Amazing Kids Magazine
mag.amazing-kids.org
This is just about the coolest website for kids I've ever seen! It is an online magazine that is written by kids. There are fiction offerings including poetry and short stories, and nonfiction choices including stories, interviews, and book reviews. They have monthly contests that kids can send in submissions for, with the opportunity to have their work featured in the online magazine. Amazing Kids Magazine provides great opportunities for students to read and write. Having the chance to read pieces written by other kids can be extremely empowering for students and give them the motivation to do some writing of their own. In addition to the online publication, they also have a pen pal program that students can become a part of. The magazine itself is free, but there is a $10 per student cost for the pen pal program (teachers and groups of 15 or more get 50% off). I can't wait to introduce my students to this e-mag and hopefully motivate them to submit some stories of their own!
One More Story
www.onemorestory.com
This website would be great to use in the place of a traditional listening center. It offers books from more than a dozen different publishing companies. The books that they choose to be on their website are chosen mainly for the artistic and literary merit. Additionally, they aim to offer books that reflect the age, gender, and diversity of their readers.The books are intentionally arranged randomly as opposed to being arranged by level. Students can browse by looking at the cover of the books or search for specific books by using the browsing option. Once a book is selected, there are two options for reading. Students may select a version with music, sound effects, and the text read aloud to them, or they may choose the "I Can Read It" mode. Both options display the text below the illustrations. If a student elects to read the story himself and struggles with a word, he can click on the word and it will be read aloud to him. This would be particularly beneficial to those students who are on the cusp of reading some more challenging books but struggle with the occasional word; it still allows them to read the book independently and can help to build their confidence.
The cost of a school-wide subscription is $1.30 per student with a 100 student minimum. This allows for multiple students to work off of a single subscription, and there is no limit to the number of books that can be read. There is a home subscription option available. This option provides access for one reader at a time, but they still have access to an unlimited number of books. There are 3, 6, and 12 month options available, with the 3 month option costing $15.99. Although this would not be a feasible option for most of our students on a yearly basis, it would be great as a summer reading option for those who are able to take advantage of it.
We Give Books
www.wegivebooks.org
This free website offers a large number of authentic texts, both narrative and informational. There are a variety of genres, and there are books for all elementary aged students. You can search for specific books, or filter the list of available list by age range, genre, or author. When you choose a book, the site provides you with a preview "teaser" of the text, as well as information about the author and other books available by the author on the site. The books can be viewed in full screen mode and would be great for whole class read alouds on a Smart Board, or to be used by individual students on classroom computers.
Mirror Mirror
Written by Marilyn Singer
2010
Mirror Mirror is a collection of reversible poems, all based on popular fairy tales. The text is printed in lines such that when they are reversed and read from bottom to top, they tell a very different story. The text of the two different versions of the poem are printed in different colors. Each poem is accompanied by an illustration that is literally split down the middle, just as the two corresponding poems are. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they provide the reader with additional details and understanding. This book would be a great way to talk about language and the importance of word order. By using the same words and simply changing the order in which they're presented, an entirely different story is presented.
You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together
Written by Mary Ann Hoberman
2004
This book features eight short fairy tale poems, plus an introductory and ending poem, all written for two voices. Some of the poems are intended for one speaker to speak at a time, while others also have portions to be read by both speakers in unison. The poems are all familiar and have colorful (and somewhat comical) illustrations to accompany them. These would provide an excellent opportunity for students to be creative and dramatic in their reading, and to make it their own. A great discussion and lesson about character and point of view could begin with this book.
bow wow meow meow: it's rhyming cats and dogs
Written by Douglas Florian
2003
All of the poems in this book are about cats and dogs. Each poem is paired with an illustration that closely aligns with the text. In some cases, certain words are bold, italicized, or hyphenated to add emphasis and feeling the the poem. A few of the poems are written in obscure shapes such as swirls or question marks, as opposed to the traditional left to right, top to bottom. When this is done, it directly correlates to what is being expressed through the text. This book of poems would be a great introduction to poetry for younger students because of the rhyming pattern that is present in each one. The subject matter is also one that would appeal to students of various ages. There is some subtle humor that would be appreciated by upper elementary students as well, that may be over the heads of some of the younger students.
Seedfolks
Written by Paul Fleischman
2004
What starts out as an empty, trash-filled lot, turns into a beautiful community garden shared by people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. We get a glimpse inside the life of each character just once, but find ourselves learning more and more about them through the eyes of others. The book teaches us that things are not always what they seem, and that we should be careful before making judgements.
This novel could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. It could be utilized for a unit on culture or diversity. It could even be used as a concept idea for an outdoor learning project, where different classes or grade levels could each have their own section in a school garden.
How I Became a Pirate
Written by Melinda Long
2003
Jeremy Jacob is busy building a sandcastle when he see a pirate ship approaching. He tries to tell his mom and dad but they're too busy being kicked in the mouth by his sister and getting eaten alive by the beach umbrella! The next thing he knows, the pirates are approaching land. They're quite impressed with Jeremy's digging skills and recruit his help in burying their treasure. Aboard the ship, he learns all about the life of a pirate, including the language. But after a long, stormy night, Jeremy realizes that being a pirate might not be all it's cracked up to be. When lightning splits the ship's mast in half, it's Jeremy that saves the day with an idea for where to bury it...his own backyard. It was a lot of work, but Jeremy Jacob did it...and even made it back in time for soccer practice.
This story takes the reader right into the imagination of young Jeremy Jacob. You can't help but believe that this is all really happening, and at least a little part of you wants to be a pirate too! Sometimes children aren't allowed or encouraged to use their imaginations as much as they should be, and this book would be a great way to change that...particularly if it's read with enthusiasm. Some of the best student writing I have seen has come directly out of a child's imagination, and Jeremy Jacob's story would be a great starting point.
Memoirs of a Goldfish
Written by Devin Scillian
2010
The life of a goldfish seems quite simple, spending your days swimming around your bowl, enjoying the peace and quiet...unless your personal space is suddenly invaded by Mr. Bubbles, a bunch of plants, a snail, a sunken pirate ship, two guppies, and an angel fish. That is exactly what happens to this poor goldfish over the course of about two weeks. He finally reaches the end of his rope when he is suddenly taken out of his crowded bowl and dropped into a new tiny one all of his own. Although he's glad to have some room to breather, he begins to miss all of his friends, and worries that they won't be okay without him. Thankfully he finds himself splashing into a new, much larger tank, with all of his old friends...and one special new friend.
This very well may be one of my favorite picture books. I think children (and adults) of all ages will find it humorous and entertaining. It's a good way of teaching students to be grateful for what they have and not to take advantage of it. You never know how much you might miss or appreciate something until it's gone!
The Life of Riley: Why am I so big?
Written by Sharron Watson and Karen Martin
2010
Riley is an Irish Wolfhound who doesn't understand why she is so big! She tells us all about her life and the experiences she's had as she's grown up. She began to realize that she was special when she went to school with other dogs and was given a special scarf. With her special scarf she noticed that she got to visit places that other dogs didn't, such as libraries and hospitals. She even got to lead the St. Patrick's Day Parade with other dogs like her! Riley finally realizes that she is a special dog who helps people in all sorts of ways.
I chose this book because I had the opportunity to meet Karen Martin a couple of years ago. She is Riley's "master" and is both the illustrator and one of the authors of the book. This would be a great read for young children because the vast majority of them seem to like dogs. I would use this is my own classroom to help teach children that it's okay to be different. Just like Riley, we all have our differences, but our strengths as well, and Riley can help us to discover these. In addition to the story, Watson and Martin have also included an informational page at the back of the book about Irish Wolfhounds, as well as critical thinking questions that could be used with the readers.
Smile
Written by Raina Telgemeier
2010
Raina is a sixth grader which is hard enough for anyone to deal with, but even harder when you fall on your face and knock your two front teeth out. She just can't seem to catch a break. Throughout her ordeal, Raina discovers who her true friends are, and that looks aren't everything. She learns a lot about herself along the way, and finds that if she focuses on her interests, it brings out what she likes about herself. After three years and many visits to the dentist, orthodontist, periodontist, and endodontist, she finally looks like a "normal" kid, just in time for high school.
This book definitely describes the stereotypical nightmare of a teenage girl. Kids are cruel when someone looks different, and they were certainly cruel to Raina. She did her best to keep a good attitude, but the situation sometimes go the best of her. Not every kid is going to go through something this extreme, but I'd say that most kids will go through something that will make them stand out in a way they'd rather not. Raina shows us how to recognize our true friends, and that eventually it really will be okay.
Goin' Someplace Special
Written by Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
2001
'Tricia Ann is excited that Mama Frances is finally letting her go to Someplace Special all by herself. We accompany 'Tricia Ann on her journey as she boards the bus and heads to the back to sit behind the Jim Crow sign that reads "colored section." She gives up her seat to one of her grandmother's friends, even though there are plenty of empty seats up front. All along the way her mood is dampened by the Jim Crow laws. She tries to remain positive and think about what her grandmother would do if she were there. After talking with Blooming Mary in the Mission Church ruins, she sets off for Someplace Special with a new determination. Before long, she arrives at her destination and happily reads the sign on the front of the building...PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME.
This book is absolutely wonderful! I will definitely be incorporating this into some of my lessons during Black History Month next year. The entire time I was reading I found myself trying to guess what Someplace Special was going to be. Just when I thought I had it figured out, 'Tricia Ann proved me wrong, but I am so happy that the library is her "someplace special" for so many reasons.
The Hired Hand
Written by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
1997
This African-American folktale tells the story of Old Sam, Young Sam, and their new hired hand, who is known as New Hand throughout the book. Old Sam is very kind and hard working, while his son Young Sam would rather take the easy way out. When New Hand begins working in their sawmill, Young Sam takes advantage of it, orders him around, and has him do his work for him. When an old farmer comes by one day and complains of a bad back, New Hand asks Old Sam and Young Sam to go off into the woods while he helps the farmer. Old Sam does as he's asked, but Young Sam's curiosity gets the best of him and he sneaks back to watch New Hand work his magic, and then takes advantage of New Hand's generosity towards the old farmer. When Old Sam goes out of town, Young Sam continues to take advantage of New Hand, who ends up leaving and not returning. When the farmer comes back and wants New Hand to work his magic on his wife, Young Sam takes his money...but will he be able to achieve the same results as New Hand?
This story teaches some very good lessons to readers of all ages, including treating others kindly and to always work hard. As with his other books, Jerry Pinkney's pencil and water color illustrations add a great deal of detail to the story. We are presented with a vivid picture of what is happening in the story with both the descriptive text and illustrations. This book would be great to use with a unit on fables and folktales.
Noah's Ark
Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
2002
Jerry Pinkney tells the familiar story of Noah's ark, but he does so with extremely detailed illustrations. We read about God's request that Noah build an ark out of cypress wood, and fill it with two of each creature and food for the animals and his family. Noah and his family begin to build the ark on the top of a mountain which strikes others as strange, but they don't know what Noah knows. The detail of the pictures, combined with the familiar story, allows the reader to have a good understanding of what's happening without even looking at the text itself. The illustrations are so intricate that you can clearly see the facial expressions on the faces of the characters.
Words with Wings
Written by Nikki Grimes
2013
Gabby is a daydreamer, which is making it difficult for her at her new school. The daydreaming begins as a way for Gabby to get away from what's happening in her life, but later consumes her life. At school, Gabby's teacher is constantly telling her to pay attention. At home, her mother becomes frustrated with her for wandering into her own world. When Gabby looks at or hears words, some do as they should and behave like they would for any other child; some instantly transport her into another world beyond her control. While most people tell Gabby to stop daydreaming, her teacher encourages her to daydream, but at appropriate times. He finds a way to help her continue to be who she is, while at the same time helping her to be more successful in school.
Grimes does a fabulous job of inviting the reader into Gabby's daydreams. I was not only able to see what she sees, but also to have a better understanding of daydreamers like her. These poems reminded me of a few of my past and present students, those who always seem to be in their own little world. I feel like this book gave me a small peak into the minds of these children, as well as a better appreciation of the importance of daydreams. This book would be a great way to encourage the use of imagination among upper elementary and middle school students in their writing and other creative assignments.
The Name Jar
Written by Yangsook Choi
2003
Being the new kid at school is never easy, but Unhei was from Korea and had a name that no one could pronounce. The other kids made fun of her on the bus and in order to avoid the same thing happening in her class, she tells them that she will choose an American name instead. To help her, Unhei's classmates start a name jar that they can add different American names to in order to help her decide which one to choose. In the end one of her classmates discovers her real Korean name and it's meaning; the name jar at school mysteriously disappears, and she proudly goes by Unhei from then on.
This book would be particularly beneficial with the number of students that we have from Mexico. Many of them have unique names and they all come from diverse backgrounds. This story would be a great way to help teach all of our students to celebrate and embrace their cultural backgrounds, and to be proud of who they are and where they come from.
