What's So Bad About Being an Only Child?
Author: Cari Best
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age/Level: 3-7yrs./Pre-School-2nd
Number of Pages: 32
Publisher: Melanie Kroupa Books
Publication Date: 2007
Summary: Rosemary was an only child, and she hated it! Grown-ups were everywhere, she wanted to being able to share clothes and toys. Then Rosemary brought home a turtle, cat, dog, rabbit, bird, and a pig. Now she never felt alone.
Critique: I like this book because a lot of only children feel lonely or smothered by family members, and sometimes animals will help.
Suggested Activities: I would read this during free time for fun. Students could write what they do when they are lonely. Students could graph how many siblings they have.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Age: 5-8th grade
Number of pages: 217 pages
Publisher: Amulet
Publication date: 2007
Summary: Greg is a middle school student, who is not really pleased with a lot of things that are going on in his life. He has a spoiled younger brother and an older brother, who seems to be his “best friend”, his parents have no idea what’s going on, and so many other things seem to get worse and worse for him. Read his “journal” to find out more.
Critique: I enjoyed reading this book and love that it is written as a journal and not just like any other book. I feel like a lot of students can relate to this story line and think that kids could find enjoyment in reading it.
Lesson: Read aloud or silent read. They can also write a small book as if it was a journal about many different things, such as their favorite hobbies, what they do in a days time, etc.
Do You Have A Secret?
Age: 4 years old
Number of pages:
Publisher: Marta Fabrega
Publication date:
Summary: This book is all about secrets; good secrets, bad secrets. This books lets kids know that sometimes it’s ok to share their secrets with adults.
Critique: I thought this book is a really good book to read to younger kids. This book will help them determine good and bad secrets and if they should share them with an adult or not.
Lesson/activity: Read aloud and talk about what the plot of the story is. Have a classroom discussion about what are secrets that you should share with adults.
Bridget's Beret
Author/Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age/Level: 4 & 7/k-2nd
Number of Pages: 40
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Book
Publication Date: 2010
Summary: Bridget loves to draw, especially outdoors. This is where she feels she belongs. She draws everywhere, on sidewalks, and paper. Her favorite art supply was her beret, what every great artists wears. One day her hat flew away and she couldn’t find it, so she starts trying out new hats. Bridget starts making artwork for all over town, the whole town loved her masterpieces.
Critique: I really liked this book. It was beautifully illustrated, and rich with color. This would really appeal to the artists in your classroom.
Suggested Activities: This would be really great when introducing famous artists, because it shows a few in the book. Picasso, Rembrandt, Sisley, and Monet are pictured in the book, and the students could be shown a few pieces of these artists work. Students could write about what inspires them. In the back of the book there is a few pages of ” How to Start Your Art” for inspiration.
