Morning girl by Michael Dorris

Morning Girl

Author: Michael Dorris
Genre: historical fiction
Awards: Scott O'Dell award for historical fiction
Grade level: 4-6 grade

Morning Girl tells the story of a native American family and their conflict. The narration alternates between Morning Girl and her brother Star Boy. The two experience fairly typical sibling rivalry, such as fighting over a new baby's gender, despite the historical setting. For most of the story, the two main characters are in disagreement. The conflict resolves and the story ends as foreign visitors (Americans) land on their beach.

In this short novel, there are no illustrations other than the cover, which features a young girl swimming in the ocean.

Although I found this story somewhat bland, I think older students may find the historical content interesting. Classes can compare and contrast Morning Girl's family with their own family. Students can also discuss the very end of the story, when the settlers come. It is important to see historical events from different perspectives. Classes can also discuss how they would feel if foreign settlers came to their home land.

Let's Meet a Police Officer by Gina Bellisario

Let's Meet a Police Officer

Author: Gina Bellisario
Illustrator: Cole Atkinson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: N/A
Grade level: PreK-1

This story provides factual and meaningful information about police officer's role in communities through real life examples and dialogue. It begins when Officer Gabby, the school resource officer visits the class to discuss how to become a police officer, what they do, and the different assignments they have. The author also writes about the different tools that officers use, like their police cars and K-9 units. The story ends with different ways that children can keep their community safe, such as wearing a seat belt and calling 9-1-1.

The illustrations provide a visual representation of the dialogue. The illustrator also includes diversity among the characters.

Students can discuss the importance of having police officers in our community. They can also compare experiences that they have had with the police. I particularly enjoyed the end because students can see what role they play in safety. I think this story would be very useful in a social studies unit about community hereos.

Toxic Beasts by Vicky Willows

Toxic Beasts

Author: Vicky Willows
Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
Grade level: 3-5

Summary: This informative reader begins by introducing readers to "smart words." The book defines smart words as "frequently used words that are critical to understanding concepts taught in the classroom." The purpose of this book is to inform readers about deadly sea creatures, lethal snakes and amphibians, and toxic spiders and ants. Beginning with sea creatures, the author explains the difference between venom and poison and uses pufferfish and snakes as examples. The dangers of certain jellyfish, octopus, and other fish are expressed while also describing their habitats, attack methods, and defenses. In the snakes and amphibians portion, the author discusses different types of snakes and what each organ is used for. She even provides facts for where certain snakes and frogs are located. In the final spiders and ants chapter, readers will learn about identifying spiders and ant colonies.


Evaluation: This book is perfect for introducing science to students. I love the smart word aspect of the book because it highlights words that students may not know and provides a clear definition for each of them. Each word is included in the glossary at the end. At the end of each chapter, there is a short series of questions to review the material. I plan to use this book and many others from the series in classrooms with older students. This is because the topic may not be appealing or appropriate to younger readers because the author uses complex vocabulary words and is very descriptive when discussing how terrifying each beast is. Students can also discuss which of these creatures are found locally and which are found in other countries around the world.

Never ask a Dinosaur to Dinner by Gareth Edwards

Never ask a Dinosaur to Dinner by Gareth Edwards

Author: Gareth Edwards
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards:N/A
Grade level: 1-4

Summary: This rhythmic, comical story is about a a young boy's bed time routine. It includes a funny mishap due to an inappropriate animal being included in each step. For example, the dinosaur ruins dinner by eating the kitchen table, and tiger gets angry when he is used as a bath towel. The author ends by telling readers that all of these animals do not make good bedtime companions; A teddy bear is all you need!

The illustrations will make students laugh as they all feature comical scenarios of animals included in bedtime routines! I also noticed that the small teddy bear is hiding on almost every page. This would be fun for students to find.

Evaluation: This book is an excellent example of rhyme and rhythm because each page continues the same tempo. I think it can also be helpful and fun to point out that the illustrator subtly includes the teddy bear on every page. This book is a good choice to keep in the classroom library because students will find the story and the illustrations funny and will keep them interested in reading.

Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins

Autumn Leaves

Author: Ken Robbins
Genre: Nonfiction
Awards:N/A
Grade level: k-1

Summary: In this descriptive book about fall leaves, the writer uses life-size photographs of different leaves to identify what type of tree it came from. There many different shapes and sizes of leaves, even leaves that come from the same tree. Before the leaves fall off of the tree every autumn, the leaves change from green to orange and red. There are many fun facts about the history of each tree.

The book uses real photographs of life size leaves to help students see what the actual leaves look like

Evaluation: Students can compare the shapes of leaves to shapes that they are already familiar with. Although the author does not mention this, learners can discuss why the leaves change colors. This book will also be useful when learning about weather, as students can identify which season it is based on the color of the leaves.

Bull Shark by Deborah Nuzzolo

Bull Shark

Author: Deborah Nuzzolo
Genre: Nonfiction
Awards:N/A
Grade level: k-1

Summary:

Bull sharks are fascinating animals. The author writes about what bull sharks eat and how they hunt, what they look like, and bull shark pups. She compares the size of a bull shark to the size of a human. She even describes the texture of their skin!

Evaluation: Students can discuss the life of a bull shark in order to understand their basic needs to live. Students can also look at the photographs and determine how a bull shark looks different than other sea life or even other sharks.

Fire! Fire! Said Mrs. McGuire by Bill Martin Jr.

Fire! Fire! Said Mrs. McGuire

Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Genre: Realist Fiction
Illustrator: Richard EgielskiAwards:N/A
Grade level: pk-k


Summary:
There is a fire and the citizens don't know what to do! They contemplate a few options such as turning on the alarm, but then the fire department comes to save them.


Evaluation: Students can discuss fire safety and the purpose and role of the fire department. You can emphasize other jobs and why it is important to be productive in society. The book is especially great for younger readers because of the short length and repetition. Teachers can use this book to show students examples of rhyming because it is used on every page. 

The illustrations may not be appropriate for classroom use, as they seem to present a condescending view of women. One picture included a group of firemen staring at an overly sexualized firewoman.

Swim Safe Little Seals by Jill MacGregor

Swim Safe Little Seal: A child's introduction to 
water safety

Author: Jill MacGregor
Illustrator: Bob DonovanGenre: Modern FantasyAwards:N/AGrade level: pk-1

Summary:
Swim Safe Little Seals uses a quirky seal from the seal swim school to explain the importance of water safety. They discuss things like when to wear a life jacket, what to do if you need help in the water, and entering the water safely. 

The pictures help emphasize the importance of water safety by including pool report cards throughout the book. This helps students see the safety rules in a list form as well as showing that all the seals are following the rules.

Evaluation: Students could discuss why it is important to be safe near the water and also how to be safe near the water. This book would be especially useful before a field trip somewhere where there would be water. Learners could look at the pictures and point out examples of the seals making unsafe decisions and also safe decisions.