Guts: Our Digestive System
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. Guts Our Digestive System. Harper Collins Publishers, 2005. ISBN 0-06-054651-4.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book Seymour Simon explains how the digestive system works twenty-four hours a day. Guts illuminates how major organs including the stomach and intestines move food through the body.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Do you have questions such as, why is it important to chew your food, how long does it take for food to travel through your body, do I really have twenty feet of small intestines? Well if you do then Guts by Seymour Simon is the book for you. If you've never thought much about your digestive system then you will after reading this book. This book is a straightforward, scientific, detailed look into the digestive system. Guts vividly tells us how the body digest food starting with our teeth and ending with waste. Simon presents the digestive system process in an interesting way. It keeps the readers coming back for more. It is obvious that Mr. Simon has spent time researching and verifying the content of this book. It is definitely not lacking in organization. If you have a questions about a certain step in the digestive system, you can easily access the information needed. The real life photos are very detailed and colorful. Although some pictures are graphic in nature, it does not leave the reader "wondering about anything." : )
The writing in this book is very clear. Simon certainly drives home the point "you are what eat." After reading this book you will certainly second guess what you allow to enter into your body.
This book was certainly and eyeopener and a must read by everyone!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"I can't believe my body does all of that."
--James Harry, My son, 6 years old
5. CONNECTIONS
Personal:
I had my gall bladder removed several years ago and I never really investigated the job of the gall bladder or had seen pictures until now. I now understand why there was so much pain! Thank goodness it's gone.
Other Books by Seymour Simon:
The Brain: Our Nervous System
Bones: Our Skeletal System
Eyes and Ears
The Heart: Our Circulatory System
Muscles: Our Muscular System
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Genre 4: Nonfiction: An Orbis Pictus Award Winning Book
An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793
aura1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, 2003. ISBN 0395776082.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
An American Plague is an account of a devastating killer known as yellow fever. This killer roamed the streets of Philadelphia in 1793 seeking whom it could devour without considering gender or age. It chronicles the medical beliefs and practices of that time. Jim Murphy illuminates the true story of a city under siege.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Rofina Morrow, Patrick Mullen, Ann Murphy, John Newling, a lad, Widow Morrifon's child, Robert Murray's wife and child are just a few names of those stricken with Philadelphia's roaming killer known as yellow fever. Jim Murphy masterfully and vividly chronicles the devastation course of the epidemic. Murphy has obviously consulted many books, newspapers, magazines, personal journals, and letters in order to create such a vivid account of the rapidly spreading disease of 1793. The text was full of details allowing readers to deeply understand the experiences of Philadelphians during that day and time. It also shed light on the compassion shared by those that were not stricken with the illness but moved to assist, those of which included free black Philadelphians, politicians and of course medical experts both official and unofficial (barbers). An American Plague included illustrations that helped readers imagine what the sickened city was like-narrow streets and the press of people. Murphy's passion for this riveting true story of a city under siege is phenomenal. This book is a must read for readers of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Jim Murphy has once again created a masterful, impeccably researched book that both enthralls and horrifies the reader."
--Marya Jansen-Gruber, www.kidsread..com/reviews
5. CONNECTIONS
Other books by Jim Murphy:
The Great Fire
The Boys' War
Across America on an Emigrant Train
A Young Patriot
Pick & Shovel Poet
Fiction Book:
Fever 1793 by Laura Halse Anderson is great fiction book to go along with An American Plague.
aura1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, 2003. ISBN 0395776082.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
An American Plague is an account of a devastating killer known as yellow fever. This killer roamed the streets of Philadelphia in 1793 seeking whom it could devour without considering gender or age. It chronicles the medical beliefs and practices of that time. Jim Murphy illuminates the true story of a city under siege.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Rofina Morrow, Patrick Mullen, Ann Murphy, John Newling, a lad, Widow Morrifon's child, Robert Murray's wife and child are just a few names of those stricken with Philadelphia's roaming killer known as yellow fever. Jim Murphy masterfully and vividly chronicles the devastation course of the epidemic. Murphy has obviously consulted many books, newspapers, magazines, personal journals, and letters in order to create such a vivid account of the rapidly spreading disease of 1793. The text was full of details allowing readers to deeply understand the experiences of Philadelphians during that day and time. It also shed light on the compassion shared by those that were not stricken with the illness but moved to assist, those of which included free black Philadelphians, politicians and of course medical experts both official and unofficial (barbers). An American Plague included illustrations that helped readers imagine what the sickened city was like-narrow streets and the press of people. Murphy's passion for this riveting true story of a city under siege is phenomenal. This book is a must read for readers of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Jim Murphy has once again created a masterful, impeccably researched book that both enthralls and horrifies the reader."
--Marya Jansen-Gruber, www.kidsread..com/reviews
5. CONNECTIONS
Other books by Jim Murphy:
The Great Fire
The Boys' War
Across America on an Emigrant Train
A Young Patriot
Pick & Shovel Poet
Fiction Book:
Fever 1793 by Laura Halse Anderson is great fiction book to go along with An American Plague.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Genre 3 Poetry: A Book Written by Jack Prelutsky
A Pizza the Size of the Sun
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Prelutsky, Jack. A Pizza the Size of the Sun. Illustrated by James Stevenson. Greenwillow Books, 1996. ISBN 0-688-13235-9.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A Pizza the Size of the Sun is a collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky. It includes titles such as Miss Misinformation , My Brother is a Doodler and many other titles that are children related.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is a collection of clever, clever, funny, funny poems. It includes, it includes titles such as I Often Repeat Repeat Myself. Although geared for kids, poems such as this will stand out especially if you are a teacher and a mother and you have repeated yourself numerous times. Prelutsky manages to find humor in topics that may not normally be funny such as procrastination (Chuck) and oddly shaped bodies (Knothead). Although the illustrations are in black and white and doesn't have a lot of details, they provide space for the imagination to run wild with laughter. Kids of all ages will surely fall in love with this collection of poems. I suggest before you blow off your handle about a topic, check to see what Prelutsky has to say about it in this hilarious collection of poems. It is a great, funny way to introduce children to new vocabulary and other reading concepts. You will absolutely love sharing this book with kids of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"If a laugh is what's needed, just hand over the keys and let these two drive."
Publisher's Weekly
5. CONNECTIONS
OTHER BOOKS:
The New Kid on the Block
Something Big Has Been Here
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS:
Great reference book!
This book would be a great humorous way to introduce poetry to your kids/students.
It would also be a great way to settle an arguement in a lighthearted and funny way.
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Prelutsky, Jack. A Pizza the Size of the Sun. Illustrated by James Stevenson. Greenwillow Books, 1996. ISBN 0-688-13235-9.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A Pizza the Size of the Sun is a collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky. It includes titles such as Miss Misinformation , My Brother is a Doodler and many other titles that are children related.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is a collection of clever, clever, funny, funny poems. It includes, it includes titles such as I Often Repeat Repeat Myself. Although geared for kids, poems such as this will stand out especially if you are a teacher and a mother and you have repeated yourself numerous times. Prelutsky manages to find humor in topics that may not normally be funny such as procrastination (Chuck) and oddly shaped bodies (Knothead). Although the illustrations are in black and white and doesn't have a lot of details, they provide space for the imagination to run wild with laughter. Kids of all ages will surely fall in love with this collection of poems. I suggest before you blow off your handle about a topic, check to see what Prelutsky has to say about it in this hilarious collection of poems. It is a great, funny way to introduce children to new vocabulary and other reading concepts. You will absolutely love sharing this book with kids of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"If a laugh is what's needed, just hand over the keys and let these two drive."
Publisher's Weekly
5. CONNECTIONS
OTHER BOOKS:
The New Kid on the Block
Something Big Has Been Here
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS:
Great reference book!
This book would be a great humorous way to introduce poetry to your kids/students.
It would also be a great way to settle an arguement in a lighthearted and funny way.
Genre 3 Poetry: A Book Written by Nikki Grimes
Come Sunday
1.BIBLOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. Come Sunday. Ill by Michael Bryant. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 0-8028-5108-8.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book of poetry recounts LaTasha's Sunday adventures in Paradise, that is Paradise Baptist Church. There are fourteen poems that are told from the point of view of a young African-American girl.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jubilation it has!"Rock-a-my-soul I clap my hands and Rock-a-my-soul my feet start dancing..." are words from one of Grimes poems entitled Jubilation in Come Sunday. Prepare to hear the glorious sounds of pipe organs, tambourines and drums as you read this lively and colorful book. Nikki Grimes brings to life the exciting Sunday morning church adventures of a little girl named LaTasha. The poems in this book are funny, full of life and serious at the same time. From the anticipated early rise to the "now I lay me down to sleep" prayer, Grimes magnificently captures a day of worship through the eyes of a little girl. The illustrations are awesome! Michael Bryant uses vibrant colors throughout the book. The pictures are bold and exciting. After reading this book you are ready for your own day of Worship. You will be humbled to see the strong connection between a child and her love for Worship. Every sense is stimulated from the "touch" of mother waking LaTasha up to the "sound" of the lady preacher. This book would be great for kids that are going to church for the first time or for those, young and old, that feel like church is not for them. LaTasha will have you running to church, literally.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Reverent, funny and wildly energetic all at the same time, this is a wonderful book for introducing children to church life. "
-Publisher's Weekly
"I like church."
" Look at the pretty pictures. "
-Jada Harry, 3 Years Old, My daughter
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books:
Bronx Masquerade
Talkin About Bessie
Meet Danitra Brown
Danitra Brown Leaves Town
Jazmin's Notebook
1.BIBLOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. Come Sunday. Ill by Michael Bryant. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 0-8028-5108-8.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book of poetry recounts LaTasha's Sunday adventures in Paradise, that is Paradise Baptist Church. There are fourteen poems that are told from the point of view of a young African-American girl.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jubilation it has!"Rock-a-my-soul I clap my hands and Rock-a-my-soul my feet start dancing..." are words from one of Grimes poems entitled Jubilation in Come Sunday. Prepare to hear the glorious sounds of pipe organs, tambourines and drums as you read this lively and colorful book. Nikki Grimes brings to life the exciting Sunday morning church adventures of a little girl named LaTasha. The poems in this book are funny, full of life and serious at the same time. From the anticipated early rise to the "now I lay me down to sleep" prayer, Grimes magnificently captures a day of worship through the eyes of a little girl. The illustrations are awesome! Michael Bryant uses vibrant colors throughout the book. The pictures are bold and exciting. After reading this book you are ready for your own day of Worship. You will be humbled to see the strong connection between a child and her love for Worship. Every sense is stimulated from the "touch" of mother waking LaTasha up to the "sound" of the lady preacher. This book would be great for kids that are going to church for the first time or for those, young and old, that feel like church is not for them. LaTasha will have you running to church, literally.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Reverent, funny and wildly energetic all at the same time, this is a wonderful book for introducing children to church life. "
-Publisher's Weekly
"I like church."
" Look at the pretty pictures. "
-Jada Harry, 3 Years Old, My daughter
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books:
Bronx Masquerade
Talkin About Bessie
Meet Danitra Brown
Danitra Brown Leaves Town
Jazmin's Notebook
Awards and Honors:
Coretta Scott King Author, ALA Notable Books, NAACP Image Awards finalist honors
Learn more about Nikki Grimes at http://www.nikkigrimes.com/
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Genre 3 Poetry: Verse Novel Review
Make Lemonade
1.BIBLOGRAPHY
Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. Make Lemonade. New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 059048141.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a story of a fourteen year old girl named La Vaughn that takes on a babysitting job for a young mother of two named Jolly. Jolly is a single mother, lacks family support, education and all of the good things life has to offer. At first La Vaughn is being paid for her services, but after Jolly looses her job La Vaughn eventually has to become a dedicated volunteer. During this time a special bond is formed and La Vaughn uses her love and support to encourage Jolly to make lemonade out of lemons.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pull out the kleenex! Wolff does an excellent job of sensing the emotions of readers in this open verse novel. This book highlights the life of the truly disadvantaged in America today. Once you begin reading you no longer feel like it is someone you don't know, you connect to the characters. Wolff does an excellent job of making the characters come to life. Wolff's creative use of words draw you into the characters without focusing on race. If you ever had an opinion about the poor, young mothers and the uneducated, this is the book to read to remove the blindfolds from your eyes. You are immediately drawn into the struggles of LaVaughn and Jolly and yet mesmerized by their will to overcome despite circumstances. The book is written in first person and has multiple short chapters that makes it easy to read. It keeps you coming back for more. Although a heartbreaking reality, it conveys a message of hope. Make Lemonade conveys a message of triumph. It reminds you that you can make lemonade out of "any" situation. This heartfelt young adult literature is geared for ages thirteen and up. I must warn you get your kleenex first.
4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Radiant with hope, this keenly observed and poignant novel is a stellar addition to YA literature."
-Publisher's Weekly
5.CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Virginia Euwer Wolff:
Bat Six
Probably A Still Nick Swanson
The Mozart Season
True Believer
1.BIBLOGRAPHY
Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. Make Lemonade. New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 059048141.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a story of a fourteen year old girl named La Vaughn that takes on a babysitting job for a young mother of two named Jolly. Jolly is a single mother, lacks family support, education and all of the good things life has to offer. At first La Vaughn is being paid for her services, but after Jolly looses her job La Vaughn eventually has to become a dedicated volunteer. During this time a special bond is formed and La Vaughn uses her love and support to encourage Jolly to make lemonade out of lemons.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pull out the kleenex! Wolff does an excellent job of sensing the emotions of readers in this open verse novel. This book highlights the life of the truly disadvantaged in America today. Once you begin reading you no longer feel like it is someone you don't know, you connect to the characters. Wolff does an excellent job of making the characters come to life. Wolff's creative use of words draw you into the characters without focusing on race. If you ever had an opinion about the poor, young mothers and the uneducated, this is the book to read to remove the blindfolds from your eyes. You are immediately drawn into the struggles of LaVaughn and Jolly and yet mesmerized by their will to overcome despite circumstances. The book is written in first person and has multiple short chapters that makes it easy to read. It keeps you coming back for more. Although a heartbreaking reality, it conveys a message of hope. Make Lemonade conveys a message of triumph. It reminds you that you can make lemonade out of "any" situation. This heartfelt young adult literature is geared for ages thirteen and up. I must warn you get your kleenex first.
4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Radiant with hope, this keenly observed and poignant novel is a stellar addition to YA literature."
-Publisher's Weekly
5.CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Virginia Euwer Wolff:
Bat Six
Probably A Still Nick Swanson
The Mozart Season
True Believer
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Genre 2 Traditional Literature: A Book Written by Alvin Schwartz
And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry From Everyone
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. And the Green Grass Grew All Around Folk Poetry From Everyone. Ill. by Susan Truesdell. HarperCollins Publishers, 1992. ISBN 0-06-022757-5.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of over 250 folk poems from everyday life. It is Schwartz's personal record of folk poetry. This book focuses on fifteen different topics. It is in this book where Schwartz highlights the language of ordinary people.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sassy, funny, scary and slightly naughty are just a few words to describe And the Green Grass Grew All Around. From rhymes and parodies to riddles and poems, this heartwarming book offers the entire family an opportunity to chant, sing and share their favorite folk poetry. Truesdell offers dramatic, energetic drawings with a sense of humor. Although the drawings may be in black and white it does not lack in humor. The characters tumble and guffaw across the pages. The watercolor illustrations will make you fall out of your seat with laughter. And the Green Grass Grew All Around sheds a funny spotlight on even one of the least talked about topics, an ant. "The ants go marching one by one..and the last one stops to have some fun" is just one example of the amazing humor that is found in this book. Schwartz celebrates the vitality and humor of everyday language. This wonderful book should be read by children of all ages. As soon as I read this book I couldn't help but think of my childhood. Also, if you are looking for just the right poem to write to the one you love I highly recommend this one, "Roses red, violets blue, Sugar is sweet but not like you. The violets fade, the roses fall, But you get sweeter all in all." (pg 53) You and the one you love will surely fall in "laughter".
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. And the Green Grass Grew All Around Folk Poetry From Everyone. Ill. by Susan Truesdell. HarperCollins Publishers, 1992. ISBN 0-06-022757-5.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of over 250 folk poems from everyday life. It is Schwartz's personal record of folk poetry. This book focuses on fifteen different topics. It is in this book where Schwartz highlights the language of ordinary people.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sassy, funny, scary and slightly naughty are just a few words to describe And the Green Grass Grew All Around. From rhymes and parodies to riddles and poems, this heartwarming book offers the entire family an opportunity to chant, sing and share their favorite folk poetry. Truesdell offers dramatic, energetic drawings with a sense of humor. Although the drawings may be in black and white it does not lack in humor. The characters tumble and guffaw across the pages. The watercolor illustrations will make you fall out of your seat with laughter. And the Green Grass Grew All Around sheds a funny spotlight on even one of the least talked about topics, an ant. "The ants go marching one by one..and the last one stops to have some fun" is just one example of the amazing humor that is found in this book. Schwartz celebrates the vitality and humor of everyday language. This wonderful book should be read by children of all ages. As soon as I read this book I couldn't help but think of my childhood. Also, if you are looking for just the right poem to write to the one you love I highly recommend this one, "Roses red, violets blue, Sugar is sweet but not like you. The violets fade, the roses fall, But you get sweeter all in all." (pg 53) You and the one you love will surely fall in "laughter".
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Not since Carl Wither's "A Rocket in My Pocket" (1948) has there been such a grand compilation... "
Kirkus Reviews
"This is a funny book, lets read more."
James Harry, 6 Years Old, My son
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Alvin Schwartz: Chin Music:Tall Talk and Other Talk, Cross Your Finger, Spit in Your Hat: Superstitions and Other Beliefs, Flapdoodle: Pure Nonsense from American Folklore, Witcracks:Jokes and Jests from American Folklore.
Genre 2 Traditional Literature: Cinderella Review
Bubba the Cowboy Prince
1. BIBLOGRAPY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0-590-25506-1.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Cowboy Bubba is bossed around the family ranch by his cruel stepdaddy and his downright mean stepbrothers. He never says a word. One day Miz Lurleen , a prettiest little rancher in Texas, throws a ball to meet her a feller. Bubba has to stay home. But with the help of his fairy godcow and a little southern magic Lurleen finds the prince she's always dreamed of.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Once a strapping young feller named Bubba lived on a ranch..." is the start of this funny southern twist on the Cinderella fairytale. The illustrations are colorful, delightful and fun to look at. Warhola, the illustrator, tends to shine a big spotlight on how things are done big in Texas. This is evident by the "big as the yellow sun" hairdo worn by Miz Lurleen. The Texas draw adds an extra sense of humor to this story. The text is easy to read and will keep you laughing. Even if you are not a Texan you will be "downright" floored by statements such as "strapping young feller" and "purtiest and richest gal." Ketteman and Warhola combined creative use of hyperbole gives this story an extra punch. It'll keep the readers coming back for more and more. Although geared for ages 5-8, this book is a must read for the entire family. It will really "rope" you in!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee-slappin' tale."
Publisher's Weekly
"A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman..."
Kirkus Reviews
5.CONNECTIONS
Possible Classroom Lessons:
1. Read aloud another version of Cinderella and have students to compare and contrast the two books.
2. Have students to role play this book.
3. Great lesson on adjectives. After reading this book have students to list all of the adjectives.
4. Introduce lesson on hyperbole.
5. Have students to write their own version of Cinderella.
Story in Action:
Theatre Palisades Youth Program will present 7 performances of Bubba the Cowboy Prince. For more information contact varelac@aol.com.
1. BIBLOGRAPY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0-590-25506-1.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Cowboy Bubba is bossed around the family ranch by his cruel stepdaddy and his downright mean stepbrothers. He never says a word. One day Miz Lurleen , a prettiest little rancher in Texas, throws a ball to meet her a feller. Bubba has to stay home. But with the help of his fairy godcow and a little southern magic Lurleen finds the prince she's always dreamed of.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Once a strapping young feller named Bubba lived on a ranch..." is the start of this funny southern twist on the Cinderella fairytale. The illustrations are colorful, delightful and fun to look at. Warhola, the illustrator, tends to shine a big spotlight on how things are done big in Texas. This is evident by the "big as the yellow sun" hairdo worn by Miz Lurleen. The Texas draw adds an extra sense of humor to this story. The text is easy to read and will keep you laughing. Even if you are not a Texan you will be "downright" floored by statements such as "strapping young feller" and "purtiest and richest gal." Ketteman and Warhola combined creative use of hyperbole gives this story an extra punch. It'll keep the readers coming back for more and more. Although geared for ages 5-8, this book is a must read for the entire family. It will really "rope" you in!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee-slappin' tale."
Publisher's Weekly
"A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman..."
Kirkus Reviews
5.CONNECTIONS
Possible Classroom Lessons:
1. Read aloud another version of Cinderella and have students to compare and contrast the two books.
2. Have students to role play this book.
3. Great lesson on adjectives. After reading this book have students to list all of the adjectives.
4. Introduce lesson on hyperbole.
5. Have students to write their own version of Cinderella.
Story in Action:
Theatre Palisades Youth Program will present 7 performances of Bubba the Cowboy Prince. For more information contact varelac@aol.com.
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