Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen

Have you ever wondered if the game of baseball was destined to be a game solely for boys and men? Who says girls cannot play baseball! Read this charming true story of Jackie Mitchell, a girl who once broke the gender lines in major league baseball, and even took a few big names down! How? Strikes! Have you ever had to compete against someone of the opposite sex and felt it was wrong? Tell me why.

4 different titles

Up the Learning Tree
Henry is a slave who wants more than anything to learn to read. But the plantation master has threatened to cut off the fingers of those trying to learn. Henry devises a way to learn to read despite the threat of getting hurt. Would you take the same risks Henry takes just to learn to read? Frederick Douglass is quoted as saying, "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." What do you think that means?


Knockin’ on Wood
Knockin’ on Wood Starring Peg Leg Bates features a famous African American whose notoriety came from his talent at dance, tap, and rhythm. Oddly enough, as a youngster, he had his leg amputated in an accident, and so developed his talent using a wooden stick with a rubber bottom that his uncle whittled for him. The most fascinating detail shared in this story is that this infamous dancer was actually born in South Carolina. Somebody look it up and find out where he lived in SC. What other interesting facts did you learn about “Peg Leg” Bates?

American Moments: Scenes from American History
I love the illustrations in the book. They are photographs of sculptures! Each entry puts me right into the mind of the person from the memorable event in history. My favorite illustration was the Lewis & Clark one. The sculptor even has footprints in the sand, so you can tell he paid a lot of attention to detail. My favorite moment described is the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It was very suspenseful. Tell me what you like or dislike about this book.

Promises to Keep
Sharon Robinson tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the player who broke the color barrier for major league baseball. She helps readers understand the history behind African Americans and their journey to becoming equal citizens. She has many original photos and newspaper clippings shown in the book, and it really helps you understand the challenges that Jackie Robinson and his family faced during his life. Well done!

Ida B

Ida B. has a lot of change coming her way. This story told by Ida B. lets you inside her head and her thoughts. Ida B is a planner, even in her darkest moments. The title alone made me want to finish the book once I started. I finished it in one sitting, all 246 pages! This book, Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save The World will make you really think about the way people handle change, for the good or bad. Are you like Ida B. in any way?

Operation Clean Sweep

Corn is in quite a dilemma in this turn of the century story. Operation Clean Sweep sets his parents against each other in an election for mayor. Corn, who can't decide which parent he wants to win, is also stuck in a secret about the election and his Mom's involvement. The time period is when women in Oregon had just been allowed to vote, and not all states were allowing that yet. Corn feels like he's in a no win situation. Have you ever been in a similar situation? Corn also shares his feelings about the U.S. involvement in the great war going on. Students can learn a little history behind the Women's Suffrage movement and more.

Buttermilk Hill

Piper has to face a divorce between her parents, but relies heavily on her best friend Lindy, who happens to be her exact same age, but also her aunt. They befriend Bucky, a poor kid from a neighborhood called Tacky Town. Piper feels left out of both her parents' new lives. Her mother has taken a new job and gone back to college, and doesn't seem to have time for Piper. Her father remarries, and now she has two stepbrothers, and her stepmother adds a baby to the family. Piper's only release is to be with her friends and write poetry. But Bucky has plenty of drama to take her mind off her own family issues. I had to get the tissues out for the end of this one. Tell me what you like about it?

The Young Man and the Sea

Finally! A book about fishing that I liked. I am not a fishing fan, though I know many are. The main character, Skiff, has had his fishing boat sink, and needs to raise enough money to buy a new engine. He decides to catch and sell lobsters all summer, which he knows how to do, to raise the funds. But a town bully rich kid, ruins his lobster traps. His father who stays mostly drunk when he’s not grieving over the recent death of his Mom is no help. Skiff then hears about a local man who caught a large tuna while deep sea fishing that was worth enough to replace his engine and more. Skiff decides to take a small boat deep sea fishing for a tuna. He has little experience or know-how but a lot of desire. Read about Skiff's deep sea fishing expedition which almost cost him everything, including his life.

Niagara Falls, or Does it?

Wow--what a great story to start the school year off! This book actually begins on the first day of school for Hank, the main character. Hank is not a real fan of school, but you'll have to read the story to find out why. Could it be his sour fourth grade teacher, the principal with a mole that reminds him of the Statue of Liberty (minus her lamp!), or a bully named Nick? Northside students will definitely like this story because Hank finds out that expressing himself with music and creativity come easiest for him, while writing and spelling make him struggle. Now that Northside is called Northside Elementary School of the Arts, this book really fits our school. Hank meets a brand new music teacher who taps right in to Hank's school problems, giving him a way to express himself best. Tell me what you think of Hank's "big splash" in the story!

More interesting notes: Henry Winkler (a co-author) of this story is widely know in film, movies, and tv shows. I remember him best as "Fonzi" from a sitcom show called Happy Days. I used to watch it religiously every Tuesday night as a child! I also remember him from the summer blockbuster "Holes." Henry Winkler was Stanley's father, the one who was so intent on discovering a cure for stinky feet. Who knew not only was he a successful actor and movie star, but he's also a successful writer too. Now I AM impressed! But I learned something else about Mr. Winkler. He had some of the same problems that Hank has in the story. Can anyone read this book and research to tell me what similar problems Mr. Winkler and Hank share?

Exchanged some books!

Today I went back to the library to turn in the last one I finished and see if I could get more. I'm leaving for a ten-day vacation tomorrow, so I tried to get several again. Today I picked up The Young Man and the Sea, Niagara Falls, or Does it?, and Buttermilk Hill. I don't know which one I'll read next, but perhaps I'll read one of my adult novels first, since I do have two books for grownups to read as well. I'm really interested in the nominee written by Henry Winkler (Niagara Falls, or Does it?). Henry Winkler is better known to me as Fonzi from the "Happy Days" sitcom from way back when I was a teenager. At least I think I'm right about this author. I'll have to double check that one. I'll get back on when I finish another nominee. See you later!

The Report Card

Okay all you Frindle fans, here's another selection by Andrew Clements. The Report Card asks some pretty tough questions about why there is a need for grades in school, and why students must take standardized tests like the Connecticut Mastery Tests. In South Carolina, we take the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT), but the connection to PACT can be made easily in this story. I think this book will launch a hot debate on grades, testing, and other programs that label students. Can there be a winner or loser? Read this book and let's debate!

Becoming Naomi Leon

I finally finished Becoming Naomi Leon. Confession time: it made my cry a little. As a young toddler, Naomi and her younger brother were abandoned by their mother who had already left their father. Owen, her brother, and Naomi were being raised by their great grandmother. Their mother suddenly comes back in their lives, insisting that at least Naomi return to her. Find out why Owen is not invited, and how the kids find their father in an effort to remain in Lemon Tree, the only home they have known with their great grandmother. It will probably make you cry or at least get a lump in your throat.

Honeysuckle House

I finished Honeysuckle House last Sunday, though I have been too busy to post my response or comments. I like the way the book is written, with every other chapter being from the perspective of the two main characters, Sarah and Tina. Sarah is a Chinese American who knows no Chinese, and is as American as apple pie, while Tina is totally new to the United States and struggles with her English. She is the most fluent in English in her family. Sarah is dealing with her best friend moving away, while Tina is dealing with being in a new country and a new school. These two become friends even though they are worlds apart. Many assume they are friends because they are both Asian, but they become freinds despite their Asian decent. Some students who have ESL or ESOL classes may be able to relate. I really liked the way the book handled Victoria moving. Victoria, obviously from a disfunctional family, is poor and perhaps neglected. I felt sorry for Victoria, and even Sarah too, because she didn't question Victoria's situation until she was gone. Enjoyed the book!

Heartbeat

Okay so I read another one of those books I checked out. I really should be outside enjoying the gorgeous afternoon. Heartbeat made me feel sad, happy, envious, dumb, and strange all at one time. I could understand Annie's feelings of not knowing how to take her Mom's pregnancy. Being the age she was (twelve, I think) I would have felt similarly. I cannot imagine having a bay brother or sister at 12, but students who have this will totally understand how Annie feels. Annie is also considering new feelings for her running partner Max. A lot of different emotions to deal with in this story. I especially found the interactions with the elderly grandfather comforting. I think even as an adult, I have some of the same reactions she has to her grandfather to the elderly of my own family. Because this book is written in poetic prose, it is most definitely a QUICK read. It's really good too.

Seaward Born

Wow I finished Seaward Born written by Lea Wait already. It was a very moving book and it made me see the perspective of a slave boy who decided to run away to freedom. The book will be challenging to weak readers, but will make a good read aloud for 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade social studies classes that discuss slavery, the early colonies, and Charleston. While it's a good book for third graders who study South Carolina History, fourth graders and higher will enjoy the historical perspective "Noah" gives to our developing country, and how runaway slaves and free blacks were treated. There is a natural disaster described in the story as well. The Hurricane of 1804 devastated much of Charleston, and also took the life of Noah's parents in different hurricane related accidents. A good read!

More SC Childrens Book Nominees to read!

I went back to the library today hoping to get another one or two of the nominees to read. I didn't realize when I checked out the two I just posted about Monday that I would finish them so fast. They are truly quick reads. Surprise! I was able to get four of the titles. The books I checked out were:

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

Honeysuckle House by Andrea Cheng

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan

Seaward Born by Lea Wait

I have no idea which one I'll read first. I don't feel guilty taking all four because I am a fast reader, so I'll return them as I finish. As soon as I finish it I'll post my reaction to the book. If you read it, be sure to reply with your thoughts!
If you want to know what other books are on this year's list, click here.

The World According to Humphrey

The World According to Humphrey, written by Betty G. Birney, is so cute! I didn't know for sure if I was reading a story about a hampster or learning how to care for a hamster. What a great book for anyone who has or is considering a pet hamster. I do have concerns though about this book as a "library" book. The back of the book has a section with activities, puzzles, and other ways to use the book beyond just reading the story. While I know better than to write in a book, this will really tempt students who get all the way to end. Teachers will love the exended activities already in the book though, and it really can guide a discussion if we do our Book Lunches. The possibilities are endless.

Ghost of Cutler Creek

This book, written by Cynthia DeFelice, is a third book with the same characters. There is a twist in this mystery/ghost story though, in that the ghost cannot talk!! The ghost uses interesting methods to get Anna to help. I real page turner! Just as good as The Ghost of Fossil Glen and The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs. My fifth graders are going to LOVE this book.

Greetings Northside visitors!

Trying out some blogging as a way to stay in touch. Might use a blog to discuss the SC Book Award Nominees for the 2006-2007 school year. You can see the new lists by visiting SCASL.net. I'm trying to pick out a chapter book from the children's list to read first. Anyone have any suggestions?