Amy's Book Reviews

Book Summary:    In this story, an unknown character tells an artist what to draw.   As the story goes on, the artist draws various things such as a sun, trees, and people to create a world of his own imagination. APA Reference of Book:   Carle, E. (1992).  Draw me a star . London: Puffin books. Impressions:    Eric Carle books are wonderful for children in that they are cylical with bright, vibrant illustrations.   This book doesn’t disappoint.   I was surprised to find that this book is on many censored lists.    The only thing I thought of that might draw some attention is the one page where the artist is commanded to draw a woman and a man, and the people are naked.   However, they are illustrated in the collage style of all Eric Carle’s books so there is some detail in the depiction, but not enough to have a negative affect.   I have had Draw Me a Star in my classroom library for years and have not ...

Book Summary:    These poems are hilarious for kids and gave me several good giggles.   I enjoyed how this book is a compilation of poems chosen by kids, so as a librarian I know kids will enjoy this book, as well.   Most of the poems are from well-known authors such as Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, as well as Bruce Lansky himself.   Not only will kids enjoy the humor of the poems, but the stories in the poems are relatable, such as taking a bath, wearing dirty socks, and choosing an afternoon snack.   APA Reference of Book: Rolling in the Aisles A Collection of Laugh-out-loud Poems . (2011). Paw         Prints. Impressions:    Bruce Lansky has compiled some well-thought out and fun poems that are relatble to children.   Poetry and verse are styles of writing that are not well-taught in schools, therefore, students don’t always enjoy this type of writing.   Compilations such as t...

Book Summary:  Junie B. Jones is in first grade, and what a grade it is! She goes through a natural emotional growth as she meets new friends, learns that her best friend from last year has new best friends, and gets used to the idea of wearing glasses. APA Reference of Book: Park, B., & Brunkus, D. (2001).  Junie B Jones First Grader / at last . New          York: Random House. Impressions:    Junie B. Jones is such a well-loved character, and with good reason.   She is such a cute, relatable character that young elementary children love.   I truly love that Barbara Park wrote this from the viewpoint of Junie B. Jones.   Young elementary school children will easily relate to this and other Junie B. stories.   In this story, making new friends and working through the idea of wearing glasses is handled in a unique and genuine way that children this age understand and connect with. Profe...

Book Summary:    Sy Montgomery writes a thoughtfully scripted biography of the life, thus far, of Temple Grandin.   Grandin grew up in a time when autism was seen as something weird that affects intellectually disabled individuals.   As Grandin grew up, she focused on her passion--animals, namely cattle.   Interspersed with the story of Temple Grandin’s life, Montgomery gives detailed sketches and fact pages about autism and the humane treatment of livestock, both of which add to the telling of who Grandin is, and why she prominent in today’s society. APA Reference of Book:   Montgomery, S. (2014).  Temple Grandin How the Girl Who Loved Cows       Embraced Autism and Changed the World . Turtleback Books. Impressions:    Montgomery wrote a fairly thorough biography of Temple Grandin.   This biography covered the two most important topics in Grandin’s life:   autism and the humane treatment of l...