How often do we talk about BEING KIND?!?! How often do we talk about others and their differences? R.J. Palacio did a pretty amazing job with taking Auggie and turning him into a picture book! This book does not tell Auggie's story, but it does tell others that they need to be kind no matter what others look like. I was personally expecting more of Auggie's story, but once I read this book I realized this wasn't a book meant to be JUST ABOUT AUGGIE! It has been left so wide open that students can relate to this and a discusson about being kind can come out of this book. I cannot wait to create an activity to do with my students for this book!
Have you ever had a GREAT teacher? What does a great teacher look like or sound like to you? Well Topher, Brand, and Steve finally found one, but she has an aggressive type of cancer and ends up not being able to finish out the school year with her students. She does plan on having a party with her students on Friday, but she ends up sicker and does not make it to the party. She is also going to be transferred out of state for a more aggressive treatment. Our three boys are telling us their stories throughout this book, telling about their memories of Ms. Bixby and why she meant so much to each of them. They are determined to find Ms. Bixby and have a picnic with fries, wine, and a book and they have to do all of this BEFORE she leaves! Will these boys find her or will they be able to have a picnic with her?
What an amazing book recommendation from Mr. Schu!!!! Loved it! Have you ever had a moment when you couldn't think of what to say or had that moment when no words came to you? Well Melody has probably over a million words, but cannot say a single one! Melody is almost eleven years old and is stuck in a chair, not by choice but because she has cerebral palsy and cannot speak or write. Melody is so bright and just wants to be normal. She is in school and for the first time she is allowed to go into a "normal" class as she likes to call it. She makes friends, and of course she has those that make fun of her and her classmates, but what could make her more "normal?" For Melody the ability to let others know what is on her mind, is all she asks for. She wants to be apart of so much more than just classes, but doubt (that wonderful piece) always comes and tries to bring you down when you are on the top. Will Melody be able to join her classmates in being normal? What does normal even mean?
So I have a secret to tell you all...I had not read this book UNTIL after I went to the Bluebonnet Luncheon!!! I knew it was a cute book, because it has not been able to stay on the shelves at my library (hints why I had not read it). However, I was given a copy of the book during one of the sessions I attended while at TLA, so I was able to read it! After hearing Victoria Jamieson talk about the book I was able to see the book in a whole different light than I would have, had I not heard her speak. Knowing that Victoria actually played ROLLER DERBY herself even opened my eyes up more! Roller Derby looks pretty intense if you ask me, and after reading this adorable book it has made me realize, I NEED TO GO SEE A ROLLER DERBY MATCH! Okay okay enough of me rambling on to the book...
Astrid is the main character of this story and has many events that happen to her in this graphic novel, from loosing friends, to gaining friends, to lying, and having to continue to make up stories to cover each lie that is being told! What reader wouldn't be able to relate with Astrid? We know that going through a tough time as a kid are "small" things as we call them, but seeing them from Astrid's point of view makes things even clearer! I love being able to look into someone else's eyes and see how they handle situations. Roller Girl is such an easy read, and like I have said many can relate, and you never know there might be something new for you to try out based on Astrid's adventures. You or even a reader you know can relate to the hurt and betrayal that she begins to feel and learns to overcome! I am beyond excited about this new list of books!!! I cannot wait to begin sharing these with my students and getting their thoughts!!! So many great books on this list, it is going to be a tough choice this upcoming year!!!
What are your thoughts about this list? Raymie Nightingale |
AuthorMy name is Victoria Benitez, I have been in education for going on 9 years. I am very passionate about reading and decided to become a librarian. Archives
May 2018
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