Module 5: Divergent By: Veronica Roth

Summary

In the future the world is divided into five fractions, Abnegation, Duntaless, Amity, Candor , Eruidite. You are born into one fraction but at the age of 16 you are able to choose your true fraction. Beatrice was born Abnegation so imagine everyone's surprise  when she decides to leave home to become a Duntless. But the Duntless actually have more in store then what Beatrice actually signed up for will she be able to survive or will she be tossed to the side.

Reference

Roth, V. (2013). Divergent. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.


Review

Divergent is another Dystopian novel that is very similar to some of the others in the same genre. While these words maybe true this book was still very enjoyable. I enjoyed reading about the initiation process and of course what would a young adult novel be without a love story. Although the love story was a very slow and unexpected development it was well worth the wait. This novel is all about finding yourself and that is exactly what Beatrice or trice does. By the end of the novel she becomes a strong, brave young woman who can do anything she puts her mind too and I can tell she is going to need it. I would suggest this book for middle - high school age students 7-12th grade.

Professional Review

DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/veronica-roth/divergent/

Library Uses

I would use this story to create a book trailer. I would allow the students to create their own and pick the best one.

Module 10: The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins

Summary

Katnis Everdean is no hero at least she doesn't think she is until the day that she is forced to volunteer as tribute for district 12 ultimately saving her younger sister prims life. Now Katnis is forced to face one of the toughest competitions ever a fight to the death in the annual hunger games.

Reference

Collins, S., & Fournier, G. (2009). Hunger Games. Paris: Pocket Jeunesse


Review

The Hunger Games is an awesome action packed dystopian novel that really lives up to the hype. I enjoyed the fact that the hero in this story was a girl and I could really relate to that (as most females do). The only problem that I had with this novel was the fact that Katnis doubted herself throughout the novel. She never though she was good enough or capable to handle any situation when she really was the most capable in the whole novel. I also enjoyed the budding romance between Katnis and Peta and I look forward to reading more about the reluctant (on katnis end) romance in the next few novels.

Professional Reference

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/suzanne-collins/the-hunger-games/

Library Uses

I would use this book for a read aloud . While reading I would model my thought ideas and how I go about identifying characteristics and other reading terms.

Module 10: Go Ask Alice By: Unknown

Summary

Go Ask Alice is the diary of a teenage drug addict. Alice is a teen who is tired of trying to please her perfect parents. One night while at a party someone slips LSD into her drink and she experiences her first high. After that she is hooked and so begins her journey into the dark and unforgiving world of addiction.

Reference

Go ask Alice,. (1971). Simon Pulse.


Review

I read Go Ask Alice assuming that I would be reading a novel featuring a true account of a teenage drug user. Currently, I am unsure if this story is true or not but I will agree that it is a great novel. This novel should be read by all teenagers entering high school. The main character in this story was very similar to a typical teenager and the only thing that gave away the age of the novel was some of the slang words that were used by characters. The Characters fall into addiction is described perfectly the only thing that made me think that this may not have been written by a teenager was when she described how the drugs made her feel. It was very technical and cold the description seemed as if it came out of a text book. Overall I enjoyed this novel.

Professional Review

R, N. (n.d.). Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. Retrieved August 15, 2015, from http://www.teenink.com/reviews/book_reviews/article/56564/Go-Ask-Alice-by-Anonymous/

Library Uses

Students will keep a month long anonymous journal where they will document their personal experiences.

Module 10: Smile By: Raina Telgemeier

Summary

Smile is the story of Raina Telgemeier who at the age of 12  was in an accident were she lost her two front teeth. After losing her front teeth Raina experienced surgery, implants, false teeth and finally rearrangement of incisors before everything was back to normal again. This is a fun colorful story that is loved by all upper elementary and middle school students too.

Resource

Telgemeier, R., & Yue, S. (n.d.). Smile. Graphix.


Review

Smile is a fun heartwarming story about the authors personal experiences. I always noticed that students loved this book and I could never figure out why. Now after reading it I understand that they love the characters and that the story is very entertaining. Just like the students I loved the coming to age part of the story and experiencing those life experiences with Raina. The girls in my class loved this novel the most. They enjoy reading about Raina and were anxious to read her next novel and so am I.

 Professional Review

SMILE by Raina Telgemeier | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/raina-telgemeier/smile/

Library Uses

, I will have the students choose five consecutive pages in the book per week, and translate them into a typical written work. Ideally, these written assignments should be about one to two pages in length. In addition to implementing the dialogue into their writing, students will also be able to study what is not being directly stated in the story­, such as the setting, the attitudes and emotions of other characters (major and minor), as well as physical descriptions. With the basic foundation of the pictures, students can continue to build their strengths as writers by looking beyond the obvious. This assignment will allow students to reflect upon the story, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the different characters and elements being used to tell the story.

 

Module 10: Yummy The last days of a Southside Shorty By: G. Neri

Summary

In 1994 on the South Side of Chicago 14 year old Shavon Dean is accidently shot and killed by a stray bullet during a gang shoot out. Her killer is 11 year old Robert " Yummy" Sandifer's. Robert's tale is told by Roger a classmate who is attempting to make sense of how someone so young and nice could do such awful things (murder, arson, etc). Will Robert turn himself in or will he be caught by his gang or the police only time will tell.

Reference

Neri, G., & DuBurke, R. (2010). Yummy: The last days of a Southside shorty. New York: Lee & Low Books.


Review

Yummy is a novel that I use with my students (inner city, urban children) and they really enjoy it. They feel as if they can relate to Yummy and they understand his plight. This graphic novel works well with my reluctant readers. After reading this book they are usually interested in finding similar novels like it ( The Blueford series, Walter Dean Myers, etc).  I enjoy this novel because it is based on a true story which allows me the opportunity to pull other documents about the characters to help support the story. The characters in this novel are interesting and you are on the edge of your seats waiting to find out what is going to happen to Robert. I think this novel would be enjoyed by students grades 5th-8th.

Professional Review

Review of the Day – Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2015, from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2010/07/06/review-of-the-day-yummy-by-g-neri/

Library Uses

Students will create posters about gang violence. Students will use scenarios from the story to decorate their posters.

Module 4: The Fault in Our Stars By: John Green

Summary

Hazel Grace Landcaster is a grenade she is a three year stage 4 cancer survivor who should have blown up years ago and she would have if it wasn't for the miracle drug that continues to keep her alive. As a result Hazel is depressed and does nothing but watch tv and attend cancer kid support group (at her mothers request) once a week. One day while attending support group Hazel meets Augustus Waters a smart, funny handsome young man who really makes a difference in Hazels life. This is not just a story about kids and cancer it is a great love story about two people who are willing to stick it out until the end.

Reference

 Green, J. (n.d.). The fault in our stars. Penguin Young Readers Group.

Review

The fault in our stars is a wonderful story about love and loss. I really enjoy this story and the romantic interest between Augustus  Waters and Hazel Landcaster. Some people do not enjoy this novel because they feel that the characters are not believable (how they talk and behave). I feel that John Green created very believable and interesting characters this book was actually his best books (my personal opinion). Although the stories main characters are two kids who have cancer the book is not about cancer it is about love, death and acceptance.

Professional Review

Review of The Fault in Our Stars - The Horn Book. (2012, January 6). Retrieved August 14, 2015.

Library Uses

Compare and contrast the eulogies on page 260 and 272.
Which is more effective?
Would the original have been more effective?
Pretend that you are friends with Hazel and was asked to write her Eulogy what would you say?

Module 4: Hope was here by: Joan Bauer

Summary

16 year old Hope and her aunt are presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. Move to Wisconsin to take over an old dinner there is only one problem. The owner GT isn't really ready to let the place go and to make matters worse he has decided to run for mayor and he has enlisted Hope to help him with his campaign. Hope was here that is a fun lighthearted story that can be enjoyed by all.

Reference

Bauer, J. (2000). Hope was here. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Review

Hope was here is a fun lighthearted story about family and friends and standing up for what you think is right. This is a great novel to use when teaching characterization and plot students can learn about the flow of a story (intro, rising action, climax, falling action, conclusion). The actual storyline was very enjoyable lighthearted funny and fun students in grades 4-6th will enjoy this novel very much. I would recommend this novel with no reservation the content is appropriate for the age level and very enjoyable.

Professional Reference

Bauer, J. (2000). Hope was here. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Library Uses

Inference activities predict what is going to happen next using the given clues.

Module 4: If I stay By: Gayle Forman

Summary

17 year old Mia and her family are out for a ride when tragedy strikes and they are involved in a fatal accident. The only problem is Mia doesn't remember she wakes up as the paramedics are taking her to the hospital over the next couple of hours she learns that all the members of her family have died. Now Mia is faced with a tough choice does she go back  to her normal life or join her family in the after life.

Reference

Forman, G. (2009). If I stay: A novel. New York: Dutton Books.

Review

If I stay is a bittersweet novel about loss and decisions. I enjoyed the moving drama of the novel and the backstory that was provided. Although at times the story did move a little slow it was still very entertaining. At first I thought it was going to be more of a love story but it really wasn't. The story was more about Mia her family and her decision. This story has many layers and it gives a lot of background on her family life, and the life of the protagonist Mia. This story deals with death, relationships, and decisions. I would recommend this novel for high school students grades 9th-12th.

Professional Review

IF I STAY by Gayle Forman | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2015.

Library Uses

The activity that we would use for this novel is called cellphone students will fill-in the blank cellphone about their character answering questions about their contacts last text messages, who have called them, etc.

Module 5: Twilight By: Stephanie Myers

Summary

Bella Swan has moved to the rainy town of forks to live with her father after her mother gets married. She is bored and hating her decision until she meets dark brooding Edward Cullen who she is instantly drawn. Edward attempts to fight his attraction to Bella but he eventually falls for her. The only problem is that Edward is a vampire will he be able to control his blood lust around Bella or is being around her too dangerous?

Reference

Meyer, S., & Kadushin, I. (2005). Twilight (Unabridged ed.). New York: Listening Library.

Review

Twilight is a quick easy read. This novel is recommended for students who love paranormal romance stories. I personally loved this novel and stayed up late to complete it. Although the story is very basic I still think that it is a great read. The characters are written in such a way that there is a lot of room left for growth and budding relationships. Stephanie Myers can take this story in any direction that she would like and hopefully expand the characters and storyline in the next couple of books.

Professional Reference

TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2015.

Library Uses

Students will create a life size picture of their favorite character and surround him with words that describe his\her characteristics and what they think will happen next.

Module 3: Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry By: Mildred Taylor

Summary

Cassie Logan is growing up during the depression era her family is poor and they live in Mississippi. Her family is trying to hold it together and in the process teach their children about pride, respect and land ownership. This book deals with the great depression racism and family. A great read from grades 4-7th.

Reference

  Taylor, M. (1976). Roll of thunder, hear my cry. New York: Dial Press.

Review

In the novel roll of thunder hear my cry students can learn about the great depression, sharecropping, and the laws that held down a particular race/group of people. This novel is very good for teaching reading and social studies. Mildred Taylor has created characters that are believable and interesting to read about. I like how the book not only spoke about the great depression but also the inequalities in the races during that time. The descriptions are amazing and the events that happen in the novel have you at the edge of your seat. I recommend this novel for upper elementary school age children grades 4-7th.

Professional Review

Kennedy, E. (n.d.). Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Book Review and Summary. Retrieved August 12, 2015.

Library Uses

Create your own cover for roll of thunder hear my cry. Include the title author, and a picture.

Module 4: After By: Amy Efaw

Summary

At the start of the day a new born baby is discovered in the trash can where she has been left to die. No one would suspect Devon Davenport straight A student and star soccer player until the police find her home alone bleeding profusely. Devon is treated, apprehended and charged with attempted murder. The only problem is Devon is in denial about ever being pregnant. This story is told in a series of before and after which provides us with a very in-depth look at Devon's life at school, and with her mother.

Resource

Efaw, A. (2009). After: (Ed. ed.). NY: Speak, published by the Penguin Group.

Review

After is a controversial novel because it deals with pregnancy, acceptance, hardships and parent child relationships but I would still recommend it with caution. The author of this novel examines the story from all sides. But she really focuses on the physiological aspect of the story demonstrating how mental instability can make you do unusual things. When the story begins you believe that it is going to be just about a girl who throws her baby away but you quickly find that it is much deeper then that. This is a great novel that I would recommend to older students who are high school age.

Professional Review

AFTER by Amy Efaw | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/amy-efaw/after-7/

Library Use

I would use this book for an after school teen girls self esteem group called pretty girls rock we would read discuss and complete a inspirational activity (like a dream board to help prioritize goals).

Module 10: The Perks of Being a Wallflower By: Stephen Chbosky

 

Summary

Charlie is having a bad year his best friend committed suicide, his big brother went away to college and his sister is being abused by her boyfriend all in all a terrible year did I also mention that he is starting high school ? Charlie is a loner a wallflower of sorts he observes he watches and he listens but he says nothing. Charlie would almost fade into the background if it wasn't for Sam and Patrick who befriend him and bring him into the fold. For once Charlie feels accepted, loved and infinite. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great coming of age story about a teen finding himself, falling in love and accepting the past all while building friendships with two inspirational people in his life.

Resources

Chbosky, S. (1999). The perks of being a wallflower. London: Pocket Books.

Review

This book really resonated with me. Shy quiet Charlie is painfully awkward and shy. Charlie is an introvert who only had one friend before he killed himself now he feels alone. As luck may have Charlie befriends two upper classman who help him to learn more about himself then he ever dared to know. This book is beautifully written told through letters written by Charlie. This is a  wonderful coming of age tale told from the perspective of a 15 year old boy. The characters are well rounded and likable. I enjoyed reading about them and experiencing their hardships along with them. This novel had so many great quotes and events that I had to read it more then once.

Professional Review

 The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Book Review. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2015, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower

Library use

Students will keep a journal detailing their experiences and their life. Students will decorate and share their journal at the end of the reading activity all journals will be anonymous.

Module 5: Uglies By: Scott Westerfield

Summary

In the future everyone is ugly or different until the age of 16. Uglies live on the outskirts until they receive their surgery to become pretty and then they can move into town. Pretties are able to party and live the life while uglies look on in envy and play tricks. Tally is the most daring of the uglies she is always playing tricks and getting into trouble with the order. Until one day they pay her a visit and giver her an offer she can't refuse. Go to the smoke and overturn the community or never become pretty. Tally wants to be pretty but what is she willing to pay?

Reference

Westerfeld, S. (2007). Uglies. Paris: Pocket Jeunesse.

Review

Scott Westerfield has created a wonderful futuristic story about beauty and conforming to societies standards. In the novel uglies there is a battle between the people who want to stay different and unique versus the people who want to conform to societies standards. This is a great novel to teach students about embracing differences. The novel is an easy and engaging read it is written on a 5th grade reading level which is comfortable for most middle school age students. While I feel that this book is appropriate for middle school students (6-8th grade) I can see it being enjoyed by young adults and adults alike. The story explores some very interesting themes and the set up makes you excited for the other books in the series.

Professional Review

Making Over Uglies - The Horn Book. (2011, April 21). Retrieved August 11, 2015.

Library Uses

I would show the students examples of the Uglies covers and ask them to create their own cover one that they think depicts the story.

Module 4: Thirteen Reasons Why By: Jay Asher

Summary

Clay Jensen is surprised when one day he receives a mysterious package addressed to him from his crush and classmate Hannah. The only problem is that Hannah is dead she committed suicide about a week ago and Clay never really spoke with her why would she be sending him something from beyond the grave. When Clay opens the box he notices a series of cassette tapes. As he pops one in and begins to listen he quickly learns what these tapes are and why he has been singled out. Join Clay on his journey to learn the truth about Hannah's suicide and how peoples actions made a difference in her life.

Reference

 Asher, J. (2007). Th1rteen r3asons why: A novel. New York: Razorbill.

Review

Thirteen Reasons Why begins after the death of the protagonist or main character. This story is basically a narrative about Hannah's life with some interjections from Clay telling about his feelings and the places that he is visiting while listening to the tapes. While the story can seem very morbid it is a very engaging story when I begin reading it I had a hard time putting it down I just had to know what happened to Hannah to cause her to commit such an act. As the story progressed on it  seemed like layer after layer of Hannah's carefully  place façade was being peeled away to reveal the true vulnerable her. This story teaches about consequences and how you should be careful how you treat each other. Thirteen Reason's Why is a great novel for high school age students.

Professional Review

Children's Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Author . Penguin/Razorbill $16.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-59514-171-2. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015.

Library Uses

I would use this book to have open conversation about bullying, suicide and the consequence of your actions. As a class we could develop an anti bullying policy and talk about how to help someone when they are being bullied instead of just being an observer.

Module 4: Close to Famous By: Joan Bauer

Summary

Twelve year old Foster and her mother are on the run from her abusive Elvis impersonator boyfriend when they break down in the small town of Culpepper. Although at first they did not see Culpepper as there home they seem to fit in rather quickly. In the process Foster is able to amaze everyone with her great baking skill causing her to acquire  a position at one of the towns local coffee shops. The only problem is that Foster is hiding a secrete and that is she doesn't know how to read. Hopefully with all of the good luck that they are experiencing Foster will be able to learn how to read and her and her mother can continue to move away from all of the troubles that they have been experiencing.

Reference

Bauer, J. (2011). Close to famous. New York: Viking.

Review

Close to Famous is a feel good novel by a great author. This story deals with many issues such as overcoming label, embracing your talents and being the best that you can be. I am happy that this story focuses on issues that a lot of families deal with. This allows students the opportunity to see that they are not alone in their own issues. The story teachers readers that everyone has something to offer and to never underestimate yourself. I love feel good novels and I think that this story is a great positive read from girls from 4-7th grade.

Professional Reference

Bookverdict.com. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015.

Library Use

Students will create adds to promote Foster's cupcakes using pictures and details from the story.

Module 3: One Crazy Summer By: Rita Williams- Garcia

Summary

The summer of 1968 is a very eventful summer for Delphine, Vonetta and Fern. The girls are packed onto a plan and shipped from Brooklyn to Oakland California to visit their estranged mother who they haven't seen in seven years. Cecile abandoned her three daughters seven years ago to pursue a new life in California as a poet and she hasn't looked back since. Her daughters unexpected appearance is treated more as a nesciences then a welcomed experienced and she promptly ships them off to the Black Panther day camp with instructions to stay gone as long as possible so that she can work on her poetry. During this time the girls learn more about the revolution, social injustice and unrest within the black community.

Reference

Garcia, R. (2010). One crazy summer. New York: Amistad.

Review

One Crazy Summer is the first children's novel that I read that spoke about the Black Panther Party. The story interwove the events of that year, together with a story about family, friendship and sacrifice to create a very enjoyable novel. This is the story of young black children growing up during a very historical time it speaks about family, how they young girls were effected by the changes, and the value of family. Delphine a young girl of 11 has assumed the roll of mother to her two younger sisters and although she loves them she is very bitter towards her mother. In the story her mother is quickly painted as the villain and she lives up to the roll whole heartedly treating the girls as an afterthought. The author Rita  Williams does a great job of depicting the impending change within the community and this family. She also does a great job by showing how the family unit is able to with stand change and still remain together. Although this book doesn't have much action in it the story is written beautifully and the relationship amongst the girls makes you want to read on and on.

Professional Review

Adams, L. (2014, November 3). One Crazy Summer - The Horn Book. Retrieved August 11, 2015.

Library Uses

I would use this novel during black history month to talk about the civil rights movement. Students could complete a comparison activity of children in the 60's and children today. We could also look more in-depth at the black panther party and speak about how their free lunch and breakfast programs benefitted the community. Children could create their own social service project for the students at their school similar to what the black panthers did for the children in the community.

Module 3: Maniac Magee By: Jerry Spinelli

Summary

Jeffrey Lionel Magee or Maniac as his street name goes is an orphan due to a freak accident that killed both of his parents. After the accident maniac goes to live with his aunt and uncle he is able to reside in their house for 8 years before he decides to run away. This begins a year long commute where Maniac runs from one end of the town to the other crossing racial lines and receiving judgment from many before he decides to settle on one side of town permanently. Where does he choose to live and how will it affect him and the people in his community.

Reference

Spinelli, Jerry, and Brown and Company Little. Maniac Magee: A Novel. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1990.

Review

Maniac Magee is a timeless story that deals with the themes of Abandonment, Friendship, Courage, Race, Freedom and Prejudice just to name a few. I feel that this is a great book for inner city youths to read. It is fast paced with likable characters and it provides students with a brief history on how things use to be. I also like that the novel is about a character that most inner city youth can relate to (similar problems and issues). Although the story at times can read like a tall tale it does deal with real life issues. This story although released in the 90's is still relevant enough to relate to kids today.

Professional Review

 "MANIAC MAGEE by Jerry Spinelli | Kirkus." Kirkus Reviews. April 2, 1990. Accessed August 8, 2015. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jerry-spinelli/maniac-magee/.

Library Uses

After completing the novel Maniac Magee students will use precise words to create an epitaph for each of the major characters reflecting the individual characters personality and nature.

Module 3: Bridge to Terabithia By: Katherine Paterson

Summary

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer to become the fastest runner in his fifth grade class and he would have one too if it wasn't for the new girl Leslie Burk who blew him out of the water without even trying. Although he is upset and a  little angry about being beat by a girl Jess and Leslie develop a very close friendship. In the woods behind their house they create a magical world called Terabithia a place made for them and by them. Their friendship is rock solid until one day tragedy strikes changing the way Jess perceives life and sees the world.

Reference

Paterson, K., & Diamond, D. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: T.Y. Crowell.

Review

Bridge to Terabithia was a wonderful book full of fantasy and real life situations. I enjoy how the author is able to mix the two together seamlessly to weave a beautiful coming to age story of friendships, imagination, and lost. In this novel Jess is a character with so much potential that he doesn't realize he has until he becomes friends with Leslie. Leslie is able to pull Jesses talents to the fore front for everyone to see causing Jess to think that there is more to life then he originally thought. This novel doe deal with a lot of real life issues that it maybe hard for some students to digest (death and lost) but overall it is a great novel for upper elementary school ager children (3rd-5th).

Professional Review

Top 100 Children’s Novels Poll #10: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2015.

Library Uses

One activity that can be done in the library is to have the students create a theme collage representing the themes that are seen throughout the story.

Module 1: Are you there God its me Margaret Judy Blume

Summary


Margaret is 11 going on 12 and she is experiencing a lot of changes in her life. First she moves from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey where she has to make new friends and learn how to fit in with a new crowd. She has mild success when she becomes friends with a small group of girls. With these girls they start a club where they talk about everything from boys to religion. Her friends are surprised when they learn that Margaret really doesn't have any religious affiliation but what they don't know is that Margaret has her own special relationship with God and talk to him about everything.

Reference


Blume, J. (1970). Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Bradbury Press.

Review

Are you there God it's me Margaret is a funny light hearted story about a girl who is learning about what it means to become a woman from periods to bras to boys Margaret is confused and fearful about everything. She is unsure about so many things that her new friends want to talk about and a little uncomfortable about speaking about it with them too. But, there is one person that she can always confide in and that's God Margaret speaks to him about everything and she really loves their relationship although it may not be a traditional one. Judy Blume has written a great coming to age novel that all girls should read. Blume approaches the issue of periods, and training bras with humor and understanding making this book relatable to young girls from any decade. I enjoyed this novel as a young girl and I enjoyed it again as an adult I feel that this is a novel that I can pass down to my own daughter when she becomes of age.

Professional Reference

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. | Book Review | Plugged In. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2015.

Library Uses

I would use the novel Are you there God to work with young girls on self esteem, girl issues and accepting the woman that they are becoming. I would title the series girl talk and hold the club after school. Girls would be required to read this book and several like them and discuss what they learned complete writing, hands on activities and have group discussion about issues that maybe concerning to them.

Module 1: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Summary

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a fun lighthearted story about a small town called ChewandSwallow that experiences very interesting weather. In the town of ChewandSwallow they receive some sort of inclement weather three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). While this may sound dreary it is actually quit the opposite because it never rained rain or snowed snow in ChewandSwallow food fell from the sky three times a day. Life in the town was great for the townspeople until the weather changed for the worst. Just imagine huge people sized burgers falling from the sky three times a day. The town is headed for disaster what can they do to save themselves you will have to read the book to find out.

Reference

Barrett, J., & Barrett, R. (1988). Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. New York: Atheneum.

Review

This book is full of fun with bright colorful pictures that any and everyone can enjoy. The story pulls you in quickly and provides you with information about the small town of ChewandSwallow and how they have benefited from their unusual weather. When the story begins the towns people are living a happy and normal existence that is until the weather begins to get unusual. I enjoy how the story provides you with some background before things start to take a turn for the worst (grandfather is telling the story, people enjoyed food falling from the sky).This story is a great way for parents to bridge the gap between themselves and their child. Although this story is a bit older (released in 1988) both children and adults love reading it and looking at the big bright pictures that overtake the page. This book is long enough to tell the story but short enough to hold the child's interest. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs can appeal to kids from Pre-school age to 3rd grade. I would recommend this book to elementary school teachers and students.

Professional Review

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2015. http://reviews-of-childrens-literature.pbworks.com/w/page/10581679/Cloudy%20With%20a%20Chance%20of%20Meatballs

Library Uses

I would use this book to teach a creative writing lesson. After we have read and discussed the story students will write their own story about unexpected things falling from the sky. After they have written and proof read students will help create a display board where they write their final draft onto food shaped articles to place on the display board.