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Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Giver in Books
Jan 12, 2018
As a person who reads as much as I do and loves dystopian fiction it is surprising that I had not read [The Giver] by [Lois Lowry] before now. It has been in my classroom for years and on "my list" but I never got around to it. Now with it coming out as a movie(which I will never see because the book is ALWAYS better), I decided to read it.
It reminded me of [Fahrenheit 451] by [Ray Bradbury]. The concept of a sterilized society without creativity has been around for a long time. [Lowry] puts the reliance of society's memory on a child. It becomes his responsibility to remember and protect them from their own history. The Sameness is their protection but at what cost?
Overall I enjoyed [The Giver] and hope all my students read it.
It reminded me of [Fahrenheit 451] by [Ray Bradbury]. The concept of a sterilized society without creativity has been around for a long time. [Lowry] puts the reliance of society's memory on a child. It becomes his responsibility to remember and protect them from their own history. The Sameness is their protection but at what cost?
Overall I enjoyed [The Giver] and hope all my students read it.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Oh my goodness! What an amazing book & knowing that it is all true just makes it that much more fascinating. This family is amazing & their story could inspire anyone to want to give it all they've got.
As a teacher who is continually put under more & more pressure to get my students to pass a test, this book was heart warming. It speaks to the true heart of teaching & learning. The theme of the book is to set a high ceiling for anyone & let their passions direct them. If & when this is done, you will marvel at the results. This is sooooo true!! I've been privileged enough to see this within in my own classroom. It just leaves me wondering what kind of "genius" all this emphasis on "high stakes" testing is stifling within our society at this very moment... What a shame!
As a teacher who is continually put under more & more pressure to get my students to pass a test, this book was heart warming. It speaks to the true heart of teaching & learning. The theme of the book is to set a high ceiling for anyone & let their passions direct them. If & when this is done, you will marvel at the results. This is sooooo true!! I've been privileged enough to see this within in my own classroom. It just leaves me wondering what kind of "genius" all this emphasis on "high stakes" testing is stifling within our society at this very moment... What a shame!
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ranger Rick: National Parks! in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Ranger Rick's Travels: National Parks! by Stacy Tornio is a book that is colorful which will help children appreciate the beauty and diversity of the United States. The book is categorized within the different regions of the country and then showcases National Parks within that area. Every National Park is mentioned. The pictures and facts about the parks are a great way to teach children about America. The book catches the attention of children and adults. I would love to include this book in my classroom for when teaching American History. For example, if I am talking about California I could show the students a park from that region or if we are discussing about New England I could do the same. This book is a great resource whether teaching 1st grade or 8th grade.
Ranger Rick's Travels: National Parks! by Stacy Tornio is a book that is colorful which will help children appreciate the beauty and diversity of the United States. The book is categorized within the different regions of the country and then showcases National Parks within that area. Every National Park is mentioned. The pictures and facts about the parks are a great way to teach children about America. The book catches the attention of children and adults. I would love to include this book in my classroom for when teaching American History. For example, if I am talking about California I could show the students a park from that region or if we are discussing about New England I could do the same. This book is a great resource whether teaching 1st grade or 8th grade.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Sam and Emma in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Sam and Emma by Donald Nelsen is a cute story with a simple yet direct message. The message simply is; we are different. We live different lives, live in different places, eat different foods, and look different. While we are all different, it is important to accept all the differences.
This is a story about Sam and dog and Emma the cat. Sam is is kind dog who wanted to get to know about others. Emma was proud and while she is the one who wanted to go on the adventure was unaccepting.
This is a book about accepting others for who they are. The illustrations are simple but convey the message clearly. I would love to have this book in my classroom to teach about understanding and welcoming all views and thoughts.
I received a copy of this book from Dover Publications via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Sam and dog and Emma the cat. Sam is is kind dog who wanted to get to know about others. Emma was proud and while she is the one who wanted to go on the adventure was unaccepting.
This is a book about accepting others for who they are. The illustrations are simple but convey the message clearly. I would love to have this book in my classroom to teach about understanding and welcoming all views and thoughts.
I received a copy of this book from Dover Publications via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021) in Movies
Sep 2, 2023
On his birthday, a young man in Sheffield gets up, goes on his paper route, then puts on his uniform and goes to school. It is immediately apparent that this young man, Jamie, aspires to be a drag queen.
As someone who works in education, I appreciate how realistic the depiction of children in a classroom is.
It doesn't take long before our first song starts, and although though Jamie isn't a particularly good vocalist, the song was quite catchy and stuck in my mind till the following one.
I didn't know if I would like this movie as a 40-year-old woman, but I really did. I shouted at the TV, cried, and even laughed at it. It can serve as motivation for anyone who struggles with being authentic. This movie is undoubtedly something you will enjoy if you enjoy both camp and musicals.
As someone who works in education, I appreciate how realistic the depiction of children in a classroom is.
It doesn't take long before our first song starts, and although though Jamie isn't a particularly good vocalist, the song was quite catchy and stuck in my mind till the following one.
I didn't know if I would like this movie as a 40-year-old woman, but I really did. I shouted at the TV, cried, and even laughed at it. It can serve as motivation for anyone who struggles with being authentic. This movie is undoubtedly something you will enjoy if you enjoy both camp and musicals.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated What Would She Do? 25 True Stories of Trailblazing Rebel Women in Books
Jun 4, 2018
My classroom library is somewhat lacking when it comes to non-fiction. I often have a difficult time finding non-fiction that is engaging for a middle school audience.
While I think that this will interest my students, as an adult reader, it's a bit lacking in depth.
I like the bite-sized chunks of information and the bold illustrations of each woman profiled in the book. The biographical information is just the right amount for this age group.
What I really objected to was the attempt to provide life advice from each woman. After each biography, the author imagines a modern real life question readers might have and then attempts to answer that question as the woman who was just profiled might. The whole thing feels incredibly contrived and, at times, not even loosely connected to the woman who was just profiled. I think I actually cringed with some of them because of how cliche and didactic they are.
While I think that this will interest my students, as an adult reader, it's a bit lacking in depth.
I like the bite-sized chunks of information and the bold illustrations of each woman profiled in the book. The biographical information is just the right amount for this age group.
What I really objected to was the attempt to provide life advice from each woman. After each biography, the author imagines a modern real life question readers might have and then attempts to answer that question as the woman who was just profiled might. The whole thing feels incredibly contrived and, at times, not even loosely connected to the woman who was just profiled. I think I actually cringed with some of them because of how cliche and didactic they are.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Tides of Possibility in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Tides of Possibility] is a anthology of science fiction short stories. I really enjoyed most of the stories and a few I would hope to see full length novels expanding on the stories.
A few of note:[The Color of Silence] by [Mandy Broughton] about compassion. [The Woman Who Wanted to Play Havisham] by [Haralambi Markov] which message seems to be, be careful what you wish for. [Imaginary Numbers] by [Corinn Heathers] which I would really love to see expanded to a novel with more a back story.
[Teachable Moments] by [Brandon Crilly] seemed to be my favorite though. Perhaps I am biased as a teacher and the title is a term we are not allowed to have in the classroom anymore thanks to the testing culture. The idea of a former teacher doing what is best for young people and by doing that he teaches them the biggest lesson of life.
I will be looking for more works from some of these authors. I could have done without the poetry though.
A few of note:[The Color of Silence] by [Mandy Broughton] about compassion. [The Woman Who Wanted to Play Havisham] by [Haralambi Markov] which message seems to be, be careful what you wish for. [Imaginary Numbers] by [Corinn Heathers] which I would really love to see expanded to a novel with more a back story.
[Teachable Moments] by [Brandon Crilly] seemed to be my favorite though. Perhaps I am biased as a teacher and the title is a term we are not allowed to have in the classroom anymore thanks to the testing culture. The idea of a former teacher doing what is best for young people and by doing that he teaches them the biggest lesson of life.
I will be looking for more works from some of these authors. I could have done without the poetry though.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet by Dennis Denenberg & Lorrain Roscoe is absolutely amazing. I loved every part of this book. It covers a wide variety of American heroes. There are civil war heroes, turn of the century heroes, modern heroes and heroes from when this country was created. There are heroes that are well-known and no so well-known to those i've never hear of. The pictures of great and the fact are spot on. The facts that are given are interesting and relevant to kids and adults.
I would love to use this book in the classroom to teach my students about American heroes both present and past. Also, to teach them that ordinary citizen like you and me can do great things and make a big difference. One aspect I really appreciate as an educator are the activities for further learning.
I received this advanced readers copy from Lerner Publishing Group and Hillbrook Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet by Dennis Denenberg & Lorrain Roscoe is absolutely amazing. I loved every part of this book. It covers a wide variety of American heroes. There are civil war heroes, turn of the century heroes, modern heroes and heroes from when this country was created. There are heroes that are well-known and no so well-known to those i've never hear of. The pictures of great and the fact are spot on. The facts that are given are interesting and relevant to kids and adults.
I would love to use this book in the classroom to teach my students about American heroes both present and past. Also, to teach them that ordinary citizen like you and me can do great things and make a big difference. One aspect I really appreciate as an educator are the activities for further learning.
I received this advanced readers copy from Lerner Publishing Group and Hillbrook Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Canada Year by Year in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Canada Year by Year by Elizabeth MacLeod is a wonderful non=fictional book about Canada. The book gives facts from the start of when Canada became a country in 1867 to 2017 when Canada turns 150 years old. The author has picked one event per year to highlight, which includes Nobel prize winners, Olympic champions, government firsts, women’s rights as well as inventions.
Readers will learn about Canadian history through pictures and text. It is perfect for learning about Canadian history whether for being more knowledgable about the country, or doing research for a school project. The book is written in a middle school level but any age from 9 and up will enjoy this informative book about Canada. The illustrations are wonderful and add to the text. In the back of the book there is a biography section about famous Canadians. I would love to have this book part of my classroom library.
I received a copy of this book from Kids Can Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Canada Year by Year by Elizabeth MacLeod is a wonderful non=fictional book about Canada. The book gives facts from the start of when Canada became a country in 1867 to 2017 when Canada turns 150 years old. The author has picked one event per year to highlight, which includes Nobel prize winners, Olympic champions, government firsts, women’s rights as well as inventions.
Readers will learn about Canadian history through pictures and text. It is perfect for learning about Canadian history whether for being more knowledgable about the country, or doing research for a school project. The book is written in a middle school level but any age from 9 and up will enjoy this informative book about Canada. The illustrations are wonderful and add to the text. In the back of the book there is a biography section about famous Canadians. I would love to have this book part of my classroom library.
I received a copy of this book from Kids Can Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated This is the Earth in Books
Oct 7, 2020
This is the Earth, is a book with a loving message for all. Not only for children but adults as well. It got a message about peace and respect for everyone that lives on the planet as well as nature. I enjoyed the message and the meaning of this book.
I know it is geared towards children. But it a must-have on your child or children's bookshelves at home and in the classroom as well. Teaches valuable lessons that children and adults need to remember. Just some saying I enjoy quite a few saying in this book.
"We just have to live.
We have to be.
You do you.
And I do me."
The pictures are done well. They are bright and colorful. They tell the story. Children will gravitate toward the pictures. I enjoy that along with the rhyming. Not many books pull at my heart and have remembered quotes or sayings. This book doe this. This book is good not only for children but also for older children people as well as adults.
I know it is geared towards children. But it a must-have on your child or children's bookshelves at home and in the classroom as well. Teaches valuable lessons that children and adults need to remember. Just some saying I enjoy quite a few saying in this book.
"We just have to live.
We have to be.
You do you.
And I do me."
The pictures are done well. They are bright and colorful. They tell the story. Children will gravitate toward the pictures. I enjoy that along with the rhyming. Not many books pull at my heart and have remembered quotes or sayings. This book doe this. This book is good not only for children but also for older children people as well as adults.