It's a Book

It's a Book is a New York Times bestseller.

Personal Reaction:

How adorable! I loved the book and will definitely share it with my school family and my home family! Kids that are growing up today are so plugged in and sometimes forget that books have just as much importance as the internet, computers, and all of their other technology.  I did not expect such a simple yet important meaning to be revealed.

Smith, L. (2010). It's a book. New York: Roaring Brook.

Chalk

Chalk is on the Notable Books for Children's List.

No words are needed in this fun tale experienced through the illustrations! It grabs your imagination and draws you in to the story as you experience the childrens’ day. It made me feel like a kid again as I remembered all of the wild things I used to dream up and create in mine and my friends “worlds.”  J   I will definitely be adding this book to my classroom collection.

Thomson, B. (2010). Chalk . New York: Marshall Cavendish Children.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is on the 100 Most Challenged Book List.

Personal Reaction:

I remember reading this book when I was in elementary (probably before I should have!) and enjoyed reading it again. I by no means grasped all of the issues and adult content addressed in this text as a child and it was almost like reading a new book this time around! I remember understanding the racism theme when I was young, but just on a surface level. I can see while this book is challenged, but as with The Chocolate War, I believe each reader will only grasp what their minds are ready for, even if the book is above their personal maturity level. Growing up in the south, the racism portrayed hit very close to home with the realistic relation to how things actually used to be.

Lee, H. (1960). To kill a mockingbird. Philadelphia: Lippincott.

The Giver

The Giver is on the 100 Most Challenged Book List.

Personal Reaction:

I can see why this book is challenged, but I really enjoyed it, along with most of Lowry’s works.  Originally, I didn’t  like that it leaves you “hanging” or wondering at the end, but what would our world be without a little mystery and things left up to our own imagination! This book does have some things in it that are questionable for age (maturity) appropriateness, but I believe each reader will only grasp what their minds are ready for.

Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War is on the 100 Most Challenged Book List.

Personal Reaction:

It is very easy to see why this book is challenged! I was somewhat disturbed by the cruelty displayed not only by the “mean boys” but also Brother Leon,  who should be the adult role model in this story.  I grew up Catholic and was educated in both public and Catholic schools, so this story did have a great personal effect on me. Of course nothing like that ever happened within my church or school, but it is chilling to read something like this tied so closely to the values I was raised immersed  in.

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war: a novel. New York: Pantheon Books.

A Light in the Attic

A Light in the Attic is on  the 100 Most Challenged Book List.

Personal Reaction:

I love this book and it is one of the my most memorable reads from when I was young. I haven’t picked it up since I was in middle school and it was fun to read again! I think it is ridiculous that a collection of such entertaining and light-hearted poems is “challenged.” The collection is not meant to be taken literally, and is written for enjoyment and laughter.

Silverstein, S. (1981). A light in the attic. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Owl Moon

Owl Moon is a  Texas Bluebonnet winner.

Personal Reaction:

I love this book and always start out the school year reading it to my students. (Our mascot is the Owl!) The illustrations are lovely and very eye pleasing. They add to the story as you experience the excursions and the little girl’s excitement. This book always brings back memories of time spent with my dad and grandpa at our deer camp. I can remember the feelings of anticipation and enthusiasm I felt waiting to go exploring for undiscovered things with them.

Yolen, J. (1987). Owl moon . New York: Philomel Books.