My school has recently begun the French Immersion program. As an English speaking librarian, I've struggled with how I can service the French classes in a meaningful way.
My recent discovery for these classes...wordless books.
The grade 3 class is very fluent in french. I recently shared Unspoken with them. They are beginning a unit on Early Settlers and this book is a great one for asking questions and discussing how life was in the late 18th century. The Underground Railroad is a fascinating topic and it's connection to Canada is great. So much of pioneer stories are based in the United States, but I make sure I let them know about the Canadian connection.
After discussing what they already knew about slavery and the Underground Railroad, I had the grade 3's narrate the wordless book en Francais with their teacher listening so that she can translate for me if necessary! This keeps the two teachers invested in the read aloud.
We had to split the read aloud between 2 library visits because the kids were so interested and had so much to talk about! They were fascinated by the idea of someone hiding in the barn and looking for the clues in the pictures. Just the right amount of 'scare' to keep 9 year olds intrigued!
A great book for many age groups especially if you are doing a unit on wordless books.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
The Cat at the Wall - Deborah Ellis
"…If people insist on shooting other people, they should do it quietly so that a cat can have a decent nap…"
I'm not a cat fan. I like them, but they are too stuck up and moody for my liking. Is this why the main character Clare has been reincarnated as a cat, because they are so unlikable? I'm sure cat lovers would strongly disagree. I mean no disrespect, but Clare is a bit of a jerk. Now she is in the middle of a war between 2 groups of people who believe so strongly that the other side is fundamentally in the wrong.
It's interesting that Clare the Cat is a character that can see both sides of this conflict and really has no vested interest in either side. She just wants to survive and find something to eat. Is she at the wall to do a good deed in order to gain entrance into heaven? Is she in a coma having a crazy dream? Is she being punished for all her bad behaviour back at home?
Maybe I'm not smart enough to figure this out! I did enjoy this very different novel and I believe the novel could be a good starting point for a discussion on Israeli/Palestinian relations.
I also would welcome a discussion on Clare when she was a young American girl. Fundamentally mean, I did not enjoy her at all. I was glad she was starving and basically running for her life. She was beyond the typical mean girl. Was she just a girl needing her parents attention? (insert big sigh- am I going to end up liking her and ultimately become a cat fan?)
The Desiderata poem was an piece to the puzzle. Does its presence in both the past and present mean that Clare is still alive? Is she dreaming about the poem? Has she been placed here to meet the young boy who recites this poem for comfort when it had been a source of angst for her? It is up for interpretation in my opinion.
A muli-layered read for sure!
I'm not a cat fan. I like them, but they are too stuck up and moody for my liking. Is this why the main character Clare has been reincarnated as a cat, because they are so unlikable? I'm sure cat lovers would strongly disagree. I mean no disrespect, but Clare is a bit of a jerk. Now she is in the middle of a war between 2 groups of people who believe so strongly that the other side is fundamentally in the wrong.
It's interesting that Clare the Cat is a character that can see both sides of this conflict and really has no vested interest in either side. She just wants to survive and find something to eat. Is she at the wall to do a good deed in order to gain entrance into heaven? Is she in a coma having a crazy dream? Is she being punished for all her bad behaviour back at home?
Maybe I'm not smart enough to figure this out! I did enjoy this very different novel and I believe the novel could be a good starting point for a discussion on Israeli/Palestinian relations.
I also would welcome a discussion on Clare when she was a young American girl. Fundamentally mean, I did not enjoy her at all. I was glad she was starving and basically running for her life. She was beyond the typical mean girl. Was she just a girl needing her parents attention? (insert big sigh- am I going to end up liking her and ultimately become a cat fan?)
The Desiderata poem was an piece to the puzzle. Does its presence in both the past and present mean that Clare is still alive? Is she dreaming about the poem? Has she been placed here to meet the young boy who recites this poem for comfort when it had been a source of angst for her? It is up for interpretation in my opinion.
A muli-layered read for sure!
We're All Made of Molecules - Susin Nielsen
"There are two sides to every story"
What a relevant and current novel. This is an important read for those who are the age of the 2 characters - Stewart and Ashley. Whether you are on the side of the geeks or the popular crowd OR someone in the glorious middle, you can relate to these real and likable characters.
Funny and so realistic, I laughed out loud several times. Stewart is my favourite, but I found myself cheering for Ashley as well, especially at the end. She has the most opportunity for growth and she doesn't disappoint. The popular girl sees the light! The geek prevails! It's all good. You will enjoy this novel. It's easy to read and will several events will definitely generate discussion in your intermediate class. I'd want to know what my students would feel about what happens to these characters.
- death of a parent
- a parent 'coming out' to spouse and daughter
- bullying
- homophobia
- date rape
Any of these topics could be cause for discussion and opportunity to empathize with characters. I would recommend this book as a read aloud to to an intermediate class, but know your audience before you begin.
What a relevant and current novel. This is an important read for those who are the age of the 2 characters - Stewart and Ashley. Whether you are on the side of the geeks or the popular crowd OR someone in the glorious middle, you can relate to these real and likable characters.
Funny and so realistic, I laughed out loud several times. Stewart is my favourite, but I found myself cheering for Ashley as well, especially at the end. She has the most opportunity for growth and she doesn't disappoint. The popular girl sees the light! The geek prevails! It's all good. You will enjoy this novel. It's easy to read and will several events will definitely generate discussion in your intermediate class. I'd want to know what my students would feel about what happens to these characters.
- death of a parent
- a parent 'coming out' to spouse and daughter
- bullying
- homophobia
- date rape
Any of these topics could be cause for discussion and opportunity to empathize with characters. I would recommend this book as a read aloud to to an intermediate class, but know your audience before you begin.
Innocent - Eric Walters
My love affair with Eric Walters books continues. They never fail to entertain. This one I was reading at the bus stop with my kids. I was reading standing up waiting for a class to show up at the library. I finished it as I put on my boots to come home. I have never done this ever with a book, especially not a YA fiction! I had to find out what happened.
It is a compelling story about a likable young lady. The Secrets series was the brainchild of Eric Walters and Teresa Toten and this one tells the story of Lizzie/Betty/Elizabeth. She finds that her mother was murdered, leaving her orphaned. Her father is in Kingston Penitentiary serving time for the murder. He claims to be innocent. Lizzie is torn between the father she just met, the family who is supporting her and a young police officer with romantic interests. You want her to find love and belonging. You also feel that it's not going to be that easy. There is a 'Clue' like mystery woven throughout. A whodunit to introduce kids to the murder mystery! A great novel to teach mystery.
Eric Walters fans and mystery lovers will enjoy this one!
It is a compelling story about a likable young lady. The Secrets series was the brainchild of Eric Walters and Teresa Toten and this one tells the story of Lizzie/Betty/Elizabeth. She finds that her mother was murdered, leaving her orphaned. Her father is in Kingston Penitentiary serving time for the murder. He claims to be innocent. Lizzie is torn between the father she just met, the family who is supporting her and a young police officer with romantic interests. You want her to find love and belonging. You also feel that it's not going to be that easy. There is a 'Clue' like mystery woven throughout. A whodunit to introduce kids to the murder mystery! A great novel to teach mystery.
Eric Walters fans and mystery lovers will enjoy this one!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Rain Shadow - Valerie Sherrard
I don't very often emote when I read. The last time I can remember openly crying during a book is on a plane with my son beside me wondering why mommy was a blubbering mess. Last night I finished Rain Shadow by Valerie Sherrard, nominated for The Silver Birch Award®. It didn't take me long to read, but I was on the verge of tears and at times crying through it's entirety. I'm not trying to be dramatic. It's that sad. What's the correlation between the two crying incidents? The book on the plane was another Valerie Sherrard book, The Glory Wind. Clearly this author has my number.
In Rain Shadow I literally felt like Bethany. Yes, yes, we often feel for our characters. Remember my earlier speech - if you aren't connecting to the book/characters, you either don't like it or you are daydreaming...blah blah blah. This time I really really was immersed into the story. I was sad, devastated, horrified and mad for Bethany. I wanted to yell at the characters who mistreated her, dismissed her, blamed her - what right do they have to make her feel that way when she was clearly hurting all on her own? I can't remember a time recently when I've felt so moved by what was happening to a character. My character. Bravo, Valerie Sherrard. You've done it again. I've been moved.
I also enjoyed the descriptions that Bethany uses in the beginning and how they take you through the entire book. I even went back to them when I finished to go over them again. i.never.do.that.
Her sister told her she was a jewel and Bethany was a stone:
The truth is, I do not mind the idea of being a stone ... Jewels are
nice with their colour and shine. But I think stones are
more interesting. Holding a stone can make you feel peaceful and
calm. Some stones are mysterious, with lines and drawings in them.
It is a mistake to ever think a stone is not worth looking at.
Then her classmate Luke makes reference to a rain shadow:
...the plants that grow on the rain shadow side are actually
stronger than the ones that get lots of rain...They have to
try harder to make it. These plants never give up...They're
strong and brave, like you.
We all should aspire to be stones and rain shadows. A great read!
In Rain Shadow I literally felt like Bethany. Yes, yes, we often feel for our characters. Remember my earlier speech - if you aren't connecting to the book/characters, you either don't like it or you are daydreaming...blah blah blah. This time I really really was immersed into the story. I was sad, devastated, horrified and mad for Bethany. I wanted to yell at the characters who mistreated her, dismissed her, blamed her - what right do they have to make her feel that way when she was clearly hurting all on her own? I can't remember a time recently when I've felt so moved by what was happening to a character. My character. Bravo, Valerie Sherrard. You've done it again. I've been moved.
I also enjoyed the descriptions that Bethany uses in the beginning and how they take you through the entire book. I even went back to them when I finished to go over them again. i.never.do.that.
Her sister told her she was a jewel and Bethany was a stone:
The truth is, I do not mind the idea of being a stone ... Jewels are
nice with their colour and shine. But I think stones are
more interesting. Holding a stone can make you feel peaceful and
calm. Some stones are mysterious, with lines and drawings in them.
It is a mistake to ever think a stone is not worth looking at.
Then her classmate Luke makes reference to a rain shadow:
...the plants that grow on the rain shadow side are actually
stronger than the ones that get lots of rain...They have to
try harder to make it. These plants never give up...They're
strong and brave, like you.
We all should aspire to be stones and rain shadows. A great read!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - Jesse Andrews
When I became an elementary school librarian, I inherited a collection of books that had been organized by someone else. Books were put in YA based on someone's thoughts on what should be strictly for grade 7 & 8 students. If students want to read these books, they need to be a certain age or they need permission from their parents to 'shop' anywhere in the library.
So while this book is BRILLIANT, the thought of putting it my library gives me anxiety. I'm usually fine with some mature language and questionable content. I feel like if a kid can find the f bomb or the adult content, I'm happy because they are reading! However, the mature content and language is really out there in this book. But the book is so great! What's a librarian to do? I feel like author, Jesse Andrews has perfectly captured the spirit of most teenage boys.
There is no searching for salacious tidbits, this book hits you over the head with them. But did I laugh out loud? Oh ya! It is so funny. If you ever struggled socially at all during high school, you will identify in more than one way to the trials of Greg.
At it's heart, this book is revealing and touching even though Greg claims to be untouched by the sickness and eventual death of Rachel (not a spoiler, as per the title). He claims over and over again that he is unaffected and learns nothing from the experience:
And then we sat and didn't say anything for awhile. You're probably hoping I was sitting there overflowing with love and tenderness. Maybe you should think about switching to a different book. Even to, like an owner's manual to a refrigerator or something. That would be more heartwarming than this.
I politely and firmly disagree. What Greg does is underline how difficult it is to deal with a friend who is dying, but in his discomfort and awkwardness we are drawn to his endearing way of befriending Rachel. He doesn't say the right things and it's a little painful at times (actually it's hilarious) but the realness is refreshing. We so often read about kids who do the right things and say exactly what needs to be said. That's not real life! Who EVER knows what to say in times like these? There's nothing you can say to make it all better. Thanks Greg Gaines for keeping it real and making me laugh out loud - Something that rarely happens in my reading.
So while this book is BRILLIANT, the thought of putting it my library gives me anxiety. I'm usually fine with some mature language and questionable content. I feel like if a kid can find the f bomb or the adult content, I'm happy because they are reading! However, the mature content and language is really out there in this book. But the book is so great! What's a librarian to do? I feel like author, Jesse Andrews has perfectly captured the spirit of most teenage boys.
There is no searching for salacious tidbits, this book hits you over the head with them. But did I laugh out loud? Oh ya! It is so funny. If you ever struggled socially at all during high school, you will identify in more than one way to the trials of Greg.
At it's heart, this book is revealing and touching even though Greg claims to be untouched by the sickness and eventual death of Rachel (not a spoiler, as per the title). He claims over and over again that he is unaffected and learns nothing from the experience:
And then we sat and didn't say anything for awhile. You're probably hoping I was sitting there overflowing with love and tenderness. Maybe you should think about switching to a different book. Even to, like an owner's manual to a refrigerator or something. That would be more heartwarming than this.
I politely and firmly disagree. What Greg does is underline how difficult it is to deal with a friend who is dying, but in his discomfort and awkwardness we are drawn to his endearing way of befriending Rachel. He doesn't say the right things and it's a little painful at times (actually it's hilarious) but the realness is refreshing. We so often read about kids who do the right things and say exactly what needs to be said. That's not real life! Who EVER knows what to say in times like these? There's nothing you can say to make it all better. Thanks Greg Gaines for keeping it real and making me laugh out loud - Something that rarely happens in my reading.
Friday, September 18, 2015
The Invisible Boy - Trudy Ludwig
"A story with heart and soul. The Invisible Boy brings the power of kindness and compassion into focus." Mia Doces, Committee for Children
The power of one. If we can truly teach children that they can make a difference, what power we can instill in each student! Trudy Ludwig has written many books dealing with bullying and this one is great. I read it to Abby, who is 7 and she needed a little bit of time to realize that the boy really isn't invisible, just quiet and outside of the action. I think everyone can relate to this subject in some way. Abby was thrilled to see that Brian's colour was beginning to show. This is a book where kids will read the pictures as much as they will listen to the text. It was very clear to my 7 year old that a little gesture can make a big difference to someone who feels that they aren't 'seen'.
This book can start a great discussion. For one thing they can try and remember to extend a little kindness to someone who seems to be on the outskirts of a group. As well, it's so interesting for me to talk to kids about what makes someone popular. Like Justin in the book, why do people gravitate to some kids and not to others? It's not always obvious. I clearly remember having a talk with some grade 6 girls recently. Two new girls started the same day, one was 'cool' from day one and the other was not. When I asked the 'uncool' one was this was so, she couldn't articulate the reason. Just that everyone wanted to be the other girl's friend right away.
I love when authors add questions to their books! I asked some of them to Abby ad would definitely use these in a class. Group reading responses to this book would be a great activity. Look for my blogs on Written Conversations or Placemat Reading Response and use one or a few of the following questions:
-Have you ever tried to join a group game or activity and other kids wouldn't let you? If yes, how did that make you feel?
-Have you ever intentionally excluded other kids from joining your group game or activity? If yes, why?
-When Madison and her friends talked about her birthday party in front of Brian, do you think they were just being thoughtless or were they being mean to Brian on purpose? Explain.
-Which do you think is worse - being laughed at or feeling invisible? Explan. (Abby said being laughed at)
And I LOVE the recommended reading for adults and kids - a great feature! See my Page about great anti bullying books to read to/with your students.
The power of one. If we can truly teach children that they can make a difference, what power we can instill in each student! Trudy Ludwig has written many books dealing with bullying and this one is great. I read it to Abby, who is 7 and she needed a little bit of time to realize that the boy really isn't invisible, just quiet and outside of the action. I think everyone can relate to this subject in some way. Abby was thrilled to see that Brian's colour was beginning to show. This is a book where kids will read the pictures as much as they will listen to the text. It was very clear to my 7 year old that a little gesture can make a big difference to someone who feels that they aren't 'seen'.
This book can start a great discussion. For one thing they can try and remember to extend a little kindness to someone who seems to be on the outskirts of a group. As well, it's so interesting for me to talk to kids about what makes someone popular. Like Justin in the book, why do people gravitate to some kids and not to others? It's not always obvious. I clearly remember having a talk with some grade 6 girls recently. Two new girls started the same day, one was 'cool' from day one and the other was not. When I asked the 'uncool' one was this was so, she couldn't articulate the reason. Just that everyone wanted to be the other girl's friend right away.
I love when authors add questions to their books! I asked some of them to Abby ad would definitely use these in a class. Group reading responses to this book would be a great activity. Look for my blogs on Written Conversations or Placemat Reading Response and use one or a few of the following questions:
-Have you ever tried to join a group game or activity and other kids wouldn't let you? If yes, how did that make you feel?
-Have you ever intentionally excluded other kids from joining your group game or activity? If yes, why?
-When Madison and her friends talked about her birthday party in front of Brian, do you think they were just being thoughtless or were they being mean to Brian on purpose? Explain.
-Which do you think is worse - being laughed at or feeling invisible? Explan. (Abby said being laughed at)
And I LOVE the recommended reading for adults and kids - a great feature! See my Page about great anti bullying books to read to/with your students.
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