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Each and every one of us learn something new every single day. While reading "The Great American Dust Bowl" by Don Brown, I did just that! This book not only has such fun drawings on each page, but it depicts the dust storm so well through each of its little details. The information in the text is also broken down and easy to understand however, still gives readers all the big details about what life was life during the "dirty thirties." One thing that I learned in this book that I found not only interesting but kind of "wowed" about was that the color of the dirt was not always just dark brown as  I imagined. "Depending on where it came from, the flying dirt was brown, black, yellow, gray, or red." If my students ever wanted or needed to learn about the American dust bowl, I could see myself totally telling them about this book!

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I have always enjoyed learning about history! However, as a young kid, it was hard to find books about these stories that I could really get into. “True Stories of the Civil War” by Nel Yomtov, on the other hand, was a very colorful, interesting, and different look on a historical text. This book, which is set up as a graphic novel, has a chapter dedicated to each important event during the Civil War. My favorite part besides all the lively action pictures, and learning about how these different events unfolded, was the first point of view displayed by the chapter’s dedicated soldier. For example, chapter 3 focuses on corporal Samuel J. English and his intake during the Battle of the First Bull Run. “The stampede became frightful. The rebel’s mowed down our men like grass.” Overall, I think with all the attributes that this book has, a child would not only learn a lot about such an important part of American history, but enjoy reading it through pictures and true eyewitnesses.

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny - we've all heard these stories and know them from our childhood. "Beatrix Potter" by Alexandra Wallner, a Bluebonnet award nominee, brings the biography of famous writer Beatrix Potter to life through a children's picture-book. The long life of Beatrix began in 1866. All throughout her childhood, her and her brother were very lonely. So, in order to fill that time, they both drew pictures upon pictures of whatever their imagination displayed. Beatrix loved to draw pictures of her many, many animals (her favorite was her rabbit *hint hint*). When she became older, she still found herself alone and decided to write a story about four rabbits to her old friend's son. After realizing her love for writing stories of animals she set out to publish her book. Now, women of course had it hard at this time and no one took her very seriously, so Beatrix decided to make her own copies of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and sale it in stores. When a big boom of her book became known, she was sought by a publisher. Many years later, of writing and publishing, Beatrix Potter is one of the most famous writers in children's history.

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"Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor" by Emily Arnold is a picture-book biography of the life of one of the world's famous inventors. My favorite thing about this book is the real life drawings that Mattie had in her journal of inventions across the bottom of each of the pages! I think that is so cool and it gives readers an insight on how she came up with all of her ideas. Anyways, the story starts with a young Mattie who loved to draw pictures of random things she worked to invent, she would make gifts for her brothers and mother, and even built sleds and sold them for a quarter apiece. At the age of 12, Mattie no longer went to school and worked in a mill. One day when an accident occurred from a train mishap she was inspired to invent something that would never let it happen again. And so she did!  At 18, Mattie made her way to Springfield, Massachusetts. After years of working on an invention that would help plastic bags stand up straight, she finally finished! A bump in the road however, held that off for a little while when someone stole her idea, but in the end the court ruled in her favor. She finally got the patent she always wanted and lived the rest of her life out as a company business owner, partner, and well-known inventor. "People still use the paper bags from Mattie's invention every day."

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"Looking at Lincoln" by Maira Kalman is a look into Abraham Lincoln's life. What I enjoyed so much about this book was that it was truly through the eyes of a young child. As she takes us through what she has learned about Abe's life, she adds her own thoughts on what she is thinking along the way. Such as when she describes Abe's assassination and how it took its tole on the country she adds "but a great man is never really gone." She also gives the readers some inside thoughts on things she wonders of his life - "I wonder if Mary and Abraham had nicknames for each other. Did she call him Linky? Did he call her Little Plumpy?" Overall, this book was such a great look at not only a biography about a man who will always be a big part of history, but how children may see Abe and what his accomplishments mean to them.

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Our world has been influenced by a countless number of people. Each and every one of them whom have a story to tell. Biographies are books that let readers see what one person or many people have done in their life and how they have effected our world. The three books I have chose are all biographies about one person. The picture I have chosen below to represent my theme is of inventor, Margaret E. Knight.

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"Toasting Marshmallows" by Kristine O'Connell George, a Bluebonnet Award nominee, paints colorful poems about camping in the great outdoors. From sleeping bags, to fishing, to late nights gazing at billions of stars, this book gives all the exciting details of a family camping trip. Whether you are alone "listening to aspen leaves ruffle, watching the quiet things, waiting to see what happens," or sitting with your family in front of a fire, "I lean against Mom, my head on her shoulder, warm all over." This book of camping poems takes you through the fun adventures of sleeping in a tent and waking up too early to go fishing.

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"The Way the Door Closes" by Hope Anita Smith has won several awards including the Coretta Scott King Award. The book is set from a young African-American boy's point of view. Throughout the story, in forms of poetry, C.J. describes his life before and after his father leaves his family. Life is as good as it can be until C.J.'s father loses his job. Job searching isn't picking up and then one day, C.J. hears the door close. "I can tell a lot by the way the door closes." C.J. feels as if he has joined the other black kid's club of father's who have left. "It's not so much about his leaving, It's that he left a family grieving, oh, what a tangled web he's weaving, when daddy goes." C.J. has now realized at 14 he must pick up the the job his father left behind. At the end of book, after what seems like forever, Daddy has returned home. "I know Daddy is home to stay, trust me, I can tell a lot by the way the door closes."
This week in class I read the article "Finding Fantasy." In the text, it talks about how some issues that are "too close to home" are sometimes difficult to discuss however, through literature, students are able to discuss the matter more openly because it seems to be more distant. This book is the perfect example. There are so many families that have had their father's abandon them and talking about it is probably very tough. But if students were to read this book and discuss it with peers, they will have more confidence and ease by sharing from the literature's point of view.

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"Book Speak" by Laura Purdie Salas has to be one of the cutest books I have ever read!!! Through poetry, Salas brings to life what books are all about! Each kind and part of a book is given a voice. Cliffhanger: "Is this the end? This breath my last? Please, author, write a sequel fast!" Vacation Time: "Whenever I'm checked out, it's like a vacation. Been stained my spaghetti, been splashed at the lake. I've shared your adventures. I've kept you awake." This book is such a fun adventure to read! It gives readers a peak into all the magic that can be found on a single bookshelf. The End: "I am not so much the end as I am an invitation back to the beginning."

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There are so, so many different kinds of poetry in literature. Poetry is text in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinct style and rhythm. The three books I have chose each have a different story and significance to how poetry is portrayed. I have chosen the photo below to represent my theme.

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"Just a Minute" by Yuyi Morales won the Pura Belpre award in 2009. In this trickster tale and Spanish counting book, grandma Beetle takes readers through her day of having death (Senor Calavera) stand at her door step.  She cleverly delays going with him with one "just a minute" after another. From, "just a minute, I will go with you right away, I have just one (uno) house to sweep," to "just a minute, I will go with you right away, I have just eight (ocho) platters of food to arrange on the table," grandma Beetle is determined to keep death stalled. In the end, readers find out it is grandma Beetle's birthday and after a delicious meal Senor Calavera leaves with a note left behind saying that he had a great time at grandma Beetle's party and wouldn't miss the next one for anything.

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"The Last Kids on Earth" by Max Brallier won the Bluebonnet award in 2017. From the author that brought you "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Brallier brings the story of Jack Sullivan and his life in a post apocalyptic world. Throughout the book, Jack finds his friends and they band together to beat Blarge (the big monster after Jack). As Jack and his friends fight monsters and zombies, they also begin to find the true meaning of friendship. I really enjoyed this book because of the creative illustrations. I love how Brallier captured each meaningful feature to fit into all of the characters, monsters, and zombies. Along with cheesy lines and silly events, this book was a really fun and entertaining read! FUN FACT: "The Last Kids on Earth" tv series is coming out on Netflix this year!!

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A Traditional Tale: The Three Little Pigs

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A Traditional Tale: The Three Little Pigs

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The story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf has been a classic since the day it was published. The three little pigs leave from their crowded home and trek to the forest to start their new lives. Pig #1 builds his house of straw, pig #2 builds his house of wood, and pig #3 builds his house of brick. Just like any other day of being a pig however, changes in the blink of a furry tale. The big bad wolf has come to the house of straw to eat pig #1. The famous lines of "Little pig, little pig, let me in!" cries the wolf, "not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin!" replies little pig, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!" howls the woof, is repeated at each of the little pig's houses. As we all know, the house of straw and wood were no match for the strong wind the wolf blew from his mouth. However, the house of bricks did not budge from the continual tries of the wolf blowing it down. Now, different stories have different outcomes for pig #1 and 2. Some tell the story that when the wolf blew their houses down that he ate them "right up." Other stories are much more gentle and the first two pigs make it to the brick house built by pig #3. The ending in most of the stories on the other hand, usually close with the three little pigs (or only pig #3) tricking the wolf to come down the brick houses' chimney in which they light him on fire and eat him.

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"Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson is a story of forgotten kindness. A young girl, Maya, new to school, is shunned from other students because of the hand-me-down clothes she wears. Throughout the story, the young girl wishes to play with the other students although is never given the chance. Another normal day in the classroom however, changes the perspective of student Chloe. As Ms. Albert drops a stone into a big bowl of water and explains that "this is what kindness does, each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world," Chloe knows she should have been a kinder person to Maya. Days go by as Chloe waits for Maya to come back to school so she can return the smile that is always given to her. When Chloe learns that Maya has moved away, her heart fills with regret and sadness on account that she wishes she had only shared  a little bit of kindness.

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Themed Books #2: True Stories Retold Through Children's Books

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Themed Books #2: True Stories Retold Through Children's Books

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True stories throughout history have always caught the eyes and ears of readers and listeners. The three books I have chose, each tell a true story of individuals whose stories have changed history. I choose the photo below to illustrate my theme.

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"We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio is a true story of a boy named Auggie. Auggie, you see, is different; he is a wonder. Throughout the book, Auggie tells his story of what life is like to not look "ordinary" like everyone else. Most people have probably seen the movie "Wonder" and know that Auggie had many surgeries growing up in order for him to stay alive. Those surgeries made his face not so normal. What I really like about the illustrations in this book is that although in the movie you are able to see the kinds of scars that are left on Auggie's face, the only thing given to him in the book that shows he looks different than the other drawn characters is that he only has one eye. Auggie's view on the world is that each and every one of us are made different; that we are wonders; and that the Earth is big enough for all kinds of people. "Look with kindness," Auggie exclaims, "and you will always find wonder."

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The true story of young Albert Einstein is told through a child's picture book called "Odd Boy Out" by Don Brown. As long as Albert can remember, he has never been like others. Growing up Albert always seemed to be fascinated in things none of the other little boys around were. Instead of sports, Albert liked to play the violin and learn math. Other boys wanted to have friends, Albert was independent and enjoyed being to himself. When Albert was 12, he fell in love with the geometry book that a medical student gave him. From then on, he devoted himself to higher mathematics. "Soon the flight of his mathematical genius was so high that I could no longer follow," exclaimed the medical student. In school however, Albert was never favored by the teachers due to his lack of interest in every other subject besides math and music. One teacher even told him that he would never get anywhere in life. Albert grows up and attends Polytechnic and trains to be a scientist. In 1902, he takes the position of Expert 3 Class at the Swiss patent office. As Albert grows into the brilliant thinker that we know him to be, he discovers so, so many things that have changed and made science into what we know it to be today.

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History has not always been kind. Nor has it always been fair. We cannot hide the fact that some events in history were monstrous acts, however, we must teach this history to new generations in order to keep it from repeating. The 2008 Caldecott award winner, "Henry's Freedom Box" by Kadir Nelson, is a true story of Henry Brown. Born as a slave, Henry, lived a quiet life with his parents under a nice master until he was one day given to the master's son. While working for this man, Henry met a woman named Nancy who worked for a different master. With their master's consents, the two were wed and had several children. Besides not being free, Henry's life was happy, but that all changed when Nancy's master lost a lot of money and sold her and their children. Henry did not even get to say goodbye to his family before they were forced into a truck and driven away forever. With nothing now to lose, Henry wants nothing more than to set himself free. After talking to a man that could help him, Henry burned his hand with vitriol so that his master would let him sit out of work and packed himself away in a shipping container. The man who was helping Henry, wrote the address to a place where he would be able to be free. After a difficult journey of staying quiet and being tossed around, Henry finally made it to his destination and has ever since been known as Henry "box" Brown.

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One of my favorite books during my childhood would have to be "Sisters" by David McPhail. I am the oldest of three sisters and I have always thought this book was made for the Burleson girls trio. The title of the book pretty much gives away what the story is going to be about but just to sum it up, it is about two very different, yet very alike sisters. Throughout the book, the pages and pictures take us through the similarities and differences between two young sisters. For example, “One sister was crazy about frogs… the other wasn’t.” I especially love this difference and picture because in the illustration the reader sees a bottle of soap being tossed into the air in surprise as the oldest sister yells in fear of the giant green frog her younger sister decides to put on the edge of her bathtub. Not only as a kid, but even now, one of my favorite things to do is scare my sisters with bugs. I have never seemed to have a problem with the little guys and their way too many legs however, both my sisters would have to disagree. The book then goes on to give lots of ways the sisters are alike and the things they enjoy (usually together). The last page of the book though is the most special part of the book. Out of all the similarities the sisters have, the biggest way they are alike is that “they love each other so very much.” That heartwarming line couldn’t be any truer because my two sisters know that no words can describe how much I love them.

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"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson won the Caldecott award in 2016. I took the words and illustrations of this book as how different people can view the world. Each time the young boy, CJ, asked his Nana about the drawings of the world, she always has a reason to paint it beautiful. “How come it’s always so dirty over here?” asks CJ. “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful,” replies his Nana. This line in the book has a very strong point. To me, it means look on the bright side. There is always good that comes from bad; there is always beauty after the darkness. As a blind man boarded their bus CJ asks why the man cannot see. Nana replies “Boy, what do you know about seeing? Some people watch the world with their ears.” Nana is a very wise woman in this book. She teaches CJ that the view of life is within the eye of the beholder.

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“The Kid Who Changed the World” by Andy Andrews is a true story of how the butterfly effect works its magic in our everyday life. The butterfly effect is a theory that every time something happens, something else happens. In other words, every little thing you do matters. In this book, the true story of Norman Borlaug, who is known for feeding billions of hungry people, is shown through a chain reaction of many people and their influences. Norman changed the world but couldn’t have unless Henry Wallace was placed in his life to help him grow the plants that fed all those people. Henry couldn’t have influenced Norman’s life unless he had George Washington Carver to show him all he knows about plants. George couldn’t have taught all those things about plants to Henry if his mother, Susan, had not saved him from the outlaws who kidnapped him. Now, you see how everything someone does effects someone else. Little things, like just being in someone’s life, can change the world.

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“Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud is a book about all the good things we say and do on a daily basis. Imagine if we all had an invisible bucket that we carried around every single day? When you say something nice to someone or help them have a better day, you fill up their bucket with love. Sometimes you may notice someone may have an empty bucket which means they need something to brighten their day more than anything. With that, you can share the happiness and love out of your bucket with someone else. So just as the last book was in a theme of the butterfly effect and how little things can change the world, this book carries the same lesson however, just in a different view. If you fill someone’s bucket with love, they can then go and do the same thing to someone else’s bucket; a ripple effect of kindness and happiness.

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“The Turtle Saver” by Laurie Parker begins with the kind act of a man setting a turtle out of the road from being run over. And just as the other two books have the theme of the butterfly effect, so does this one. This story has a much longer chain of events that takes course over several years. To sum it up, with a few parts of the chain, it would start with a man setting a turtle aside the road, the turtle startling a frog, the frog hopping into the air with a near miss of a dragonfly, a hummingbird chasing that dragonfly all the way to an old widow’s house, the widow becomes a bird watching fan, a bird carries a seed to a curious location where the seed sprouts into a huge sunflower, the sunflower becomes an awe to nearby passers and makes the newspaper, a woman cuts the picture out of the paper to send to her sister when her husband knocks it over to see a young cat in need of a home…. (skip a few parts of the chain in the story) …. A bunch of chain reactions are set off after that cat and we end up at a house with a young girl who got a hat from her grandma. As the girl is playing outside, the hat flies away over to the neighbor’s house where she finds the owner, an old man, in need of care and saves his life. HUGE SPOILER: the old man was the same man that many years ago saved the turtle in the road. The last part of the book ends with a really great line that portrays a way the butterfly effect can come back to affect you.  – “All things are connected somehow, and it’s true: The small acts of kindness, the good things we do, will all in their time find their way back to you!”