Book Review ( Pt1): One of Us

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrator: Penny Weber
Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Roberta James is new to Baker School. "I think you are going to love it here," the principal says. Roberta agrees as she notices the brightly painted walls, a library full of books, and a fabulous looking playground. But the school starts to feel anything but welcoming as she encounters the many different cliques of Baker School, each with it's own set of rules. There are the pony tail girls, the Monkey Bar Gang, the flowered-lunchbox kids, and the cowboy boot wearing "we only eat pita roll-ups" group. Roberta is shuffled from group to group realizing fitting in isn't as easy as the principal promised. Sitting alone in the cafeteria she meets a group that is a mixture of many things. The kids like different sports, foods, and hobbies. They let Roberta know "You're one of Us" just by being yourself. The illustrations are bold and colorful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been watching the new MTV reality series If You Really Knew Me. It's a series focusing on different cliques in different high schools and how they hurt and affect the students. As an elementary school counselor, this is a harsh reality I deal with even in the younger grades. Watching the series reminds me of the importance of reading books that encourage kids to accept one another and not hurt others based on what we wear, look like, or who we hang with. One of Us is a new story by author Peggy Moss and it's a beautiful example of how diversity should bring us together and not pull us apart. From my own professional experience I observe many students identifying themselves with a particular group. And sadly, sometimes these groups can become mean cliques and not very inclusive - they become hurtful and reject others. I see it across all of the grades (K-5) I work with. One of Us is a smart example of how to teach kids to be accepting of everyone and to cross boundaries. I already know this story is going to be a hit. Kids have huge hearts and want to be guided and encouraged to do the right thing. The possibilities of how to use this book with students are endless. It is going to be a solid resource in my school counseling curriculum for friendship, acceptance, diversity, bullying, and most importantly "Be Yourself." I cannot wait to start reading it this fall and I will be posting a part 2 review sharing the reaction and impact it had on students. As a school community, One of Us is going to be a helpful story to help students feel like one big group.


The publisher offers suggested activites to use with One of Us. Good Stuff!

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

Book Review: Fox Makes Friends

Author: Adam Relf
Interest Level: Ages 3-7

About This Book: Fox is bored! But he has an idea, he wants to "catch" a friend using a trusty net. Sweet Mama Fox says he can't "catch" a friend but he can "make" friends. So Fox thinks he knows just what to do. He heads to the forest and gathers up some sticks, an apple, and some nuts to "make" a brand new friend. "Are you my friend?" Fox asks. "Can you come and play?" But it doesn't answer. A stumped Fox tries to make even a bigger friend with more supplies. But still, no answer. Soon Rabbit and Squirrel join Fox creating the biggest friend out of a pumpkin, turnip, and more...."Are you our friend?" They ask. "Please can you come and play?" Thinking they'll never be able to make a friend they give up.....defeated. Little do they know they've already made friends in each other. This story of friendship will be adored by all.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Oh. My Gosh. Adorable. Here's the deal on this one....GET IT. The past couple of years I've been on a mission to make my social skills lessons about friendship for K-1 students BETTER. And what helps me in this department are my trusted books. I would like to introduce you to my new BFF.....Fox! Guess what? He doesn't have a clue how to make a friend. He tries making friends out of sticks, stones, and fruit! Ha ha ha ha.....oh yes, lots of laughter from the students during this part. Oh but wait, and as they are laughing they start saying, "That's not how you make a friend!" Voila! So begins my lesson on - "How to make a friend." Fox Makes Friends doesn't fill in those blanks (that's my job) but it opens up the door (in a fun way) on just how to go about it. It's not a long book - it's just right for step one of friendship making. Oh, and it's a BIG book in size with well done illustrations. I'll stop the gushing now.


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Book Review: The Grouchy Ladybug

Author: Eric Carle
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

 From the Book Jacket: Boldly designed pictures and a humorous text tell the story of a tiny anti-hero like no other. The Grouchy Ladybug didn't say "please" or "thank you"; it wouldn't share; it thought it was bigger and more important than anyone else; and it was always ready to pick a fight. This fast moving story with clever die-cut pages invites children to explore the concepts of time, size, shape, and manners. They will laugh and learn from this bad-tempered braggart who met its match and became a nice and better behaved bug.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A punch, a kick, a pull, a shove, a pinch.....oh yep, those things happen between kiddos at my school from time to time. There's lots of developmental (and environmental) reasons this goes down. I won't bore you with them. My job is to help kids with social growth and surprise surprise....they can get mad and angry during the school day! I've been reading this story for quite a few years. It's very loved among kids because of it's cool setup with varying page sizes and illustrations. But The Grouchy Ladybug has also been a powerful tool for teaching anger management to my K-2 students. Cuz just about every page she is trying to scrap with someone - "Hey you! Wanna fight!!?" Perfect for teaching replacement behaviors. I love hearing the students try and figure out what's under her anger. They try and relate to her! Another thing that gets this story rockin' is my ladybug puppets (I'm borderline obsessed with puppets...it could be another blog in itself). I have two ladybug puppets the kids use to practice how to handle your anger and solve problems. You can do a lot with this story in the area of social skills.


PS. I didn't mention this in my review, but it's also a great CONCRETE book to teach expected behavior and school rules about fighting. We don't fight. Period. There's always another way.

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

Book Review: Crow Boy

Author: Taro Yashima

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book: Chibi has been an outcast since that frightening first day of school when he hid under the schoolhouse. Afraid of the teacher and unable to make any friends, Chibi passes his free time alone - alone at study time, alone at playtime, always a "forlorn little tag-along." But when Mr. Isobe arrives, the teacher sees things in Chibi that no one else has ever noticed. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Holy cow I love this book! And it completely speaks to kids...about a whole lotta issues. I'll start off with bullying. Chibi is picked on and made fun of because the kids think he is different. He's tiny, fearful, shy, poor, a loner, and lives in the country. It's a teachable moment about negative reactions to what we perceive as different. These are my favorite conversations to have with students because they are such passionate advocates for social justice. There are certain books in my library that get them "worked up" about this issue and Crow Boy is one of them. Any student who raises their hand during this part of discussion - gets called on. It's important that they get to SPEAK about how Chibi is slighted for no good reason. I've also got a good crop of shy students in my school. I know they are tuning in while I'm reading. It's an opportunity to talk about being sensitive and accepting of others. There is a real myth about shy kids. Leadership comes in all forms....sometimes quiet. The issue of friendship is huge in Crow Boy. And it's huge because I talk about it A LOT. Chibi's peers are so caught up in bully behavior that they didn't see his beauty. His inner beauty....he's actually talented and gifted (some might call that individuality) in many different areas. How can the door of friendship be opened when we are so quick to form opinions of one another? And not nice opinions. There is a good ending and the kids in the story experience remorse.  
 

Book Review: Teaching Kids With Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom - How to Recognize, Understand, and Help Challenged (and Challenging) Students Succeed

Author: Myles L. Cooley, Ph.D.

About This Book: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD).  Dysthymia. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Asperger's Syndrome. Do you know what they are? Would you recognize them if you saw them? Would you know how to respond?

Mainstreaming was implemented with good intentions, but it left many teachers with the daunting task of helping students with mental health and learning disorders and related behavioral problems. Formerly taught in special education classes, these students are now in your classroom. If you don't always feel prepared or you sometimes feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. 

This accessible, ready-to-use guide describes mental health and learning disorders often observed in school children, explains how each might be exhibited in the classroom, and offers suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm starting to think maybe the greatest threat to education in the United States is teacher burnout. I don't think it's the children causing "teacher exodus."  Yes, it's true more and more classrooms each year are full of needy and challenging students. There are a lot of factors that go into burnout but blaming the children is not one of them. From my own personal experience as a school counselor, there seems to be a lack of strong preparation, training, and resources for educators in the area of mental health and learning disorders. Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom is definitely part of the remedy to this problem.  When I discovered this resource, I immediately started putting it to good use.

Have you ever been in a student meeting where it feels like the "team" is not really on the same page? The intention to help the student is there, but the meeting gets off course or doesn't take a course. It can sometimes feel like there is a hush hushness about the disorder, confusion about the diagnosis, the "experts" are using different jargon that you don't understand, or there is too much time being spent on formalities like paperwork. It can feel very compartmentalized. I would highly recommend educators use this resource to relieve these problems so you can get to work on helping the student! It's an empowering tool that I absolutely love.

Each mental health and learning disorder is described concretely (about 3 paragraphs), provides behavior and symptoms to look for, and suggests easy classroom strategies and interventions to try. Educators work in busy and demanding jobs so tools that don't waste time are a must.  When the words "Receptive and Expressive Language Disorder" get thrown around - people can get lost.  It's great for giving a refresher about a disorder or disability. You don't need an intimidating 700 page psychiatric manual. But a practical resource like this guide can be a life saver. How many times have you been required to implement a plan for a student? It can be a frustrating process if you are under prepared. Use Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom as part of your foundation for building the plan. A comment from a teacher after we read through the information on Tic Disorders, "That was great insight for the team." This is a solid resource and I've notice it helps my team feel more optimistic and supported.

If you have a professional learning library in your school, encourage your administrator to purchase a copy for your staff. It's definitely nice to have my own copy but it's not something to covet, make sure to share it with your colleagues when you see a need arise.

A final thought, this guide needs to be part of educator curriculums in graduate schools. I just can't stress this enough. If we want to set kids up for success, well lets set the teachers up first!


Find this title at Free Spirit Publishing. (this is one of my fave websites for educators)

Book Review: My Mouth is A Volcano Activity and Idea Book

Author: Julia Cook
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: The perfect companion to My Mouth Is A Volcano!, this supplementary teacher's guide will further help you teach your students how to manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. Through discussion questions and exercises to share with students, you'll be able to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: All of the students in my school know and ADORE My Mouth Is A Volcano!. It's seriously the bees knees. If you are an educator and tired of saying, "1 2 3....eyes on me!!" then you need to get a copy of this book. I've owned this title for a few years and been reading it to K-3 grades habitually. Self-awareness light bulbs go off as students learn how Louis gets his bad habit of interrupting everyone in his path under control. When I'm reading a book about school skills and notice how much it positively builds the kids up and they actually change their behavior (yes it can be done), I know I've got a winner on my hands.

Although I've been reading this book for a few years, I didn't exactly have the greatest activities put together to continue the lesson after we finished reading. We usually did some fun and engaging role plays about raising our hands but I needed more critical thinking activities. Enter My Mouth is A Volcano Activity and Idea Book! It has been an awesome resource in small and large group settings. It's all about visuals, art, and writing extension activities. Some of my favorites from the activity book: Button Up: A cool activity to teach kids to "Speak With Good Purpose;" Puzzle Erupt: It puts the students in a frustrating situation where they are interrupted; and I also love the writing extensions (those also helped me with my discussion when I was reading the book). Each lesson I've used has been a hit. If you are an elementary school counselor running small groups on school skills - make sure you have this as part of your curriculum. Not sure about you - but I've recycled all of my curriculums from the 70's and 80s and am updating them with current resources like this one.


Check out author Julia Cook's website for more of her amazing books.

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

Book Review: Good-Bye Sheepie

Author: Robert Burleigh

Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

Interest Level: Ages 5-9

About This Book: Owen and his dog, Sheepie, are best friends. They like to play, take long walks, and chase each other in the yard. But Sheepie is getting old. He can't fetch a stick as quickly as he used to, and sometimes Owen has to help him climb the stairs. Then one day Sheepie doesn't wake up. Owen has to part with his old pal, but his father helps him understand that Sheepie will always be part of their happy memories. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is an important read for any child who has had to say goodbye to a pet. It is very beautifully written. Throughout the school year many of our students lose family pets and it is very upsetting for them. They are grieving. I have quite a few books on the loss of a pet for this very reason. One of the things I notice in children is the confusion they feel. Explaining the grieving cycle to students is SO important. Books on pet loss can be helpful to kids experiencing grief. I look for stories that have characters students can relate to. Good-bye Sheepie is just that story. It's extremely healing. I allow children to read this book alone or with me. The illustrations are also so warm and speak so beautifully of Owen's love for Sheepie. Kids want to talk about their grief and they need adults to help them with their closure while remembering to cherish the memories.

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

Book Review: Howard B Wigglebottom Learns About Mud and Rainbows

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrated by Susan F 
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: The author of the "Howard B. Wigglebottom" series shows the caring side of Howard the bunny. Howard likes to make things better for those around them. When he sees a need, he meets it. He helps a classmate get to school, helps the class pets get exercise, and does some much needed cleaning for his Momma. He is a shining example of kindness and helpfulness. But one day he comes upon a need he can't fix. His best friend Ali's parents have been fighting a lot and she thinks it's all her fault. For the first time, Howard sees he might not be able to fix Ali's problem. All he can think to do to solve the problem is listen to his friend's feelings. He turns to Momma bunny for her expert advice - "When we find something we can't fix, we can change the way we think and feel about it."  She also points out that listening is the biggest gift he can give his friend. Later, as Howard explains to Ali it's not her fault that her parents are having problems he accidentally takes a dive in the mud. "Howard learned that sometimes life gives you RAINBOWS and sometimes you get MUD!" Life is all about ups and downs, it's how we deal with it that matters most. Ali learns this through her great friend - Howard B. Wigglebottom. The illustrations don't disappoint and border on adorable.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a very nurturing read for students. I just love it. What a FANTASTIC book to bring out the loving caring sides of kids. I am constantly noticing the GOOD I see in students. They are always wanting to help those around them. This story encourages healthy friendship. Part of being a "healthy" friend is recognizing when a problem is maybe too big to solve and may require adult help or advice. And maybe sometimes, being a good friend is being a good listener. Love that! We can't fix everything but we can sure just be there for each other. The other reason I love this story is it helps kids whose parents are going through a divorce or are fighting. It is so important they hear it's not their fault. We assume they already know this - they don't. One thing I would love with this story is a Howard B. Wigglebottom puppet. The students would love it. There isn't one yet but I hope one gets created.

Check out the author's website. All kinds of cool features for kids, educators, and parents.

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

Book Review: 101 Things and Places.......

101 Things You Gotta Do Before You're 12!
Author: Joanne O'Sullivan
Interest Level: Anyone under 12

About This Book: This is an idea-packed book for the under-12 set that’s a sure cure for boredom. From exciting outings to creative activities at home, it’s crammed with stuff that’s amazing, amusing, and inspiring. Plus, this list lets kids take the lead—they can use it as a springboard for their own discoveries. So what tempting things are on the game plan? Well, how about visiting a crazy festival, like the UFO Encounter in Roswell, New Mexico? Or competing in a wacky contest—perhaps the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition? Closer to their own backyard, enterprising youngsters can build a tree house, learn to cook a special dish, or trace their family roots. Whatever they choose, this is a fun and challenging to-do list—and, as a bonus, kids get stickers to mark what they’d like to do and what they’ve done.

101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!
Author: Joanne Sullivan
Interest Level: Anyone under 12

About This Book: To children, the world can seem huge, filled with exciting places to visit and new things to experience. But how can they start uncovering the many treasures that await them? This fun and informative guidebook—the first in a new series—invites kids to embark on an exhilarating scavenger hunt that opens their eyes to things they’ve never imagined before. And there’s no need to go far or plan a big, expensive vacation to see this great stuff. In fact, some of the places may be quite close to home. They can take a peek at what actually goes on at their parents’ office, experience another culture’s cuisine at an ethnic restaurant, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature at a wildlife preserve, or get the inside scoop on what really happens backstage at the theater…or even in the teacher’s lounge! And the ideas are just general enough to provide a gentle push in the right direction, while allowing young dreamers to use their imagination and fill in the specifics. In addition to tons of fun facts, lists of little-known sites, and more than 250 color photos, there’s a bonus fold-out map of North America and stickers, so youngsters can mark where they’ve been.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every kiddo under the age of 12 needs these books. They are super duper cool. Recently, I was at a friend's house and her 8 year old daughter was immersed in a book for most of the evening. I asked her what she was reading - 101 Things To Do Before You're 12! It was so sweet to hear her talk about the things she wanted to do that were inspired by the ideas in the book. And guess what - these are POSITIVE FAMILY VALUE ideas (oh, and they are fun and creative). How can you not love that?!? The point is it gets kids thinking and brainstorming about POSITIVE (I'll say it again) things to do in their lives. Bye bye video games, TV, and computer. Children need healthy outlets that provide motivation and inspiration. These are fabulous gifts and parents will thank you and kids will LOVE them. My nieces and nephews will all get copies for sure. Boredom be gone!

Book Review: The Skin You Live In

Author: Michael Tyler
Illustrated by David Lee Csicsko
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: With the ease and simplicity of a nursery rhyme, this lively story delivers an important message of social acceptance to young readers. Themes associated with child development and social harmony, such as friendship, acceptance, self-esteem, and diversity are promoted in simple and straightforward prose. Vivid illustrations of children's activities for all cultures, such as swimming in the ocean, hugging, catching butterflies, and eating birthday cake are also provided. This delightful picturebook offers a wonderful venue through which parents and teachers can discuss important social concepts with their children.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "As early as age 2, according to research, children begin to take note of differences in other people. The preschool years mark your child’s first introduction to the characteristics that have long grouped and divided humans: race, ethnicity, gender and physical ability. From the curl in her hair, to the color of her eyes and skin, to the games she prefers during playtime, your child is discovering the similarities and differences she shares with others in her world." from Teaching Tolerance. Okay, so after reading that eye opener hopefully you are thinking - YES YES YES, I need to be reading more diversity books to my kids or students! The Skin You Live In is a favorite of mine because of how skin color is described throughout the pages, "Your pumpkin pie slice skin, your caramel corn nice skin....Your butterscotch gold skin....Your chocolate chip, double dip sundae supreme skin!" What a beautiful way to celebrate and honor our MANY different skin colors. It was delightful to hear students' creativeness come out as they used foods to describe their own skin colors. When I asked them what my skin color was before I read the book - I heard, "You are white!" Afterwards, they came up and looked closer at my hands, arm, and face and exclaimed I was a peach. I appreciate picture books encouraging students to accept one another and look beyond superficial skin labels. You'll want to have an activity to go with this read. Makes it even more enjoyable.


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

Book Review: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon

Author: Patty Lovell
Illustrated by David Catrow
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Author Patty Lovell has created the perfect "imperfect" character in little girl Molly Lou Melon. She's shorter than short, with buck teeth, a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and quite the clutz. But none of that gets her down because grandma keeps telling her, "Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too." And little miss Molly Lou Melon lives by those words and happily sees her "flaws" as gifts. But things change when she starts a new school. She becomes the bully target of Ronald Durkin who tries to put her down every chance he gets. But grandma's words of self-esteem live strong in Molly Lou Melon. Ronald eventually finds out, this little tiny gal does not waver. Maybe he is the one with the "flaws"? Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon is a shining example of "Be Yourself." The illustrations are comedic, colorful, and very entertaining.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A+  Yep, you heard me. This book gets an A+ from the students and me. Molly Lou Melon is a "hot mess." I say that with such love and adoration. There are certain books I depend upon to help me teach the concept of self-esteem. This one is a winner. I see kids being bullied, put-down, and made fun of (I know, sad) at school. Most of them are not "built" to take this kind of cruelty. Are any of us really? We teach kids how to say "NO" to bullying, but are we teaching them how to keep their confidence and self-esteem intact? There is a silent emotional aftermath bullying can cause. Kids can walk away emotionally scarred. My biggest fear is when children start to believe the put-downs being said. Molly Lou Melon teaches kids to not let it bring you down but to "Stand Tall." This is a fabulous read and Molly's letter to grandma on the last page is the perfect ending. If you are looking for a great story to teach self-esteem and confidence, look no further. It is difficult to teach those concepts at an early age - this will surely help you!


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

Book Review: Thank You, Mr Falker

Author: Patricia Polacco
Interest Level: K-4

About This Book: Once more Polacco shares a personal story with engaging results. This moving saga of her struggle with a learning disability makes an inspiring picture book. Young Tricia wants desperately to read but when she starts school she finds that the words "wiggle" on the page. Teased by her classmates, she retreats into dreams and drawings. It's not until the family moves to California and Tricia has managed to reach the fifth grade that a new teacher finally recognizes her pain and distress. What's more, he does something about it. Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures. Yet, like the tears young Tricia cries at the end of the book, these are ultimately tears of joy. Thank you, indeed, Mr. Felker (the real name of the teacher involved) for making it all possible. Readers will be grateful for the chance to recognize, appreciate, and share in Polacco's talent and creativity. -School Library Journal

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Usually, in this part of the review I reflect upon how the book has positively impacted students. I'd like to share something more personal about this story....

When I became an elementary school counselor, I was sort of lost in the world of bibliotherapy. I picked a lot of over the top generic books about feelings and bullying that were total flops with students. Maybe bibliotherapy was a myth because the books (I was choosing) were total snores. It got to the point where I was actually dreading reading to classes. And they weren't exactly cheering when I came into the room holding a book.

Thank You, Mr. Falker changed all of that for me and the kids. I truly consider it the first REAL bibliotherapy story I read to students. I watched how the story touched the students as we journeyed through the pages. First of all, they were quietly engaged from start to finish. Second, hands kept shooting up in the air to comment on certain elements of the story. Oh, and they clapped at the end! (it's a beautiful personal story by author Patricia Polacco) I'd been so used to the lack of interest when reading that I was blown away by the sheer excitement and rapid discussion that followed. Tricia's struggle with a learning disability, moving to a new school, being bullied and picked on was ACTUALLY impacting the class. There was a new energy in the room I'd never felt before. It was the story!! I could see it in students' faces. Hearts were opening...kids were relating to the main character Tricia. It was my first bibliotherapy experience and I began to recognize the healing power of books. I vowed right then and there - no more boring uninspiring stories!

So here is some advice I learned the hard way: When choosing new literature have an intent. What do kids' need? Counselors are usually the "eyes and the ears" of the school. Make it a point to know what challenges children are facing and mold your picks around those issues. Always check in with teachers and ask what they are seeing and hearing in the classroom, cafeteria, and playground. I've changed many of my lessons at the last minute after taking the temperature of a class. I might think we need to work on honesty but maybe friendship is the real issue. Teachers are always in the know. If it's not impactful and helpful to children then put it back on the shelf. And sometimes that's hard because there are a lot of good books out there I think kids want to hear - but they don't!  And trust me, you'll know when it's a sleeper. Finally, are you passionate about what you're reading? I really get into the voice of the characters and the emotion of the story as I read. At the end of Thank You, Mr. Falker, I had to catch myself a little because I was a little teary on the last page (read it - you'll see why). I'm not saying become a dramatic actor but when I believe in a story - it shines through. 

Now when I walk into classrooms, students are desperately trying to see what book I'm holding and are eager to open their hearts and minds. So thank you, Mr. Falker for not just helping Tricia, but helping me discover the beauty of bibliotherapy and the difference it can make in a boy or girl's life.