BOOK REPORT anaheim hills suggests some "sweet" reading

Anaheim Hills second grade teacher Ms. Erin Brewster has a recommendation for all those little sweet teeth out there.  Here's what she has to say about: 

The Chocolate Touch
By: Patrick Skene Catling 

The book is about a boy named John Midas who loves all kinds of candy and sweets but his favorite is chocolate.  He complains when he has to eat healthy foods. On day he finds a silver coin with the picture of a chubby boy on one side and JM (his initials) on the other side.  He takes it into a candy store and buys a whole box of chocolates.  He sneaks the candy up to his room and gobbles it up.  

The next morning everything to puts into his mouth turns to chocolate.  At first John loves this new trick, but after a while, he starts to get thirsty and wants water and other foods that don't taste like chocolate.  Soon he starts getting red spots on his body.  He goes to the doctor and the doctor tells him he has Chocolate Fever.

The turning point for John is when he kisses his mom and she turns into a pillar of chocolate.  He runs back to the candy store and pleads with the store owner to change his mother back.  When John finally admits that he is responsible (because he was greedy) the store owner assures him that everything will be okay.  He runs back home to find his mother back to normal. 

The best part for me is when John starts realizing how his behavior is not only affecting him but the people he loves. Even then he's not healed immediately.  The store owner waits until he is desperate to have his mother back before he takes the Chocolate Fever away.

Contributed by Erin, Anaheim Hills

BOOK REPORT edgewood shares classic theatrical literature

Ms. Yvonne DeVane’s eighth graders at Edgewood recently finished reading the play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry.  Here’s a synopsis of the story that has become a classic in American literature:

In the first scene of “A Raisin in the Sun,” we meet the major characters, learn of the 1950’s setting and themes and discover the major conflict. All of the Younger’s await the arrival of a $10,000 life insurance check, resulting from the death of Walter and Beneatha’s father. Walter, the protagonist, believes he will be able to use the money to invest in a liquor store with his two friends. His dream is to be a successful businessman. Beneatha, his sister dreams of being a doctor.  Walter’s mother, known as Mama, and his wife Ruth dream of buying a house.

Mama, to whom the money actually belongs, uses it to put a down payment on a house in Clybourne Park, a white neighborhood, fulfilling her idea of achieving the “American Dream”. After much conflict, Walter gets the remaining money, part of which was to go towards Beneatha’s college education.  One of Walter’s friends steals the money, which is the climax of the play. Walter is upset and his family is very angry about his irresponsibility. 

The rest of the play centers on how Walter and the family handles the loss. In order to recoup some of the money, he decides they will sell the new house to the Clybourne Park Association (who had earlier tried to buy them out) for a handsome profit, destroying the hopes of Mama and Ruth in the process. In the end, he stands up to Mr. Lindner and refuses to sell. His decision proves he has regained his pride and come into his manhood. Although the money is lost, the Younger’s stand strong.

The success of the play arises from its realistic portrayal of an African American family during the 1950s. The message is that a family such as the Younger’s, who suffer from poverty and discrimination, can survive, even thrive, in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Hansberry never strays from this central theme throughout the entire play.

Contributed by Yvonne, Edgewood campus

BOOK REPORT mable's book looks a lot like lincoln

The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln

By Mike Reiss

What Mable first-grade teacher Mrs. Wagner says about the book:

"I like this book because it teaches kids that it is okay to be different.  This book helps us to remember that the things about us that make us different are also the things that make us special.  Also, I love the illustrations."

What barnesandnoble.com says about the book:

Benjy has an unusual problem. He looks just like Abraham Lincoln-right down to the wart and beard. Needless to say, his life isn't easy. He gets gifts of Lincoln Logs and stovepipe hats on every birthday. He gets stuck playing Lincoln in every school play-whether he's part of the story or not. And the teasing is unrelenting. When school ends he plans on spending another summer sitting inside alone, but his parents have a surprise. They're sending him to Camp What-cha-ma-call-it-The Camp for Kids Who Look Like Things! Within scenes reminiscent of Bosch and Brueghel, Benjy learns that he's not unusual-he's unique! And when he realizes what's special about himself, it doesn't take long for others to realize it as well. Mike Reiss and David Catrow have created a wonderfully hysterical tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a little different from his or her peers.

Contributed by Karen, Mable campus

BOOK REPORT citron cheers for rodney rat

Hooway for Wodney Wat

By Helen Lester

Here's a story for those of us who love underdogs--or underrodents as is the case with Rodney Rat.

Rodney has trouble saying his r’s. The other rodents at school tease him and make him feel very alone. One day a new student joins the class, Camilla Capybara. She is bigger, meaner and smarter than everyone else, just ask her. One day they play Simon says outside. Wodney Wat is the leader. As he gives directions the students follow, yet Camilla Capybara doesn’t know about Rodney’s r’s. She misunderstands and does everything wrong. Eventually she “goes west”, as per Wodney’s directions. Wodney is the hero of the class because Camilla is gone forever.

Contributed by Jody Moran, Citron campus

BOOK REPORT edgewood shares amazing animal tale

Noah and the Bunnies

This is a heart-warming story of Noah, a racing pigeon who discovers a new "profession" after injuries prevent him from  ever racing again. While recovering in the home of a wildlife rehabilitator, Noah discovers he has a knack for helping other injured animals get well.  He forms a bond with some sick baby bunnies, literally taking them "under his wings" as he nurses them back to health.  Noah comes to the aid of many other critters in need in this story for all of the animal lovers out there.

For book orders or to donate to Wild Rose Rescue Ranch, contact:

903.839.8948

Wild Rose Rescue Ranch

P.O. Box 278

Whitehouse, Texas 75791

Submitted by Diana, Edgewood campus

BOOK REPORT edgewood's pick is perfect for cold and flu season

A Bad Case of Stripes

By David Shannon

This book is about Camilla Cream who loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out in...a bad case of stripes! The moral of the story...be yourself! Don't worry about what others think of you. A perfect read for junior kindergarten and up.

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus