Tag Archives: fiction

Elementary

A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” ― St. Catherine of Siena

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

Grade   3.1 [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:

I looked forward to reading this historical fiction, my favorite genre, and wasn’t disappointed as the story and illustrations drew me in from the first page.  This very touching account is based on a real life story of a little girl and her mother soon after WWII when life continued to be very difficult.  Supplies and food were limited and no one had any money. The fact that Anna needed a new winter coat presented quite a dilemma for her mother. Continue reading A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’ →

For the Adults, High School

Reclaiming the Beauty of Fantasy: A Review of ‘The Land’s Whisper’

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“Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist.  Children already know that dragons exist.  Fairy tales tell children the dragon can be killed.” —G. K. Chesterton

Suggested Grade Level:

Grades 9-12+

Review and Thoughts:

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of fantasy.  With the exception of the more classic fantasies like the “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “The Lord of the Rings”, and “The Harry Potter Series”, I generally steer clear of the imaginary worlds invented in others’ heads.  I have also found that more modern fantasies reduce themselves to including a lot of sex and violence to make the story more captivating.  (“Game of Thrones” anyone?)  I am happy to say, that when I read “The Land’s Whisper” I was pleasantly surprised. Continue reading Reclaiming the Beauty of Fantasy: A Review of ‘The Land’s Whisper’ →

Elementary

The Land Has Yielded Its Produce: A Review of ‘An Orange in January’

 “The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.”–Psalm 67:7

Reading Level:  Grades K – 1 [according to common core]

Grade   3.6   [according to Scholastic – reflects the                   grade  level at which a student reading  on grade                         could read the book independently]

Interest Level:  Grade K – 3

Review and Comments:

This is the story of the life cycle of an orange beginning with a blossom and ending with friends sharing the sweet fruit.  As all organisms go through stages of development this story shows how bees, rich soil, sunshine, and rain help the fruit mature into edible deliciousness.  Then the reader follows the processing of the fruit.  It is carefully picked, transported through different locations, and finally arrives at the grocery store. Continue reading The Land Has Yielded Its Produce: A Review of ‘An Orange in January’ →

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, 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

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” →

Middle School

Strength in the Face of Danger: A Review of ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”– St. Francis of Assisi

Reading Level: Grades 5-6

Interest Level:  Grades 5-8

Review and Comments:

As Brian buckles his seat belt and settles in the small plane to begin a trip to visit his father for the summer, he never dreams his life is about to change forever. He is distracted by angry, raging thoughts about his parents’ divorce.  In the tangle of all of those emotions is a secret about his mom and that “Secret” is like an anchor weighing him down not only in his heart but in his thoughts. Those thoughts again assault his mind as he begins his flight. After a lengthy period of silence, he and the pilot finally begin to talk a bit. Brain is surprised when the pilot shows him how to use the rudder, and he actually flies the plane on his own.  After that things go horribly wrong.  The pilot has a heart attack and dies leaving Brian alone flying over the vast Canadian woods. Continue reading Strength in the Face of Danger: A Review of ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen →

Elementary

One Size Does Not Fit All: A Review of ‘You Are (Not) Small’

“The biggest challenge in life is being you – In a world trying to make you like everyone else.”–Unknown

Reading Level:

Easy Reader, Ages 4-8

Review and Comments

You Are (Not) Small  by Anna Kang is a story with few words but a meaningful message.  The characters in the book have a debate about their size.  One character is obviously big and the other one is obviously small.  Each character points out those physical traits, sometimes with passion. “You are small.”  “You are big.”  It seems that both are correct.  The discussion progresses when they each show that there are others who are their same size so that must mean they are not really big or definitely not small. The debate begins to get heated because they will not change their viewpoint of one another. Continue reading One Size Does Not Fit All: A Review of ‘You Are (Not) Small’ →

Elementary, Holidays

Celebrating Halloween (Part 2): Halloween Books for Your Little Saints

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IMG_0802There is nothing more beautiful than being able to spend time reading with your kids.  Aside from introducing children to books, it builds a special bond with them.  They feel safe in your arms, they have your undivided attention, and their imaginations are captivated. There is nothing better. Below is a list of books that will get you and your family into the Halloween spirit. Continue reading Celebrating Halloween (Part 2): Halloween Books for Your Little Saints →