Category Archives: Elementary

Elementary

Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’

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“……‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

3.1 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which  a student reads on grade could read the book independently]

Review and Comments:

Finding the perfect home is a challenging goal for Mr. and Mrs. Mallard.  They are looking for the ideal place to raise a family – a quiet neighborhood, close to the waterfront and places of interest, and a safe location. Their Boston area search continues until they settle on a cozy little island in the middle of a pond in the Public Garden.  Everything is going well until Mrs. Mallard determines the area is too dangerous so they extend their search. Of course being mallards they explore the area that encompasses the Charles River. Eventually they find a splendid location on a small quiet island on the river. They settle in and then spend some time touring the surrounding area. Along the way they meet a policeman named Michael who feeds them peanuts. Michael becomes their friend and a favorite stop on their daily stroll. Continue reading Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ →

Elementary

Opportunities of a Challenged Learner: A Review of ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”  – Norton Juster

Reading Level:

Grades 4-5 [according to common core]

Grade   5.4 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade level could read the book independently]

Interest Level:

Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster tells the story about a boy named Milo who has an extraordinary adventure that literally changes his life. When the reader meets Milo he is displeased with pretty much everything.  He seems stuck in his frustration and doesn’t “see the point in most things.” He isn’t satisfied with school or even the world!  One afternoon he is again grumbling to himself when he notices a package in the corner of his room. An attached note reads “For Milo, who has plenty of time.”  The package contains “one genuine turnpike tollbooth.”  Surprisingly, Milo follows the instructions and assembles the tollbooth, chooses a destination called Dictionopolis, and is off on his trek hoping “he isn’t wasting his time.” Milo’s journey through the tollbooth is so unexpected and curious that he actually begins to anticipate the unfolding experience.  It exposes him to the richness, beauty, and complexities of words mingled with the most exceptional characters he will ever meet. Continue reading Opportunities of a Challenged Learner: A Review of ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ →

Elementary

A Remarkable Phenomenon: A Review of ‘Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World’s Smartest Horse’

“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”  – St.  Francis of Assisi

Reading Level:  Grades 2-3  [according to common core]

Grade   3.3  [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Review and Comments:

Wonder Horse by Emily Arnold McCully is a book about a horse named Jim Key who was truly a phenomenon because of his remarkable abilities.  The story is also about the amazing and inspirational life of an exceptional man named Bill Key, the owner of the horse. Continue reading A Remarkable Phenomenon: A Review of ‘Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World’s Smartest Horse’ →

Elementary

A Time to Gather: A Review of ‘Blueberries for Sal’

“All look to You in hope and You feed them with the food of the season. And, with generous hand, You satisfy the desires of every living creature.” Psalm 145: 15-16

Reading Level: Grades K-1 (according to common core)

Grades 4.1 (according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Review and Comments:

It is that time of year when the promise of a new season is in the air and thoughts of gathering food for winter begin. The blueberries are ripe on Blueberry Hill so Sal and her mother decide it is the perfect time to gather a bountiful harvest.  Mother makes good progress and fills her pail quickly.  Sal however discovers berries are the best when they go directly into her mouth and completely skip her pail. Mother is preoccupied while gathering berries, so tired Sal finally settles herself in the midst of bushes bursting with blueberries. Continue reading A Time to Gather: A Review of ‘Blueberries for Sal’ →

Elementary, High School, Middle School

Sidekick Wanted: A Review of ‘El Deafo’

“There is a plan and a purpose, a value to every life, no matter what its location, age, gender, or disability.”—Sharron Angle

Suggested Grade Levels:

Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7

(As stated by Scholastic)

Review and Thoughts

El Deafo by Cece Bell is a cute novel written about the author’s own experience of dealing with becoming deaf at a young age.  This graphic novel chronicles her early life and explains how she became sick with meningitis as a child and lost her hearing.  Because the story takes place in the 1960s, some of the aids she receives are different than one might see today, but the situations with other people are all too familiar.  Friends, family, and teachers are unsure of how to treat Cece and she is unsure how to connect with them. Continue reading Sidekick Wanted: A Review of ‘El Deafo’ →

Elementary

Daring in Adversity: A Review of ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’

“When you’re pinned against a wall, and you have no options except to overcome, you discover how strong you really are.” -Unknown

Reading Level:

Grades 4-5  [level according to common core)

Grade   4.9  [level according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:

Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl is a story about the sly and cunning Mr. Fox.  He must provide for his family so every night he considers the cuisine that three different farms can provide.   Farmer Boggis raises chickens, Farmer Bunce raises ducks and geese, and Farmer Bean raises turkeys and grows apples. This bounty always provides a tempting menu of delicious dinners. The farmers however do not look at Mr. Fox as a clever fellow.  They consider him a thief plain and simple.  They are determined to stop him at all costs so they form a coalition with one goal – to catch Mr. Fox and stop his thievery. Continue reading Daring in Adversity: A Review of ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ →

Elementary

I Spy a Fun Read!:A Review of ‘Each Peach Pear Plum’

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back, relax, all you need is a book.” Dr.  Seuss

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

Grade   2.5 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:

Grades K-2

Review and Comments:

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a treasury of poetry, familiar fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters and corresponding illustrations that compliment every detail of the text.  It all begins with a little poem that invites the reader to play a game of “I Spy.”  Then the fun begins.  Young readers, even non readers, will love to listen carefully to the short rhyme on each page so they can identify familiar characters and then search for those characters in the illustrations.  The text is simple and repetitive and the very detailed and colorful pictures make the search lots of fun. This book is the perfect opportunity to introduce a few fairy tales and nursery rhymes to children or retell old favorites. Continue reading I Spy a Fun Read!:A Review of ‘Each Peach Pear Plum’ →

Elementary

A Steadfast Dream: A Review of ‘Uncle Jed’s Barbershop’

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  Dr.  Martin Luther King

Reading Level:

Grade 2-3 [level according to common core list]

Grade 4.5 [level according to Scholastic which reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:

Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

The story of Jedediah Johnson is told through the eyes of Sarah Jean, his great-niece.  Jedediah, her granddaddy’s brother and favorite uncle, is a very significant person in her life who teaches her important lessons. Continue reading A Steadfast Dream: A Review of ‘Uncle Jed’s Barbershop’ →

Elementary

Like the Tendrils on a Vine: A Review of ‘In the Garden with Dr. Carver’

“Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.” –George Washington Carver

Reading Level:

Grades 2-3

Review and Comments:

“Some people come in and out of your life, as quick as a hummingbird darting at a trumpet vine.  And some of them, when gone, leave something behind that sticks in your heart or mind.  It sticks to you like a little burr on your sock.  It wraps around like the tendrils of a vine.”

These are the thoughts expressed by a little girl named Sally after meeting Dr. George Washington Carver. She first sees Dr. Carver with an old wagon he calls his “movable school.”  She recognizes him from his reputation as the plant scientist from Tuskegee.  Dr. Carver has done much research with plants and now he is sharing that knowledge with others.  He teaches people how to improve their lives by making poor soil rich again and simple foods into other products. Continue reading Like the Tendrils on a Vine: A Review of ‘In the Garden with Dr. Carver’ →

Elementary

Taking Risks as Far as Possible: A Review of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” –Colossians 3:20

Reading Level:

Grades K-1

Review and Comments:

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter, is a classic tale that is ready for a new generation. Peter, that scamp of a bunny, does not heed his mother’s warning about Mr. McGregor’s garden or her instructions to stay close to home.  He immediately goes to the garden and enjoys quite a feast on all the wonderful vegetables bunnies love to eat.  Mr. McGregor spots Peter eating his produce and immediately a pursuit begins. Mr. McGregor runs all over the garden trying to catch him, but Peter is able to escape each close encounter.  Peter is completely lost because of the chase and frantically tries to find a way out of the garden.  Finally, after much searching, he locates the gate and is free once again.  He does not stop running until he reaches the safety of his home and family. By the time he gets home his ordeal has taken its toll.  Peter is put to bed and misses out on the delicious dinner that his sisters are able to enjoy. Continue reading Taking Risks as Far as Possible: A Review of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” →