Inside Out and Back Again (Thanhha Lai)

 

We read a story in Open Court about a girl who comes to the United States from Vietnam. She comes without her mother. The girl in this story comes without her father. There were so many connections between the two stories - which tells me the Open Court story is quite authentic. This was like an expanded version.  It is an amazing glimpse into what life is like for a child who comes to a new country. It's heartbreaking. The humility and work and determination was astounding. It broke my heart to have her tell about the decision to leave her country to escape communism, even without her father. Also of the journey on a defunct boat and then living in a refugee camp in Guam. Finally they get to the USA and the struggle to fit in and find their way in their new life broke my heart. I wish it didn't have to be this way for some people. 

"No one would believe me

But at times

I would choose

wartime in Saigon

over

peacetime in Alabama"

I listened to the audio book and having the child's voice tell the story was powerful. I think seeing the prose the way it is organized in the book, from what I've read on Goodreads, would be powerful as well. 

Angel Child Dragon Child ends with the main character finally shouting, "Mother!" when she arrives at home after school. I kept hoping this one would end with her father coming home. Unfortunately, not all stories are happy.

Goodreads says:

For all the ten years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very own family.

Loula is Leaving for Africa (Anne Villeneuve)

 

Even though my class laughed at her for pretending she was in Africa when clearly she wasn't, it was an entertaining story. Loula has a good imagination! That often helps with nasty little brothers.

Bonus: The author is Canadian!

Goodreads says:

Loula has had ENOUGH of her TERRIBLE triplet brothers. She's leaving home and going to Africa! Though her quirky parents are too distracted to pay much attention to her plans, Loula has a good friend in the family chauffeur, Gilbert, who gently inquires, ?Mademoiselle, may I ask, why Africa?? ?Because!? Loula explains. ?Africa is far away, very far away, the farthest away I can get from my MEAN, HORRIBLE, STINKY brothers. Plus they are scared of snakes. And if they come, piranhas will eat them.? ?Well then,? says Gilbert, ?I think Africa is the best destination.? So together, with the help of their imaginations, Loula and Gilbert travel over the sand, through the air and across the water to reach their own special island of Africa. Which, Loula happily discovers at the end of the day, is ?not so far away? from home.

Award-winning Anne Villeneuve has created a lovable and memorable character in the irrepressible Loula, who enchants and inspires with her spunk and the unique way she approaches the challenges in her life. Villeneuve's artwork, loosely drawn and painted warmly with watercolors, is both witty and charming, just like her character. This is a wonderful story about independence and adventure that also offers a heartwarming example of the important role a caring adult can play in a child's life. It provides a terrific opportunity to discuss dealing with feelings and how to be resourceful when faced with things that are out of your control. 

The Imaginary Garden (Andrew Larsen)

 

Grandpa has moved into an apartment and really, there's nowhere for a garden. Imagination can solve that problem though. Beautiful illustration! This book won the Govenor General's Literacy Award. Another great Canadian author from Montreal. He also wrote Bye Bye Butterflies. 

Goodreads says:

Theodora loved her grandfather's old garden. His new apartment's balcony is too windy and small for a garden. But what appears to be a drawback soon leads to a shared burst of creativity as Theo and her Poppa decide to paint a new garden. As they work side by side — sowing seeds with brushes and paint — a masterpiece begins to take shape that transforms the balcony into an abundant garden.

When Poppa goes away on holiday, Theo helps nurture the garden and it begins to take on a life of its own. This garden grows not from soil but from love, imagination and creativity.

Readers will marvel at each stage of this fertile garden as it grows from seed to full flower, revealing the power of art to enrich our lives.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

 I'm really trying hard to just read one book at a time. I'm kinda failing at it. LOL Here's what I'm reading this week. I'm adjusting my commitment. At home, I'll stick to one book. At school, uh, well, two at a max! 

Our class read aloud is The Wild Robot. The more I read it, the more I love it!

At home, I'm reading Akin by Emma Donoghue for my book club. However, I have too many evenings things this week. I need to cut that out.  There is a pandemic after all. Aren't we all just staying home and reading.

During DEAR time, I've been trying to read while kids are reading. This week, it's The Rumpelstilskin Problem. The author writes a number of different versions of the story. It's rather brilliant!

Call It Courage (Armstrong Sperry)

 

This is kind of the island version of Hatchet. I have recently reorganized my classroom library and in the process took every book off the shelf. There were a bunch that I put aside because I thought I should read them. This was one of them. It's a Newberry Medal winner, published in 1940.  I only gave it a 3 because I don't think it will be one that my students will really love. I'll leave it on my shelves though for those readers who love to explore all sorts of books.

The boy in this story decides to try to prove himself. Everyone teases him about being afraid of the water - and the truth is, he is because it took his mother's life. However, he decides to face his fears, if only to prove something to other people. The vocabulary in the story was tricky for me since I'm really not familiar with island life, sea animals and boats. However, there were some riveting stories of fighting off animals (a shark, a wild boar and an octopus) and people (man-eating people!). 

Goodreads says:

Maftu was afraid of the sea. It had taken his mother when he was a baby, and it seemed to him that the sea gods sought vengeance at having been cheated of Mafatu. So, though he was the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a race of Polynesians who worshipped courage, and he was named Stout Heart, he feared and avoided tha sea, till everyone branded him a coward. When he could no longer bear their taunts and jibes, he determined to conquer that fear or be conquered-- so he went off in his canoe, alone except for his little dog and pet albatross. A storm gave him his first challenge. Then days on a desert island found him resourceful beyond his own expectation. This is the story of how his courage grew and how he finally returned home. This is a legend. It happened many years ago, but even today the people of Hikueru sing this story and tell it over their evening fires.

My Name Is Not Isabella (Jennifer Fosberry)

 

I loved the connection to great women in history. One of my students says she has a book like this only it has her name in it...My name is not <student name>. 

Goodreads says:

From breakfast to bedtime, a young girl imagines being different women who made history, and ends the day empowered to be herself.

Smart But Scattered (Dawson and Guare)

 

This book will give me a good foundation for conversations with parents of children that have ADHD or similar tendencies that make for a challenge in the classroom. Lots of good strategies!

Goodreads says:

There's nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks like finishing homework, putting away toys, or following instructions at school. Your "smart but scattered" 4- to 13-year-old might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger. Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have great news: there's a lot you can do to help. The latest research in child development shows that many kids who have the brain and heart to succeed lack or lag behind in crucial "executive skills"--the fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions. Learn easy-to-follow steps to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques proven to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines. Helpful worksheets and forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. Small changes can add up to big improvements--this empowering book shows how.

See also the authors' Smart but Scattered Teens and their self-help guide for adults. Plus, an academic planner for middle and high school students and related titles for professionals

Martians Don't Take Temperatures (Dady and Jones)

 

Great series with patterns in each book. Super for early chapter book readers.

In this one the school gets a new nurse who has some odd mannerisms. Is she an alien? Is she a nurse? The Bailey School Kids are on it!

Goodreads says:

The Bailey School kids are suspicious of the new school nurse whose bright green bandages seem to have an instant curing effect. She arrived in a sudden dust storm looking kind of green--could she be a Martian?

Sadie and Ratz (Sonya Hartnett)

 

Kind of dark....her hands misbehave and she doesn't seem to take responsibility for what happens. Also, a lot of sibling rivalry stuff. Kind of a weird story. People I admire that I'm connected to on Goodreads gave it a pretty high rating. I don't really get it.

Goodreads says:

Award-winning Sonya Hartnett spins a tale for younger readers about mischief, siblings, and taking matters into your own hands.

Sadie and Ratz are the names of Hannah's hands. They aren't animals, but they behave like wild beasts, says Dad. For one thing, they're always after four-year-old Baby Boy (whom Sadie wishes were a dog). They jump onto his head and try to rub his ears off. Baby Boy knows how to turn the tables, though, and when he spills milk on the carpet, he tells Grandma that Sadie and Ratz pushed him. But when Baby Boy goes too far, Hannah may have to send Sadie and Ratz on vacation to prove their innocence. Multi-award-winning author Sonya Hartnett brings her original sensibility, wry humor, and engaging characters to a younger audience, aided by Ann James's inviting illustrations.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

 

For someone who has committed to reading only one book at a time, 

I'm doing a lousy job. I just can't help myself! 

I'm still working on this book. I can't say enough good about it. The strategies in it are great. It's one that I need to keep around as a reference to read again and again.

I'm listening to The One and Only Bob again...why? Because it's just so good! I wasn't going to buy a copy because it is only out in hard back right now, but I might not be able to wait. It's just that good.

I have read The Wild Robot before on my own and decided to read it aloud to my class. It has been so fun to read it to them. We are a week in and loving it. There are so many topics that we could make connections to: friendship, kindness, community, etc.I haven't really done much work to connect it, but one day I hope to. It's a great story.

Giddy Up, Daddy! (Troy Cummings)

 

This comes across at first as a book too young for my class, but as the story went on, everyone was drawn in and really enjoyed it (judging by the laughing and engaged listeners!). Fits well with our imagination unit.

Goodreads says:

Giddy-Up, Daddy! is the newest imaginative picture book from celebrated cartoonist Troy Cummings. When rootin'-tootin' Daddy the "horse" is eyeballed by some rotten rustlers, it's all the kids can do to keep him out of the big lugs' lasso. What follows is a quick detour through a rodeo, a trip across a circus high wire, and a near-miss in the Rockies, till the kids don Mounty gear and capture the bad guys for good. A celebratory parade at sundown leads the kids and Daddy back home into Mom's waiting arms. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

 I've made a big decision. I'm only going to read ONE book at a time from now. Well, except for the book I'm reading aloud to my class....and maybe the audio book I listen to while I walk. LOL In the past, I often had a book at school, a book at my desk at home, a book in the living room by my big comfy chair, and sometimes one in the car too (well, that was more often when I spent time driving kids around and waiting for them much more than I ever do now). I tend to easily get distracted by shiney objects (=new books) and that then means it takes much longer than it should to get through a book. 

So!! This week, Smart but Scattered is first on my list.

After that, I'll read The Handmaid's Tale.

Our read-aloud at school right now is The Wild Robot. I'm loving it!

Atomic Habits (James Clear)

 

I really liked this book. It has a lot of similar ideas found in Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin, but a bit of a different spin. I read it all the way through and plan to focus on one strategy (he calls them laws) over a month starting in February. I'm looking forward to that! 

I have decided on one tiny change I'm going to make: I'm going to try to only read one book at a time from now on. I often have a book at school I'm reading, one by my bed, one at my desk at home and sometimes one in the car. I'm going to go back to always carrying my book with me.

Goodreads says:

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:
*  make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
*  overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
*  design your environment to make success easier;
*  get back on track when you fall off course;
...and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits--whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal. 

Minnow and Rose: An Oregon Trail Story (Judy Young)

 

We read this book on Epic while everyone was learning at home. It kept everyone's attention, that's for sure. I found it ended really fast though. We wanted to know more about their friendship.

Also, it uses old terms for First Nations people. I just said, "It says...., but I'm going to say First Nations when I read this." 

Goodreads says:

In the mid-1800s thousands of pioneers crossed the western plains of the United States using the 2,000-mile pathway called the Oregon Trail. Minnow and her family live in one of the many native villages scattered across the plains. She has a lively sense of adventure and her favorite pastime is swimming in the nearby river where she rightly earns her nickname. Rose and her family are traveling in one of the many wagon trains making their way west. It's been a tedious journey with little excitement. Rose can't wait for something thrilling to happen. And one day it does. On the banks of a rushing river that divides one way of life from another, two very different cultures come face-to-face, with life-changing results.In addition to writing children's books, Judy Young teaches poetry writing workshops for children and educators across the country. Her other books with Sleeping Bear Press include the popular R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet and The Lucky Star. Judy lives near Springfield, Missouri. A graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design, Bill Farnsworth has created paintings for magazines, advertisements, children's books, and fine art commissions. He has illustrated more than 50 children's books and his book awards include a Teachers' Choice Award, the 2005 Patricia Gallagher Award, and the 2007 Volunteer State Book Award. Bill lives in Venice, Florida.

Dream Big Little Pig (Kristi Yamaguchi)

 

A great new year's conversation starter! 

I asked my class what resolutions are and we had a discussion about goals. I asked them if they had a goal for this year and every single one of them did! After we read the story, we wrote in our journals about our goals. For the picture part, we wrote the phrases that repeated in this book: Dream Big! Follow your dreams! You go, girl!" and then the topic sentence for our paragraph was, "I have a goal". 

Goodreads says:

Inspire kids of all ages to never give up and always dream big with Dream Big Little Pig, the New York Times bestseller from Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi!

Poppy is a waddling, toddling pig with big dreams. She wants to be a star! But she soon discovers that's not as easy as it sounds. It's only when Poppy feels the magic of gliding and sliding, swirling and twirling on ice that our most persistent pig truly believes in herself: Poppy, star of the rink!

"Follow your
Dreams!"
"You go, Girl!"
"Dream Big, pig!"

Jonathan Cleaned Up - Then He Heard a Sound (Robert Munsch)

 

This is a typical silly Robert Munsch story. The title though. Come on Robert Munsch! It sounds like one my students would make up and then my response would be, "Well, let's shorten it up a bit." 

Then again, who am I to criticize Robert Munsch?!

These days, during the pandemic and election woes, the story touched a nerve with complaining to the mayor and then finding out that he doesn't know a thing, the computer isn't working and there's one long person running the whole show behind the scenes. In the end, when the train stop moves to the mayor's office, that seemed like just deserts. 

I didn't really have much of a curriculum connection to this one. It was just fun, which seemed right on our first day back to learning after winter break....only this week are doing it online! Thank you pandemic.

Goodreads says:

A subway stops in Jonathan’s apartment, and out pour thousands of commuters and their litter.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

 Maybe I was a little too ambitious last week. I didn't get everything read that I had planned. This week I plan to read these two books:

Haven't started The Testaments yet, but I got the audio book as well so I can listen to it when I walk. Yea!

I've read about the first 100 pages of Atomic Habits. This is a GREAT book! I'm really enjoying it.