The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris

Summary from the publisher:

Melvin lived in the Livingston Public Library.  Well...he didn't really live there.  He just spent lots and lots of time there.  Everything has its place in the library and Melvin likes it that way.  His favorite people- Marge, Betty, and Leeola-are always in their places behind the reference desk.
When something interests Melvin, the librarians help him find the very best information on the subject.  When he collects creepy bugs in a jar, they help him identify, classify, and catalog them.  When he is cast as the Enormous Eggplant in the school play, they help him find his motivation.
Melvin can always find the answers to his questions- and a lot of fun-in the library.  Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books.  Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever?


In this adorable book by first time author, Carla Morris, readers fall in love with Melvin, the book loving little boy who they watch grow over the years.  He gets to experience so many things in the library and develops a family like relationship with the librarians who work behind the desk.  They help him to see all that the library has to offer and what the librarians can help him to learn, find and discover.  The illustrations are lovely and show wonderful expression in each of the characters.
This would be a wonderful book to be read by a librarian, but also by a teacher.  Teachers are just like the librarians in this story, helping their students to learn, find and discover as well.

The Straight Line Wonder by Mem Fox

Summary from the publisher:

Three straight lines are the best of friends.  But when one of them gets tired of standing straight all the time, anything can happen.









Although the characters in this story are simple lines, readers will quickly identify with the relationships being portrayed in this story because of the friendship that they hold.  Although they are the best of friends, when one of the lines tries to be different, his friends are very cruel and not understanding of what he is trying to do.  This is a great story for the beginning of the school year as classrooms are trying to set up the social dimension of the classroom.  A great classroom conversation and partner conversations can happen around what Mem Fox is trying to teach readers as they find out what happens to the line who tries to be a little bit different from the crowd.

The Best Book to Read by Debbie Bertram & Susan Bloom

Summary from the publisher:

How does a book-loving boy choose what to read?  Picture books, chapter books, books that pop-up, nonfiction, and fairy tales too- books on any topic that tickles his fancy await him at his friendly neighborhood library!  No matter what he chooses, surely it will be the best book to read!




This rhyming book by Bertram and Bloom is a great introduction to various genres that students can explore as they begin to find their own reading identity.  The librarian in this story helps the children find various genres and share all that they have to offer to them.  This book is also great for introducing a classroom library or even the workshop in order to help students understand that readers all like different types of books and will be reading different books throughout the year.  This is shown on one of the last pages when the illustrator has shown all the students holding different books.  It's a great picture of what the workshop looks like in action.

City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems

Summary from the publisher:

In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a roch, waiting for a friend.  "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games.  In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games.  Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he run straight for Country Frog's rock.  In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog.  Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting

Summary from the publisher:

During a night of rioting in Los Angeles, fires and looting force neightbors--who have always avoided one another-- to come together.  This is a story about cats -- and people-- who couldn't get along until a smoky and fearful night brings them together.





This is a must share book in any upper elementary class or even a middle or high school class.  There are so many lessons to be learned in this story that it usually fits well within a social studies lesson.  I often times shared this story when talking about core democratic values because of the issues of racism that are discussed, but not explicitly.  But I have also used this during a reading lesson because there are many wonderful writing techniques used that can assist young readers really get into the story and have deep conversations around the story.
I also love the pictures used in this story.  It's no wonder that David Diaz won the Caldecott Award for this story.  The acrylic painting along with the collage techniques makes for wonderful illustrations to go along with the story that really bring out the dramatics of the events that are happening throughout this story.

Ugh

I'm a day behind....I'll catch up tomorrow :O(

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

Summary from the publisher:

Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.

Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearied" isn't really his destiny.  Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.


My sons' school shared this book with our family last year.  It was part of their library time and they both loved it right away.  This is a great tale of the unexpected learning of a down and out fish who does nothing but pout and mope about all day long.  I love the rhyme that continues throughout the story and the bright illustrations that accompany this adorable tale of what happens when the pout-pout fish learns a lesson from a beautiful friend in the sea.
This is a great story to share poetry with young readers and writers.  The predictable rhyme and repetition in this story assist young readers with "reading along."

The Wonderful Book by Leonid Gore

Summary from the publisher:

Deep in the woods, a rabbit finds a mysterious object.  "What is this?" he asks.  "It looks like a wonderful house for me."  And he wriggles inside for a nap.  Later he hops away and a bear lumbers by.
"What is this?" the bear asks.  "It looks like a wonderful hat for me."  And he puts it on his head.  One by one different animals find the object and transform it into whatever they need it to be.  But it's not until the little boy comes along and know exactly what it is.  It's a wonderful book!  And all the animals gather around to share the truly wonderful story that's inside.



This simple book, by Soviet Union born Leonid Gore, is the perfect book for young readers and listeners.  This is a short story that has pages filled with illustrations to match the text perfectly which helps young readers understand the text which has some complex word choices.  As each creature tries to use the book, it's not until the boy reads the story inside that they fully appreciate all that the story holds.  The Wonderful Book would make a great beginning of the year story.

Clink by Kelly DiPucchio and Matthew Myers

Summary from the publisher:

Clink was a state-of-the-art robot with the dazzling ability to make toast and play music at the same time.  But that was many years ago.  Now kids want snazzier robots who do things like play baseball and bake cookies.  So day after day, Clink sits on a shelf and sadly watched as his friends leave with the new owners.  He almost gives up on ever finding a home- unit the day Clink spies a boy who just might be able to be the right one for him...



This is yet another great tale from Michigan author, Kelly DiPucchio.  I picked this up to add to my DiPucchio collection to share with the students and staff at my school before she visits us in March.  I read online that this story is very similar to the children's classic, Corduroy.  I would have to agree.  It's very heartwarming to watch, as this story progresses, the sadness that Clink experiences and then ends up having a change in emotions as he may have found the boy for him.
This story teaches more about character and determination than I could see it being used in reading or writing, but I'm sure that there are plenty more lessons in this story as well.

Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster by Debra Frasier

Summary from the publisher:

Sage has misheard and misunderstood one of Mrs. Page's weekly vocabulary words.  Her error leads to a humbling catastrophe: a momentous tragedy, in front of the entire class.  Can Sage turn her vocabulary disaster: an event bringing great misfortune, into a triumph: a true success?





I love using this story in my classroom!  There are so many different uses and lessons that can be used in throughout this story especially when teaching writing. I absolutely love the play on words and my students always get a chuckle out of the mistakes that she makes when she misunderstands the words.  There is also another lesson in the alphabet sentences that are around the edges of the story.  It's a great vocabulary story that can help writers increase their potential word choice in any story that they may write.

The Big Test by Julie Danneberg

Summary from the publisher:

Mrs. Hartwell is preparing her class to take the Big Test. Knowing they have studied and are well-prepared, she helps the students practice how to sit quietly, fill in the bubbles, and follow the directions. She even instructs them on proper morning-of-the-test nutrition. As her students grow increasingly anxious about the Big Test, Mrs. Hartwell realizes she has to teach the most valuable test-taking skill of all: learning to relax!

 

 In Michigan, our standardized testing comes very early in the year.  It makes our teachers think about test prep from the very first day of the year.  That's why I immediately picked this up off the back to school shelf at the book store this week. 

In this story about preparing for a big test, the teacher teaches the students how to show what they know by teaching them about all the "unfun" parts of test taking.  She shows them how to fill in bubbles, how to sit properly, how to be quiet, and on and on and on.  It makes the students very nervous as the big day approaches.  As the tension mounts, the story concludes with a surprise ending that is sure to make students and teachers smile.  This is a great book to share with students as this time approaches and to learn the real lesson in this story which is to just relax. 

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner

Summary from the publisher:

With the help of Miss Brooks, Missy’s classmates all find books they love in the library—books about fairies and dogs and trains and cowboys. But Missy dismisses them all—“Too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity.”  Still, Miss Brooks remains undaunted. Book Week is here and Missy will find a book to love if they have to empty the entire library. What story will finally win over this beastly, er, discriminating child? William Steig’s Shrek!—the tale of a repulsive green ogre in search of a revolting bride—of course!

Barbara Bottner and Michael Emberley pay playful homage to the diverse tastes of child readers and the valiant librarians who are determined to put just the right book in each child’s hands.

What a sweet book for both avid and reluctant readers!  Maybe I'm partial to this story because I want to be like Miss Brooks.  I want to help kids find their story that helps them to get addicted to reading.  But I think that even young readers would love listening to the story and seeing the illustrations of Miss Brooks dressed up in her silly costumes to get kids loving stories.  This would be a great story for the beginning of the year and introducing a teacher to their class.  Librarians woudl even be able to use this story as well for introducing themselves to their patrons or students.  I love the illustrations and simple captions that accompany some of the pictures.  I hope to be like Miss Brooks this year when helping my at risk readers and will be using this book.

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Summary from the publisher:

For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a "savvy" -a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity . . . and now it's the eve of Mibs's big day.

As if waiting weren't hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs's birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman's bus . . . only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up -and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.

I'll be honest, I haven't finished this book yet.  I'm getting through it pretty quickly and am almost finished so I thought I would share another chapter book today.  This Newberry Honor winner is a wonderful fantasy tale of a young girl and her family who each receive a savvy on their thirteenth birthday.  When Mibs turns thirteen, she too receives her savvy but in an unexpected way.  The strong female character in this story has drawn me in and gotten me hooked to her tale of adventure that she ends up going through on her birthday in order to see her father who has been in an accident.  I'm not a big fan of fantasy stories, but this one has me wondering what will happen and what twists will be coming next.  This is another great mentor text for a fantasy unit for intermediate and middle school readers.

The Night I Followed the Dog by Nina Laden

Summary from the publisher:

"I have a dog. Nothing exotic or special, just an ordinary dog. In fact, I always thought he was a boring dog. What I mean is, he can fetch, roll over, and shake hands, but mostly he sleeps and eats."
Or so the little boy in this story thinks, until one morning when he opens the door a little early and sees his dog jump out of a limousine. That night he decides to follow his dog, and that's when the fun starts.
Before he knows it, he has entered the little known world of doggy glamour. His dog, distinctly reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart, treats him to a nighttime adventure where he learns where dogs go to relax and sees what they do while their masters are fast asleep. A terrific read aloud, Nina Laden's story will have everyone captivated by the coolest dog around.

This is a cute little tale of what dogs do after dark.  The narrator tells the tale of why he loves his dog more than any other dog, but that wasn't always the case.  It's not until the night he follows his dog around town that he discovers what really happens after dark.  This would be a great mentor text for a fantasy unit.  With talking dogs and human features that only come out at night, readers have to use their imagination to follow the storyline in this silly story that young and older readers will both enjoy.

Dad, Are You The Tooth Fairy? By Jason Alexander

Summary from the publisher:

When Gaby overhears some older kids on the playground saying that the tooth fairy is just make-believe, he goes straight to his father to find out the truth. The enchanting tale his dad tells him of a time long ago when mysterious and magical creatures lived on the earth will delight and entertain children and adults alike. For any child who has ever wondered about the existence of the tooth fairy, this original and reassuring story will satisfy their curiosity and give them the power to believe magical things can happen!

I came across this story as I was looking on Storylineonline.net.  This story is written by the actor, Jason Alexander.  This is the story that he told his son Gaby as he was questioning the truth behind the tooth fairy.  Listening to this story on the computer by the author makes this a story a little more heartwarming.  However, it is a little long and very "wordy."  But if parents are looking for a way to explain the truth behind the tooth fairy, this story would do the trick.  It is an honest answer to the question that so many parents dread, but at the same time, he keeps the magic alive throughout his explaination.  It should however come with a warning (it does com with a warning in the online version) that this is going to give away the truth behind the question.  I love the animated and playful pictures that help to tell this whimsical tale. 

The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting

Summary from the publisher:

Anna and Grandma are planning a surprise for Dad's birthday. Dad thinks he has received all his presents, but Grandma stands up and gives him the best one of all: she reads aloud the stories that Anna has taught her.

Okay, I'll admit it.  I'm cheating a little bit today (and most likely this whole week while my family is on vacation).  This isn't a new book to me.  I've read it dozens of times.  But it's one of my favorites and if teachers aren't familiar with it, they need to be.  So, I'm bringing it to you.  This is a sweet story of the joy young and older generations can share with each other.  But it also brings the joy of literacy and lesson about it in the story as well.  Eve Bunting books always tug at my heart and can usually bring a tear to my eye the first few times I read them.  This one did just that as you get to the end of the story and realize what has happened.  This is such a sweet story that I love to share with my students at the beginning of the year  or at the start of book clubs to talk about the importance of sharing stories together.  A must read and a must have for every classroom library.

Muncha Muncha Muncha by Candance Fleming

Summary from the publisher:

After years of dreaming of planting a garden, Mr. McGreely finally takes hoe and watering can in hand and makes his dream come true. Unfortunately for him (but luckily for readers), this is not the happily-ever-after part of the story. Late one night, three hungry bunnies appear: "Tippy-tippy-tippy, Pat! Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!" The next morning finds our farmer gnashing his teeth over the gnawed sprouts. So he builds a small wire fence. That night... "Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!" So Mr. McGreely builds a tall wooden wall. You get the idea. Young readers will hang on every word until they find out, once and for all, who will win the battle of the broccoli.

This cute story for young readers (or listeners) has another great use...teaching onomatopoeia.  Throughout the story, the author uses many different phrases (crash, dash, munch, tippey) to help the readers understand what it would sound like.  This story will also keep kids engaged as they try to figure out what the famer will do next and if the rabbits will be able to create a way to overcome his attempts.  A great story for young listeners but it would also fit in well as a mentor text for a fiction writing unit.

Zoom! Boom! Bully by Jon Scieszka

Summary from the publisher:

Every time the trucks try to build something, Big Rig comes along, and - ZOOM! BOOM! - knocks it down!  What can they do to stop such a big bully?







In my quest to find new books to add to this blog everyday, I have a variety of types of books that I am looking for.  I keep my eye out for books I can recommend to my colleagues to use as a read aloud.  I look for books to use with my students in an intervention setting.  I even look for books that I might just like to read myself.  But recently, I have taken to looking for books that my oldest son can read.  He has recently really become quite the emergent reader.  He has had an interest in letters from a young age (he used to run to the fridge and come back with the magnetic letters and say "This is Mama's letter," while holding up the letter M.)  Recently, he has started asking how to spell everything and has even surprised us with reading whole books to us that he's never seen before.
Needless to say, I was glad to see this book come home in the library bag on a recent trip there with my husband.  I have this book in my classroom and could use it for interventions as well.  The repeated lines, large font and detailed illustrations would help any emergent or struggling reader have success.  Scholastic does give this a guided reading level of K, so truly emergent readers would need a lot of help.  There are some difficult vocabulary words that they would need a lot of help with (decorates, birthday, crates).  But there is a good theme in this story which is rare to see in a story as simple as this.
Jon Scieszka is known for his books that are geared towards males (not to mention, he is a Michigan born author- I always like to have a few authors in my classroom that I feature that come from Michigan).  He has written many books, most of which have a humorous side or are on a topic which relate to males.  He even has a site, www.guysread.com, which is designed to help motivate boys to become lifelong readers and learners.  I can certainly see many more of his stories crossing the doorway of my home in the years. to come.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Summary from the Publisher:

Sixth-grader Miranda lives in 1978 New York City with her mother, and her life compass is Madeleine L'Enlge's A Wrinkle in Time.  When she receives a series of enigmatic notes that claim to want to save her life, she comes to believe that they are from someone who knows the future.  Miranda spends considerable time observing a raving vagrant who her mother calls the laughing man and trying to find the connection between the notes and her everyday life.  Discerning readers will realize the ties between Miranda's mystery and L'Engle's plot, but will enjoy hints of fantasy and descriptions of middle school dynamics.

Rebecca Stead's story was the 2010 Newberry Award winner and for good reason.  This fantasy/mystery story for young adult or adolescent readers will reach all types of readers because of its strong story line, plot twists and strong characters.  I am not one to typically like fantasy or science fiction stories.  I have a hard time visualizing the obscure features that sometimes occur in the genre and keeping track of characters.  However, this story immediately drew me in because of its realistic fiction style of writing.  In fact, it wasn't until I was part was through the story that I even realized that it wasn't a realistic fiction story at all.  By that point, I was so drawn into the story line that I needed to finish to reach a conclusion.  This story would again be a great read for any adolescent reader, especially those in a book club.  The chance to talk about what is happening will help to aid in the comprehension of a story that may be quite thought provoking.

Slob by Ellen Potter

Summary from the publisher:
Owen is the fattest- and smartest- seventh grader in his New York City school.  When he's not ducking the school bully or trying to survive the world's most sadistic P.E. teacher, he invents things.  Currently Own has two project- a TV that will show events in the past and a trap to catch the thief who keeps stealing the Oreos from his lunchbox.  There's a lot of middle school banter and adolescent dialogue.  However, what begins as a lighthearted adventure gradually takes on a darker tone.  Owen calls his invention Nemesis and insists that it needs to read exactly two years back.  As the story evolved, readers learn that there are places in town where he feels distinctly uncomfortable, and that he treasures a note that says only SLOB.  Step by step, Owen reveals the tragedy behind his concerns.  Two years earlier, he was hiding in the basement of the family store, listening as his parents were killed by an intruder.  Adopted by the 911 operator who took his call after the murders, he dreams of identifying the perpetrator.  Although Nemesis fails to solve the crime, Owen is finally able to find closure with help from his sister, their friends, and, surprisingly, from the dreaded bully himself.  A sensitive, touching, and sometimes heartbreakingly funny picture of middle school life.

I picked up this story last summer while I was at Teacher's College in NYC for the Reading Workshop Institute.  It was one of the stories that one of the book clubs read and it sounded interesting as I listened to the club talk about it.  This book is aimed at middle school readers, so it surprised me that I got so hooked to this story (okay, maybe not too surprised).  But I picked this book up and finished it quickly (a plane ride home from NYC in fact) because I was drawn into the many different facets of this story and trying to figure out how they all worked together to create a complete picture of the main character, Owen.  I think that I was able to really relate to the character in many ways.  Not so much his story line and the events in his life, but more a connection to his emotions and feelings.  This story would easily allow a middle school student to relate to the story line whether male or female and they too would fall in love with Owen and learn how to face the many challenges that come along with being an adolescent.

Zero's Slider by Matt Christopher

Summary from the Publisher:

Zero Ford wants to be an exceptional pitcher but it is not until he injures his hand that he discovers he can now throw a "slider"- a pitch guaranteed to strike out any batter.  But can he duplicate his success when the bandage is removed from his hand?  And, will the Peach Street Mudders be able to play if the coach is unable to find a substitute for himself while he is on vacation?  Zero finally musters up enough courage to try pitching without the bandage and to ask his uncle to take over coaching the team and all works out well in the end.



I have to admit that I didn't actually come across this book on my own.  My husband and son found them at the library this summer and my son (who is a 4 year old, baseball fanatic) has really taken a liking to this series of books.  My husband read many of Matt Christopher's books when he was a kid, so he is kind of reliving his childhood during their nightly read aloud.  So, I haven't even technically read this book but listened to my husband read it to him.  My son loves listening to it and is excited to be listening to a chapter book.  However, the chapters are a good length and there are black-and-white illustrations in each chapter to help with the visualization of the text for the early chapter book readers (or listeners).  This series would be a great addition to any young readers collection if they love baseball.  Zero is faced with the task of trying to overcome a difficulty which will leave young readers wondering if he'll be able to do it.  Older readers many find a little bit of predictability in the story line, but will still find enjoyment as they turn the pages.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Summary from the Publisher:

You couldn't really tell about Mama's brain just from looking at her, but it was obvious as soon as she spoke.  She had a high voice, like a little girl's, and she only knew 23 words.  I know this for a fact, because we kept a list of the things Mama said tacked to the inside of the kitchen cabinet.  Most of the words were common ones, like good and more and hot, but there was one word only my mother said: soof.  Although she lives an unconventional lifestyle with her mentally disabled mother and their doting neighbor, Bernadette, Heidi has a lucky streak that has a way of pointing her in the right direction.  When a mysterious word in her mother's vocabulary begins to haunt her, Heidi's thirst for the truth leads her on a cross-country journey in search of the secrets of her past.  


I picked up this book at our end of the year Scholastic book fair.  Although it looked like a tear jerker, which it was at times, I had to pick it up.  This would be a wonderful read aloud for upper elementary or middle school because of the strong female character who strives to figure out who she really is.  It is really for mature readers but they will really be able to relate to the young teen in this book who is driven by her curiosity.  This book would be great for a social issues book club for students in grades 5-6.   

The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania AlAbdullah

Summary from the publisher:

Lily and Salma are best friends.  They like doing all the same things- jumping rope, drawing pictures, playing on the swings.  And they always eat lunch together.  Sure, they don't eat the same lunch.  Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus- but what's that between friends?  It turns out, a lot.





It seems that I've come across books with a theme of understanding and diversity to start off my 365 blog.  I'm okay with that though because many teachers are looking for books like this to start off the new year.  This is yet another winner if that's what you're looking to do.  This book was written along with Kelly DiPucchio and beautifully illustrated by Tricia Tusa.  This story was inspired by a real life experience Her Majesty Queen Rania had in her childhood.  It has been featured on Oprah and has received high praise from many people including former President Clinton and Maria Shriver.  I quickly understood why.

As I read the story to my oldest son (who is 4 years old), he quickly understood what the message of this story was.  He told me that this story "...started out good, but then got bad and then got good again.  The girls learned about each other."  It shares a great message of tolerance and teaches readers to take the time to get to know each other and see a different point of view before judging someone else.  We may learn about them and ourselves as well.  Another great beginning of the year story!

The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco

Summary from the publisher:

When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated.  She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore!  But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent.  And it is here, in The Junkyard, that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them.  Based on a real-life event in Patricia Polacco's childhood, this ode to teachers will inspire all readers to find their inner genius.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore Patricia Polacco and all of her books.  I heard her speak at the Michigan Reading Association Conference in Detroit last year and was moved to tears.  She is an incredible storyteller and has the kindest, most gentle heart.  These traits translate into each and every one of her stories.  I don't think that I could choose just one to call my favorite.

This was my most recent find because it is one of her newest additions.  In typical Polacco fashion, she has chosen to write about herself in a personal narrative.  In this story, she again tells a story of her struggles with learning disorders as a child and what she learns along the way through the help of an extraordinary teacher (similar to Thank You, Mr. Falker).  She has managed to bring tears to my eyes in yet another story through the characters and emotions she shares throughout the entire book.

The Junkyard Wonders would not only be a great book to use when teaching about acceptance and understanding of difference, but it would also be a great book to use with teachers.  As a teacher, I began to think about each of my students, especially since the students I work with each have struggles in the area of reading.  How could I help them to read their full potential in a unique way and allow them to see that they are awesome just the way they are?

Alfred Zector, Book Collector by Kelly DiPucchio

Summary from the publisher:

In his warm, weathered house, stuffed in crannies and nooks, were heaps, rows, and stacks of beloved bound books. The only thing that brings Alfred Zector joy is collecting books. And so he sets out on a mission to collect every last one, until his home on the hill is stretched at the seams with books big and small. But what happens when the rest of the townspeople have nothing left to read? In this clever rhyming story, Alfred Zector discovers what it means to find true joy in a good book.

I chose this as my first book because we are going to be using it as our One School, One Book for the year.  I love the theme behind the story.  Alfred collects all the books in town and no one else has anything to read.  He spends years locked up in his home reading the books and the whole town gets very sad.  At the same time, Alfred gets sad as well and realizes that he needs to share the books with other people.  This theme is something that we are going to share with our students throughout the year, especially at the beginning of the year.  We are going to be having the author, Kelly DiPucchio, visit our school and share what she does as an author and reader.  I am very excited and glad that I work with great people who are helping to make this happen.  This is a great story for introducing the reader's workshop in the first few days or weeks of school.

A Book-a-Day Project

As I have been spending far too much time on blogs this summer, I came across Donalyn Miller's blog through Education Teacher Weekly.  She has a great post called Book-A-Day and made a wonderful suggestion for reading a book a day throughout the entire summer.  But this got me thinking, why not read a book a day for the whole year.  This will mean that I most likely won't be reading too many chapter books, but would be spending more of my time diving into possible mentor texts.  I'm going to keep my eyes open for books to be used in all subject areas, not just reading and writing.  Why I'm starting today, July 23, is beyond me and we'll see how this goes with 3 kids under the age of 4 in my house, but it will be fun to look back and see what I find.