Adrian Simcox Does Not Have A horse (Marcy Campbell)

 

This book would be a great transition book from our friendship unit to imagination!

Goodreads says:

Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse--the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.

But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?

The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn't get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important. 

Trevor and Me (Yuno)

 

I received this book from the author. She found me on Goodreads and asked if I'd review her book. It was flattering to have had her seek me out. I promised I'd write a review, so here goes! The story is about a young girl who becomes friends with an old man. He soon dies and she is sad. However, ping! A coffee bean hits her. It's a sign. She sees other signs that remind her of her friendship with Trevor and she is comforted. I felt like there were a bunch of important facts missing. How did this young girl become friends with Trevor? Call me a pessimist, but I questioned his intentions.  "When I'm with Trevor, I have so much fun!" Really?  There are other books on death that children might relate to a little better. Look up the tag death on my blog and you will find a few for adults and children. IHaveABookYouShouldRead.blogspot.ca  I hope writing the book gave the author some comfort over losing her friend though. Goodreads says: Trevor and Me defies the boundaries of age, gender and race. It is a heartwarming story about reincarnation based on the real-life friendship between an elderly Caucasian man and a young Asian girl. As Trevor's health starts to decline and he prepares to die, he promises to always be with the girl even after he's gone. Trevor dies and the girl is filled with grief until one day she begins to receive signs to let her know Trevor is and always will be with her.

The Last Meal (Yuno)

 

I received this book from the author. She found me on Goodreads and asked if I'd review her book. It was flattering to have had her seek me out. .I promised I'd write a review, so here goes! 

This is an interesting read. It is a number of stories of people on death row and what they order for their last meal. All the characters are presented as animals, more specifically, birds - which is interesting and could be something interesting to discuss. The stories are sad and rather touching. 

I really have no use for the book though. I live in Canada and we don't execute people. I read children's literature because I like to infuse it into my lessons as much as possible. I'm pretty sure I won't have a place for this one....except for maybe that kid who needs a stern warning if they don't shape up bad things are ahead. LOL

I think if I could make a recommendation to the author, it would be to revisit the topic, but write for adults. I don't think this is really a topic for a picture book - unless there are adults who really prefer to read picture books!

Goodreads says:

The Last Meal compassionately tackles a difficult and controversial subject to educate readers about the death penalty. The story follows four fictional death row inmates on their final days before their executions. All of the characters are adorable birds who must face the consequence of their actions. Chase, Peter, Fred and James are each given the same opportunity to have one last special meal of their choosing to reflect on the past and find closure as they come to the end of their life.  

The Art Of Her Deal (Mary Jordan)

 

I am not sure if this is an authorized biography or not. The author did interview Melania Trump, so maybe it is. It is an interesting and quick read. Bottom line: Melania is focused and shrewd and knows how to get what she wants. She is not a victim at all. No more need for #freeMelania. She has a marriaged that is arranged just the way she wants it. 

When I read Michelle Obama's book I was struck by how they are just really good people. With this book, I'm struck by how calculating and laser focused the Trump's are on getting what they want. Ugh.

Ghoulia: Making Friends Can Be Scary

 

Super cute and fun for Halloween! The ending was a BIG surprise for my class! We read the story on the Epic website.

Goodreads says:

Ghoulia lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and spends most of her time playing with Tragedy, her beloved albino greyhound. But things aren’t as easy as they seem for this little zombie girl—all she wants is a real friend. She tries to venture past the manor’s walls, but she can’t hide her pale green skin or the deep purple circles under her eyes. The other children will be afraid of her, and no one will want to be her friend. But when Halloween rolls around, Ghoulia hatches a brilliant plan. All the other, ordinary children will be dressed up like monsters, so Ghoulia can go out into the town and be entirely herself. In the end, all the kids realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them and learn that friendship can come in many forms.

Drawn Together (Minh Le and Dan Santat)

 

This book is beautiful! The illustrations are amazing and the author's and the illustrator's story behind it is amazing. We used this as part of our friendship unit. We can be friends with people that are not our own age!

This book would be good to go back to when we do our biographies in class.

Goodreads says:

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

 

My co-worked recommended this book to me. I'm a little nervous about it. I feel like it's going to be a heart-breaking story. 

The Chocolate Touch is our lunch time read-aloud. Looking forward to it!