BOOK REPORT edgewood fifth graders report on newbery winner

This month’s book review for the Edgewood campus comes compliments of Mrs. White’s 5^th grade class:

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 is a Newbery award winning book written by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is a hilarious story about an African American family, who call themselves "the weird Watsons." Due to the antics of the older Watson brother, the family travels south during a tragic time in American history. Although they face tough times, the family grows closer together, keeps a sense of humor, and shares a lot of love.  

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

BOOK REPORT opposites attract in citron book review

Fluffy the porcupine is not happy with his name. He makes several attempts to change himself so that he better fits his name. He is unsuccessful and frustrated. Eventually, he meets a rhinoceros that is also misnamed. They become friends because of their names.  

This is a fun book to read with your children at home and reinforce language arts skills by talking about synonyms and antonyms.  For example, imagine another animal, like a giraffe.  Then have your children think of words that describe a giraffe like tall, thin, and long neck, and words that are the opposite like short, wide, etc.

Submitted by Jody, Citron library

BOOK REPORT mable's mrs. schoening admires a mouse

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

What Mrs. Schoening says about this book:

“If you love adventure and admire the qualities of friendship and courage, the The Tale of Despereaux  is a must read book for you.  It is a fantastic fictional book that will hold you in suspense and you will not soon forget it.”

Fairmont Reading Level: 4.7

AR Points: 5

BarnesandNoble.com says:

This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish. These characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and ultimately, into each other's lives.

Contributed by Karen, Mable campus

BOOK REPORT anaheim hills' mrs. nancy sturman picks a classic

 

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I love To Kill a Mockingbird, but more than that, I love teaching To Kill a Mockingbird.   Every year, I look forward to taking a new class on the journey through Macomb and introducing them to Boo Radley, Dill Harris, Jem and Scout.  I think Harper Lee’s poignant description of that time period gives the students a clear picture of what life was like in the South just after the Great Depression.  This novel so vividly depicts the cruelty of society toward people who are different and the disastrous outcome of their behavior.  I hope that the students will walk away with a better understanding of life, based on the advice of Atticus Finch.

Contributed by Nancy, Anaheim Hills

BOOK REPORT mable's mrs. riley picks a junior high thriller

Ruined by Paula Morris
Fairmont Reading Level: 6.0 (Junior High Only)
AR Points: 12
 

What Mrs. Riley says about this book:
“If your junior higher is in the mood for a mystery this ghost story is perfect for the Halloween season!”
 

BarnesandNoble.com says:
Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her aunt. And at the snooty prep school, the filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city. There's just one catch: Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend -- and as she slowly learns to trust Anton Grey -- she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?
 

View the book trailer at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLUySGS7DNg
 

Contributed by Karen, Mable campus

BOOK REPORT edgewood students get defensive

You never know what surprising facts will burst forth from the brains of Fairmont’s bright, curious students.  Hursh is an expert on pangolin lizards, as Edgewood campus second grade teacher Mrs. Kaneski discovered during her reading of What to Do When Something Wants to Eat You.  In this book, author and illustrator Steve Jenkins gets kids engaged in fun discoveries about the animal kingdom, like how puffer fish protect themselves from becoming lunch!  This is an imaginative way to teach children about animal defenses such as mimicry, camouflage and speed.  And the book invites them to consider, “What would you do if something wanted to eat you?”

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

BOOK REPORT anaheim hills librarian gets us thinking

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Fairmont Reading Level: 2.6

AR Points: 0.5 pts

Shel Silverstein's classic story about a boy and an apple tree has been interpreted in many different ways since it was first published in 1964.  See what you and your kids make of the tale.  Here's a synopsis: The boy comes every day to play under the apple tree's branches, climb her trunk and eat her apples.  The boy loves the tree and she loves him in return.  As the boy grows older, he comes to visit the tree less often and when he does come he always wants something from the tree.  Displaying a never-ending generosity of spirit, the tree always gives whatever she can to the boy she loves without question (sound familiar moms and dads?!).  The simple gift of giving to someone she loves brings her joy.  The boy's visits become less frequent and his demands grow greater. In the end, they find a way to make one another happy unconditionally.

Contributed by Vicky, Anaheim Hills campus

BOOK REPORT mable librarians share favorite reads

When you love books as much as the Mable campus librarians, it’s tough to single out your favorites.  We made them choose, so here are the best of the best reads according to Mrs. Abouabdo and Mrs. Lloyd.

Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar

Fairmont Reading Level: 3.3

AR Points: 3

What Mrs. Abouabdo says about this book:

I love to read the Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar.  What could be more fun than a school that’s built vertical – that’s right, the builder put each classroom on top of another!  Wayside School is filled with wacky and wonderful characters.  If you enjoy reading aloud, there are so many different voices you can use to portray the truly strange cast of characters including frogs, skunks, and an orange named Fido.  You will laugh all the way through!

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Fairmont Reading Level: 5.1

AR Points: 4

What Mrs. Lloyd says about this book:

SO MANY BOOKS, so little time!  However, when asked to share one of my favorites, I can recommend Here Lies the Librarian.  As with many of the books by Newbery Medal-winning author Richard Peck, it is full of quirky characters, folksy settings and hilarious larger-than-life moments. It is a delicious comedy that is unexpectedly moving.

Contributed by Karen, Mable campus

BOOK REPORT batty love

A face only a mother could love—that’s how you might describe Stellaluna, a sweet little fruit bat who stars in a book of the same name by Janell Cannon.  Perfect for children ages 4-8, Stellaluna is the story of a baby bat who becomes separated from her mother and is adopted by a family of birds.  She tries her best to fit in around the nest, struggling against her batty inclinations.  Ultimately, she discovers she’s unique and perfect just the way she is.  A story of perseverance, friendship and love, Stellaluna is beautifully illustrated and features “Bat Notes”--an informative epilogue that turns your bedtime story into an impromptu science lesson. 

Contributed by Danyelle, Marketing