Book of the Week #11 (August 7, 2017)

The Little Old Man Who Could Not Read, by Irma Simonton Black, is the story of a man who had no desire to learn to read.  He made wooden toys and his wife took care of the food shopping.  One day, his wife left for a visit.  She gave the man a list of food items to buy.  So, he headed to the store.  There were food items with pictures on the labels.  However, there were plenty of items with no pictures.  The man looked for boxes and cans that resembled the list items.  But to his surprise, when he opened them, he had purchased the wrong foods.  He went to bed hungry.  When his wife returned the next day, he told her that he NOW wanted to read.  She taught him.  He was able to read and identify the correct cans and boxes.  He was even able to read letters written by children who loved his wooden toys!

Last week's Book of the Week focused on Wolf and Red having ninja skills.  Well, the little old man eventually learned the skill of reading.  Reading is one of the most important skills a person can learn.  Our FIRST Book of the Week this summer (The Bee Tree) also stressed the importance of reading.  As you continue to read, remember to choose books that will take you on adventures and leave you with a "taste" for more reading!

Remain a Ravenous Reader for life!

Book of the Week #10 (July 31, 2017)

In Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Wolf is tired of being defeated by the ninja pigs.  He decides to train and learn new skills.  With his talents, he promptly sets his sights on Red Riding Hood.  As Red heads to her grandmother's house, Wolf quickly arrives before her.  Red tells "Grandma" how different she looks.  Wolf has an excuse for everything Red says.  He begins to attack her, but to his surprise, Red is also a ninja.  The attack begins and the two discover they are evenly matched.  Suddenly, a shadow appears.  It is Grandmother!  She tells Wolf to leave Red alone.  He also agrees to give up red meat.  To calm his stress, he decides to learn yoga instead!

Just like our book last week, this story tells about a strong female character.  Both books update the traditional versions of well-known fairy tales.  In addition, the books are written by Corey Rosen Schwartz.  Schwartz has written other updated fairy tales, like The Three Ninja Pigs and Hensel and Gretel Ninja Chicks.

We have only one Book of the Week left this summer.  We hope you have enjoyed all the books highlighted in the past weeks.  Continue reading, what might interest you.  Keep visiting this blog from time to time for information, resources, and reading suggestions connected to Marlin Elementary School literacy.  Go Dragons!

Book of the Week #9 (July 24, 2017)

In Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Beth Coulton, there is a slight difference from the traditional story.  These three bears are in a band.  However, they are in need of a singer.  While they are busy auditioning potential singers, Goldi wanders into their home.  In typical three bears fashion, she investigates and spies their recording studio.  One microphone is too tall, one is too short, but one is just right.  As the story continues, the bears return home.  Goldi has fallen asleep.  When the bears wake her, she screams in perfect pitch.  The bears finally found a singer.  This band goes on to become a chart-topping group known as Goldi Rocks and the Great Three Bear Band!

This funny, updated version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears could easily be used to compare and contrast with other story versions.  The book ending could also be continued to tell a story about the band playing concerts all over the world.  What do you think will happen with this band in the future?

Last week's book discussed goals and family.  This week's Book of the Week also focuses on family.  This family has a goal to find a singer for their band.  They work together to seek someone to sing in the band.  It just so happens they find Goldi right before their eyes and asleep on the keyboard.  They succeed in finding a singer and find more success as their band becomes popular.  When we work together (and in their case, it's family collaborating), chances of succeeding increase.

Book of the Week #8 (July 17, 2017)

Last Saturday, The Galactic Gathering was held in Mitchell, Indiana.  It was a day to honor 7 of the 9 living astronauts from Indiana.  To hear about their experiences in space, the life paths that led them to become astronauts, and their support of one another was astonishing.  So, with astronauts on the mind, the Book of the Week is titled Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon by Timothy R. Gaffney.     

In the story, a boy loves to listen to his grandpa (a former astronaut) talk about going to the moon.  As the grandpa tells the familiar tale, the boy imagines he is traveling to the moon with Grandpa.  The description of the moon brings to life how different the moon is compared to Earth.  The two walk on the moon and ride in the lunar rover.  They post an American flag and collect items to return to Earth.  At the end of Grandpa's moon story, the boy asks if he could ever go to the moon.  It is definitely possible and there would be new stories to tell.

Last week's book, Quest, told of a journey with a goal.  Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon also involves travel with a purpose.  Goals are important to set, but even more important to try to obtain.  What have your goals been this summer?  Have you reached them?

Book of the Week #7 (July 10, 2017)

Quest by Aaron Becker is a wordless tale.  The illustrations guide you through the journey of two children, equipped with their color pieces of red and purple, who find a door under a bridge.  As it begins to rain, a king opens that door to silently show the children some type of map.  He hands the children the map just before he is captured by men.  He throws his orange piece as the doors close.  The children use the colors to draw keys and open the doors.  They find a land that is dark and gray.  They see the king and the men holding him captive.  The children use the map to follow the land.  They use their colors to draw objects to assist them.  As their quest continues, they are also finding new colors.  Eventually, these colors begin to form a rainbow.  This rainbow arches over the land of dark and gray, shining beautifully on everything below it.  The rainbow color rays overcome the men holding the king.  The king is free!  He takes his orange and draws each child a crown.  They return home to find a rainbow as they appear from under the bridge.

Although there are no words or reading involved in this book, it requires attention to detail and a great comprehension.  One missed part of the illustration might confuse your understanding.  Eyes need to be wide open while "reading" it.

As last week's book was about Rock, Paper, and Scissors taking a journey to find worthy opponents, this book is also about a journey (or quest) to a new land.  Journeys can led to new, exciting, and educational places!  Interestingly, Aaron Becker has another wordless book called Journey and it is a Caldecott Honor Book.

Book of the Week #6 (July 3, 2017)

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt tells the story of Rock, Paper, and Scissors.  Rock was the strongest warrior in his land, but could not find a worthy opponent.  He was unsatisfied.  Paper was the smartest warrior in his land, but he also was unable to find an opponent to defeat him.  He was depressed.  Scissors was the fastest warrior.  She was unchallenged, having not found an opponent who could fairly battle her.  All three left their homes in search of a challenge.  One day, they came across one another.

So, the battles began.  Scissors was overjoyed to have Rock overpower her.  Rock was so pleased to have finally lost a battle to Paper.  Paper was beaming to have been cut by Scissors.  They continued to battle, leading children everywhere to honor them in daily challenges of Rock, Paper, Scissors!

This book creates a hilarious backstory to an age-old game.  Rock, Paper, and Scissors have a common problem.  They can find no one to defeat them.  However, they have different strengths.  As last week's book This Is How We Do It also discusses differences and similarities, this story demonstrates it is ok to be yourself and always seek a challenge!

Book of the Week #5 (June 26, 2017)

A few weeks ago, there was a recommended children's book list in a magazine.  On that list was the book, This Is How We Do It by Matt LaMothe.  Interestingly enough, a group of Marlin educators attended a reading conference last week.  There were many children's book authors at the conference.  Matt LaMothe just happened to be there!  How exciting to be in the same place as the author of this suggested book!

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World compares the lives of children all over the world.  The children live in Italy, Japan, Uganda, Russia, Peru, India, and Iran.  The book takes a peek into their lives during one day, from morning to night.  We get to meet the children and their families.  We see their homes, schools, and cities.  We learn what they do at school, what they enjoy playing, and what they wear.  We are taught how they spell their names.  We also view what foods they eat throughout the day.  At the end, we watch their night skies.

The book has a glossary in the back to assist as we read words that may be unknown.  Be sure not to skip over the glossary as you read the book.  You might even learn a few new words.

Although the world is large place, this book reminds us that it is actually small.  People can be different in some ways, but usually we find they are similar in other ways.  Just like in the book Baseball Saved Us, similarities help us relate and differences help us learn!

Book of the Week #4 (June 19, 2017)

A Japanese-American boy lives in a camp during World War II.  With nothing to do and trouble mounting, the families in the camp build a baseball field.  The boy isn't very good at playing baseball, so he decides he wants to show the guard what he can do.  Two strikes.  Then, the boy hits the ball far into the field and his team wins the camp's championship!  Upon return home from the camps, the boy plays baseball with his team.  He isn't as big as the others, but he is a better player with more confidence.  The same scenario occurs.  One, two strikes.  Will he hit the ball and be a hero again?  Find out by reading Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki.

Have you played or watched baseball this summer?  Book of the Week #3 and #4 were both about baseball.  Both are historical fiction.  What other historical fiction baseball books have you read?  Remember future 5th and 6th graders, record the books you have read this summer on The Reading Road Trip Log.

Book of the Week #3 (June 12, 2017)

It's 1932.  It's the Great Depression.  Money is sparse.  In The Babe & I by David A. Adler, a boy helps his friend, Jacob, sell newspapers in order to make a little cash.  Jacob knows the best spot to sell papers, too.  It is Yankee Stadium.  There, no one cares about the front page headlines.  They care about Babe Ruth.  The boys yells out the headlines about Babe.  They sell many newspapers!  One day, on their way to pick up papers, they see the boy's father.  He is selling apples on a corner.  However, the boy believes his father to be going to the office to work each day.  His father, like many others, has also lost his job.  The boy keeps his father's secret.  He knows his father is embarrassed.  So, he continues to sell papers with Jacob.  On a special day, the boy sells a paper to a man who pays with a $5.00 bill!  The boy doesn't have change, but the man says to keep the money.  That man happens to be Babe Ruth!  The boys are able to watch the Yankee game that day.  They watch Babe in the game.  Babe helps his team win.  The boy and his father are also a team and help their family.

Here's to baseball, summer sun, and lots of reading!  Remember to return to Marlin Literacy every Monday for the Book of the Week.  

So far, we've read books that are connected.  

Week 1 and 2, both books were about reading.  

Week 2 and 3, the stories both contained a character who is a real person.  

Stay tuned for more book connections...

Book of the Week #2 (June 5, 2017)

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby tells a story about Booker T. Washington and his desire to read when he was younger.  As he labors at the saltworks with his father and brother, he wishes he had the ability to read.  If he could read, everyone would listen to him as they did to the newspaper man.  He was determined to become the "best reader in the county" and teach others to read.  He tells his mother about his dream.  She supports him and gives him a book.  Booker seeks the newspaper man, who helps Booker learn to read.

We are so lucky to have the opportunity to learn to read in school.  Reading is not easy for everyone, but it is so critical.  For those children who do not enjoy reading, share your reading experiences with them.  Tell them about books you enjoyed reading or were read aloud when you were a child.  Connecting with children on a reading level can inspire lifelong reading!

Book of the Week #1 (May 29, 2017)

For our first Book of the Week of the summer, here is a story about the importance of reading.  In The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco, Mary Ellen tells her grampa she is bored with reading.  Grampa takes Mary Ellen outside to find a bee tree and taste the delicious honey.  To find such a tree, Grampa catches a few bees in a jar to lead them to the honey.  As they release one bee, they start chasing it.  They come upon friends who join them on their journey to find the bee tree.  Once the tree is discovered, everyone enjoys the scrumptious honey.  Later, Grampa has Mary Ellen taste some honey on a book.  He compares the book to their adventure of finding the bee tree.

As you read this summer, discover books that will lead you on an adventure and want to "taste" more books.  Happy reading!  Remember to return here each Monday for another Book of the Week.

May 2017 Book of the Month

For the last Book of the Month, we are reading The Summer My Father Was Ten by Pat Brisson.  In the story, a father tells his daughter about one particular summer when he played baseball.  During a game, he ruins the neighbor’s garden.  The neighbor is upset.  So, the next spring, the girl’s father helps his neighbor plant the new garden.  Not only does he learn about gardening and hard work, but he gains a new friend.  This book focuses on many different themes: helping others, correcting mistakes, and plant life cycles.  Enjoy the story and happy summer!  J

Continue to visit marlinliteracy.blogspot.com this summer as you will find Book of the Week each Monday.  These books will have a variety of themes and will keep students actively reading.

Don't forget to sign up for and participate in the Monroe County Public Library Summer Reading Program, too.  Check out their website for more information: mcpl.info/childrens/summer-reading-program-mcpl.

Finally, Mrs. Melnick and Ms. Glenn-Helmer's future 5th and 6th grade Language Arts students are challenged to participate in "The Reading Road Trip" this summer.  Those students will record the books they read on a reading log (see below).  Reading keeps the mind working! 

Miranda Paul Author Visit

Marlin was honored to have Miranda Paul, children's author, visit our school.  She shared about herself, talked about her writing process, sang a song (with motions) based on her book Water Is Water, and challenged us in a game of Fiction Vs. Non-Fiction.  Marlin students also voted for an organization in which Ms. Paul would make a donation.  The students voted for WildCare, Inc. and Miranda will be donating $450 to the organization.  It is a local group who care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and return them to their natural habitats.  It was a wonderful day for the students and staff.  Thank you, Miranda Paul.

April 2017 Book of the Month

Jokes can be hurtful sometimes.  People often use the words “just kidding” after a joke when it is not perceived the way it was intended.  In the book, Just Kidding by Trudy Ludwig, D.J. is being teased by Vince.  Vince feels that since his jokes are followed by “just kidding,” it makes everything fine.  What Vince doesn’t realize is that his jokes are really hurting D.J.’s feelings.  D.J. is afraid that if he speaks up his friends will think he can’t take a joke.  With the help of his father, brother, and teacher, D.J. is able to take action and squelch Vince’s bullying in a responsible manner. 

March 2017 Book of the Month

Our March Book of the Month is One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul.  This true story tells about a woman in Africa who sees a problem with plastic bags in her village.  They are littering the land and hurting the animals.  She decides to take action and helps solve the problem.  Her solution makes a difference and continues to beautify the village.

We are excited to announce the author of One Plastic Bag, Miranda Paul, will be coming to our school on April 11.  In preparation for her visit, the Marlin community is busy reading many of her books.

Here are other titles, by Miranda Paul, we are reading:

10 Little Ninjas

Trainbots

Whose Hands Are These?

Water Is Water

Visit the Marlin Elementary School website to find out more about the book and our school.

Under the Quilt of Night

For our February Book of the Month, 5th graders dug deeper into Under the Quilt of Night.  They explored the book characters, noted the different settings, discussed the events, and observed the details that made an impact in the book.  This book ties into their current studies of African American history for Black History Month.  Be sure to check out Under the Quilt of Night and its companion book, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt (both written by Deborah Hopkinson).

The Three Questions

In January, Marlin's Book of the Month was The Three Questions.  In one class, the teacher posed the three questions before finishing the book.  The students answered each question in their own opinions.  After the completion of the story, the students were able to compare their answers to Leo the turtle's answers.  Some of these answers are quite insightful!

February 2017 Book of the Month

Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson tells about a girl wishing for her freedom.  During the day, she hides with other runaways.  At night, they head North.  The girl hears a sound.  Could it be friends who will help?  Or, is it just an owl?  She sees a quilt made of dark, deep blue squares.  It means "this house hides runaways" and they will be safe.  They have arrived!  Thanks to the Underground Railroad, they travel closer to the land of the free!  Will the girl find freedom before she is found by her master?  

Visit the Marlin Elementary School website to find out more about the book and our school.

January 2017 Book of the Month

Happy 2017!  With a new year, it is a new and fresh start to using the Marlin Literacy Blog again.  So, here we go...

For the past five school years, we have had a school-wide focus on a book for an entire month.  Each classroom receives a copy of the book.  Teachers are given ideas for using the book with students.  The book is promoted for that month.

Since funds are not always available, some months classrooms do not receive a book.  However, this year, we have been creative.  For first semester, the Book of the Month was a highlighted Marlin Library book.  As second semester was about to begin, we were able to purchase books for each room.

For January 2017, our Book of the Month is titled The Three Questions (by Jon J. Muth and based on the story by Leo Tolstoy).  The book centers around Nikolai and his desire to find the answers to the following questions: 

When is the best time to do things?  

Who is the most important one?  

What is the right thing to do?    

Here is a complete list of our Books of the Month over the past five years:

YEAR 1

November 2012—Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

December 2012—Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

January 2013—Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee

February 2013—Emily's Art by Peter Catalanotto

March 2013—How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham

April 2013—Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

May 2013—Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

YEAR 2

November 2013—The Wonderful Happens by Cynthia Rylant

December 2013—The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

January 2014—This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers

February 2014—Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel

March 2014—Courage by Bernard Waber

April 2014—Max's Words by Kate Banks

May 2014—Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth

YEAR 3

January 2015—Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest

February 2015—Mustache by Mac Barnett

April 2015—The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell

May 2015—Chowder by Peter Brown

YEAR 4

February 2016—One Green Apple by Eve Bunting

March 2016—Willow's Whispers by Lana Button

April 2016—Better Than You by Trudy Ludwig

May 2016—Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy

YEAR 5

August 2016—Argus by Michelle Knudsen

September 2016—The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

October 2016—Richard Wright and the Library Card by William Miller

November 2016—Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

December 2016—The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For more information on this month's Book of the Month, visit the Marlin Elementary School webpage.