Revenge of the Lunch Ladies: The Hilarious Book of School Poetry by Kenn Nesbitt

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Nesbitt, Kenn. 2007. REVENGE OF THE LUNCH LADIES: THE HILARIOUS BOOK OF SCHOOL POETRY. ill. Mike and Carl Gordon. Minnesota: Meadowbrook Press. ISBN 0881665274

SUMMARY:

This compilation of 45 sassy poems guides readers through a school year, from beginning to end, in a humorous manner that will make school seem more fun. From the sadness that summer is over, to the smells in a classroom, students will relate to the poems and the feelings they portray.  

QUALITY & APPEAL:

Age Range:  6-12 years

Grade Level:  1st - 6th Grade

Educators will find the layout of the poems beneficial as lessons are planned for during a full school year. The arrangement is suitable for school use from beginning to end, in a logical order  The book also has a table of contents, an index, and poem titles (headings) for easy access to specific poems.  Educators will also enjoy the tune suggestions for many poems to add sound to the poems as they are shared in the classroom. The poems will provide great breaks in the day for learning.  Great discussions will come from the poems as teachers guide students' learning about a poem's meaning, types of rhythm and rhyming found, various types of figurative language, sensory imagery, and the emotional impact they see and feel.  

Students will connect to the topics and be drawn in by the familiar childhood experiences and interesting topics the poems explore in connection to school.  The tunes will add to the enjoyment as students sing along to newly learned poems and their learning is stimulated.  The basic black and white art work found throughout the book will also be appealing to students, especially those that enjoy doodling.  

SPOTLIGHT POEM:  (Excerpt from page 24)

What I told Mrs. Morris When She Asked How I Was Feeling Today

"Grumbly, grouchy, groggy, grumpy, sleepy, slouchy, 

fussy, frumpy, whiny, wearly, cranky, crazy, 

dingy, dreary, loopy, lazy, dizzy, drowsy, 

crusty, crummy, loony, lousy, scruffy, scummy, 

bleary, batty, shaky, shabby, rusty, ratty, cruddy, crabby.  

That describes it, Mrs. Morris.  

Thank you for the new thesaurus."

CONNECTIONS:

Educators can share this poem with students and discuss all the words the author uses. Students can discuss and brainstorm words that describe how they are feeling under different circumstances (today, birthday, Christmas morning, before a big performance like a play or game, etc.). Once students have identified their "event" and their basic list of adjectives describing how they feel, they can begin looking up their basic words in a thesaurus.  They can add to their list of adjectives describing how they feel.  Students will share their new list with peers, showing the new creative adjectives they found using the thesaurus.  Then, students will create their own poem, using the original poem as a mentor text, using their creative adjectives to show their feelings on their chosen event.  Students will eventually go through the full writing process where they will peer edit each other's writing, revise to clarify ideas, and publish their poem to be displayed with the mentor text in the center of the display with lesson objectives (TEKS) listed that students' are mastering.  For added visual appeal, students could personalize their newly published poem with basic pencil drawings to continue emulating the mentor text.  

LINKS:

• www.gigglepoetry.com  
• Kenn Nesbitt's poems appear on this popular children's poetry website.
• www.poetry4kids.com
• Kenn Nesbitt's funny poems can be found here as well.  
• www.poetryteachers.com
• Ideas for educators on teaching poetry in a fun and interesting way.

Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys (LS5623 ~ Mod. 7)

Bibliography:  

Sepetys, Ruta. 2011. BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780141335889                              

Plot Summary:  

Lina is a fifteen year old Lithuanian girl, safe in her home getting ready for bed.  That peace is shattered when Soviet officers burst in, and tear them from the only home she has ever known.  Before they are forced to leave, they are allowed only a few moments to grab their belongings.  Lina packs a family photo.  Her mother, a coat that holds many hidden secrets that are revealed as time passes.  The soldiers take them, along with her little brother, and load them onto dirty cattle trains headed across the Arctic Circle to work camps in Siberia.  Once in Siberia, they endure long days digging up beets and potatoes as ordered by Stalin, who requires hard work with little food to survive.   

Lina’s father was sent to another camp.  She risks her life to write and send drawings to him, hoping they reach him to let him know they are still alive.  Along the way, Lina sees and experiences unimaginable things, and looses more than she ever thought she would.  Will Lina survive and get out of the work camp?  If so, who will be standing by her side? 

Critical Analysis:  

Sepetys has brought the past to life in such a tangible way that readers will connect with the characters and their struggles from the very beginning.  The questioning from Lina and her brother will be similar to questions they will be asking themselves as they read.  The cruelty of the Soviet soldiers will be shockingly obvious as readers travel through the pages of time with Sepetys.  The hope that Lina feels for the future is inspiring after all the struggles and loses she has seen and experienced.  As this story is firmly connected to history, students will have memories they will never forget.   

Weakness: 

Some students will be turned off by the sad nature of this book, but should be encouraged to learn from our past so that history never repeats itself.   

Also, title is entirely too similar to a very inappropriate book for young adult readers.   

Reviews/Awards:  

·        New York Times:  “This superlative first novel by Ruta Sepetys demonstrates the strength of its unembellished language.  A hefty emotional punch.”

·        Entertainment Weekly:  “Brave Lina is a heroine young and old readers can believe in.”

·        Laurie Halse Anderson (bestselling author:  “Speak” and “Wintergirls”):  “A brilliant story of love and survival.”

·        Booklist:  “An important book that deserves the widest possible readership.”

·        Kirkus:  “Sepetys’ flowing prose gently carries readers through the crushing tragedy of this tale that needs telling.”

·        2012 William C. Morris Award

·        2012-2013 Texas Lonestar Reading List (Middle School)

·        2012-2013 Texas TAYSHAS Reading List (High School) 

Connections:  

Age Level:  13 and up
Reading Level:  6.0
Pages:  352
Genre:  Historical Fiction 

·        Introduce book with book trailer

o   http://youtu.be/xnrTd2fyfdg

·       Students work in groups to do an author study – Focus study on how Sepetys came to write this historical fiction book, and the process/steps she took to ensure she told as realistic of a story as she could.

·       Locate and study geographical cities and countries mentioned in story.

·        Study history elements seen in story.

o   WWII

o   Stalin’s exile of people to Siberia during war, and the sad fact that even after the war was over, prisoners were not released till 15 years later.  20 million people were killed, over 14 million starved to death.

o   Political climate in Lithuania in 1941

·       Discuss author’s purpose for writing.

·       Discuss the author’s use of flashbacks seen throughout book and how they help the reader connect to its characters.

·       Discuss how Lina used art to try and stay connected with her father.

·       Students write a persuasive essay arguing against the cruel treatment of Lina, her family, and others using textual evidence to support their argument.

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth (LS5623 ~ Mod. 5)

Bibliography:

Roth, Veronica. 2012. INSURGENT. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062114457
                      
Plot Summary:

Tris learns that she is a Divergent during the Aptitude Tests.  Coping with her new found identity is hard.  Tris and Four grow closer as he helps protect her identity as a Divergent.  Guilt weighs heavy on her as she moves forward.  Lives are in danger, and she fights hard to save those that she loves.  With many action-packed victories comes tragedies and grief.  Tris is determined and brave as she makes her choices that could destroy everything she loves.  In the end, will it be her that is destroyed?    

Critical Analysis:

Female young adult readers will love the brave female lead character, Tris.  They will cheer her on as she fights hard to protect those that she loves, as well as her secret.  Male readers will enjoy the action-packed battles that are descriptive and very detailed.  The author’s chooses wording that provides the reader with great imagery as the story unfolds.  Roth creates an alternative world in Chicago that will provide readers with a great escape. 

Weakness:

It is best for readers to read “Divergent” (Book 1) before “Insurgent”.  If not, readers may feel lost at the beginning of the book as the story seems to pick right up where book one left off.
Profanity:  Minor
Violence:  Heavy
Sexual Content:  Mild

Reviews:

·        USA Today (Serena Chase):  “Veronica Roth has a precision in her world building that is uncommon in such a fast-paced story.”

·        Hollywood Crust, MTV.com:  “This is one fast-paced read that sticks in your head for days after you put it down, both because of its video-game-like scenes and its thought-provoking premise.”

·        Kirkus:  “In this addictive sequel to the acclaimed Divergent, a bleak post-apocalyptic Chicago collapses into all-out civil war.  Another spectacular cliffhanger.  Anyone who read the first book was dying for this one months ago; they’ll hardly be able to wait for the concluding volume.”

·        Rolling Stone:  “The next big thing.”

·        Publishers Weekly:  “Roth knows how to write.  The novel’s love story, intricate plot, and unforgettable setting work in concert to deliver a novel that will rivet fans of the first book.” 

Connections:

Age Level:  14 and up
Reading Level:  5.4
Pages:  525
Genre:  Fantasy Fiction 

·        Read “Divergent” (Book 1 ~ Divergent Trilogy) to begin series

o   Read to students at the beginning of the school year, and suggest following books in the series throughout the school year and at the end of the year for summer reading.

·        Introduce book with official book trailer

o   http://youtu.be/NqfvAyuxPeU

·        Read “Allegiant” (Book 3 ~ Divergent Trilogy) when it comes out in 2013

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA Book Trailer (LS5623)

ORDINARY PEOPLE by Judith Guest

Bibliography:  

Guest, Judith. 1976. ORDINARY PEOPLE. New York, NY: Penguin Books. ISBN 9780140065176 

Plot Summary:  

ORDINARY PEOPLE is a sad story about a family dealing with the tragic loss of a son/brother a year before the book begins.  The story is told through the eyes of two characters, the father, Calvin, and the son, Conrad.  As the story switches from one character to another, the reading begins to see how much pain the whole family is dealing with.  Conrad is returning to high school, after spending time in the hospital for attempting to commit suicide.  He is unsure of how to act around others, and finds it difficult to connect with anyone.  Calvin is desperate to hold his family together while dealing with his own pain.  Both learn to deal with life’s challenges as difficult times seem to be never ending. 

Critical Analysis:  

The themes of loss and dealing with death are clear throughout this book.  How people deal with grief and depression guide the characters through the story.  The author’s writing seems very authentic and realistic as characters interact with one another.  Some readers will connect with the hurt and sorrow the characters are dealing with.  They, like me, may be shocked at how disconnected Conrad’s mother is from her hurting son.  This was painful for me to read as she seemed to turn a cold shoulder to him, and eventually abandoned what was left of her family.     

Reviews:  

·        1976 Kafka Prize

·        Mark Vonnegut (author of THE EDEN EXPRESS):  “It’s been quite a while since I was able to simply enjoy any book remotely related to mental illness.  ORDINARY PEOPLE disarmed me completely.  It was too good a story, too well told for me to keep my distance.” 

Educator’s Note: 

I, as an educator, would not suggest this book to my students, even those at the high school level.  The book contains mature subject matter that was concerning to me as an adult.  I would be careful sharing this book because of the following issues:  death of close family member, mental illness/depression, attempted suicide, profanity, and serious family issues whereas the mother seems to abandon what is left of her family. 

Connections:  

Age Level:  Could not find information
Reading Level:  Could not find information
Pages:  272
Genre:  Realistic Fiction 

·        Watch the 1980 movie

o   Compare and contrast the events that happen in the book and how each version portrays the characters.

·        Do an author study to research and analyze the author and her other books that have been published.

·        Discuss depression and ways of dealing with it.

·        Before, during, and after Chapter 18, discuss test taking strategies, and how Conrad experienced test anxiety during a test.

WHEELS OF CHANGE by Sue Macy (LS5623 ~ Mod.8)

Bibliography:   

Macy, Sue. 2011. WHEELS OF CHANGE:  HOW WOMEN RODE THE BICYCLE TO FREEDOM (WITH A FEW FLAT TIRES ALONG THE WAY). Des Moines, IA:  National Geographic Society.  ISBN 9781426307614 

Plot Summary:   

Author, Sue Macy, takes a unique look at women’s history in connection to the history and evolution of the bicycle.  Attitudes, fashion, opportunities, and laws concerning women have changed greatly since the 1800’s.  Surprisingly, many of these changes are a direct result of the bicycle.  Through Macy’s research, many comical misconceptions from history are revealed for the reader to appreciate today. 

Medical issues:  “Bicycle eye”, “Bicycle face”, “Bicycle fright”  

List of Don’t:  “Don’t carry a flask”, “Don’t coast.  It is dangerous.”, and “Don’t say, ‘Feel my muscle.’”    

Reading this book should make men and women alike thankful that we have made so much progress, and hopefully, go out and jump on their bicycles … “imagining everybody is looking at you.” 

Critical Analysis:   

WHEELS OF CHANGE is a quick read, and provides readers with accurate information about women’s history and the history of bicycles.  The information is clearly organized with pictures that show the evolution of both women’s fashion and the design of the bicycle.  Macy’s style of writing makes the information fun and entertaining to read, while providing visuals that give the reading a better understanding of the factual information being presented.  With the pictures and the comical facts given about this seemingly one-gender interest topic, both male and female will enjoy this nonfiction book.  All will ride away smarter, with a smile upon their faces.    

Weakness: 

Older students that might connect with much of the history within this book might connect with riding a bike any longer.

Reviews:   

·        2011 Favorite Book by San Francisco Book Review

·        2011 Best Children’s Books by Washington Post

·        2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist

·        School Library Journal:  “Macy’s light, conversational style and her enthusiasm for her subject infuse the book with sparkle and wit…”

·        Booklist:  “A strong, high-interest choice for both classroom and personal reading – for adults, too.”

Connections:   

Age Level:  10 and up

Reading Level:  8.5

Pages:  96

Genre:  Nonfiction / Informational 

·        Read, research and discuss during March, Women’s History Month

o   Choose one of the women seen in “WHEELS OF CHANGE”, research, and present information. 

o   Expand on how the bicycle helped this woman achieve success.

·        Students research and create a timeline of the bicycle from various perspectives

o   Invention and progression of their design over time

o   Women’s history

o   Preserve environment       

·        Focus on fitness during May, National Fitness Month and National Bike Month

o   Promote and offer a challenge for “Bike to School Day”

§  Resent past event – May 8, 2013

o   Research health benefits from use of bicycle.

o   Research local/national bicycle rules and laws.

·        http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/roadrules.php