A Review of The Dumbest Idea Ever by Jimmy Gownley

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The Dumbest Idea Ever 
by Jimmy Gownley
Published 2014 by Graphix
240 pages
Genre: Memoir
Format: Graphic Novel
Disclosure: ARC provided by publisher





Goodreads Summary

Jimmy Gownley's graphic novel memoir about the "dumb" idea that changed his life forever!

What if the dumbest idea ever turned your life upside down?

At thirteen, Jimmy was popular, at the top of his class, and the leading scorer on his basketball team. But all that changed when chicken pox forced him to miss the championship game. Things went from bad to worse when he got pneumonia and missed even more school. Before Jimmy knew it, his grades were sinking and nothing seemed to be going right.

How did Jimmy turn things around, get back on top at school, and land a date with the cutest girl in class?

Renowned comics creator Jimmy Gownley shares his adventures as he grows from an eager-to-please boy into a teenage comic book artist. This is the real-life story of how the DUMBEST idea ever became the BEST thing that ever happened to him.

My Thoughts

I don't always enjoy graphic novels meant for older students, but I was really intrigued by this book. I think the fact that it is autobiographical made it interesting to me. Jimmy develops his talent and finds his passion at such a young age all while balancing the social awkwardness of adolescence. I think many students will be able to relate to his story and will find hope in reading about his struggles and accomplishments. Jimmy puts his mistakes and missteps out there for the reader to see. At times it is very funny to watch and other times you want to cringe in embarrassment. Because of some implied "romantic situations", I would recommend this book for grades 5 and up.  

Check out this book trailer.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

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

Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers also shared this book a few weeks ago, but after I read it, I thought it worthy of another share. Click here to see their review.

Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
by Patricia Newman
Photography by Annie Crawley
Published 2014 by Millbrook Press
Genre: Nonfiction
48 pages
Disclosure: Review copy provided by Netgalley.com


Goodreads Summary
These scientists are on a mission. As part of a research expedition known as SEAPLEX, they're studying the massive accumulation of plastic in the Pacific Ocean known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. As they use the scientific method to conduct their investigation, their adventures will introduce readers to the basics of ocean science and the hazards of plastics.

My Thoughts

As I read Plastic, Ahoy! I felt ashamed that I don't do enough to help the environment and I immediately wanted to DO something. I think that was the main goal of this book, to make us take a hard look at what we have done, and are doing, to our planet. I was drawn into this book and just had to keep reading to see what the scientists found. The author does a terrific job breaking down some of the complicated information into manageable pieces that kids (and adults) will understand. She also makes the scientific process visible by showing the questions that each scientist was trying to answer and how they collected and analyzed data and modified their hypotheses. The information is accompanied by excellent photographs of the scientists at work on their ship in the middle of the ocean. I would recommend Plastic Ahoy for students in grades three through middle school. 

Use this book....

as a nonfiction read aloud.

during a unit on ecology or the ocean. 

near Earth Day.

before a school clean up day.

to demonstrate the scientific process.

for close reading of nonfiction. 

to discuss the use of plastics and recycling.

Resources

PBS Need to Know video: An Ocean of Plastic

Kids World: Pacific Ocean's Plastic Island

Kid Ocean: Ocean Pollution for Kids

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? April 28, 2014

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

Sorry, no time to post reviews with the books I read this week. Click on the picture to go to the book's page on Goodreads and to see my rating.  I will be doing a full review on Plastic, Ahoy! and The Dumbest Idea Ever this week. I am hoping to do a review of The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill soon. Enjoy your week!

Picture Book-Fiction


Nonfiction

Graphic Novel

Poetry

Middle Grade

Finished Listening....

Still Reading....

What Are You Reading Friends? 

Recent posts:

Review of If it Rains Pancakes

Celebrate this Week

Visit this week for:

Nonfiction Wednesday-A review of Plastic, Ahoy!

Friday-A review of The Dumbest Idea Ever

Saturday-Celebrate this Week!

Celebrate this Week-April 26, 2014

Every week, Ruth Ayres over at Discover. Play. Build. invites people to share celebrations from their week.  Please visit and consider linking up your own celebration. 

I hope you all had many things to celebrate this week. Here are some things I am celebrating as I look back on my week.

Staycation

This week we were on vacation here in Maine. Our family is so fortunate that we all get to spend our vacations together since both my husband and I work in schools (he is a school secretary). We stayed put this week and it was SO great! We did some much needed cleaning and organizing in our home, watched movies, read, did errands, played outside and just hung out. It was exactly the vacation I needed. 

Easter

Our family was able to get together on Easter at my sister's house. The cousins have an egg hunt and we all have a huge Easter dinner and talk at the table. TJ got alphabet letters in his eggs since he doesn't like candy, but he LOVES letters. here is a video of him reenacting Chicka Chicka Boom Boom in a tree outside. 

An Unexpected Meeting

On Wednesday morning my husband and I were dropping the kids off with Nana so we could go back home and clean the basement (romantic, I know). We ran into some dear friends when we stopped for gas and after chatting, we decided to meet at a local restaurant to have breakfast with them. It was so nice to get to talk to my friends and have grown-up conversation. Definitely a highlight!

Mother-Daughter Day!

On Friday my 12 year-old daughter Molly and I spent the day together. We had our hair done and went clothes and shoe shopping. Then we watched a girly movie together.  It was so nice to spend uninterrupted time with her. 

Molly loves her new do!

Generous Donations

This week I have felt the generosity of my community in two ways. First, I had a Donors Choose Project funded! My partner teacher and I submitted a $550 project for books (of course) and it was funded this week! I can't wait for my kids to see these new books. 

If that wasn't enough, my family is participating in the Walk for Autism to benefit The Autism Society of Maine tomorrow. Our friends and family have helped us raise over $300 so far! We are looking forward to walking together. I'm sure it will be in next week's celebration post. 

What are YOU celebrating friends?

Review of If It Rains Pancakes:Haiku and Lantern Poems

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
by Brian P. Cleary
Illustrated by Andy Rowland
Published by Millbrook Press
Expected publication May 1, 2014
32 pages
Genre: Poetry
Disclosure: Review copy provided by Netgalley.com


Summary
Brian Cleary introduces the reader to the ancient poetry forms of haiku and lantern poetry in this colorful and fun collection. The book is divided into two sections dedicated to each of the two types of poems. He briefly describes a bit of history behind each form and directions for writing them at the beginning of each section. The poems cover many different topics from classic nature-themed poems to a pig doing karate. 

My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading this short book of poems. The variety and humor will interest young readers as will the colorful, cartoonish illustrations. Cleary lists a variety of helpful resources for teachers and parents to use in the back of the book. I would use this book to introduce students to haiku and lantern poems or as part of a poetry unit for grades 2-5.
Here is one of my favorite haiku's from page 17 called The Mind.

The Mind

Memory is like

a room where tiny boxes

hold our yesterdays.

Companion Texts

The Notebook of Doom Series

I am always on the lookout for books that developing readers will enjoy. In the fourth grade it can be hard to find books with a lower readability that 10 year olds, who are still developing as readers, will want to read. Recently, I found a series some of my students are really responding to. 

 

The Notebook of Doom Series

by Troy Cummings

Published by Scholastic

From Goodreads

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Summary of book #1 The Notebook of Doom: Balloon Goons from Goodreads

Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons--unique and twisted arm-waving balloon guys! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illustrations, and of course . . . monsters!

My Thoughts
I like this series for several reasons. Too often early chapter books have a low readability level, but the story is not exactly exciting. These books are written at about a second grade level but they have interesting plots and characters. The events are fast-paced and are accompanied with an illustration or graphic on each page. They are funny and suspenseful. At around 100 pages the books are long enough to feel like a chapter book, but not too long that developing readers are intimidated. 
With 4 books currently published and one due to be released in August, kids will have plenty of books to keep them motivated. I strongly encourage any parent or teacher to introduce students in grades 2-4 to this series. 

Stack It Up Sunday-April 13, 2014

I love for Sundays to be lazy days focused on home and family so I don't normally do a big post. However, I like to share the random piles of books around my house. I originally posted about my piles on this celebration post. I'm sure you have stacks of books piled around and as I like to say...

Each pile has its own story.

These are my bedside stacks. Many have been there for quite a while. I am not currently reading any of them, but I like to keep them close. 

 This is the stack on top of the bedside table. The top book was recommended by my principal, but I have not read it yet. Then be different is a book that I have started and not finished. Finally, From Norvelt to Nowhere is an ARC I received at NCTE. I loved the first one, but have not read this one yet.

This is the stack on the bottom shelf of the bedside table. It contains various arc's and two books I plan to review. 

The cluttered kitchen counter usually has a stack or two. Right now it holds two books my daughter insisted she must have at the Scholastic Book Fair and a book about Greek Mythology by Ken Jennings (from Jeopardy). 

What books are in your stacks friends?