It's Monday, What Are You Reading? September 23, 2019

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are a few books I have been able to read over the last couple of weeks. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

by Pam Berkman

Dorothy Hearst

Illustrated by Claire Powell

Published by Margaret K McEldery Books

August 2019

Goodreads Summary:
Join Filigree, a five-pound Pomeranian, as he stows away on Paul Revere’s midnight ride in this first book of the At the Heels of History series, inspired by important events and told through the eyes, ears, and noses of dogs.
Filigree may be a small puff of a Pomeranian but he has a big, brave heart. As the Revere family dog, he’s ready to do his part to help the American colonists stand up to the British soldiers. But the other dogs, like Jove, Sam Adams’s Newfoundland, and even the Revere cat, Anvil, think Filigree is a joke. The Reveres’ daughter Frances is the only one who believes in him.

When Frances’s father, Paul Revere, leaves home on a secret mission, Filigree and Frances know they have to help, no matter how dangerous it might be. Will a pint-sized pup just be in the way, or can Filigree prove that even a very small dog can fight for freedom?

I love this time period and would definitely add this one to any 3-5 classroom or school library! There are more to come in this At the Heels of History series. 

by Ellen Javernick

Illustrated by Colleen Madden

Published by Two Lions 

August 2019

Goodreads Summary: What if everybody were more thoughtful before they judged someone?
If you see someone in a wheelchair, you might think he or she couldn’t compete in a race. But…you might be wrong. What if you see a child with no hair? Do you think she is embarrassed all the time? How about a kid who has a really hard time reading? Do you think that means he’s not smart? You might think so. But…you might be wrong.

With clear prose and lighthearted artwork, this companion book to the bestseller What If Everybody Did That? explores the preconceived notions we have about the world and encourages kids to be more thoughtful. 

This is the 3rd in the "What if Everybody..." series. The others are What if Everyone Did That? and What if Everyone Said That?

by Michael Engler, 

Illustrated by Joëlle Tourlonias and Laura Watkinson

Amazon Crossing Kids

Sept. 2019

Goodreads Summary: Life is more fun when you’re a tiger like me!
A little boy—um, no, a tiger!—tells us all about what he gets up to on an ordinary day: how he wakes up in his tiger den, what he eats for breakfast at his feeding spot, and how little tigers feel when they are wide awake, hungry, thirsty, or in the mood for adventures. But at night, even the wildest of tigers is happy to curl up in bed with Tiger-Mom and Tiger-Dad and become a cuddly little tiger cub.

With warm illustrations and playful text, this delightful story first published in Germany shows just how sweet life can be for a little tiger!

by Lynne Kelly

Published by Feb. 2019 by Delacorte Press

Goodreads Summary: In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.
From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.
When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him?
Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves.

What are you reading friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? February 26, 2018

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are a few books I have read over the last 2 weeks, including vacation week. Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

Currently Listening

Currently Reading

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 17, 2017

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are some books I have enjoyed this week. Click on the cover for more info. 

Sweet and sad, but mostly sweet. Prek-2

I will review this excellent middle grade adventure story near its release date in November.

LOVED this one! Great for fans of The Goldfish Boy. 

Get this one. Trust me.

Currently Reading

Listening to...

Continuing to read and participate in #cyberpd2017

Here are my posts if you care to read them.

Week 1

Week 2

What are you reading friends? 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Emmanuel's Dream

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

by Laurie Ann Thompson

Illustrated by Sean Qualls

Published 2015 by Schwartz and Wade

40 Pages

Nonfiction Picture Book

Obtained from public library

Goodreads Summary

This inspirational picture book biography, written by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Sean Qualls, tells the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who bicycled across Ghana--nearly 400 miles--with only one leg. With that achievement he forever changed how his country treats people with disabilities, and he shows us all that one person is enough to change the world. 

My Thoughts

I loved everything about this book. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is an inspiration and reading his story made me want to get up and just DO something!  These days, talking about grit is all the rage and Emmanuel is grit personified. This is a person who hopped to school on one leg for 2 miles as a child. HOPPED!! Incredible! Children will be amazed and inspired by his determination and resilience. 

I like how the story started with his birth and showed how his father left the family because of his disability. His mother's love and determination made all the difference for Emmanuel. The reader tags along watching Emmanuel overcome obstacle after obstacle. There are many opportunities for discussions about disabilities and challenges in the classroom. 

This is a book I will certainly share with my 4th graders. I would recommend it for grades 2+. 

No Excuses: The Story of Elite Gymnast Amy Walker-Pond-Book Blast Post and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

 

  No Excuses: The Story of Elite Gymnast Aimee Walker-Pond by Adam U. Kempler No Excuses: The Story of Elite Gymnast Aimee Walker-Pond traces the gymnastics career of a girl born deaf and blind in one eye. Despite challenge after challenge and setback after setback, Aimee rose in the gymnastics world to compete for UCLA and BYU and at the level of International Elite—a feat no athlete with comparable disabilities has accomplished in the history of the sport. This biography describes how Aimee overcame her health struggles, learned American Sign Language, succeeded in gymnastic, enjoyed social activities, acted in movies, traveled to Hawaii and Russia, worked hard in school, competed in college, and found romance. Bruno Grandi, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, said, “Aimee has filled our hearts with the fire of warmth and love and inspired us all to become better.” Valorie Kondos Field, head women’s gymnastics coach at UCLA and winner of six NCAA National Championships, said, “Aimee’s not deaf. She just can’t hear. Why would she need two eyes, when she has one? She has no excuses.”

Order Your Copy Now!

Impact Publishing

Excerpt - Preface “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now,” says one Chinese proverb. When I started this project, I had no idea that it would take thirteen yearsto complete and involve about eighty interviews with Aimee’sfamily, friends, mentors, and coaches. Why did it take so long? When I first met Aimee, I was an English professor, and she was in the middle of her career. No one knew how long her career would take or where it would take her; however, I could see that her story was significant and had to be told, so I approached Aimee about writing her story. We then agreed to work together on this project—although at the time we didn’t fully understand the place her story would take in the gymnastics world and in disability literature. Helen Keller said, “Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.” Most of us don’t have much experience with blindness, deafness, or other disabilities. When I was working my way through college, the only job I could get was working with severely handicapped students as an instructional aide at a high school, which I reluctantly accepted out of financial desperation. I worked with a young man who had been a popular running back on the school’s football team but had been hit head-on by a drunk driver, placing him in the severely handicapped program. When I first saw him, he was drooling in a wheelchair, and I felt sick to my stomach. After four years of working together, he became one of my best friends. Through that experience and many others like it, I gained a better understanding of some of the struggles that others face, and it prepared me to see the significance of Aimee’s story when I first heard about it. After twenty-seven years in prison, Nelson Mandela said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” People with disabilities are imprisoned by their bodies, and most of them are never set free in this life. I taught a class in a juvenile detention facility for five years, and I had a student who stopped me outside of class one day. She looked across the grass at the tall fence at the end of the field. It was wrapped with razor wire at the top. She said, “I can’t take it in here. I’ve got nine months left, and I can’t handle being away from my family.” Being incarcerated can change us, and by teaching in detention camps, I gained a better understanding of the need that we all have for hope, especially the disenfranchised. I hope that readers of Aimee’s biography will gain a better understanding of the world of people with disabilities and encourage others to feel hopeful.   

Praise for the Book: “Aimee’s not deaf. She just can’t hear. Why would she need two eyes, when she has one? She has no excuses.” Valorie Kondos Field—Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach at UCLA who won six NCAA National Championships “Aimee has filled our hearts with the fire of warmth and love and inspired us all to become better.” Bruno Grandi—President of the International Gymnastics Federation "As a parent, devoted gymnastics fan . . . and one who views success in terms of personal growth, not medals or titles won, this is a story that inspires me.” Kathy Johnson Clarke—1984 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Captain who won a team Silver medal and an individual Bronze medal on the balance beam.  

Available from Impact Publishing

Author Adam U. Kempler Adam U. Kempler is an English professor and author in southern California. He has worked extensively with students with disabilities, including those in high schools, colleges, and detention facilities. He enjoys spending his free time surfing locally and fly-fishing in the backcountry of Yosemite. Adam and Jennifer have six children: Jesse, Stephen, Rachel, Rebekah, Timothy, and Ruth.

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  BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Review of Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign 
by Ann M. Martin
Published 2014 by Feiwel & Friends
240 Pages
Middle Grade Realistic Fiction
Ages 9-12 (from the publisher)
Review copy provided by the publisher

Goodreads Summary

Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.

Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.

Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.

My Thoughts

Rain Reign is absolutely a favorite from 2014. I fell in love with Rose as she tells her story as only she can. Rose has several of the stereotypical traits of many people with Asperger's syndrome including intense interests and/or obsessions and a desire for predictability. Ann M. Martin approaches the condition with respect and has obviously done her research in creating such an endearing and believable main character. I believe that Asperger's syndrome is one of the most confusing disabilities for other students to understand as the individual does not usually "look" as though they have a disability. With a need for order and following the rules, students with Asperger's syndrome can often seem like they are tattling when they insist that others follow the rules. This book provides students with a look inside the thinking processes of someone with the condition. This could increase their understanding and in turn their compassion for people with Asperger's. There is much opportunity for discussion throughout Rose's story.
One of Rose's intense interests is homonyms. She often inserts the homonym(s) for words next to them in her story. I can imagine having a big unit studying homonyms as a class when reading Rain Reign aloud. I thought it would be distracting, and it was a first, but it just becomes part of the way Rose talks. 
I have to admit, I found myself getting very upset with Rose's father who seemingly has no compassion or patience for Rose or her disability. Thankfully she has her uncle who is just the opposite. He spends time with her and talks about the things that interest her. I loved their sweet relationship. 
I really could go on and on gushing about how much I love Rain Reign. Ann M. Martin has created another gift for her readers. 

A Review of Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Expected Publication February 5, 2015. 
Nancy Paulsen Books
288 pages
Disclosure: Review copy provided by the publisher. 

My 12 year-old daughter Molly and I recently finished reading Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Our love for Lynda and her first novel, One for the Murphys, is no secret (see our Nerdy Book Club Post). She is a wonderful author and an amazing person. When I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Fish in a Tree, we were thrilled to say the least.

Molly made me promise not to read ANY of it without her. She wanted to read it aloud like we did with Murphys. This was tough for me because I was dying to read it, but I'm glad we were able to experience it together. 

It took us a while to finish reading this book, only because Molly kept wanting to stop to discuss what was happening. She had many questions and comments. "Why were Shay and Jessica so mean? I love Keisha! This happens at my school too." Etc. But I would not have had it any other way. Stopping to discuss the story deepened our experience and connection to the book. 

Ally is a girl who misbehaves in school to hide the fact that she can't read. Finally Mr. Daniels becomes her teacher. Although she needs to deal with teasing and humiliation from the awful Shay and her cronies, things are about to change for Ally. Mr. Daniels is the kind of teacher who sees the potential in every student. He notices that Ally is a talented artist and is great at solving problems with logic and critical thinking. Through his observations and assessments, Mr. Daniels realizes that Ally has dyslexia. Finally she has an explanation for why the letters seem to float around on the page and why she gets headaches while reading. Through hard work, faith and grit, Ally begin the arduous, but rewarding task of learning to read in a way that works for her brain.
I love Mr. Daniels. Every child should be lucky enough to have such a dedicated teacher who believes wholeheartedly in their success.

Throughout the school year, Ally has developed a friendship with the spunky and outspoken Keisha and brilliant, but quirky Albert. Through this friendship each one of them learns about their true gifts and what real friendship feels like. They learn that they are capable of things they never dreamed possible and that indeed, great minds don't think alike. 

Fish in a Tree is a wonderful middle grade novel. From my experience with Molly I can also say that it would make a great read aloud. I will definitely be reading it to my 4th graders. It would also make a fabulous book group, book club or independent reading book. Students will love this story of resilience, hope, individuality and friendship. 

Lynda Mullaly Hunt has a gift. She is able to create characters that you fall in love with and stories that live on in your heart. 
Fish in a Tree is expected to be published in February of 2015, but it will be worth the wait. 

See what others are saying about Fish in a Tree. 
These 4 Corners
Finding Ways for All Kids to Flourish
Stotz's Stacks

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-A Boy and a Jaguar

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 

A Boy and a Jaguar
by Alan Rabinowitz
Illustrated by Catia Chien
Published 2014 by Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt
Nonfiction Picture Book
32 Pages
Disclosure: Borrowed this book from my wonderful nerdy friend Susan Dee!

This is the true story of Alan Rabinowitz. Alan is a wildlife conservationist and a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America. He also grew up as a stutterer. As a child, the only times he did not stutter were when he was singing or speaking to animals. He has a fondness for big cats such as lions and jaguars and his father often took him to the zoo. As he got older, Alan decided that he wanted to be a voice to help protect wild animals, especially jaguars and other big cats. But who would listen to him if he could not speak fluently? This book chronicles his life's struggles and triumphs. 

My Thoughts
The message in this book is so powerful. If you are passionate, determined and ready to work hard, you can overcome many of life's difficulties and obstacles. Alan writes his story honestly and in a way that will have children (and adults) eager to find out what happens next. The way he overcomes his condition and becomes a person who makes important contributions to the world is inspiring. It would make a great read aloud for grades 1-5. 

Companion Texts
Visit this link to go to a site containing many books that deal with the topic of stuttering. 

Other Resources
A special page for kids who stutter
Stuttering for kids-Stuttering Foundation
Kids Health-Stuttering
Information about some of Rabinowitz's work.