Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
A melancholy tale that gently shows students how their actions can make an impact. In my bag for my "season of generosity" lesson plans.
This is a powerful, emotional story. Should be read together with the child for their first reading, so you can discuss it. Be prepared for strong emotions and be sure to leave time for the follow-up discussion. There were many tears (I hadn't expected this level of reaction) when I read this to my 6 year old.
This story does actually make me angry at the teachers/school staff for allowing the portrayed situation to continue. The teacher does finally step in, but does so inappropriately late. That creates a powerful story, but is by itself upsetting if you examine the adults' responsibilities to the children.
This story does actually make me angry at the teachers/school staff for allowing the portrayed situation to continue. The teacher does finally step in, but does so inappropriately late. That creates a powerful story, but is by itself upsetting if you examine the adults' responsibilities to the children.
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
A great book to share when your children aren't as compassionate as you might hope.
inspiring
If you're in need of a smile, don't pick up this book. Chloe does not like the new girl who sits next to her, Maya. In fact, the whole class makes fun of her and snubs her in spite of Maya's continued efforts to play with them during recess, etc. What a downer, man.
photorealistic illustrations & real life narrative - what happens when you miss your chance to be nice to someone? positive message about bullying
Chloe, the main character, ignores and leaves out the new student in her school named Maya, but afterwards learns the importance of being kind from her teacher. However, Maya ends up moving away and Chloe never gets to make it up to her. This is a sad and beautiful children’s story about the consequences of being cruel to your fellow peers because even though you may realize later that the way you treated that person is wrong and regret it, you may never be able to make up for it, which is what Chloe learns in the end. This is a very good book to teach children that sometimes you won’t have the opportunity to apologize for your mistakes, so just be kind to people and try not to do something cruel that will cause you to regret it for a lifetime.
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1501
This picture book is already in my bag to bring to school on Tuesday and will be our read aloud. I have loved many picture books, but I've never had one make me feel the way this one did. The emotions I felt throughout were so powerful and I cannot wait to share these emotions and the books positive message with my students.
This picture book is already in my bag to bring to school on Tuesday and will be our read aloud. I have loved many picture books, but I've never had one make me feel the way this one did. The emotions I felt throughout were so powerful and I cannot wait to share these emotions and the books positive message with my students.
This was yet another title for my children's lit class. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the author's work before reading this book but I've heard good things about the author.
Upon opening the book, I was really surprised and impressed by the realistic tone and illustrations that accompanied this book. I loved *especially* that the children were well represented of all skin colors.
Chloe has been almost mean to the new girl at school, Maya. Chloe and her friends have been noticing the differences in clothes, hair, food, and toys when it comes to Maya. However, eventually Maya leaves. On that same day, the class learns about kindness; it is compared to a stone being dropped in water, with ripples extending far past where the stone landed.
Chloe believes that she missed her chance of being kind to Maya, and hopes that she comes back. But she never does, and Chloe's opportunity is lost.
Woodson does a great job explaining, in a very delicate way, that once something happens, you might not be able to change it. Her details of the differences in Maya sound like something that is relatable to children currently but might be difficult to explain (e.g. lower socioeconomic status, different culture/religion, etc.). The essence of the book is clear - take advantage of being kind to other people when the opportunity arises.
(On a side note, after reading others' comments, I feel that this book is especially important because EVERYONE remembers the pains of grammar/middle/high school. I had my own fair share, and I'm sure everyone remembers the bad more so than the good. Wouldn't it be great to change that?)
Themes: kindness, acceptance, recognizing differences in others, cause & effect
Upon opening the book, I was really surprised and impressed by the realistic tone and illustrations that accompanied this book. I loved *especially* that the children were well represented of all skin colors.
Chloe has been almost mean to the new girl at school, Maya. Chloe and her friends have been noticing the differences in clothes, hair, food, and toys when it comes to Maya. However, eventually Maya leaves. On that same day, the class learns about kindness; it is compared to a stone being dropped in water, with ripples extending far past where the stone landed.
Chloe believes that she missed her chance of being kind to Maya, and hopes that she comes back. But she never does, and Chloe's opportunity is lost.
Woodson does a great job explaining, in a very delicate way, that once something happens, you might not be able to change it. Her details of the differences in Maya sound like something that is relatable to children currently but might be difficult to explain (e.g. lower socioeconomic status, different culture/religion, etc.). The essence of the book is clear - take advantage of being kind to other people when the opportunity arises.
(On a side note, after reading others' comments, I feel that this book is especially important because EVERYONE remembers the pains of grammar/middle/high school. I had my own fair share, and I'm sure everyone remembers the bad more so than the good. Wouldn't it be great to change that?)
Themes: kindness, acceptance, recognizing differences in others, cause & effect