Review Kate Quealy-Gainer (2014) exclaims that the “[s]imple sentence structure, some repetitive (but not tedious) vocabulary and a direct storytelling style make this a worthy and creepy addition to the Branches series, and the scary story aspect will likely pull in a few reluctant readers” (14). Billy B. (2014) states that, “[t]his book definitely has the Goosebumps vibe to it. With an intriguing plot, likeable characters and fun illustrations by Sam Ricks, Eerie Elementary #1: The School is Alive! is an exciting start to a new series.” Eerie Elementary is the type of school any kid can imagine attending and Sam is a relatable character. The story uses different fonts for added effect on sounds and Sam’s thoughts, while the illustrations by Sam Ricks add an element of mystery to the story. The illustrations and words work together to create a great adventure! Application While reading the librarian can have students predict what will come next, using the titles of each chapter as a question about what children believe will take place. Librarians can also encourage students to review the book and write recommendations for their friends. [Based on Branches Series Discussion Guide from Scholastic.] Read-alikes Stine, R.L. Goosebumps Series. Dadey, Debbie & Jones, Marcia. Bailey School Kids Series.
Book Official Website: http://www.scholastic.com/branches/eerie.htm Author Official Website: http://www.maxbrallier.com/ Illustrator Official Website: http://samricks.com/ Illustrator Blog: http://www.blog.samricks.com/ References Billy B. [User name]. (2014, August 21). Review-Eerie elementary #1: The school is alive! Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Retrieved from http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/2014/08/review-eerie-elementary-1-school-is.html Quealy-Gainer, K. (2014). Eerie elementary: The school is alive by Jack Chabert (review). Project Muse, 68(1), 14-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2014.0702 Scholastic. (2014, August 21). Eerie elementary #1: The school is alive! (A Branches book) [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfERum4bbZI Scholastic, Inc. (2017a). Branches: Eerie elementary: School just got scarier! [Book images]. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/branches/eerie.htm Scholastic, Inc. (2017b). Branches series discussion guide: A line of early chapter books series that grows readers! Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/branches-series-discussion-guide/
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adventuring with Jack and Annie as they go back in time to see the dinosaurs. The illustrations by Sal Murdocca provide a colorful and exciting world to explore that compliment the story, transporting readers back to the land of dinosaurs.
Application Librarians can use this book accompanied by the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Dinosaurs during a dinosaur themed program. Children can be encouraged to create their own note pages like Jack makes about the different dinosaurs. Read-alikes Scieszka, Jon. The Time Warp Trio Series. Abbott, Tony. The Secrets of Droon Series.
Book Official Website: https://www.magictreehouse.com/
Author Official Website: http://marypopeosborne.com/ Other Resources Magic Tree House Fact Trackers: Dinosaurs An information supplemental text about dinosaurs by Will Osborne and Mary Pope Osborne. Magic Tree House at Random House Kids http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/magic-tree-house/ Magic Tree House: Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures Program http://mthclassroomadventures.org/ References Charles Cornwell [User Name]. (May 10, 204). Dinosaurs before dark book trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUntcGphVQ Goodreads.com. (2017). Dinosaurs before dark (Magic tree house #1). [Cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414548-dinosaurs-before-dark Titlewave.com. (2017). Dinosaurs before dark. Simek, P. (2014, Mar. 28). Magic tree house: Dinosaurs before dark (Web log comment). [Page images]. English 271 Reading/Viewing Logs. Retrieved from http://englogs.weebly.com/log-3-beginning-and-developing-readers/magic-tree-house-dinosaurs-before-dark Review This is a sweet story that will likely resonate with animal lovers. Readers will be amused that the cat considers his owner the pet, and the chapter book is written from the cat’s perspective, which adds a layer of irony and tongue-in-cheek humor. It’s a book for cat lovers by a cat lover. The graphic novel elements throughout also make the book more visual and may make it more palatable for reluctant readers (Flock, 2017). Themes Cat Life Pets Friendship Series Information MY PET HUMAN
Application Libraries could use this in a petting zoo program, encouraging the adoption of animals from the local animal shelter. Read-alikes Cleary, B. (1973). Socks. Wenzel, B. (2016). They All Saw a Cat. Kuskin, K. (2005). So, What’s it Like to be a Cat? Author Official Website: http://www.catversushuman.com/ References
Cat versus Human. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.catversushuman.com/ Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Goodreads: My Pet Human [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718720-my-pet-human King, I. (2015, September). Review: My Pet Human by Yasmine Surovec [Spread Image]. The Conscious Cat. Retrieved from: http://consciouscat.net/2015/09/04/review-my-pet-human-by-yasmine-surovec/ Macmillan: My Pet Human: Books in this Series. (2017). Retrieved from: http://us.macmillan.com/series/mypethuman/ Titlewave: My Pet Human [Bib. Info and Read-alikes]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com
Age Range: 6-8 years old Awards Won: Winner of the 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award; A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2010. Review Full of quick-witted repartee, this brainchild of Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and award-winning author Alison McGhee is a hilarious ode to exuberance and camaraderie, imagination and adventure, brought to life through the delightfully kinetic images of Tony Fucile. Themes Friendship Humor Adventure Series Information Bink and Gollie
Application Add this charming tale of friendship and pancakes to your collection to delight your young readers with humor and fun! Read-alikes
Lin, G. (2010). Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! Hartnett, S. (2010). Sadie and Ratzt. Schneider, J. (2011). Tales from Very Picky Eaters. Book/Author Official Website: http://www.binkandgollie.com/ References Bink & Gollie. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.binkandgollie.com/ Goodreads. (n.d.). Bink & Gollie. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7616655-bink-gollie NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live Bink & Gollie. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51N0VfRNb1L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Bink & Gollie. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.newkideo.com/wp-content/themes/hybrid-newvideo/tools/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/NNVG288930.jpg&w=640&h=360&q=95
Review Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way. We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children. Themes Friendship Courage Individuality Also by R.J. Palacio
Application This book makes excellent material for group and individual discussion with children and their families, and builds empathy and emotional intelligence in its most engaged readers. It’s a great recommendation for any child who feels singled out sometimes (or all the time.) Read-alikes
Curtis, J.L. (2002). I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem. Lovell, P. (2001). Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Byrne, S. (2015). The Power of Henry's Imagination (The Secret). Book/Author Official Website: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555247/were-all-wonders-by-r-j-palacio/9781524766498 References NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555247/were-all-wonders-by-r-j-palacio/9781524766498 We’re all Wonders. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tZ6QVaNbL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg We’re All Wonders. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://s979.photobucket.com/user/coolmomphotos/media/were-all-wonders-2_zps4wck6d5s.jpg.html
Themes Superheroes Justice Friendship School Childhood Families Series Information CAPTAIN AWESOME
Application This could be used in a Superhero book club with other books in this series and other similar series, such as Captain Underpants, Melvin Beederman Superhero, and Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy. Read-alikes Marko, C. (2014-). Kung Pow Chicken Series. Trine, G. (2006-). Melvin Beederman Superhero Series Boniface, W. and Gilpin, S. (2006-). Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy Series. Series Official Website: http://simonandschusterpublishing.com/captain-awesome/ Book Trailer References
Captain Awesome. (2017). Retrieved from: http://simonandschusterpublishing.com/captain-awesome/ [cosproductions] (2012, March 24). Captain Awesome to the Rescue! Book Trailer. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/yH2RdOcBIjs FictionDB: Captain Awesome [Series Info.]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.fictiondb.com/author/stan-kirby~series~captain-awesome~18215.htm Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Goodreads: Books like Captain Awesome to the Rescue [Read-alikes]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/16719380-captain-awesome-to-the-rescue Goodreads: Captain Awesome to the Rescue [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11768204-captain-awesome-to-the-rescue Simon & Schuster: Captain Awesome to the Rescue! [Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Captain-Awesome-to-the-Rescue!/Stan-Kirby/Captain-Awesome/9781442435612 Titlewave: Captain Awesome to the Rescue [Bib. Info]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com Rylant, C. In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen. Aladdin Paperbacks, 2000. 64 pages. PB $5.99 ISBN 9780689817083 Summary Meet the Cobblestreet Cousins Lily, who wants to be a poet Tess, who wants to be a broadway star Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door Right now, though, the cousins are sharing an attic bedroom in their Aunt Lucy's light blue house on Cobble Street, and happily making plans for the summer. A cookie company seems the perfect way to make a little money, but it turns out to be much more -- an opportunity to meet some very special neighbors! Age Range: 7-10 years old Series Information The Cobblestreet Cousins
Review Lily, Tess, and Rosie get to spend the entire summer at Aunt Lucy's house, sharing an attic bedroom. Readers will love joining in the cousin's adventures as they start a successful cookie company, and meet all of the eccentric neighbors of Cobblestreet! The perfect easy chapter book for a lazy summer day. Themes Family, Friendship, Entrepreneurship Application This easy reader would be a fantastic book club choice, and could be used to start a dialogue about entrepreneurship and starting small businesses. Children can also talk about which of the Cobblestreet Cousins they most identify with, Lily, Tess, or Rosie. Since the book is about starting a cookie business, a selection of cookies would be an excellent book club snack. Read-alikes McDonald, Megan. (2000). Judy Moody. Barrows, Annie. (2006). Ivy and Bean. Author Website: http://www.cynthiarylant.com/ References Halperin, W. (2006). Cobblestreet cousins [Drawing]. Retrieved from http://www.wendyhalperin.com/books/little_shopping/cousins.gif Simon & Schuster. (2017). In aunt lucy's kitchen. Retrieved from http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-Aunt-Lucys-Kitchen/Cynthia-Rylant/Cobble-Street-Cousins/9780689817083 Unknown. (n.d.). In aunt lucy's kitchen [Book Cover]. Retrieved from https://booklife-resized.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/[email protected] Warner, G. C. The Boxcar Children. Whitman, 1942. 160 pages. PB $5.99 ISBN 9780807508527 Summary The Aldens begin their adventure by making a home in a boxcar. Their goal is to stay together, and in the process they find a grandfather. Age Range: 7-10 years old Honors: School Library Journal Top 100 Chapter Books List, National Education Association Teacher's Top 100 Books for Children List Series Information The Boxcar Children
Review Henry, Jesse, Violet, and Benny Alden are orphans trying to find a way for themselves in the world when they discover an abandoned boxcar in the woods and decide to make it their home. Thus begins the classic series the Boxcar Children, which has won over the hearts of children for decades. In this first book in the series, the resourceful Alden children do everything from cherry picking to making their own swimming hole. An adventurous tale that young readers will love, especially those who enjoy imagining what it might be like to try to survive on their own. Themes Family, Survival, Resourcefulness Application The Boxcar Children's wide appeal would make it a great pick for elementary school book club. Kids can be asked to imagine what it might be like to live on their own, and then explain what they might do to survive. The library could also host a Boxcar Children cooking program, where attendees could make some simple recipes from the Boxcar Children Cookbook. Read-alikes
Lewis, C. S. (1950). The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Birdsall, Jeanne. (2005). The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy. Series Website: https://www.boxcarchildren.com/ References Albert Whitman & Co. (2017). The boxcar children. Retrieved from https://www.boxcarchildren.com/book/the-boxcar-children/ Bird, E. (2012). Top 100 chapter book poll results. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/07/07/top-100-chapter-book-poll-results/ National Education Association. (2015). Teacher's top 100 books for children. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/grants/teachers-top-100-books-for-children.html Unknown. (n.d.). The boxcar children [Book Cover]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516BwSJ5SoL.jpg Unknown. (n.d.). The boxcar children cookbook [Book cover]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/712A11YT7PL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.gif Review Based on childhood memories and the farm he lived on as an adult, E.B. White writes compassionately and knowledgably of life in a barn. He personifies the diverse barnyard characters with eccentric but believable traits and captures the imaginations of children with the humorous, adventurous, suspenseful plot. Williams’s endearing black and white illustrations support the complex emotions of the characters, which are balanced with lively action and gentle text. In many ways, Charlotte’s Web is a standard for measuring all children’s books and is a timeless read for children of all ages. Themes Early Chapter Book; Transitional Reader; Friendship; Animals; Fantasy; Farm Life Application The book is best read aloud by an adult to children he or she cares about. The story is intimate and nuanced and can lead to discussion about history, emotions, actions, and reactions. The book is also available on audiobook, narrated by the author himself. Read-alikes: DiCamillo, Kate. (2000). Because of Winn Dixie. Sweet, Melissa. (2016). Some Writer!: the Story of E.B. White. Smith, Dick King. (2000). Lady Lollipop. Charlotte's Web audio book narrated by E.B. White References
All Things Considered (October 5, 2016). New biography celebrates E.B. White, who really was ‘some write’ (blog post). Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2016/10/05/496699113/new-biography-celebrates-e-b-white-who-really-was-some-writer Charlotte’s Web [cover image]. Retrieved from http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/harperchildrensImages/isbn/large/8/9780064400558.jpg Morning Edition. (October 15, 2012). Some book! ‘Charlotte’s web’ turns 60 [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2012/10/15/162735079/some-book-charlottes-web-turns-60 New York Times. Charlotte’s web [illustration]. Retrieved from https://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/04/22/books/review/22sims/22sims-popup.jpg YouTube. Charlotte’s Web: narrated by E.B. White. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f8Al3YIWwA
Review Captain Underpants is condemned for offensive language and for being unsuited for its age group. However, here is a book series that is funny, engaging, interactive, and imaginative. Each chapter book in the series introduces new characters and adventures. They all feature comic strips amid the text and one is devoted to activities like how-to-instructions, mazes, stickers, and make-your-own flip books. Short chapters and hilarious cartoon illustrations on every page make the book well suited for young readers, who are well rewarded for their efforts. Captain Underpants taps into a kid’s fantasy in the same way provocative novels engage an adult’s interest. For instance, what kid hasn’t plotted hypothetical revenge on a mean teacher or school bully? Many books encourage children to be complacent, submissive, sweet, kind and happy. Captain Underpants empathizes with kids’ “other” emotions- their silly sides, their naughty sides, and yes, even their vengeful sides. Most importantly, Captain Underpants inspires kids to read.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, soon to be released in 2017. References:
Captain Underpants [cover image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61hEACmBuSL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Captain Underpants [illustration]. Retrieved from https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-08/20/17/enhanced/webdr07/enhanced-buzz-wide-4482-1440105052-7.jpg Captain Underpants [illustration]. Retrieved from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/f8/68/b1/f868b18bdf6cdad4ce7b363e2fa643f0.jpg Goodreads. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/series/50091-captain-underpants Stallcut, J. E. (n.d.). Undercover with Captain Underpants. Retrieved from http://www.parents-choice.org/article.cfm?art_id=348 Titlewave. Retrieved from http://titlewave.com YouTube. Captain Underpants: The first epic movie [movie trailer]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDm_2m-Hg6c |
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