# data[].attributes.body
This is a Fantasy book. This is a Review response.

McElligot’s Pool is an inspiring book! It gives the message of continuing to try at whatever one wants despite the negativity around them. I think it is a great book to read to children of ANY age. This is something that even adults could learn from. I also like how the little boy had faith that he could catch any kind of fish in McElligot’s Pool. I believe this could be turned into a “real life” scenario. The fish that he is making up could be different events in life that might happen to a person in their lifetime. There are many ways that this book could e translated for young readers. The message to never stop believing in what could happen is very strong throughout the whole book.

# data[].attributes.headline
24. The Water Princess -- By: Susan Verde

# data[].attributes.subject
24. The Water Princess -- By: Susan Verde

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Realistic Fiction book. This is a Review response.

I think this book did an excellent job at showing a different lifestyle than what most children are used to seeing. Gie Gie’s journey and way of life is something unique. Her duty of walking to the well everyday with her mother and fellow peers from her village is not something that we can all relate to, but we can sympathize with her on having those duties at such a young age. I believe this book shows children appreciation towards what they have and are able to do. However, I also big a big message can be taught because this is a struggle that some children face around the world and it is our duty to help one another. There is a page at the end of the story that describes how this is “real life” for some kids. I think it is a great story and experience to share with children.

# data[].attributes.headline
23. My First Nursery Rhymes -- Illustrated By: Bruce Whatley

# data[].attributes.subject
23. My First Nursery Rhymes -- Illustrated By: Bruce Whatley

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Poetry Collection. This is an Infographic response.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Infographic -- My First Nursery Rhymes.jpg

# data[].attributes.headline
22. Drum Dream Girl -- By: Margarita Engle

# data[].attributes.subject
22. Drum Dream Girl -- By: Margarita Engle

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Pura-Belpre Award Winner. This is a Review response.

I was on the edge about how I felt about this book. I think it was meant to give a great message to many younger readers, especially girls, on how to work hard and to consistently strive for one’s goals. However, as an adult reading this book, I do not like the setting or the way the message came across. I feel like I would not recommend this book for older grade levels because I feel that the message would also be interpreted the wrong way. I would maybe recommend it for younger children who are not going to look as deep into the setting, plot, and biases that take place in the book. I think there are probably better choice books to relay the message of hard work to young readers. In my opinion, this is not a topic to be introduced to young children.

# data[].attributes.headline
21. Mango, Abuela, and Me -- By: Meg Medina

# data[].attributes.subject
21. Mango, Abuela, and Me -- By: Meg Medina

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Pura-Belpre Award Winner. This is a Letter to a Teacher response.

Dr. Solomon,

Reading this book made me think about my own journey of being a young bilingual student. As a young child (early elementary school), I was expected to help my grandparents if we ever went to the store or needed to talk to other people who did not know Spanish. It was a bit difficult for me because I did not know Spanish to its full extent. I was confused having to go back and forth between the two languages and I was discouraged a lot because of how many times I was corrected on either language for not pronouncing a word or phrase correctly. I sympathize with Mia and her grandmother’s struggle to communicate with one another. I was glad to find and read a story that I could truly connect with.

# data[].attributes.headline
20. A Bad Case of Stripes -- By: David Shannon

# data[].attributes.subject
20. A Bad Case of Stripes -- By: David Shannon

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Realistic Fiction book. This is a Review response.

I believe this book had such a great message! Camilla was the best example of how children can fall into peer pressure so easily. The message of staying true to one’s self and being proud of the person you are is very much present more towards the end. I think the part where the little old lady helped Camilla helped show that older people can be a helpful friend despite how scary it may sound to someone that young. Camilla showed strength in admitting to herself and everyone her likes and dislikes despite everyone around not always agreeing with her. I think that even older people could read and take away the same lesson from the book! It was motivational and definitely a book that should be read to and by young readers.

# data[].attributes.headline
19. Jack and the Beanstalk -- Illustrated By: Ed Bryon

# data[].attributes.subject
19. Jack and the Beanstalk -- Illustrated By: Ed Bryon

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Traditional Tale. This is a Review response.

This book is one that I have heard many  times as a child. I think this version is somewhat different from what I have heard, but it was still a good story. However, I do not like the message that it brings out to children. I feel that the book portrayed Jack to be a thief, and it was okay in the end because he escaped the person he stole from and lived a happier and better life with his mother using the things that he stole on his adventure. I think that the story should be changed a little. I do know that traditional tales are changed as they are passed down, and I do not think that a revised version of the tale would be a bad idea for young readers.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Poetry Collection. This is a poetry read aloud response.

https://vocaroo.com/i/s1IM4oy3kiP9

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Dystopia book. This is a Defining Quote response.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small” – I think this was a great quote for the book to be centered on. Not only does it refer to how “small” of a person, but also about those who have a “higher” status than others. I believe this quote helps children learn how to be humble. I think it also shows significance to those who are older and just rereading the book. It teaches people to treat others kindly and with respect no matter the characteristics of that person. Horton’s feelings toward Who-Ville is the same kind of feeling that everyone should have towards one another. He constantly wants to help save them and make sure that they are out of harm’s way. He also shows a great deal by saying this quote, but by also showing generosity towards the people of Who-Ville by carrying them around everywhere regardless of what he is doing at the moment.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Nonfiction/Informational book. This is an Infographic response.

*** The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Nonfiction/Informational book. This is an Infographic response.

*** The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.headline
14. Dear Mr. Henshaw -- By: Beverly Cleary

# data[].attributes.subject
14. Dear Mr. Henshaw -- By: Beverly Cleary

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Newberry Award Winner book. This is a Review response. This is my 5th chapter book.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a great book for young readers. I think the biggest reason that stands out to me is because of the fact that the book is written in letter form. Leigh Botts, the main character, is writing to his favorite author. Children being exposed to writing and correct letter format is important so that, which growing technology, they do not forget the impact of writing a simple letter to another person. The one thing that I would change in the book is adding Mr. Henshaw’s responses to Leigh in the book. Although the reader can infer what his response was to most letters, I do think it would be beneficial to add this to help the reader from getting lost on what is happening in the story.

# data[].attributes.headline
13. The Tale of Despereaux -- By: Kate DiCamillo

# data[].attributes.subject
13. The Tale of Despereaux -- By: Kate DiCamillo

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Newberry Award Winner book. This is an Infographic response. This is my 4th chapter book.

*** The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Infographic -- The Tale of Despereaux.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Traditional Tale. This is a Blog Response.

The Three Pigs had quite the plot twist! This was definitely not the “usual” storyline that this story has. I think the change of scenery adds to how much closer readers will pay attention when reading this book. I think that having the pigs take another course by “jumping out of the story” makes the reader feel as though they are a part of their journey. The readers want the pigs to safely escape the wrath of the wolf alive. They do! The pigs’ trip into other stories could also open the minds of the readers to other stories that the reader may have never considered before. Although one of them seemed more like a nursery rhyme than a story, I think their adventure adds to the reader’s curiosity.

# data[].attributes.headline
11. Roller Girl -- By: Victoria Jamieson

# data[].attributes.subject
11. Roller Girl -- By: Victoria Jamieson

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Graphic Novel. This is a 1 Minute Book Talk Audio response. This is my 3rd chapter book.

https://vocaroo.com/i/s09ih16XiCVL

# data[].attributes.headline
10. The Giving Tree -- By: Shel Silverstein

# data[].attributes.subject
10. The Giving Tree -- By: Shel Silverstein

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Banned Book. This is a Letter to a Teacher/Friend response.

Dear Dr. Solomon,

The Giving Tree was banned in Colorado for many reasons. Some of the reasons that I found through research was that a message of taking without giving is presented as acceptable for children to do. The boy is consistently coming back to the tree without repaying it in some sort of way. Every time the boy comes back to ask for something, the tree asks the boy to spend time with it. Instead of saying “yes” since he will be asking for a favor, the boy repeatedly says no and goes on to ask for his favor. I do see this point of view to be inappropriate for young readers. Children are taught at a very young age to share with one another. For example, children might hear, “Johnny shared the cars with you yesterday. You should share some of your blocks with him today.” In this teaching, children learn to do unto others what you would want them to do unto you. This book does not properly depict this lesson. Rather, children are being taught that they can consecutively ask for things and it will be handed to them without having to do anything in return. I hope that my input on this book gives you better thought as to why it should stay banned.

Sincerely,

Angelica Arocha

# data[].attributes.headline
9. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez -- By: Kathleen Krull

# data[].attributes.subject
9. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez -- By: Kathleen Krull

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Biography. This is a Story Map response.

*** The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a biography. This is a review response.

I thought this book was very informational. I do like how the book did not try to hide any information from the reader about how things were in the past with whites and “colored” people. The book stated a basic understanding for young readers to understand the battle that Rosa Parks and many others faced. I do also think that if the reader was not already exposed to a knowledge of these issues prior to reading this book it would come as a bit of a shock to read these experiences that Rosa Parks encountered. Overall, this book did a great job depicting the life of Rosa Parks in a simple way. Although I am sure there were other obstacles she faced, I do like how the book simply described her as a strong individual who stood for what she believed. I think this is also a great book to inspire young readers in that sense.

# data[].attributes.headline
7. Civil War on Sunday -- By: Mary Pope Osborne

# data[].attributes.subject
7. Civil War on Sunday -- By: Mary Pope Osborne

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Historical Fiction book. This is a Sticky Note response. This is my 2nd chapter book.

*** The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.headline
6. Revolutionary War on Wednesday -- By: Mary Pope Osborne

# data[].attributes.subject
6. Revolutionary War on Wednesday -- By: Mary Pope Osborne

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Historical Fiction book. This is a defining quote response. This is my 1st chapter book.

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – I felt that this was such a heavy quote to be in a second grade level book! Such powerful words can have a lasting impact on a child’s life if they fully understand the meaning behind the quote. I think it is great to introduce the moral of hard work and determination in children at such a young age. I remember reading this book as a child (I read most of the Magic Tree House books), but I do not recall grasping onto the words as much as I did when I reread the book today! The message of “hard work paying off in the end” is something that everyone, regardless of age, needs to hear from time to time. The message being relayed to younger children will give them the motivation to face whatever trials will come their way in life.

# data[].attributes.headline
5. This Book Just Ate My Dog! -- By: Richard Byrne

# data[].attributes.subject
5. This Book Just Ate My Dog! -- By: Richard Byrne

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Postmodern Picture Book. This is an Infographic response.
***  The picture of the book is left off because I could not attach it along with my response.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Infographic -- This Book Just Ate My Dog!.jpg

# data[].attributes.headline
4. My Friend Rabbit -- By: Eric Rohmann 

# data[].attributes.subject
4. My Friend Rabbit -- By: Eric Rohmann 

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Caldecott Winner. This is a Review response.

My Friend Rabbit was a book that children will really be able to connect with because of the relationships with their peers or even by being able to relate to the main character. In the book, Rabbit got his friend’s plane stuck in a tree. Rabbit feels responsible and is willing to go above and beyond to make sure his friend gets his possessions back. In the end, Rabbit helps his friend get his plane back, but hurts his other friends who were willing to help him on his mission. Although every character in the book viewed Rabbit as a kind and helpful creature, they knew that he would somehow mess up. However, his friends still cared for him regardless. This is a situation that many can relate to seeing or being in.

# data[].attributes.headline
3. Nana in the City -- By: Lauren Castillo

# data[].attributes.subject
3. Nana in the City -- By: Lauren Castillo

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Caldecott Winner. This is a Review response.

I feel that this book was great at showing examples of diverse lifestyles one would see while living in the city. The narrator is a little boy who is not quite familiar with the surroundings of a city. He sees that his Nana is coming across loud and scary places around the city she lives in. All that the little boy can really focus on is the negative aspects of the city. The next day, his Nana takes him and shows him how each lifestyle is unique in its own way and that not one way is scarier or better than the other. I believe this is a great way to show children about learning to accept diverse lifestyles openly without judging based on the way it looks.

# data[].attributes.headline
2. One Potato, Two Potato -- By: Cynthia DeFelice

# data[].attributes.subject
2. One Potato, Two Potato -- By: Cynthia DeFelice

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Bluebonnet Winner. This is a Recommendation response.

I would recommend this book for children during any time of the year. I found it as a very good example of what it means to be thankful for what one has regardless of the time of the year and being willing to share with others who are not as fortunate. In the book, a poor, elderly couple discovers a pot that will multiply their possessions. Once the couple multiplies their possessions to the amount that is sufficient to live the rest of their lives, they decide to bury it where they discovered it for someone else to be able to multiply their possessions as well. Although children are taught about “sharing” daily, this book will be able to give them a concrete example of what it means to be thankful for what they have and be willing to share with others.

# data[].attributes.headline
1. Postcards From Camp -- By: Simms Taback

# data[].attributes.subject
1. Postcards From Camp -- By: Simms Taback

# data[].attributes.body
This is a Bluebonnet Winner. This is a Recommendation response.

I would recommend this book to be read to children at the beginning or end of the school year. I felt that this book really put emphasis on not only trying new things, but allowing time to get accustomed to change. The child in this book wanted to be picked up from camp immediately because he did not have any friends and felt that he was not going to enjoy his time. The child ended up making friends and did not want to leave camp. He was looking forward to the upcoming summer! I believe that many children would be able to relate to the child and may follow the example that the child set in the story. After reading this book, children will hopefully gain a better understanding of what it means to allow time to make changes into something positive.