Sunday, March 31, 2013


Esperanza Rising

 

 Munoz Ryan, P. (2000). Esperanza rising. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Interest Level: 5th – 8th Grade
Reading Level: 5.5 (Fifth Grade-Fifth Month)

 
Summary:

Esperanza Rising is a historical fiction novel based on the real-life experiences of author, Pam Munoz Ryan’s, grandmother. The story begins as the reader meets the protagonist, Esperanza Ortega, a young, Mexican girl of privilege. Esperanza lives on her family’s vineyard, El Rancho de las Rosas. She has everything a little girl could dream of; beautiful dolls, lovely dresses, a picturesque home, and servants to tend to her every need. That is until tragedy strikes her family. Suddenly, Esperanza finds herself poor, homeless, and struggling to understand and integrate into a world she has never been a part of, and thus, the chronological plot begins.

 Reflection:

In Esperanza Rising, author, Pam Munoz Ryan, transports the reader into a world of loss, hope, courage, and perseverance experienced by Esperanza Ortega. The setting, which changes dramatically as the book progresses, contributes to the novel’s mood; through the author’s descriptions, the reader experiences both tranquility and anxiety. In the beginning, Ryan writes, “This whole valley breathes and lives,” he said, sweeping his arm toward the distant mountains that guarded them. “It gives us the grapes and then they welcome us.” He gently touched a wild tendril that reached into the row, as if it had been waiting to shake his hand. He picked up a handful of earth and studied it. “Did you know that when you lie down on the land, you can feel it breathe? That you can feel its heart beating?” Later, Ryan writes, “The land was dry and the panorama was barren except for date palms, cactus, and an occasional squirrel or road runner.
 
Another aspect of the book that I found appealing was the manner in which the book was organized. The chapters were cleverly titled according to the different harvesting seasons; for example:  las ubas (grapes), las Papayas (papayas), los higos (figs), las guayabas (guavas), just to name a few. Lastly, I would consider the development of the character, Esperanza, to be awe-inspiring to the young reader. The thoughtful way in which the author takes Esperanza from a young girl of entitlement to a young woman of empathy is a lesson every young person should encounter. The story reminded me of the old adage; to whom much is given, much is expected.

Saturday, March 30, 2013


Title: The Faithful Friend
 
 
San Souci, R. (1995). Faithful friend. New York, MY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
 
Genre: Fiction/Multicultural
Reading Level: 5.3 (Fifth Grade - Third Month)
Interest Level: 3rd -5th grades
Theme: Friendship/Good vs. Evil
 
Summary:

The theme of this beautifully illustrated picture book is eternal friendship, with an emphasis on good prevailing over evil. The setting takes place on the picturesque island of Martinique; descriptions, such as, “vivid blossoms blazed against the bright green of sugarcane and banana and pineapple fields and the deeper green of distant mountains” allows the reader to see the culture of Martinique while drawing the reader’s eye to the dark, bold lines and deep colors of Pinkney’s illustrations.

The story commences when Clement asks his faithful friend, Hippolyte, to accompany him to visit the beautiful Pauline. Clement has fallen in love with Pauline’s picture and wishes to ask her uncle, Monsieur Zabocat, for her hand in marriage. Along their journey to find Pauline, Clement and Hippolyte discover the body of an old beggar in the shade of a banana grove.  Being honorable men, the two prepare a proper burial for the old beggar. Soon, Clement finds Pauline and she happily accepts his proposal of marriage. Upon hearing the proposal, Monsieur Zabocat becomes enraged and forbids the marriage. As the threesome travel back to Clements home, Hippolyte becomes aware of a curse that Monsieur Zabocat has placed on the couple. Now, Hippolyte must make the choice to protect himself or his friend.   
 
Reflection:
I chose this book from the recommended list given to me by my professor. Told in the third person omniscient point of view, the reader is able to seen into the minds of all characters. While the characters are not very complex, the conflict between good versus evil is what truly propels the story.  The person against person struggle between Clement and Monsieur Zabocat rises as Monsieur Zabocat threatens, “Then go! None of you is welcome any longer. But have care,” he thundered, his heavy mustache quivering and his dark eyes flashing red, like burning charcoal. You are not married yet.”
 
This book teaches about love, friendship, and sacrifice. The illustrations are captivating and even possess a haunting nature to them. I believe that my students would appreciate the value of the themes contained in this book and it is for these reasons that I would recommend The Faithful Friend.
 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Both Sides of Time


 
Both Sides of Time

 

Cooney, C. (1995). Both sides of time. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.

 
Interest Level:  6th -8th Grade

Reading Level: 5.7 (Fifth Grade-Seventh Month)

Theme: Romance/Time Travel/Mystery/Suspense  

Genre: Modern Fantasy

 Summary:

This is a rousing novel about a young girl named Annie Lockwood who dreams of true love and gentlemanly courtship. To Annie’s disappointment, her boyfriend, Sean, is far from romantic and seems more interested in restoring old cars than spending time with her.  Annie feels displaced; she senses that she has been born in the wrong century; the 1800’s seems more suitable to her, more filled with etiquette and romance. One day while Annie was visiting Sean, she wondered in to the old Stratton Mansion. The mansion, which was now rundown and virtually forgotten about, seemed to speak to Annie. As she walked through the rooms of the neglected mansion, she imagined the elegant parties and the sophistication that must have existed there. Suddenly, almost magically, Annie is transported back to the year 1895, where she meets the handsome and chivalrous Hiram Stratton. Here she embarks on a journey of love, mystery and murder.

 Reflection:

I chose this book from the recommended list given to me by my professor. I am not much of a fantasy reader; however, with that being said, I did enjoy this novel. Told in the third person omniscient point of view, the reader is catapulted into the passion, turmoil, and sometimes cruelty that the characters experience. For example, Cooney writes, Harriet’s heart hurt. It was if she had laced her stays inside her chest, crushing her own heart. Please jump up, Strat. Please cry, No, No, No! Tell me you love me and you don’t want to do this.
 
The ever-pressing plot combines, romance, history, time travel, and murder to create a storyline that keeps the reader captivated. I enjoyed being taken back to a time of chivalry and propriety. On the other hand, the novel was also a reminder of the manner in which many women were regarded during the 1800’s. The desperation of these women is thoughtfully, sensitively, and dramatically conveyed by author, Caroline Cooney. I found myself sympathizing and wanting to defend the female characters. The entitlement of several of the male characters was absolutely appalling. 
 
Although there were no illustrations, Cooney’s use of vivid and descriptive language created images that propelled the story. Her words not only allowed me to see the ornate décor, the beautiful ball gowns, and the finery, but also the staunch attitudes and sometimes crippling privilege of the characters.

 Classroom Questions:

1.       If you could travel to another time period, what time period would you choose? Using specific characteristics and features from that time period provide details as to why this time period appeals to you.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Sleep Like a Tiger


Sleep Like a Tiger

 

 
Logue, M. (2012). Sleep like a tiger. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin

 

Interest Level: Preschool – Third Grade

Reading Level: 2.9 (Second Grade-Ninth Month)

Theme: Bedtime/Sleep/Imagination

Genre: Fiction

Awards: Caldecott Honor

 
Summary:

This is beautiful story of the age-old problem of getting children to sleep. The story begins with the words, Once there was a little girl who didn’t want to go to sleep even though the sun had gone away. As the events of the story unfold, the little girl (protagonist) persists in telling her parents that she is not sleepy. Her parents, who are kind and patient, move the little girl through the nighttime routine of putting on her pajamas and brushing her teeth. As the little girl climbs into bed, she asks, Does everything in the world go to sleep? As her parents describe the sleeping habits of the animals around her, the little girl embarks on a magical journey into the world of sleep.

 
Reflection:

This picture book is full of wondrous images! One could read it many times and still not see all that has been created for the reader’s enjoyment. Each page offers its own theme of color and mood. For example, one page displays deep blue colors that swirl around the little girl who appears to be the center spiral of a sleeping snail. A feeling of tranquility, warmth, and softness surrounds her. On another page, a beautiful, golden whale fills two pages as the little girl is shown sleeping on its back. One can imagine that the enormous whale is helping to take the little girl into a world of restful sleep and extraordinary dreams. Another theme that I found particularly interesting was the use of wheels throughout the book. Toys, stuffed animals, people, and even whales can be seen atop wheels. Wheels can also be seen in obscure places, as though they were purposely hidden.

 I would most certainly recommend this book to teachers and parents alike. Sleep Like a Tiger has the potential to be a wonderful instructional tool for teachers, as well as an ally to parents who have reluctant sleepers!

 Classroom Questions:

1.       Which of the animals seems most cozy? Why?

2.       Why does the brown bear have an alarm clock?

Extra Yarn


Extra Yarn

 
Barnett, M. (2012). Extra yarn. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
 
Interest Level: Preschool – Third Grade
Reading Level: 2.5 (Second Grade-Fifth Month)  
Theme: Inspiration/Kindness/Perseverance
Genre: Fiction
Awards: Caldecott Honor
 
Summary:
This is an inspiring story about a little girl named Annabelle who lives in a dull and colorless town. One cold afternoon, Annabelle ventures outside and finds a box filled with yarn of every color. Annabelle, delighted by the box of yarn, makes herself a sweater and discovers that she has some extra yarn. She then makes her dog, Mars, a sweater and finds that she still has extra yarn. As the plot progresses, Annabelle continues to meet people who comment on her colorful sweater, some are even jealous and angry at her for being such a distraction. In her kind nature, Annabelle makes these people a sweater, too. Eventually, things begin to change in her drab town, until one day when an archduke arrives and demands to see Annabelle.  
 
Reflection:
This picture book has a very simplistic, but steadfast plot. The main character, Annabelle, shows that with determination and a kind-hearted spirit one can change the world. This is a wonderful story of love, friendship, and charity. The illustrations are modest and subdued; made up of tranquil blacks and whites. Despite this, the reader is drawn in; the story relies on these simple drawings and expressions of the characters. If there were no words in this book, the reader would still be transported from page to page with total understanding of the conflict and resolution.
 
This is truly a captivating picture book! Extra Yarn would be an exceptional book to include in a Character Education lesson. It certainly supports the belief that one person can in fact change the world!
 
Classroom Questions:
1.       Why was the box empty for the Archduke?
2.       What if the Archduke had found yarn in the box, what do you think he would have done with it?          
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Swimmy


Swimmy

 


 

Lionni, L. (1963). Swimmy. New Your, NY: Alfred A. Knopf

 

Interest Level: Preschool – 2nd Grade

Reading Level: 3.5 (Third Grade-Fifth Month)

Theme: Being Unique & Cooperation/ Teamwork

Genre: Fiction

Awards: Caldecott Honor

 
Summary:

This is a precious tale about a little fish named Swimmy. Swimmy is the only black fish amongst his brother and sisters who are all red.  One terrible day, a giant and fierce tuna fish gulps his entire family and leaves Swimmy alone in the deep and vast ocean. Swimmy, sad, but always the optimist, swims along marveling at all the wonders of the sea. At long last, Swimmy finds a school of fish, just like his own. With great excitement he invites his new friends to play, but considering the dangers that lurk in the deep waters the school of fish are hesitant to join him. Swimmy must think of a plan or risk losing his new found friends.

 
Reflection:

This is my second time reading a Leo Lionni book and I must say that I am becoming a loyal fan! Lionni has a magical way of sharing the importance of cooperation and acceptance. His writing style is delightful; such as these poetic lines:  a lobster, who walked about like a water-moving machine… to the strange fish, pulled by an invisible thread… to an eel whose tail was almost too far away to remember… these words captivate the reader and draw their eyes to the illustrations. Lionni’s use of color and value is brilliant! The illustrations come to life in such a textural way. One cannot help but reach out in the hopes of touching the forest of seaweed or the medusa made of rainbow jelly; they truly convey a sense of reality.

 Without hesitation, I would recommend that primary teachers use this book to teach topics such as cooperation, acceptance, and perseverance. Additionally, Swimmy would be a wonderful book to teach story elements with.

 I have discovered that there are many websites devoted to Leo Lionni’ s works and I look forward to learning more about this masterful author.

  Classroom Questions:

1.       How did Swimmy feel when he escaped from the fierce tuna fish?

2.       Why do you think Swimmy offered to be the eye of the fish?

 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The Snowy Day


The Snowy Day
 
Keats, E. (1962). The snowy day. New York, NY: Viking
Grade Level: Preschool - 2nd Grade  
Theme: Playful joy, first snow

 Summary:

This Caldecott Medal winner is a simple, sweet story about a boy named, Peter. When Peter wakes, he is surprised to find that the first snow has fallen. As Peter goes through his day, the reader gets to enjoy through illustrations and easy text Peter’s magical snow-filled adventures; from making snow angels to exploring his own footprints. Naively, Peter even tries to keep a treasured snowball in his pocket! J

 Reflection:

I chose this book quite honestly because it just spoke to me. I am sure it had something to do with it being winter time. J I must confess that this book took me back to my own childhood. I can still remember the magic of the first snow fall each year. I would rush to get my snowsuit on so that I could make snowballs, catch snowflakes on my tongue, or make snow angels, hence the theme: playful joy.  Additionally, the illustrations are outstanding and appear to be created from cutouts, watercolors, and collage. The quiet nature of the artwork certainly makes a big statement. From researching this book, I learned that The Snowy Day was the first full color picture book to feature an African American child.

  Everything seems so much more wondrous to a child; this book evoked great memories!  I would definitely recommend this book to a teacher of preschool through second grade. There are countless activities that could develop from this treasured book.

 Classroom Questions/Ideas:

1.       Connection to Weather: What makes water freeze?

2.       Creating snowflakes

Cornelius


Cornelius


Lionni, L. (1983). Cornelius. New York, NY: Alford A. Knopf, Inc.

Interest Level: k-2
Grade Level: 3.2
Theme: Being unique

Summary:
This is a charming fable about a young adventurous crocodile named, Cornelius. From the time Cornelius was hatched, he was different; he walked upright and he could see things that no other crocodile could see. For example, Cornelius boasts, “I can see far beyond the bushes!” To this, his crocodile friends reply, “What’s so good about that?” Cornelius, disappointed by their comments leaves the river bank. On his journey he meets a kindly monkey who has some attention-grabbing tricks of his own. Cornelius, who is unafraid of being different attempts to learn the monkey’s tricks and later ventures back to the riverbank in the hopes of impressing his crocodile friends.  

 Reflection:
Upon seeing a crafty display of Leo Lionni’s books in our local library, I couldn’t resist checking out two for my blog. The simple, yet colorful book covers just drew me in!
This was a wonderful read! It took me back to when my children were small and we would visit our local library for story time. Using literature to teach our small ones about kindness, compassion, and responsibility is such a gift to them. Lionni’s theme of being unique is inspiring; a lesson for all readers about being true to oneself and embracing one’s curiosity. The illustrations are charming, warm, and comprised of mostly earth tones; they do a wonderful job of supporting the text. They certainly draw the reader in for a closer look.
 
Using the Fry Readability Index, I found the book to be on the third grade level. This was determined by examining sentence length and syllables.

 Classroom Questions:

1.       Cornelius learned that sometimes friends don’t show their true feelings. How did Cornelius learn this lesson?

2.       Who learned more in the story, Cornelius or the other crocodiles? Why do you think this way?

 

Personal Introduction


Hello All,
My name is Kelli Kahmann; I am a wife, and mother to two amusing and wonderful boys! I enjoy reading and am especially fond of authors Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks, and Mitch Albom. I take pleasure in evening walks, visiting with friends, listening to music, and spending time with my husband and sons.

This is my last online class with the University of the Cumberlands. I have learned so much and am very ready to graduate with my Masters of Arts in Education; specifically, the Reading & Writing Specialist degree.

I currently teach the fourth grade (all content areas) at Walton-Verona Elementary School in Verona, Kentucky.