive to others and attendees would be given the opportunity to present their own experiences.Recommended for grades 5-8. Newbery Honor 2011Holm, J. L. (2010). Turtle in paradise. New York: Random House. 191 pgs. Set during the Great Depression, Turtle is an eleven-year-old girl who has been sent to live with her aunt and her crew of boy cousins. While the boys try to keep Turtle out of their Diaper Gang, she worms her way into the hearts of family members she has just met (even several she hasn’t met before). The group of cousins goes on an adventure to find a pirate’s treasure, where their relationship is forever cemented. This novel provides a new perspective on a historical tale. This book provides a detailed account of a young girl’s life in the Florida Keys, richly expressing her unique experiences in this part of the country during the Great Depression. The author also provides a detailed historical note with additional resources at the end of the novel. I would use this novel during a program about the Great Depression. At the beginning, I would read an excerpt from this book. After that, attendees would perform activities related to this topic, which would represent historical experiences of those across the nation. Recommended for grades 4-8. Newbery Honor1973Reiss, J. (1972). The upstairs room. New York: Crowell. 196 pgs. Johanna Reiss describes her experiences during the Holocaust as a Dutch Jew. The main character, Annie, goes into hiding with her older sister, Sini. The sisters spend over two years together in hiding, with little communication and interaction with the outside world. This novel appropriately addresses the difficult concept of the Holocaust in a way that young readers can understand and connect to. This novel provides a brief snapshot into the lives of real people who were caught up in horrific circumstances. I would use this novel along with several other biographies from the time, to provide a global perspective on the impact of the Holocaust. Attendees would read accounts from several countries at different stations and would interact with age appropriate activities about the life and times during the World War II.Recommended for grades 4-6. Mildred Batchelder Award2016Alemagna, B. (2015). The wonderful fluffy little squishy. (Bedrick, C. Z. trans.) New York: Enchanted Lion Books. 44 pgs. Eddie overhears her mother and her sister talking about a squishy fluffy present. Wanting to get the perfect present just like her sister, Eddie travels throughout the city asking friends for help. In the end and with the help of her neighborhood friends, Eddie finds the best present ever. This book visually appeals to children and adults alike, with its flashes of neon pink and cute illustrations. The story and images become strange when Eddie meets the butcher with his bloody knife on a foldout page and uncovers a pink rodent animal as her perfect present. Visually the colored pencil drawings are stimulating, but the story offers something completely unique.I would read this book along with several others during a Mother’s Day program. After finishing, children would create their own fluffy little squishy, using felt, feathers, and fabrics. Attendees would then be able to give their present to their mothers, or keep it for themselves. Recommended for grades K-3.USBBY Outstanding International Book ListdeGennaro, S. (2016). The pros and cons of being a frog. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 36 pgs.A young boy likes to dress up as an animal, but he must find the perfect animal to be. His best friend, Camille, loves numbers (she even speaks in numbers) and she helps him find the perfect animal. However, not everything is always smooth sailing and the two must learn to work together. The adorable illustrations overshadow the story, which becomes muddled at times through the use of numbers. The muted background colors of the illustrations are enhanced by the strong pops of color, large numbers, and diagrams. I would not use this work in a program because the story and concept is difficult to understand. I would offer it as a further reading in an early elementary program about math. After using math activities, like sorting and ratios, I would encourage attendees to read other fun books afterwards. Recommended for grades K-2.USBBY Outstanding International Book ListHohn, N. L. (2016). Malaika’s costume. Toronto; Berkley: Groundwood Books. Luxbacher, I. (illus.). 32 pgs.Malaika and her grandmother are separated from her mother, who is living far away in Canada making money for the family. It is time for Carnival and Malaika becomes upset because her mother cannot be there or help with her costume. Malaika decides to use the help of those in her town to create a beautiful peacock costume. This visually stimulating book is complemented by the heartwarming story of finding connections with others when separated from those we love. Hohn makes uses of a variety of color, textures, and mediums to achieve the visual aspect of this book. This creative story helps young readers begin to imagine the concept of Carnival. I would use this book during a program about Carnival, along with several others. Attendees would be asked to dance with scarves and other manipulatives. I would also allow them to create their own peacock mask, using fabrics, feathers, and sequins. Recommended for ages 4-7.Contemporary Realistic Fiction Anderson, J. D. (2016). Ms. Bixby’s last day. New York: Walden Pond Press. 300 pgs. Some teachers are terrible, some are boring, and very rarely, some are “the good ones.” Ms. Bixby is one of the good ones and her sudden departure from her sixth-grade classroom due to terminal cancer has deeply impacted three special students. Topher, Steve, and Brand skip class one Friday and journey to find their favorite teacher to give her the going away party they were supposed to have before she left. This book provides a special story, which beautifully interweaves tragedy with lighthearted occurrences. Told through multiple perspectives, it provides a diverse cast of characters, with one of the main characters having a form of autism or Asperger’s (though it is undiagnosed). This heavy novel will have even reluctant readers entranced by the journey. I would use this book with a volunteering program. Attendees and I would talk about doing for others and living in the moment. We would finish the program by completing a volunteer project for a local organization, possibly the Ronald McDonald House, which is the local organization that supports families and children with terminal illnesses. Recommended for grades 4-8. Contemporary Realistic FictionConnor, L. (2016). All rise for the honorable Perry T. Cook. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 381 pgs. Perry has always lived in Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility in Surprise, Nebraska. Perry and his mother were given the special privilege of staying together in the facility, even though she is locked up at night and he has his own room. When a well-meaning local DA finds out about this unusual living situation, he removes Perry from the prison and fosters him with his family.Connor creates well-developed nuanced characters, which are neither all good nor all bad. She sparks a discussion about what is legal versus what is just and encourages her readers to look into the grey areas of life. This novel will draw readers in from the first page. I would use this book with a school age book discussion group. We would discuss the grey areas of life and other concepts discussed in the novel. We would finish this program by creating art projects of sunshine to give to nearby prisons and nursing facilities. Recommended for grades 4-8. Contemporary Realistic FictionHennessey, M. G. (2016). The other boy. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. Sfé R. (illus.). 234 pgs. Shane is a regular guy, who plays baseball, has a best friend, and a possible crush on a girl at school. However, Shane was born with girl parts. A school bully finds out his secret and tells the whole school. Shane soon finds out who his really friends are.This is a compelling introduction into the concept of transgender. Hennessey address relevant issues in an age appropriate way with characters that are easy to connect to. The addition of Shane’s graphic novel drawings enhances this novel’s unique and interesting presence. I would recommend this novel to parents who are looking to introduce the concept of transgender people to their child, or give it to a student who might have questions about this issue. I would pair sections of this book with a graphic novel memoir program. This book would frame the eventual goal of the program. Recommended for grades 5-8.ALSC Recommended Tween BooksGrabenstein, C. (2013). Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s library. New York: Random House. 291 pgs. Famous game-maker, Luigi Lemoncello, was deeply impacted by the public library when growing up and he plans to give the children of his hometown a similar experience if not better. Using his wealth, Lemoncello creates a fully interactive public library. He invites twelve, twelve-year-olds have to be the firs visitors and are given the opportunity to be part of an elaborate game to find their way out. This is the first novel in the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series, where the public library bursts beyond the preconceptions of libraries and engages readers in new way. Bibliophiles and game players alike will be drawn to this interactive book, where they are given the ability to answer trivia questions about their favorite classic novels and solve riddles. This is a perfect pairing of nostalgia and whimsy with silly characters like Lemoncello and caricatures like Sierra Russell, the bookworm. Grabenstein has crafted a library program through his book. I would simply take the activities from the book and have attendees perform them in the real world. Attendees would answer trivia questions about books, alphabetize items, and solve a variety of riddles to win their “escape” from our library.Recommended for grades 4-8. ALSC Recommended Tween Books Graff, L. (2013). A Tangle of Knots. New York: Philomel Books. 230 pgs. Set in a world similar to our own, people have unique talents with everyday activities, like baking and spitting. Several stories collide, when the Asher siblings discover a villainous talent by the owner of their apartment complex. Several characters believe that they have found their forever home, which is soon threatened by the owner. This novel weaves many stories into one by using multiple perspectives. Each chapter is told from a different viewpoint, with sections and time elapses broken up with character created recipes. While this book is fantasy, its close connection to reality will appeal to a wide range of young readers. After giving a book talk about A Tangle of Knots, I would hold a bake-off, where children could use their own cooking talents. I would offer several ingredients, which the children could combine in any way they desire and we would have judges select the tastiest recipe. I would finish the program with a cake tasting of the recipes included in the book. Recommended for grades 4-8. SLJ Best Books for the Middle GradeBenjamin, A. (2015). The thing about jellyfish. New York; Boston: Little Brown and Company. 343 pgs. Suzy's ex-best friend died over the summer and she is trying to make sense of this unexpected loss. Suzy concludes that her friend must have died because of a jellyfish sting because nothing else fits. Suzy retreats into herself and does not talk, but soon she ties her grieving process to her jellyfish quest.This novel is loosely expressed as a scientific report, complete with a purpose and conclusion. The novel incorporates flashbacks, information from experts and jellyfish images. Suzy’s grieving process will deeply impact readers, especially because she easily reflects the thoughts and beliefs of those her age. I would use an excerpt of this novel to begin a program about the impact of science on our lives. I would discuss the concept of using science to explain the unexplainable. I would have several stations with science experiments, an explanation behind the science of the experiment, and how the science was first discovered. Recommended for grades 5-8. SLJ Best Books for the Middle GradeJones, K. A. (2015). Unusual chickens for the exceptional poultry farmer. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Kath, K. (illus.). 216 pgs. After Great-Uncle Jim dies, Sofia and her parents move from the city to care for his farm. Even though Great-Uncle Jim left the farm in a disorganized state, Sofia jumps into the task of getting it up and running again. She soon discovers Jim’s unusual chickens, which leads her on a funny journey in caring for them. This epistolary novel is punctuated by hilarious illustrations and brief worksheets on the care of chickens. Not only does this book successfully include a variety of media to express the story, but also the main character is multiracial, which adds an important layer of diversity and multiculturalism. Fantasy and realistic readers will all have a laugh with this novel. After giving a book talk for this novel, I would have students complete the first chicken care questionnaire. Attendees and I would set up a habitat for a chicken egg and prepare it to hatch in the library. I would continue to have programs related to the care of chickens, throughout the hatching process. Recommended for grades 3-6. Humorous Series BookPilkey, D. (1997). The adventures of Captain Underpants: An epic novel. New York: Blue Sky Press. 117 pgs. George and Harold were infamous pranksters and clowns at their school. After caught on video for orchestrating their latest elaborate prank, their principal blackmails them into being good. In retaliation, George and Harold hypnotize their principal into becoming Captain Underpants, which has several serious consequences. This novel straddles the line between chapter book and graphic novel, by including illustrations, which spread across all pages of the book. Readers are able to easily visualize the action and hear it, with the inclusion of action-packed flipbooks and words like “BOOM” and “KA-BOOM.” While this book will strongly appeal to reluctant and struggling readers, it will also provide difficulties based on the inclusion of misspelled, or phonetically spelled words.I would use this novel in conjunction with a comic book camp. I would highlight sections of the book where Captain Underpants is taking on the villains. Then as a group, we would first create our own flip-o-rama, or flipbook, of Captain Underpants’ adventure and then attendees would be able to create a personal flipbook. Recommended for grades 1-4.Booklist’s Lasting Connections2016Yoon, J. (2015). Beastly verse. New York: Enchanted Lion Books. 44 pgs.Using classic poetry from famous authors, this picture book explores animals through a literary lens. The variety of animals and the situations they find themselves in expose readers to unique vocabulary terms and word play. The busy and bright print pictures offer an illustrated mirror of the poem depicted on each page. While this book does present a variety of animals, the illustrations are abstract, which makes it more difficult to identify the animals described. There is a strong focus placed upon the visual aspect, as the illustrations bleed across the page, there are foldout images and the words appear as small blocks of text. I would read this book during a preschool storytime and afterwards would guide the children to create their own poem about their favorite animal. Using vibrant colors and stamps, attendees would be asked to illustrate their poem like Yoon did in his book. Recommended for ages 4-8. Booklist’s Lasting Connections2016Lai, T. (2015). Listen slowly. New York: Harper. 260 pgs. Mai has plans of lounging by the beach over the summer, but she is forced to visit Vietnam with her grandmother and father. While there, her grandmother hopes to find the answers of her grandfather’s disappearance during the Vietnam War. In the beginning, Mai rejects this experience with her roots, but soon finds herself opening up to the culture and the people. Told through lyrical language that peppers Vietnamese phrases and pronunciations throughout, readers will be captivated by Mai’s journey. Lai is able to expertly interweave an American perspective on the Vietnamese lifestyle, through the development of Mai’s connection to both of her cultures. Vietnam becomes a clear place, with people, language, history and culture, which all readers will be entranced by. I would use this book as a further reading resource for a program about Vietnam. I would introduce attendees to Vietnamese culture, history and language, using many of the occurrences from this book to found the activities. I would encourage attendees to read this book after eating some of the foods discussed in it, participating in several of the activities from it, and learning parts of the language described through it. Recommended for grades 5-8. ................
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