My Rows and Piles of Coins

My Rows and Piles of Coins

By Tololwa M. Mollel

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

1999

A charming Tanzanian tale of a young boy named Saruni who wanted so badly to help his mother with her trips to the market.  He learned how to ride his father’s bike while saving his coins from the market with his mother.  He had saved rows and piles of coins for his bike, but the bike merchant just laughed at him.  Luckily, the same drive and determination Saruni had to learn to ride the bike came through in his desires to own one.

I love watercolors, so I was drawn in by the incredible illustrations of E.B Lewis.  They truly capture the Tanzanian lifestyle, market place and people.

Keeper of the Doves

Keeper of the Doves

By Betsy Byars

2002

 I was so impressed with The Pinballs written by Betsy Byars that when I came across this book a the Library titled Keeper of Doves, I was excited to read it. 

The book begins with a baby, minutes old, awaiting her fate. Of course, she realizes that she couldn’t possibly remember, but the story had been told to her so many times that she assumed it as her own memory.  The child, a baby girl, was born to a man who desperately wanted a son but had 4 daughters already.  In disappointment and disgust, he named her Amen!, later nicknamed Amie. The family took in a stranger who had saved her fathers life, Mr. Tominski (Mr. Tom).  Mr. Tom is mysterious, speaks in German and is the Keeper of the Doves.  The girls make fun of him and fear his mysterious ways, but Amie sees gentleness. 

I really didn’t like this book.  It seemed to drag on, it was full of judgment and I really felt so sorry for Mr. Tom.  I did like that young Amie was an aspiring poet and that her father was supportive of that, and I thought it cleaver that the author had 26 short chapters beginning with each letter of the alphabet.

Martin’s Big Words- The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR.

Written by Doreen Rappaport

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

2001 Picture Book, Award Winner

AWARDS; Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Award,  Best Illustrated Children’s Book 2001 The New York Times Book Review

A chronological story of little Martin and his exposure and struggles with injustice, leads to Dr. King and the ways he used love instead of hate, and hope to break the chains of segregation.  The illustrations are captivating, event the end pages with windows of stained-glass are symbolic of Dr. Kings life.

I loved the use of water colors and cut paper collage, like things that ordinarily would not be used together, but work very nicely together if given a chance….like people. 

I chose this beautiful picture book as a tool for students to “see” and “hear” and “read” about a pivotal time in American History.   However, the book will offer understanding and hope, and unconditional love for us as well.  There is a timeline in the back of the book as well, so the important dates of Dr. King can be followed. 

Heroes of our Environment: True Stories

Heroes of our Environment: True Stories

By Harriet Rohmer

A chapter book with photographs depicting people and stories that have had an impact on our environment and our world!  Most of the stories were from the United States, however the one I story I selected to read aloud to my 3^rd graders during our unit featured El Hijo Del Santo from Mexico City, Mexico.  Santo is a famous Champion Masked Wrestler, respect4d and loved by young and old, who vowed to “Fight the Enemies of Our Environment”.  Santos enlisted the help of local children in Tijuana to help clean up the pollution and waste floating in the river, which is the main water source of the city.   The children of this community were so excited to help their environment and partner with Santo that the results of their cleanup caught media coverage and community cleanups began all over Mexico, as well as some Southern California areas. 

This story captured our hearts and El Hijo Del Santo became a hero in our 3^rd grade class as well!!  We were inspired by the difference one man could make, and WE Vowed to make a difference in our own community as well!!  Yeah Santo!!

Heartbeat

 I wept through this entire book......was is because my three little girls are now 12 years old like Annie?  Was it because through the torment of my father's brain tumor, I watched the brilliant, full-of-so-much-life man that I deeply loved become weak, confused and scared, much like Annie's grandfather? Was it because we all know a "Max" for whom we can do nothing to help?  Was it because I grew up a nurturer and still to this day have an ingrained sense of responsibility to everyone around me, much like Annie?  I can't be sure why this book touched my heart the way it did, but it is well worth the time to read.  I am currently reading it to my daughters at bedtime.  Annie's story is written in poetic form and helps us as the reader discover, right along with Annie, the many moments in life that can change things forever.  You have GOT to read this Book!!

I have never read Sharon Creech, but what a joy!  Even the tears were worth it.  I get the impression that she truly loves children, she writes to them, not for them.  The nature of the book may appeal more to older children, maybe 4th- 7th grade.  It is likely that it may be enjoyed more by girls than boys, but it really could be for everyone.  This book could be a real asset to the classroom because it uses beautiful language to describe the daily struggles that face many kids today: Family dynamics, friendship, school challenges, and watching life change before our very eyes. 
Sharon Creech is becoming a favorite author for me, and I can hardly wait to share her with my future students!!

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray

This is a beautiful story told from the perspective of a stray dog named Squirrel.  Ann M. Martin captures our hearts in the very beginning with the birth of Squirrel and her brother Bone in a wheelbarrow in an old abandoned gardening shed shared with cats and mice.  Life begins for Squirrel in that shed and so do her adventures.  As her story unfolds, we become aware of the goodness and the sorrow Squirrel faces as a stray, the people and other dogs who enter into her life and the masterful way she adapts to survival.  Friendship gets her through!!

I love this book!  It has been a long time since a book has made me cry, it was incredibly well written.  The author speaks so sensitively to the needs and feelings of this poor little stray. Squirrel's story will tug at your heart from the first chapter.
I chose the book because of the cover!  I adopted my border collie from the human society after she had spent time on the road alone.  She was torn and tattered when I brought her home and 10 years later, she remains by my side!!  Chloe is my Squirrel.
I think this story could be enjoyed by either boys or girls, in grades 4th through 7th.  I feel like the story captures the essence of being rejected, being alone, being lost.....and being found.  It is truly a story of strength and ultimately, friendship.  It will be one I keep in my classroom library!!