Mrs. D’s Reads

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate Dicamillo
All ages

Kate Dicamillo has a knack for writing stories that span age-groups. Her newest book tells a sort of velveteen-rabbitish sort of story, only the rabbit isn’t very nice or likable until after his adventures. The messages about love and risk will touch readers beyond children. This is a beautiful read.

Lilly’s Big Day
by Kevin Henkes
Grades K-3

I know I just did a Kevin Henkes last week, but his newest book, starring his most famous character, is a fun story about disappointment and helping out. When her teacher gets married, Lilly is convinced she should be the flower girl. Instead she is asked to be the flower girl’s assistant. Fortunately for both Lilly and the other girl, Lilly has been practicing just in case. This is classic Henkes and classic Lilly.

Beyond the Deepwoods, Edge Chronicles Book 1
by Paul Stewart
Grades 4-7

This series, which is up to seven or eight books now, I believe, is gaining popularity in the states. Stewart does a great job of creating a world and creatures and characters who are new and interesting, but also gives them needs and emotions that feel familiar to readers. Twig’s search for his father and for the place he really belongs is a classic story given a new twist here. Fantasy fans will want to give the Edge Chronicles a try.

Yellow Star
by Jennifer Roy
Grades 3-6

I read this novel this week. It is the true story of the author’s aunt, who was one of only 12 children to survive the Lodz ghetto in Poland during WWII. It is written in that narrative prose-poem format that became so popular with Out of the Dust a few years back. It is a powerful story about a child’s loss of innocence and a community’s courage.

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark
by Carmen Agra Deedy
Grades 2-6

I love this moment in history, when Denmark’s king brought all his people together to defy the Nazis and protect the country’s Jews. A wonderful example of courage.

Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story
by Ken Mochizuki
Grades 2-6

This little-known event of WWII had a huge impact for many Jewish families. A Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania issued many visas to fleeing Jews regardless of the consequences to himself. The story is simply and powerfully told in this book.

Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
Grades 3-6

My daughter just read this Newberry Winner for the first time and she couldn’t put it down. Lowry’s work is usually good, and this is one of her best. This is a staple in a lot of classrooms already, but I wanted to remind you all of it. Great read-aloud, too.

Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust
by Eve Bunting
All Ages

This has long been one of my favorite books for all ages. The allegory of the animals who turn away and ignore the plight of their neighbors who are being taken by the “Terrible Things” gives me pause every time I read it. The questions this story will generate about character, courage, and integrity are powerful even if you are not studying the holocaust.

The Butterfly
by Patricia Polacco
Ages 4-8.

This is classic Polacco, drawing on her family’s wide experience to create a story that can be used with all ages. Some of the images will stay with you, as will the simplicity of two girls who just want to be friends and can’t because of this impossible situation.

And a movie to consider, not so much for kids…

I recently watched the film “Everything is Illuminated”, which is quirky and sad, but also moving and funny. It is the story of a very odd Jewish American man who goes to the Ukraine to look for the person who he believes saved his grandfather’s life during World War II. It’s based on the book by Jonathan Safran Foer. It was an unexpected pleasure to watch this movie, and I am still thinking about it, and the wonderful characters who inhabit it. It’s PG-13 for some violence and intensity.

Ok, my district filter does not like me to update my blog at school, so I have been trying to switch over to the district blog, but then I decided I’ve already done all this work…

Anyway, I have been deliquent in my posts, but here are some of the things I have recommended to staff and students in the last couple of months…

I, Coriander
by Sally Gardner
Grades 5-9

I loved this novel which is half fantasy, and half historical fiction. Set in the midst of the English Civil War, it really drives home some bigger themes of predjudice and abuse of power. It also weaves a powerful, almost Cinderella-ish story where the Cinderella has to save the world in the end. A great read.

Sheila Rae, the Brave
by Kevin Henkes
Grades K-3

This may be my favorite of Henkes’ many wonderful books. It was a staple bedtime read in our house when my daughter was younger, and it deals with a fear that every kid and parent can relate to.

The Warrior and the Wise Man
by David Wisniewski
Grades K-6

This original folk tale follows the tradition of many Asian tales. The two brothers both have strengths, but it is clear that both are needed to make things work in the world. Wisniewski’s incredible paper cut illustrations are really stunning, which is why this author illustrator won the Caldecott a couple years back for another of his books, “The Golem.”

Spirit Walker: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #2
by Michelle Paver
Gr. 5-9.

This sequel to “Wolf Brother” really delivers. The characters and the narrative stay strong and exciting, and Paver continues to make the reader care what happens. I can’t wait for the next book, which unfortunately won’t be out until 2007.

This Little Pirate
by Philemon Sturges
Kindergarten-Grade 2

The familiar three little pigs rhyme is given a fun pirate twist in this entertaining book. There is lots to notice in the illustrations, and kids enjoy comparing Sturges’ version to the original.

A Kick in the Head : An Everyday Guide to Poetic
by Paul B. Janeczko
Grade 3-9

This is a great introduction to many different poetic forms, some very familiar, and some more esoteric. Each page gives information on the form, a kid-friendly example, and then ideaws about how to use the form to write your own poems. This is a great way to demystify poetry and make it work for kids.

The Penderwicks : A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (National Book Award Winner)
by Jeanne Birdsall
Grades 4-6

My daughter and I read this one together and we both fell in love with this high-energy family of sisters and the way they take the world by storm. It reminded me of the family in Saffy’s Angel, which I also loved. I also like the way each of the characters gets a chance to grow and change. That’s not easy for the author to accomplish with so many sisters to keep track of.

Touch The Poem
by Arnold Adoff
Grades K-6

What a nice collection of poems, focused on senses and bridging the gap between the senses and language. The photographs are an essential compliment to the words.

Seven Blind Mice (Caldecott Honor Book)
by Ed Young
Grades K-6

I love this simple tale, and for older kids it could be a great jumping off point for discussions on bias, judgement, and understanding many points of view. The visuals are great, and the language is for all ages.

Enjoy!

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei (1997 Caldecott Honor Book)
by Peter Sis
Ages 6-up

I am a big fan of Sis’ work. His illustrations and his stories are complex and challenging, and they can be understood on many levels. Many of his books have such detailed illustrations that they are not easy to share with a larger group like a classroom, but Starry Messenger has visuals that work for a classroom, and then more detailed pieces to reward students who move in for a more independent look. Definitely an all ages book.

The Book of Bad Ideas
by Laura Huliska-Beith
Kindergarten-Grade 6

If your students enjoyed “The Things that are Most in the World”, they might also have fun with the silly “bad ideas” in this book. (Bad Idea #828: Throwing a surprise party for your imaginary friend). I can see lots of fun writing, art or even history activities with this book.

Surviving the Applewhites (Newbery Honor Book)
by Stephanie S. Tolan
Grade 5-8

My daughter and I both loved this fun story about a misfit family and the misunderstood boy who comes to live with them. While the ending might seem a little optimistic, the characters ring true, and the boy’s process feels sincere.

Read on!