LSSL 5360 Assignment #6

Wonderstruck will appeal to readers who are drawn to graphic novels but also to those who like historical fiction. Set in both 1977 and 1927, the stories of Rose and Ben wind around each other as they come to their mutual conclusion. The beautiful illustrations interspersed with a riveting story would be a huge draw to many readers. The illustrations captivate as does the puzzle style of storytelling that Selznick uses to advance the plot. Brian Selznick's other books include the hugely popular Caldecott winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret, The Houdini Box, and The Robot King. The Invention of Huge Cabret is similar in style and scope. The Houdini Box is also a historical fiction with illustrations, though it is less involved than Hugo or Wonderstruck. The Robot King also features beautiful illustrations, but the story is a more fragmented realistic novel without the trappings of history that surround the other three books.

Selznick, B. (2011). Wonderstruck. New York: Scholastic.

Love That Dog is a free verse poetry book that will appeal to older elementary students, especially boys who will connect with the main character, Jack. It may also appeal to students who are not strong readers as the short poetry excerpts may seem less intimidating to those readers. Creech has written many books, including Walk Two Moons, Ruby Holler and Bloomability. The other books are all written in narrative, unlike Love That Dog but they all feature adolescent characters embarking on personal journeys in which they learn more about themselves.

Creech, S. (2001). Love That Dog. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

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El Deafo

Summary: When 4 year old Cece gets meningitis, her parents are scared. But she recovers and everything seems like it is going to be just fine, until they discover that Cece has suffered permanent hearing loss. Told through a graphic novel, Cece Bell's somewhat autobiographical story stars a world of bunnies where Cece navigates her first grade year while dealing with her deafness, wearing a hearing aid and making friends. She copes by creating an alter ego for herself, "El Deafo", the hearing aid wearing superhero. In the end, Cece gains confidence and learns to be more assertive with other people who just don't understand how their interactions with her can have an effect. Strengths: This graphic novel is geared towards a younger set of readers than most of the books I will be reviewing this fall in this blog, but it still has some value and strengths for the young adult reader. The theme of dealing with being different will resonate with young adult readers,

Learning New Things

It has been a while since my last update, so first here's what's been going on. I left my music teacher position of 14 years to take a 1/2 library 1/2 music position at a public PK-3rd grade Academy that focuses on using GT best practices for all students, whether or not they've been identified as gifted. I inherited a library that was staffed the previous year by a 1/2 time librarian and a 1/2 time assistant, who were both on another campus 1/2 time, which is tough. I've gotten really lucky to be mentored by a phenomenal librarian who is only blocks from my school, knows a TON about the district I'm in and how it's run and is just a great person. Because I could basically do the music job in my sleep, I've spent something like 3/4 of my time in the library, trying to get my bearings, get programs off the ground and provide a welcoming space for my teachers and students. So far, it's been going well. This first post back is going to be focusing on a

Gabi: A Girl in Pieces

Summary: Gabi is a high school senior who is pulled in all directions. Her diary chronicles the sixteen year old's senior year of high school. Her best friend is pregnant, her other best friend is kicked out of his house after he comes out to his parents, her father is a meth addict and her mother nags and disapproves but is still supportive. Gabi's diary is full of teenage thoughts, poetry and her looking toward the future that she hopes will happen at Berkeley. Through the novel we see Gabi learn and grow as she deals with the world happening around her and her social and environmental awareness as well as sense of self grows. Strengths: This book gives a voice to a young, Latino woman in a genre that very rarely features that sort of character. As a result, there are issues discussed in this book that you won't find in very many other young adult books. Gabi struggles with racism, her weight and the problems of the people she cares about. The narrative of her d

The Bard's Books

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