Book Review: Drita, My Homegirl

Author: Jenny Lombard
Interest Level: Grades 3 and up

Description from the Book Website: Drita and her family come to New York as refugees from war-torn Kosovo. Even though she barely speaks English, Drita can’t wait to start school and make a new best friend. But her new classmates don’t make it easy, teasing her about virtually everything. The worst is Maxie, a tough African-American girl whose sassy attitude hides a painful secret.

 When Maxie takes things too far, their teacher assigns Maxie a paper on Drita and her journey to America from Kosovo. Suddenly, Maxie realizes she and Drita have more in common than she thought. And when Drita’s mother gets sick, there’s only one person who can help—Drita’s new homegirl.

A sensitively written story of two worlds coming together, Drita, My Homegirl touchingly explores the effects of war on a family and how friendship sometimes appears in the unlikeliest places.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I always have a lot of optimism as the school year begins that students will continue to blossom in their math, reading, and writing skills....but more importantly I have a hope in my heart they will also grow as a community. If you want to create, build, and bind positive student relationships then start with an inspiring story like Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard. It will inspire kids to be appreciative, compassionate, sensitive, and take care of one another. Starting in third grade I sometimes notice a negative shift in friendships. This sometimes stems from the differences they notice about each other. Instead of taking a genuine interest and being curious about diversity, sometimes kids can knock one another down with hurtful teasing and exclusion. Enter Drita and Maxie, two girls with not a lot of commonality...sounds like a lot of students in my school. Each chapter changes back and forth between their voices. This is key to developing empathy and understanding towards their personal stories. It reminded me of the quote, "Never judge a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Drita, My Homegirl embodies those words. It's also the adults who get Maxie to take a REAL look at who Drita is and what she's been going through. This allows Maxie to show her own vulnerabilities and it sparks her caring side to come forward. I'm excited to have this in our school library this year. But it can also be used as a wonderful read aloud that will surely increase empathy, friendship, and community building.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Reviews: Fear/Worry/Stress Mgmt Helpers

Wemberly Worried

Author: Kevin Henkes
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Constant worrying is a definite problem. There are children struggling with this which makes me  so thankful for Wemberly Worried and all of it's healing qualities. When I was reading Is a Worry Worrying You? to a group of second graders last year, a few kids raised their hands and said, "Yes, just like Wemberly!" This story has IMPACT. I had never even read Wemberly Worried to the class but the teacher had two copies of it in her book library for her students. I definitely own it now! So through Wemberly I've been helping kids understand it's okay to have a worry here and there. But when we are agonizing over everything small, medium, and big....Houston, we've got a problem! Call me crazy, but I believe kids have the ability to recognize when they have gone over the edge with too much worrying. How? Through the aid of a book like Wemberly Worried. Wemberly also has a coping mechanism and finds a friend struggling with worry too. Don't overlook this one, it's not just another cute Kevin Henkes story. It has healing power.

Absolutely Not

Author: Matthew McElligott 

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Gloria is brave, but Frieda is absolutely not. Gloria wants to go for a walk, but Frieda absolutely does not. Frieda sees danger in every shadow, and you might, too! But when Frieda cries wolf one too many times, Gloria stops listening to her. Yet...what's that in the bushes? Are the two friends in danger, or is it another figment of Frieda's imagination?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is new to my shelf. I was at my local bookstore and asked for suggestions on stories about anxiety. Don't you love it when the person helping you gets really excited and says, "Ohhhhhh, have you read Absolutely Not?" Um, NO, but lead me to it!!! After I read this story I said to myself, "This is pure genius." So the character Frieda says a big fat NO to everything. She is paralyzed with fear and worry. She worries about all the things that could happen. Her imagination runs wild! In the end, there is a little twist where they are actually put in danger. HOWEVER (big however here), isn't that sort of life? We can't protect ourselves from everything. But there is no need to go around stressing out about it. We have to deal with what comes our way. I want to teach the students these invaluable lessons. Can't wait to present this story to them!

PS. Go to the author's website for a lesson plan on optimism vs pessimism. Great to go with book!

Roly Poly Pangolin

Author: Anna Dewdney

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Roly Poly is a little guy, and the world is a big place. So many things frighten him, even teeny, tiny sounds! What's a little pangolin to do? Roll up tight into a ball and wait until it's safe. But when Roly Poly finally peeks out, there's another ball peeking back - and it looks just like him! Could two be more fun than one? The author of the beloved Llama Llama books introduces an endearing new character who is sure to enchant children and help them explore the world more happily.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I read MANY children's book blogs, one of my favorites is THE PLANETESME PLAN - The Best New Children's Books from Esme's Shelf. That's where I discovered this great book Roly Poly Pangolin. And yep, Roly Poly is one scared little dude! This is going to be perfect for kindergarten and 1st grade. I see a lot of separation anxiety in those grades. It's rough being pulled away from parents and put with a bunch of adults and kids we don't know. Some kids adjust no problemo and others have a tougher time. I am planning on exploring shyness, fear, and friendship with this delightful story. If only there was a Pangolin puppet!

When My Worries Get Too Big!

Author: Kari Dunn Buron

About This Book: The thought of "losing control" can cause major problems for children who live with anxiety. Now, parents, teachers and children have a helpful tool that gives young children an opportunity to explore their own feelings with parents or teachers as they react to events in their daily lives. Engaging and easy to read, this illustrated children's book is filled with opportunities for children to participate in developing their own self-calming strategies. Children who use the simple strategies in this charming book, illustrated by the author, will find themselves relaxed and ready to focus on work - or play!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I was planning on doing a separate blog post on this book but I want to talk about it now. I've been using this as a social story to teach kids how to cope with stress and put their anxiety in it's place. This is a tool I use in collaboration with parents and teachers. It makes no sense for me to teach this by myself if we're not all using it as a united front. I've used it in small groups and individually. There is a five point stress scale and it is awesome and helpful to children. Kids who are on the spectrum or have anxiety disorders could really benefit from reading this every day. I've seen a lot of success with this social story. Share it with the parents first and see if they would be on board to use it as a tool. Very grateful for this one. Helps me be a better school counselor.

Book Review: Interrupting Chicken

Author: David Ezra Stein
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: It's bedtime for the little red chicken, and Papa is going to read her a story. "You're not going to interrupt the story tonight, are you?" asks Papa. "Oh no, Papa. I'll be good," says the little red chicken. But she just can't help herself! Whether it's Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, or Chicken Little, as soon as the story gets going...out jumps the little red chicken - right into the story - saving the characters from danger and ending the story early. Will that chicken ever get to sleep?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, I'm going to politely interrupt my schedule of reviews because I cannot contain my excitement over this new find. I was cruising through the bookstore not even planning on going in the children's section, but of course I could not help myself. And boy am I glad I cruised over there! Interrupting Chicken is my new social skills go to for listening, waiting your turn to talk, and learning to raise your hand. It's really difficult to find GOOD books teaching kids to be socially alert of their impulsive need to interrupt. This one is going to be a BLAST to read to kids. There are always going to be students who blurt out their words or decide to have a conversation while you're talking. Most kids interrupt because they haven't had proper guidance on how to be social thinkers. Interrupting Chicken will help students be better listeners and figure out when it's the appropriate time to use their words. It is an obvious addition to my toolbox. Plus it's cute, adorable, and funny.


Here's a cute highlight Videoof Interrupting Chicken. 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Giveaway Results!

Okay, I've entered everyone's assigned numbers into the random.org generator and I have emailed the FIVE winners!







Thank you for following and participating! And BIG thanks to Candlewick Press for publishing such great books and sponsoring my first giveaway! I hope you enjoy the books. My next giveaway will be coming up soon. I've listed the books you have all recommended about differences below.

• Chrysanthemum Big Book by Kevin Henkes
• My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Christine King Farris
• Cappy the Lonely Camel by Donald Rubinetti
• Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
• Why Am I Different? by Norma Simon
• More alike than different by Carolyn Ross Tomlin
• Smoky Night by Eve Bunting
• Whoever You Are (Reading Rainbow Books) by Mem Fox
• The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf
• One For All, All For One by Brigitte Weninger
• A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
• Speak English for Us, Marisol! (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) by Karen English
• Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
• The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler
• Say Something by Peggy Moss
• Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
• Not Better... Not Worse... Just Different by Sharon Scott 
• Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss Classics) by Dr Seuss
• Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
• Panda and Polar Bear (Junior Library Guild Selection) by Matthew Baek
• It's Okay To Be Different by Todd Parr

Need Books About Differences? Then Enter to Win These Two Wonderful Books from Candlewick Press!!

So today is my first ever book giveaway sponsored by the lovely folks at Candlewick Press! I will be using lots of exclamation points in this post because I am so excited about giving FIVE of my faithful followers not just one book, BUT TWO!!! Yes, you will get both books which are delightful, kid adored, and awesome! And here they are.......

Delightful, Kid Adored, Awesome Book #1

                                                                       

Alex and Lulu: Two of a Kind
Author: Lorena Siminovich

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Alex and Lulu are best buds. Alex begins to notice the many personality differences in their likes and dislikes. Not to mention that Alex is a dog and Lulu is a cat, does it get any different than that!? He starts worrying maybe they are too different to continue a friendship. Will he lose his dear friend because they both don't like the same things like soccer, running, or jumping. When Alex asks Lulu, "Are we opposites?" she responds like a TRUE friend would. She points out they have more things in common then they do different. Lulu says, "But different is OK. It doesn't matter how different we are." This is an important one to share with kids. I depend on stories like Alex and Lulu Two of a Kind to teach children to reach out to one another, no matter our likes or dislikes. Just having one common thread might spark a beautiful friendship. Love it.              

Delightful, Kid Adored, Awesome Book #2 

                                                                                                        

Bee-Wigged
Author: Cece Bell

Why It's On My Bookshelf: All Jerry Bee wants is a friend. But everyone is terrified of him because he is an enormous bee. They are afraid his sting would really hurt! Jerry tries to change people's perception of him by changing the way he looks. One day he discovers a wig on the sidewalk and he puts it on hoping it will work as a disguise. And it works! No one is afraid of him anymore. By the end of the day he makes friends with everyone at school and the kids adore him. They like his helpfulness, humor, artistic abilities, and his generous spirit. He's a good friend! The wig changes Jerry's life. But one day the wind blows Jerry's wig off. Everyone immediately runs away until.....the wig starts talking. Turns out the wig is a squirrel who saves the day by reminding everyone of Jerry's many positive qualities. Don't we all sometimes need a perception check? This book cracked me up the first time I read it. I also like how the "wig" stands up for Jerry Bee. Good life lesson to take a stand when someone is being perceived in the wrong light. The squirrel/wig surprise will get giggles while delivering an important message.                   

          

So how do you enter?

Entry:

Go to the comments section below. Leave a comment on this post. Just tell me your favorite book you like to read to kids about differences. That's it!

Make sure you leave an email address if your profile doesn’t have one or I won’t be able to notify you if you won. All entries will be assigned a number and the winner will be chosen by random.org. Giveaway closes at midnight PDT on Thursday, August 19th, 2010. This is open to US residents. Winners will be announced Friday, August 20th, 2010. Your books will be shipped to you care of Candlewick Press.

A Personal Note About Candlewick Press:

I have many of their titles. I've got an upcoming review on a book called How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham. It's a beautiful story about helping and caring.  Download their catalog at their website for more good ones!

Book Reviews: Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven

Author: Cynthia Rylant
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

Description:
A warm, whimsical picture book about the wonderful place where all good dogs go for an endless supply of ham biscuits, good meals and lots of petting.

Description:
Via simple verse and bold and folk-art illustrations, Cat Heaven is a place where cats have an eternal supply of catnip, tuna, and warm laps.






Why They Are On My Bookshelf: (Heads up - there is some God talk in this review) Well, get your tissues out. You're going to need them after reading these. They are beautiful. When I was younger and we lost our Irish Setter I was quite concerned (like the good Catholic I was) about whether or not dogs made it to heaven or not. I wanted to know our family member was OKAY and HAPPY. Yes, I was one of those kids who just wouldn't let it drop. I worried a lot about our pup and asked my mom all kinds of questions about death and animals. My mom told me a story about how dogs, cats, and all animals had a place in heaven and were taken care of. I cannot tell you how comforting this was to hear. It helped me to move on and have peace about it. So when I found Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven it was like listening to that healing story all over again. So if you are a spiritual family, these are books you should consider reading to your child if a pet passes. If you are not spiritual, I still think you should read them. They are not preachy and I also noticed God is different hues throughout the pages. I've used this line in other reviews and have to say it again....this is bibliotherapy at it's best.


A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Panda Kindergarten

Author: Joanne Ryder
Photos by Dr Katherine Feng
Interest Level: Kindergarten or younger

From the Book Jacket: School is in session! But this is no ordinary kindergarten class. Meet sixteen young giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. The cubs are raised together form infancy in a protected setting, where they grow strong. Under the watchful eyes of the scientists and workers, the cubs learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild. Follow a day in the life of the cubs with Joanne Ryder's spare and simple text and full-color photographs.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: O.M.G. Adorable. I was waltzing through my local library last spring returning my books, like the good citizen that I am, when I spotted a potential gem titled.....Panda Kindergarten!!!! Don't you just love when a possible AMAZING read is just staring you down off the shelf! First, kids love pandas(or any animal for that matter). And second, I totally heart kindies! I only wish I had found it in the fall to share at the beginning of the year. Panda Kindergarten was definitely a hit. The kids thought it was so cute that a bunch of pandas were also having a kindergarten experience. Lots of ooohs, awes, and giggles were going on as we read about the panda cubs going about their daily school routine. If you are looking for a fun beginning of the year theme or a way to ease kindergarten anxiety....check this one out!


I had to include this picture of one of the panda cub's playing on the playground because it busted me up laughing and the kids loved it!

Recess at Panda Kindergarten!

Book Review: The Land of Many Colors

Written by the Klamath County YMCA Family Preschool
Illustrated by Rita Pocock
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: A simple message of peace and respect for differences is the theme of this book written by children for children. When the purple people, the blue people, and the green people begin fighting and hurting each other, they are reminded that although they have different feelings and like different things, they can still be friends.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are some books I enjoy reading....and then there are ones I REALLY enjoy reading like The Land of Many Colors. "Can't we all just get along?" Remember that famous quote? Well, sometimes I feel that way in an elementary school setting! We've got a lot of peace and harmony flowing through our school, but once in awhile a group of students will sort of become exclusive. That's when I'm reminded of how important books are and as cheesy as this sounds....they can save the world gosh darn it! I am so grateful for this simple, yet powerful, story. I have been able to do A LOT with this book. It promotes diversity, differences, friendship, and team work. Favorite part of the story is when the different colors are confronted by a little child all covered in dust and shouts, "STOP!" I ask the students why he/she is covered in dust. Oh my goodness, I love the responses. This is a heart and mind opener. GET IT.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: The Hundred Dresses

Author: Eleanor Estes
Illustrated by Louis Slovodkin
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

From The Book Jacket: Wanda wears the same faded blue dress to school every day - yet she says she has one hundred beautiful dresses at home, "all lined up." The other girls don't believe it, and when Peggy starts a daily game of teasing Wanda about the hundred dresses, everyone joins in. Maddie, Peggy's best friend goes along with the game, but she secretly wonders whether she can find the courage to speak up in Wanda's defense.

It's not until Wanda fails to come to school one day that her classmates learn the truth about the hundred dresses - and Maddie and Peggy learn the meaning of kindness and generosity of spirit.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a solid resource I use with my bullying curriculum for grades 3-5. Some children are relentlessly picked on. I am usually part of the healing process when it comes time for apologies and making amends in these situations. But what if you don't get the chance to say you're sorry? The Hundred Dresses is a stand out read in my opinion because of the remorse factor in one of the characters. She feels awful about her behavior. I live for the discussion this draws out of students. There's a bit of a mean girls theme going on in the story. It is so sad to see a group mess with someone's feelings. Often times, those participating don't want to be part of the teasing and deep down wish they could put a stop to it. The Hundred Dresses speaks directly to those students. There is an energy in the room when we finish reading. It's a story that increases kindness, empathy, and making amends with those we have injured. I also see groups forming in 4-5 grades so this helps me break down those "clique" barriers. PS. This is a true story!


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Teachin' School Rules

So as we head back into the school year I'm reflecting on books I've discovered that have helped teach school rules. Teaching behavior management in the classroom and at recess is year round. The skill building in these areas never stops. So here are two simple fun books I read to spice up behavior management. Read on to find out why they have made it to my bookshelf.....

Please Play Safe!
Penguin's Guide to Playground Safety
Author: Margery Cuyler
Interest Level: Pre-school - 1st Grade
The book starts out with penguin and his buddies heading out to the playground for some playtime. But they stampede each other trying to get there. I was sold right there! Man, how many times have I seen kids pushing and shoving trying to get out the door as fast as possible to get to the equipment rack! A book helping reinforce playground rules?? Yippee Skippee! So I've learned how to use this book WISELY. Reading it straight through is a No No. I've broken it up into small lessons and do lots of role playing. It's fantastic for modeling correct behavior vs incorrect behavior. Penguin also wears a whistle around his neck. Bingo!!! There's your prop! So I have a bunch of plastic whistles and I let a few trusty kids use them. And of course, I have a penguin puppet. Big shocker....I love puppets! Someone commented on Amazon this is a boring book. I'm telling you.....it's how you read it and make it even better with props, puppets, and role playing. I wouldn't use a story that would cause more behavior problems as I'm trying to read it.

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
Authors: Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Interest Level: Pre-school - 1st Grade
Yes! Another fun one encouraging good social skills. Dinosaurs teaching behavior management!!?? Right on! Have your dinosaur puppets on stand-by for this one. It asks negative questions about behavior like, "Does a dinosaur YELL?" The next page won't give the answer or demonstrate the correct behavior. So I break this one up by taking the time to model each correct behavior after each question. Sometimes this can be a two part lesson. Sitting at the carpet learning school rules for 30 minutes can be BORING so make it fun and light.


A Link To These Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: